angiesparkles [she tries to, anyway]

Color Journal

2010-11-14T17:14:00.000-08:00

Hi.

Remember me, old friend?

Life has been moving quickly and I've managed to keep up with it in most arenas...but not as a blogger. After a whirlwind of year of photography (I'm so excited to say that business has REALLY picked up!), life is almost calm-ish again. (And now come the holidays!)

I have found time to craft but I haven't shown the world said crafts in some time. Here is my latest creation- a journal for all the color combinations I adore. Someday I'll show you inside, too.

Go here.

2009-02-02T16:30:00.001-08:00

www.angielivesay.blogspot.com

I'm back :) but in a new way...

Until We Meet Again...

2009-01-20T15:24:00.001-08:00

This will be my last blog post for a while.

I feel like I have lots of things I want to tackle right now, and blogging is just not really fitting in to that picture. It's a hard to explain type of feeling that basically boils down to the following statement: It's just not getting me where I want to be. Perhaps I'll make an appearance every now and then or maybe I'll be back blogging in a week. But for now, I guess this is goodbye. :) I will keep my blog open should I choose to resume writing in the future...because I really like the url... :)

I hope this finds you all well and no worries, dear friends, I shall keep up with you and your blogs. :) Until then...

Happy LATE Birthday, Val!

2009-01-17T07:36:00.000-08:00

On Friday night, we celebrated Val's birthday. We had yummy Dewey's Pizza and listened to songs of yore and perhaps had a winterwear fashion show and dance performances. Our evenings never cease to be random, but very very fun! Here is the gift that I made Val. I put a note inside that said that I felt like the year before our wedding got lost in the details and became a big blur, so hopefully with this scrapbook/journal, that won't happen to her!

Here's the gift. I included a bag of embellishments and tags for her to use wherever she sees fit. :)

I've been a bad blogger.

2009-01-15T15:54:00.000-08:00

I disappeared briefly.

Unlike others, I will make no promises that I will be back soon and post often. :) I've just not been feelin' it. I guess we all go through our spells.

I don't have much to say, but I will fill out this thing...

1. What is your occupation right now? Social Work

2. What color are your socks right now? White...AND, they match. That seriously never happens.

3. What are you listening to right now? The wisdom of Judge Greg Mathis

4. What was the last thing that you ate? a delicious but maybe a bit heavy on the spiciness burrito from chipotle.

5. Can you drive a stick shift? My jeep was a stick shift... I didn't know how to drive it off the lot. Katie had to do it for me :) And she then taught me everything I knew about driving a stick shift!

6. Last person you spoke to on the phone? My better half.

7. Do you like the person who sent this to you? Yes and I think that a craft evening NEEDS to happen with said person! (and of course anyone else interested!)

8. How old are you today? 26 for about 2 more weeks- my birthday is on the same day as the superbowl, HOW FUN!

9. What is your favorite sport to watch on TV? Football by far :)

10. What is your favorite drink? Today: Sugar-Free Hawaiian Punch because it TASTES so sugary! But I also love a good fountain pepsi & shirley temples (which kind of makes me a 7 year old, and I'm ok with that).

11. Have you ever dyed your hair? On a regular basis and am in fact now due.

12. Favorite food? Sooooo depends. I really like most italian food and some mexican and well...most things.

13. What is the last movie you watched? Theatre- Role Models, very very funny! In our casa- The Strangers. ... And, well, not so much.

14. Favorite day of the year? Christmas, Thanksgiving & My Birthday!

15. How do you vent anger? Yell, cry, do things harshly ie walking with a stomp in my step.

16. What was your favorite toy as a child? My cabbage patch doll, I can't remember her name, but I like to think it was Brenda.

17. What is your favorite season? Fall, its so beautiful! But I'm kind of anxious for spring or at least a really great snowstorm that leaves us stuck in our house for a few days!

18. Cherries or Blueberries? Kind of pass on both, but if I'm being forcefed, cherries.
19. Do you want your friends to e-mail you back? A simple blog post would do.

20. Who is the most likely to respond? I hate this question.

21. Who is least likely to respond? Ginger because she's already done it.

22. Living arrangements? With my husband in our house with our two little bundles of joy (aka Sugar and Biscuit).

23. When was the last time you cried? A few days ago, and there was definetely a hormonal influence.

24. What is on the floor of your closet? It's an abyss. I haven't seen the bottom of it since we moved in.

25. Who is the friend you have had the longest that you are sending to? Since there is no sending, I'll think of my readers, and that would probably be Mrs. Katie Evans or Ms. Laura Stoller.

26. What did you do last night ? Shopped for supplies for my boss' birthday, ate hamburgers that Scott cooked and unfortunately hated, watched one of my new fave shoes- studio 60 and then American Idol.

27. What are you most afraid of ? Snakes. It physically pains me to type that word, let alone post it on my blog.

28. Plain, cheese, or spicy hamburgers? Hamburgers in general = a good time.

30. Favorite day of the week? Agreed...Saturday, or Friday after 4:30 :), but I also love sweatpants Sundays minus the plaguing thought that the weekend is nearing its end.

31. How many states have you lived in? 2- Indiana and Ohio and I lived in Belize for 2 months :)

32. Diamonds or pearls? Agreed with Ginger. Diamonds (but I do think pearls look oh so classy!)

33. What is your favorite flower? Daisies and/or roses and my wedding bouquet that I wish I could've kept in its exact form for-e-ver.

Wedding Pictures Are In!

2009-01-04T10:17:00.000-08:00

We got our pictures back yesterday and are so excited to share them!
Here are some of our favorites, lots more will be posted so keep checking in. :)

It's that time, again.

2009-01-02T14:06:00.000-08:00

At risk of telling readers of my blog tmi...

Well, here goes.

I'm in the midst of "that time" again. For me, about 10-14 days before my period comes, I experience what I classify as "hell of the mind." For as long as I can remember, this time has been completely overwhelming to me in a very, very negative way. When I was younger, I would find myself extremely depressed/lonely/miserable to the point that I didn't understand why I was alive or why I should keep going. The mood now manifests itself as extreme irritability/depression/anxiety (and poor Scott definetely gets the brunt of it. After I start feeling better, I always am amazed by his patience with me during that "rocky" time of our lives together). It is such a weird feeling and I'm sure anyone who has experienced any sort of depression can agree with me that it just doesn't feel like I'm "me" during that time. I'm usually upbeat and happy but during those days, I feel like I enter a pitch-black cave. I've experienced these mood changes for a very, very long time. Just last year I finally mustered the courage to talk to my doctor about it after being on the brink of tears for days at a time once a month for years and years. He quickly diagnosed me with PMDD and the diagnosis, in my opinion, couldn't be more fitting.

PMDD symptoms begin sometime after the middle of a monthly cycle (after ovulation), usually get worse during the week before menses, and then usually disappear within a few days of the start of menses. The symptoms follow this pattern every month or almost every month.

Here are the symptoms that make up the diagnosis of PMDD. All of the symptoms do not need to be present, and they may vary from month to month. At least 5 are required to make the diagnosis, including at least one of the first four.*

Very depressed mood, feeling hopeless
Marked anxiety, tension, edginess
Sudden mood shifts (crying easily, extreme sensitivity)
Persistent, marked irritability, anger, increased conflicts
Loss of interest in usual activities (work, school, socializing, etc.)
Difficulty concentrating and staying focused
Fatigue, tiredness, loss of energy
Marked appetite change, overeating, food cravings
Insomnia (difficulty sleeping) or sleeping too much
Feeling out of control or overwhelmed
Physical symptoms such as weight gain, bloating, breast tenderness or swelling, headache, and muscle or joint aches and pains
*Adapted from Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision, 2000, with permission from the American Psychiatric Association

PMDD symptoms are not always present. Symptoms disappear during or by the end of menses, and return at about the same time during following cycles. If symptoms are present every day, then they are unlikely to be due to PMDD.

To be considered PMDD, symptoms must be severe enough to really disrupt a woman's life -- interfere with work, school, social activities or interpersonal relationships

I am so glad that I talked to my doctor about it and started taking medication for it (zoloft, which has done wonders). Scott will tell you that I still freak out every month because I don't want to take the medication (even though I know it will help me). I grew up in a family that didn't totally understand mental illness and even though psychology was my college major and I firmly believe that mental illness is caused (not always) by a chemical imbalance, I still find it hard to take medication because of the stigma associated with doing so. So I often just try to "make it through" on my own, but I always "fail" in doing so. I reach the point where I'm totally overwhelmed which is when I realize that my body and brain desperately need chemical stabilization. I take zoloft...and I feel immensely better. The other "saving grace" in my opinion is that I don't have to take the medication every day, just during the period when the mood change is taking place. I hate that this is a battle I have to fight, but I'm thankful that I only experience it once a month for a few days rather than on a daily basis. I'm thankful that modern medicene has come a long way and can treat me when I feel like I'm losing my mind.

Just thought I would share my run-in with this disorder.

Welcome, 2009

2008-12-31T05:49:00.001-08:00

2008 has been an amazing year for me. This year has been full of so much joy. I'm kind of sad about seeing it go, but expect that 2009 will bring joys of its own. I am excited about what is to come in 2009- as of right now, I only have a couple of things on the schedule: 2 weddings in the late summer/early fall, my 27th birthday in February and our one year anniversary in October. :)

I gave up on resolutions, per se, years ago, but here are some things I would like to accomplish over the next year of my life:

1) Save money. We are getting pretty serious about this now. We have set a budget and are taking steps towards this goal. Perhaps in the new year, I will provide weekly tips on budgeting that I've learned (I've been researching a LOT) and an update on how its going for us. I will say that our first "major" step has been to lessen our grocery trips to 2-3 times a month instead of 5-6. That means that when I went to the grocery on Monday, my cart was overloaded and I spent a heck of a lot of money. BUT, I went with a list (at least a list in my head) of what we might eat over the next month. The fewer times we go to the grocery, the less likely we will "impulse" buy (how many times do you "run into the grocery to pick something up" and end up with a cart of 10+ items?) and we will also be much less likely to say "we have nothing to eat,let's get a pizza..." at least for a few weeks. :)

We are trying to save money because we want to be financially better off when we have kids. We want to build our savings to $5000. Right now, I will humbly tell you that our savings is $7.22. So, we have a long way to go and are therefore trying to get serious about money. I've heard it several times regarding money, "there's never a 'good' time to have kids." Our response: "there has to be a better time than right now."

2) Eat better and exercise more. The above-mentioned grocery shopping will help this! We will be less tempted to stop for fast food knowing that we have a boatload of groceries waiting for us at home. I'm hoping that I can figure out my schedule enough at work to get into a regular exercise routine. I'm hoping that my bff and I can begin having our own "weight-watcher" type meetings in the new year which we've done a couple of times in the past.

3)Not let my work schedule consume me. I bend over backwards a LOT at my job and I will tell you that making my schedule work for everyone else has taken a toll on me and made me feel very out of control of my life. The new year will bring new craziness to my job, but I'm going to attempt to get into a more regular schedule and be firm about sticking with these scheduled hours. Once I can get that under control again, I look forward to using that time to spend with friends, exercising, relaxing or balancing our budget. :)

I hope 2009 brings much joy to your life. Have a wonderful New Year's Eve and be safe because...people are crazy, especially tonight.

122508

2008-12-28T12:27:00.000-08:00

Here are pictures from our Christmas. It was a wonderful Christmas, one sure to go down in the books. We got to spend lots of time with our families and each other, got really fun gifts and gave gifts that people enjoyed as well. Here are some of our day's highlights:

Lots and lots of presents around our lovely tree :)

I received one of the coolest gifts EVER from Scott's parents- my very own dollhouse. :) It needs much work (like our actual house), but I'm totally up for that challenge! It's so cute! And, I was completely surprised- so, even better.

I made Scott business cards- its a joke between us- that he loved and has been passing out. Next time you see him, ask him for one!

This is the gift I worked hours and hours and hours on. I'm very happy with how it turned out & more importantly, Scott's parents loved it! Yay! I'll have to get a picture once its in its new spot.

Hope your holiday was wonderful :)

Some Pre-Christmas Pictures

2008-12-28T06:16:00.001-08:00

These aren't from Christmas day, those are on their way and they are very fun. But here's some pre-Christmas funzies!

*Yes, Scott's mom was Santa for a fundraiser, thus, this picture. :)

Yumdiddlyyum.

2008-12-23T18:47:00.000-08:00

I'm off work until Monday. AND my boss took the on-call phone so I'm SEROIUSLY off duty. YAAAAAY.

I am excited to get a good night's sleep tonight and then tackle the many things I have on my to do list which I shall share with you now:

*Cleeeeeeeeeeeean our house. It's kind of yucky in a major way.
*Finish handmade projects. (I really wanted these done on Sunday!)
*Bake amidst cleaning and projects and give cookies to our neighbors that watched our house while we were in Jamaica.
*Finish wrapping all presents.
*Take pictures once all presents are under the tree.
*Watch Dr. Phil (just because I can).

I'm going to post pictures of some of the projects I've been working on in the next few days.

Wishing you a wonderful (and SNOWY!) Christmas!

I'm glad I'm busy.

2008-12-21T13:20:00.001-08:00

Christmas is crazy.

It just is.

I cannot even begin to imagine what it is like for my friends that have kids.

The thought of Christmas with kids is kind of good birth control for me right now. :)

Anyway, I'm wrapped up (ha!) with projects right now out the wazoo. Lots of things started and some getting finished (the big beast of a project has only about an hour left and that will be spent mainly peeling off the visible hot glue that isn't doing anything except being an eye sore and cleaning the project up (its dirty, you'll know what I mean when I post it) and then of course photographing it. I'm very pleased with this big project and I hope that the intended recipients will love it.

I feel like I've had a crazy productive day. If you know me well, you know that I neeeeeeever feel like I get anything done (probably because of the amount of projects I wrap myself up in!) But today I've returned items (after my gift ideas changed), ALMOST finished Christmas shopping (only like 3 more things) and nearly finished this big project. I watched a quarter of the Bengals game (who dey!) and the tail end of Home Alone. And I went to the grocery. And I've got the whole night ahead of me to finish the rest of my Christmas projects and bake cookies.

I hope your season is going splendidly!

Rejection

2008-12-18T18:02:00.000-08:00

I haven't felt "rejection" in a while, but tonight my heart hurts a bit. I didn't get the dance teaching job. Unfortunately, the position I applied for (adult tap teacher) was not the position they actually needed filled (beginning hip hop teacher...so not me). They explained the classes they have open and we agreed that they weren't a good match for me (I wanted to teach tap, no tap is open). I guess its not rejection but it still feels that way. I'm sad. I'm glad we still have a week 'til Christmas so I'll have time to cheer up. I got to have dinner with my Dad and Scott and that was definetely helpful. It's nice to have people around you that you know care no matter how crappy you are feeling inside.

I have no idea how it went.

2008-12-18T14:29:00.001-08:00

The end.

Thursday is it!

2008-12-17T17:32:00.000-08:00

My interview for the dance studio is Thursday at 4:30.

I'm nervous, but excited. But I've covered that.

I just keep trying to remind myself that either I'll have a wonderful early Christmas gift or that if I (heaven forbid!!!) fail, I will have tried to do something that I love and not all that much would change from my day-to-day life since I haven't taught in a few years. (...But I would be so, so sad!) Hopefully I will have very good news to report to you very soon.

Annnnnnd I'm reaaaally glad the interview was not tonight. I worked an 11 hour day and feel very crabby/tired/not like I could interview remotely well. Or blog well for that matter. So I guess that's it for the evening. More soon.

A Livesay Family Christmas

2008-12-15T17:27:00.000-08:00

Here's our family photo- Livesay side- for 2008. Note: there are 7 dogs and 6 people. 2= ours 3= Scott's parents and 2 are foster dogs. :)

Only a week and a half until Christmas day!

I'm hoping for a nice sprinkling of snow over the evening. Nothing too crazy as we will still have to work tomorrow :)

My top 5 revealed.

2008-12-13T12:03:00.000-08:00

I must admit...these have changed greatly throughout the last few years of my life. But here they are, my top 5 celebrities I'm allowed to have an affair with should the opportunity ever present itself. ;)

#5 TOM BRADY

Ladies...if you aren't watching football, you really, really should be. The game is great as is, but is made even more great when quarterbacks like Tom Brady grace the field. (Sidenote: He's out on injury this season, I miss him greatly). Of course, I really actually don't like the person that Tom Brady is as I think his team cheats, but I mean...the uniform...well...him in it, that's all that I really care about.

#4 MATTHEW FOX

He's been a regular on my list since my obsession with Lost began. While I don't really get into the whole "wilderness" thing, it so works for him. He's so savage. Jiminy Christmas...

#3 ZACH BRAFF

I like quirky guys with personalities. If I went to high school with Zach Braff, I probably wouldn't find him attractive. But I didn't, and I think he's funny and sexy at the same time. Even those gigantic lips. Maybe ESPECIALLY those gigantic lips. He has recently replaced Dr. Cox on my list- not sure why, but that's just how the cookie has crumbled.

#2 ADAM DURITZ

Adam has recently lost his LONGHELD title as my number one. Maybe this is just a temporary switch, but I've sort of moved on... I mean, moved on enough that he's number 2 instead of number 1. Not moved on entirely...that'll never happen. His passion in his music and unique style are a big yes in my book. And I've always wanted a song written about me ie Angie Begins.

#1...drumroll please...

He's never even made my top 5 list before.

And he's now number one.

JASON SEGEL

My crush began when we started watching How I Met Your Mother. Then movies he's been in. Now Freaks and Geeks (grrrreeat show!). And I might have had a dream about him the other night that may have lead him to the number one spot. He's so stinkin' cute.

Nervous Excitement

2008-12-09T14:27:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited to be sharing with you that I've heard from the dance studio that I applied for and we are trying to figure out a time for an interview.

I'm SO excited. So nervous. So excited.

I have been out of the dance world for a few years, and I can feel it in every bone in my body. I have lost every ounce of flexibility, most of my leg/ankle strength and probably lots of technique as well. I like to think that its all going to come back and I think most of the technique will (like riding a bike). The flexibility...that's something I had been working on for years and years. The strength...also a product of years of dance. I'm hoping that all that I've ever learned and taught has "stuck" with me so that I can pass it on to others.

Ideally, I would've been keeping up with dance stuff- ie practicing a couple of nightsish a week since I left it a few years ago. That hasn't happened. I've gained lots of weight since I had a heavy teaching schedule, and that very much frightens me. I know that I'm still a very capable teacher, but I feel like its VERY hard for people to take you "seriously" in the dance world when you are overweight. Its odd, because looking back, I had several overweight dance teachers and never really thought twice about it. So maybe, just maybe, I'm making this a bigger deal than it is. I'm going to try to think that. It's a weird little thing...I know that I would/will lose weight if/when I get back into dance BUT I'm scared of getting back into dance (because of what OTHERS may think) because I'm overweight. I think the bottom line is that I need to dance again in some way or another.

Did I mention that the studio that I'm applying at is one of the top 50 in the NATION? Ummm...extra-intimidation.

But I feel reassured by my lovely support system. :) I texted the owner at the studio I used to work for and asked her to be a reference and she said "Sure, but I'm jealous. I want you back here." It was such a nice statement and made me feel like I'm worthy of this.

So...please send me positive energy. :) I'm nervous and excited and nervous and excited. I apologize for not making lots of sense during this post. My emotions are so up and down right now!

My Color Quiz

2008-12-05T20:32:00.001-08:00

The answers that were on were DEAD ON... Kind of creepily so.

I took the free ColorQuiz.com personality test!

"Seeks success, stimulation, and a life full of exp..."

Click here to read the rest of the results.

I think this is pretty fun...

2008-12-05T03:49:00.001-08:00

I happened upon my old dance studio's website yesterday evening and found that my pictures are plastered on the main page! Fun! I've never even seen these pictures before, and not that they are supergreat or anything, they just take me back to those days (and that weight) of my life. Ahhh...

PS I have no idea why I have flip flops on, but it kind of bothers me. :)

It's Tagtastic. What?

2008-12-04T17:51:00.001-08:00

I have been tagged by my bestie, aka ellesto. So here they are, 7 random facts about me.

1. I think the most uncomfortable situation on the planet is when I step in puddles and the bottom of my pants are wet and thus my non-socked feet are freezing for the rest of the day. Ugh, I feel yucky just thinking about it.
2. We have two Christmas trees. One is white (my "decorative" tree) and one is regular (our traditional tree).
3. I taught dance for 5 years and once had to make 15 costumes a week before our recital because the costume company didn't get our order to us. That specific situation was craaaaazy, but I miss dance terribly. (PS..big news... I applied at a local studio!!! Wish me luck.)
4. The first CD I ever owned, as a naive 13 year old, was Murder Was the Case by Snoop Dogg. This was an accident. I don't really know how it happened, but my parents got it for me, I tried to just go with it and listened to it, felt very scared by the words, and the CD was exchanged for Alanis Morisette's Jagged Little Pill. A much better choice, even if I wasn't bitter enough yet to quite understand why Alanis was so mean to men.
5. From kindergarten through my senior year of high school I told EVERYONE I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up. My senior year, I had a bad experience with a student teaching program my school did and therefore changed my proposed major to communication. I really, really wish I had majored in education and gotten my teaching license. It would've opened up lots of opportunities & I may someday go back to get it...
6. My favorite movies to quote include The Sandlot ("You're KILLIN me, Smalls!") and Christmas Vacation ("You serious, Clark?")
7. My car battery has died twice in the last month due to me leaving the overhead light on whilst applying make-up before work. Ooops.

There's some Angie trivia for you. Most everyone I know has been tagged, so I'll just tag my blogging husband! :)

My horn of plenty is extra full this year.

2008-11-26T18:22:00.000-08:00

2008 has been one of the best years of my life, hands down. It has been a pretty crazy year and filled with lots of emotions at times, but it's been a great year and I feel very very blessed.

And here is my thankful rant...

I'm so thankful that I got to marry Scott. He makes my life wonderful. He has made me the happy girl that I am today. It wasn't all that long ago that I felt pretty yucky/unloved/bad about myself, and he has changed that. He has brought a smile to my face every day since we met. He makes me laugh all the time. He makes my life easier by putting my needs in front of his own. He shows me he cares in thousands of ways. He's awesome and I am grateful for him every day of my life. I'm thankful that I'm married to the guy who is able to put everybody at ease, be the life of the party and can still let me know that I mean the world to him. Makes me feel pretty special. :) I'm excited about our first Thanksgiving as man and wife.

I'm thankful for my family that has grown exponentially this year. My dad continues to be a major part of my life. I feel lucky that I'm his daughter. He loves me so much and helps us out whenever we need it. He really, really helped us with all of the wedding craziness. He insisted that they day be perfect and it was. He's one of the most kindest and generous people you could ever meet.

I'm thankful for my new family- the Livesays. They were pretty much my family before we got married, but are now legally so and I can honestly say I have awesome inlaws! Scott's mom and I are so close, and I'm SO thankful that her cancer is GONE! There will probably be some emotional times about that tomorrow, because it was a scary time for all of us. But she's doing just fine, maybe even fiestier than before. :) We are all so relieved. Thank you, Livesays, for welcoming me into your family the way you have. I can't wait to give you grandbabies!

I'm thankful for my friends- both the "old" and the "new." I have had some of the same best friends for 10 years, and I love that. I love that these girls know me inside and out and know how to put a smile on my face on a lousy day. I love that our friendships have grown and that we know how to support each other when times get tough. I never would've made it through some of my life's events without them and I'm thankful that with their help, I am where I am today. I'm thankful for my new friends, too. I've inherited a lot through Scott, but also found lots on my own since the big move. I look forward to years of friendship with these newbies and am thankful that they have entered my life. I'm thankful for the way all of my friends make me feel- like I'm a special girl with lots to offer the world. I really appreciate that.

I'm thankful for the many changes this year has brought to my life. First of all, marriage! Our wedding (in my humble opinion) was the perfect kick-off to our marriage. I know we haven't been married long, but so far, so good. :) My work duties have changed pretty much totally. I'm thankful that I've been stretched and know what my boundaries are, what I like doing and what I don't. I'm thankful to have a job in these terrible economic times. I'm thankful that Scott and I are learning what it means to budget (ok, we are trying!) and become financially better off. I'm thankful for baby Crosley that has entered the world. I'm thankful for getting to see my family members at our wedding that I haven't seen in far too long. I'm thankful for our newest addition to our family- Biscuit (don't get too excited there ;). She is a sweet sweet puppy and we have fallen in love with her (even though she's constantly loud). I'm thankful that I'm learning to keep up with cleaning and that I have a husband who does his share. I'm thankful that our country has elected a president that I feel like can change the way the world sees us, even if just a little bit, for the better. I'm thankful that Britney has normalized a bit. I'm thankful that I discovered 30 rock. I'm thankful that I've continued to create new things and will have much more time in 2009 to do so.

If I only lived my life this thankful every single day...

If we all did. I guess the world would be a better place.

Enjoy your special time tomorrow.

& the Monday after...

2008-11-24T13:59:00.001-08:00

1. I cuddled with Crosley and he's such a lovable baby. I can hardly wait to go back to Richmond to see him and his Mama!

2. My hair has changed. I got about 3 inches off (which seems like a lot considering the length of my hair.) I also now have red low lights and updated blonde highlights. Here's a self-portrait.

3. I attended a surprise party for our friend Dan on Saturday night and made this banner (that I found out later didn't photograph like I would've liked, but I guess worse things have happened.)

4. Our upstairs bathroom is clean! Here it is, very sterile looking BUT with a new shower curtain!

5. Sugar's nails are trimmed. Biscuit didn't quite need it like I thought. Here Sug is in her adorable bandana that I had a hard time taking off of her because of the sheer cuteness!

6. I took Scott to breakfast at IHOP on Saturday and he made us delicious omelets on Sunday. No photo evidence of either of these events. Please take my word for it. :)

7. We went to a 30th surprise party for our friend Dan and it actually worked. I feel like most surprise parties never quite pan out as planned, but this one did. He was pretty stunned! We got to hang out with lots of our friends all together that evening. I also got to hang out with Laura yesterday for a few hours and it was great. We haven't been able to spend much time together recently, so that was definetely a wonderful treat! :)

8. Thank you cards aren't finished. They will be tonight, if I can get my computer to print... I think printers have way too much emotional influence in my life. Anyone else? :)

9.We did watch The Office (and LOTS of 30 rock!!). I'm so glad Toby is back!

10. I started knitting Crosley a hat. It's coming along, photo to follow. Not sure it'll end up being a hat because I'm not sure how its going to turn out. But that's my intent.

How was your weekend? I'm SO excited about Thanksgiving! I'll be doing a "What I'm thankful for" post over the next few days.

Weekend To-Do

2008-11-21T10:04:00.000-08:00

Here's my plan for the weekend. Half-day Fridays are my favorites!

*Visit Katie and snuggle Crosley. (And Katie, if she's interested. :)
*Change my hair style. Tomorrow 1PM. I say change because I'm not sure what I'll have her do...
*Make gifts/crafts/projects, some of which I've already started.
*Clean our bathrooms. Ew. My least fave.
*Get our babies nails trimmed. This is a chore. The last time Sugar got her nails cut at Petsmart they put a mini-muzzle on her. God love her...
*Make Scott a yummy breakfast on Sunday morning.
*Enjoy the company of good friends.
*Finish mailing out thank you cards from our wedding.
*Watch our DVR'd episode of this week's The Office.
*Sit on the couch and knit.

Should make for a full weekend. I'm headed to Richmond now! Welcome to your weekend!

Funsies!

2008-11-15T05:13:00.000-08:00

*One of my besties just had her first baby! Crosley Bartlette Evans was born on Weds. night (I must be a bad friend because I don't know the exact time...but it was around 7:30 PM. I was there so I really should know when it happened. But alas...) I can't wait to get back to Richmond to spend some time with this new little family! Go to Katie's blog to see pictures!

*I've updated my blog's look. I've been meaning to do that for some time and decided that at Saturday morning at 7:00, that was going to happen. I hope you like the changes! I'm a fan :)

*My husband is now blogging :) His blog is linked on the right (Just My Blog). He's a funny man.

*I have a new show that I'm a big fan of: Thirty Rock. Does anyone else like this show? I LOVED Tracy Morgan's Bill Cosby "Impression": "I'm Bill Cosby. Jello, Sweaters." LOL...If you haven't seen this, I highly recommend it.

*I have LOTS of creative projects in mind right now! I can't wait to put some of them up for sale! When I do, I'll provide the link.

If you are Katie Evans...

2008-11-08T12:35:00.001-08:00

Look no farther!!!!! You will see what is below in the very near future.

Seriously, Katie, NO LOOKING!

Everyone else, have a looksie at the gift I made.

This is a guest book for all of the baby's visitors to sign! It has lots of nooks and crannies and will be made perfect only when it is filled with notes and wishes for the new little family. I made one for Scott's mom when she had her hyspterectomy last week and she is already treasuring it, which makes me feel very warm inside. I hope that Katie, Chad and baby will do the same! These are fun and (RELATIVELY) easy to make (UNLESS you have annoying sewing machine problems!) But alas, it is finished and I am pleased. Can't wait to take it to Richmond sometime in the next week to meet my new neice or nephew!

When all is said and done...

2008-11-05T17:04:00.000-08:00

Some of my thoughts, do with them what you will. They are nothing more than my personal thoughts and opinions, so please don't take them as anything more than that.

As an Obama-voter, I'm happy with the way the election turned out. I understand that there are millions and millions of voters who do not feel the same way. It's been said (probably been said too much) that the beautiful thing about our nation is that we can have different opinions and that we get to have a say in how things turn out. I hope that voters on both ends of the spectrum will now come together, show each other respect and make our country the nation it can be. Whatever the results of the outcome might have been, we knew that we would soon have a different president who vowed to make things better. Our country is in a hard time, and I think in order to pull ourselves out of the mud, we have to stand united like all of the great presidents of the past have said in their finest moments. A new era awaits us and I hope we will all choose to make the best of it.

You, my friends, are cordially invited...

2008-11-01T18:46:00.000-07:00

I finally have my scrap/craft room the way I [kindofalmost] want it to be. And I would like YOU to come over and have a holiday craft fest with me. I think it'd be really fun to have people over and create together- I'm sure we all have holiday projects a'waiting! I'd love some girl time and what could be better than laughing while we make things together. Multitasking! So anyway, for real, if you are out there and remotely close, let's get something on the calendar this month before the season gets crazy. (PS, there will be plenty of room around my home, we will not have everyone crammed into this tiny area. :) He doesn't know it yet, but I plan to kick Scott out for the evening and send him on a man-date. :)

Yaaaaaaaaay for Updates!

2008-11-01T16:55:00.000-07:00

Scott's mom's surgery was yesterday and went very well- the doctor is confident that they got all the cancer out but is doing additional tests just to be sure. Teresa is doing well and in good spirits. She had lots of guests today and was up and moving around, which is something the doctor wanted. So, we are feeling good.

In craft news, I made her a guest book for her hospital room and am very happy with how it turned out and she loves it {which is the most important part}. I will sneak it away from her in the next couple of days and snap some photos once its good & filled with autographs and notes.

Thanks for all your support during a yucky time.

Update- Scott's Mom

2008-10-30T03:38:00.000-07:00

Hi friends,

Good news- Scott's mom did all the tests and the cancerous cells are only in her uterus. They believe that they will be able to get the cancer out by removing her uterus. The hysterectomy has been scheduled for tomorrow. Scott and I and other family members will be able to be there with her before and after the surgery. They will know if they officially got everything out after the surgery, so again, please continue with those prayers and positive thoughts for her during this still-scary time.

Here she is...

2008-10-24T19:52:00.001-07:00

***See Below***

Happier Subjects

2008-10-24T19:42:00.001-07:00

Crafts.

Always a picker-upper for me.

So I made this.

Here are the step-by-step pictures, because I always find that fun on blogs.

Above you'll see the finished product...I'm very pleased with it!

ETA*** I'm an idiot and posted the pictures in the backwards order. Oopsie!

Lightning strike.

2008-10-22T03:25:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to inform all of you about some bad news that we got yesterday afternoon. My mother-in-law (Teresa, for those of you who have met her) was just diagnosed with cancer in her uterus. The doctors are very, very confident that she will be absolutely fine because they believe that the cancer is contained in her uterus and they believe that a hysterectomy will get all of the cancer out. But we are obviously still upset and worried. So, if you would we would appreciate those prayers and positive thoughts once again. I think her surgery will be scheduled for some time in the next few weeks.

Home at last.

2008-10-17T22:48:00.001-07:00

We are home from Jamaica! It was a wonderful way to spend our first week as husband and wife and we had a lovely time. I'll post pics very very soon.

The wedding went splendidly. In my opinion, the day was perfect. Every wedding has their hiccups and ours was no exception, but I do think we lucked out in that those things didn't take over the whole day. It was a beautiful evening and I was so happy with how all of the hard work that went into it came out. Pics of that to follow as well.

It's so late.

Here I am heading to my wedding, though :)

Things I need:

2008-10-06T03:36:00.000-07:00

Just some things I need to make my wedding day perfect (or darn close)...

1) FALL FOLIAGE! This is kind of a big one and in order to have it, we need rain. So rain, please fall in Ohio!
2) Enough sleep. I had a dream last night that I looked exhausted on my wedding day. I really don't want that.
3) An extra 29876 hours to finish everything. I'll have to cross my fingers on that one.
4) Several more trips to Hobby Lobby and Wal-Mart. I went to Wal-Mart FOUR times yesterday and I know there are going to be many more trips ahead in my week.
5) To be more tan! I'm not happy with my level of tan-ness yet- I had to take a break due to the sun poisoning. But, it's gone and I really want to be more dark!
6) COLORED TEALIGHTS THAT ARE UNSCENTED...We really really need these and to this point, I'm not sure they exist. I've looked at my usual stops plus more and NOTHING. Any ideas?
7)For people to be patient with me. So far, so good...but I tend to lash out a little bit when I'm feelign under pressure like this. I apologize.
8)Our final head count. To anyone planning to be married in the future, expect lots
of people to not respond despite your best effort to obtain those little reply cards. And then expect to be very frustrated by that.

So there we go. That pretty much sums up my life right now. I'll put pictures up soon when I get a second to do so. For now...I think I'm going to go tan :) (even though I SHOULD go work out. Tanning sounds better!)

hey... part 2

2008-09-30T18:27:00.000-07:00

hello friends of mine.

Thank you to those of you who have read my blog, it's a fun way to communicate and I truly think it has therapeutic capabilities.

It struck me a bit ago that I've been kind of grovelling about the stress of the wedding, and that's the wrong attitude to have and share with others. I'm very, very overwhelemd by all the little details about the wedding and how it will all come together. BUT, I know that it will all fall into place and at the end of the day, I will be married to a truly wonderful man who shows me love every single day, makes me laugh and whom I know will be a great husband, best friend and father in our futures together. Those are the facts that I'm trying to remember and hold on to when I get stressed and even begin lashing out (just a tad ;)So, all that being said, I do want to say that I am enjoying this process and MOST of it has been fun and I'll a little bit miss being "engaged" once we are married. There are so many choices and so many options that go into every choice...it can be totally overwhelming but it can also be a fun time for creativity. My advice to brides-to-be would be to PLAN EARLY so that the end doesn't make you a little bit zany. I'm thankful that my friends and family have encouraged me to remember that at the end of the day...we'll be married, and that's what matters. They are absolutely right. Once our big day is over and we are looking back, I'm sure I won't remember that I was stressed out about which scents of candles to use (ok the real question was "Which one smells more fall-y?) Note: we went with the pumpkin spice. But even right now, I'm thinking about how I might return half of the candles and get the apple-smelling ones. That was a brief glimpse into my current mind as a bride. But again...Marriage = What Matters :)

So...I guess I shouldn't stress out about the random rash that appeared on both my feet this morning. :)

just to say hey...

2008-09-28T04:45:00.001-07:00

Hey.

Brief notes about my upcoming week:
*Today marks 13 days until our wedding...which means everything is pure craziness.
*I'm picking up my dress from the tailor (who did a heck of a job- I know longer look like marshmallow man...at least I don't think...) tomorrow night!
*I have to keep an eye out for my eye (HA!). Laura's dad is awesome and got me in to see him so he could remove a very tiny benign cyst that had positioned itself right next to my eye by my nose. It was just not something I was interested in having for wedding pictures. So he snipped it off. My eye could still bruise, so I must ice and neosporinize my eyes a couple of times a day. Not much bruising yet, so we should be in the clear! (PS I really like to refer to this event as my eye surgery. It makes me feel like a big deal).
*I will be out of town Thursday through Saturday for a conference for work. Its probably a little crazy that I chose to attend this conference a week before my wedding...BUT I get to earn comp time while I'm there which will be helpful for next week and its a much easier way of earning hours than my normal work. :) Plus, I'll be taking projects to Columbus with me!
*The Bengals are playing the Browns today. Kind of a big deal game. WHO DEY!

So if I'm absent for awhile, you'll now understand. Who's kidding who, I might post tomorrow.

I really hope it rains a lot today.

You won't believe me when I tell you, but...

2008-09-23T16:55:00.001-07:00

Scott, my beloved fiance, was just diagnosed with mono.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

We are down to 18 days 'til the wedding. In a weird way, we are lucky because Scott has been feeling not quite right for a couple of weeks now, so hopefully that means that he got mono a few weeks ago and it will be gone before the wedding. The docs think he's had it for a while...so I guess that's helpful. But, I mean, come on...

SERIUOSLY?!?!

So, life is stressful and will be until we are laying in the sand in Jamaica!
Please send us any positive energy, well-wishes, prayers, whatever floats your boat. They will be much appreciated :)

Happy Anniversary to Us :)

2008-09-20T20:06:00.000-07:00

Today marks our second anniversary as a couple! We celebrated by dinner out at Max and Ermas (which is ironically the same restaurant we chose last year). It was a lovely evening filled with much wedding discussion. Three weeks from today we will be married. Craziness! Anyway, here is a picture of us (self-portrait) at dinner and then a shot of the flowers Scott got me for the occasion.

Licensed to Wed

2008-09-18T18:32:00.000-07:00

Scott and I officially are super-official. Not that we weren't before, but now have, in our possession, our marriage certificate. Of course its not really made official until it is signed, but still... we've seen it and that makes everything feel so much more real-deal! As the day gets closer and closer I'm getting more and more overhwelmed by my seemingly-never-ending to do list, but also more and more excited for our special day. Obtaining the marriage certficate felt like the first piece of "proof" that I'm going to be a married woman in 23 days.

In other (but much-related) news, I have my sparkler back on my finger! It went for a major cleaning and redipping and looks gorgeous. I love this ring x 10985. It's pretty much perfection in my eyes. Good job, love of mine, if you are reading this.

So yeah...I've said it before, but once again.... it's pretty much all wedding all the time around here! I'm excited to be headed to R*town this weekend for a baby shower for the mama-to-be, Katie Evans. I'll also be trying on my dress for a fitting (my weight loss is at a plateau- totally my fault...ok maybe I'm even gaining some of it back...but I've still lost 10 pounds, and I'm happy about that...this should be another post...). Anywho, my dress should fit and I'm HOPING to be able to get my veil finished (this is a VERY lofty goal) by Saturday morning so I can take it to my fitting. We'll see if that happens. I would say I need a good 6 more hours to work on it before its finished. And I'm excited to hang out with my bff and have a maid-of-honor shopping extravaganza. I need so many things!

That's all, have spectacular weekends.

(ps...today is the first time that I realized and thought about how the letters A & S are right next to each other on the keyboard. It warmed my heart...)

More + My future career as a fashion photog

2008-09-16T03:47:00.000-07:00

I think the top photo could be an abercrombie ad (assuming we could photoshop in some guys playing water polo behind these two...plus girls wearing bikini tops for no real reason).

Adventures in photography

2008-09-13T19:25:00.001-07:00

I officially had my first engagement photo shoot today and it was a blast. I'm so thankful that Val and Greg entrusted me with this and let me experiment on them. I am very pleased with several of the photos and, more importantly, I think they are too! I love getting practice...so if you or anyone you know wants a (FREE) photo shoot (engagement, baby/child, maternity, seniors...etc...), let me know. Here are some of the highlights of the session.

mini-spa

2008-09-11T17:06:00.000-07:00

Tonight was the night that I decided to put all stress behind me... at least long enough to enjoy a bubble bath and pamper myself with various new lotions and scrubs. The bubble bath was indeed a treat, but truthfully the rest of the pampering is an effort to get myself looking the best I've ever looked for the biggest event of my life so far that will be occuring in THIRTY days. It all felt nice, but trust me... this is business!

Here is a picture of my little escape + one of my favorite beings on the face of the planet. I'm off to continue my evening off by continuing the organization of my craft room. Is it weird that I find that relaxing?

Umm...YIKES

2008-09-09T03:59:00.000-07:00

Before big events in my life, I have traditionally had nightmares about everything that could go wrong with each event. This happened before school started (nightmare: I forgot pants and somehow missed a class for an entire semester and then randomly showed up the day of the final and had to take it. This happened before dance recitals (nightmare: I would be at the recital when it dawned on me that I had somehow forgotten to teach the students a routine to perform AND I had forgotten to order them costumes).

So, its no shock to me that I'm now getting these nightmares 32 (but who's counting) days before my wedding. Last night, for instance, I dreamed that our wedding started at 4:30 PM and as of 3:30, I wasn't at all dressed or showered AND we had forgotten to get music to our organist (we don't even have an organist) and so she was rehearsing all sorts of music that we did NOT want. It was at that time that I decided I could grab a bike (think pedals, no engine) and bike to the nearest music store that would have sheet music and purchase music for the organist to practice. The bike kept growing taller and taller and so I of course got into a major collision...with 7 other people riding their bikes.

Dream #2: We are at the wedding waiting for the reception...and for some reason it takes so long to make that transition that people leave before getting to have cake or dance. Heartbreak!

There was another dream already- they are coming frequently. But that one is escaping my mind. Will share if I think of it.

I am stressed all the time...even in my dreams!

During...

2008-09-05T19:10:00.000-07:00

Here's my space midst-redecoration. :)

And now, I must finish a project for some friends (thus the mess on the desk!) I'll show the finished project... if I like it.

Before...

2008-08-31T06:49:00.000-07:00

I have been really motivated to redecorate my craft room. It's kind of a sty right now. So, I shall take a picture for you all to see of what it currently looks like. Then, just maybe I'll get it clean/rearranged/redecorated and show you the after!

Life seems to be FLYING by right now. I can't believe its been over a week since I blogged. Where has the time gone?

*FINALLY figuring out the flowers for the wedding. I spent (I'm NOT kidding) 4 hours at the florist yesterday picking out every last detail. It's a total change from the original flowers I had picked, and I LOVE IT!

*Working late/early/kind of around the clock. Thank heavens for 3 day weekends!

*I've been pretty inspired to craft recently. I started to knit again last night while watching Charlie Bartlett with Scott. (Note: The blurb on the back of this movie couldn't be more inaccurate! It was a good movie, but certainly not a laugh-out-loud cousin to Juno!)Pictures of the completed scarf (once its completed) to follow.

*Still trying to eat healthy and struggling to do so. Wondering what the scale will say on Tuesday! Wish me luck :)

*I got to spend an evening with my besties on Thursday AND got to feel Katie's baby kick. What an awesome feeling. Can't wait to meet her little guy or girl and shower it with gifts :)

So, that's all. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. I love that we have tomorrow off!

Some fun pictures (since I can!)

2008-08-22T20:06:00.000-07:00

Just because I want you all to see what's going on in my world.

Whelmed

2008-08-18T17:55:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite questions/quotes ever: Can a person just be whelmed? Or does it have to be OVERwhelmed. I'm somewhere in the middle of whelmed and overwhelmed...

Two good things that came out of a seemingly yucky day: I get to catch up with my bff AND these babies are waiting to be sent on their merry way from the Loveland office. That helps me breathe a little easier.

Other than that, life is crazy. More soon.

She's back!

2008-08-16T04:51:00.001-07:00

Dear Cameron,

Thank you for returning to me in such a timely manner and for free. I thought I was going to have to spend $250 on you, but alas, I only spent $7 for UPS to ship you.

I've missed you so much. I never realized how much time we spend together and how happy you make me. Thank you for being broken no longer and for letting me seize new opportunities with you. Thank you to your Grandpa Mark for thinking ahead and buying insurance on you. Thank you insurance company for performing a successful surgery. I promise I will use you, dear Cameron, often and with greater care than I've ever taken before so that you don't have to be sent away ever again. I promise that I will try to brush my hair before our next portrait together. Thank you for all that you are to me and for the sunshine you bring to my life.

Love,

Your owner/friend

Monday

2008-08-11T14:57:00.001-07:00

is a good day. today at least.

I LOST THREE MORE POUNDS. :) That makes me pretty much beyond excited. I've put forth a lot of effort and its paying off. :)

BTW, tonight is cheat night. We are going out to dinner with one of Scott's friends that I've never met. I've heard good things, so I'm excited to meet this fella and maybe more excited to eat delicious food. ;) teasing.

The pens still aren't in, I'm starting to wonder WHY I had them quick-shipped. But oh well, tomorrow will be invitation day I suppose. We are still well within our time frame to send them.

How was your Monday?

Weekend Update with Angie

2008-08-10T16:05:00.000-07:00

Was I productive? You be the judge.

1)Bridezillas? Currently on my tv right behind me. I've seen this episode approximately...4 times.
2)I found a SWEET bright yellow chair that will soon adorn my scrap/craft room once I redecorate. And for $5!
3)The bathroom sparkles.
4)I haven't started on the invitations, but that is in the plan once I finish this post. No pens came in, so I'll have to work on the inner envelopes.
5)Car = cleaned out. Not like vacuumed and wiped down, let's not be crazy. But there isn't trash EVERYWHERE!
6)My diet was stuck to somewhat. I had a few slip-ups, but mainly I ate what I was supposed to eat. Hopefully that pays off at the scale tomorrow!
7)Favors = not decided upon, but researched. That's a step, I suppose.
8)Before I go work on the invitations, I will be looking at target & old navy online.
But, no honeymoon clothes yet. I might be out of money at the current moment. :)
9)Batman was seen, NEIGH, experienced. So good...
10) Biscuit did wake me up per usual, but due to a strategic out-of-the-bedroom placement, it wasn't as early. And when she DID wake me up, I was able to fall back asleep 'til 9. Not too shabby.

Hope you had productive weekends. Here's hoping for fantastic weeks awaiting us all.

Weekend Goals

2008-08-09T05:33:00.000-07:00

Just a brief list of things I'd like to accomplish this weekend. For my sake more than yours, if we're being honest. I mean, if I write it down, maybe, just maybe I'll do it...ALL.

1) Watch an insane amount of Bridezillas. (This one shouldn't be hard, its how I typically spend Sunday evenings).
2) Find treasures at garage sales. We're on our way now!
3) Clean our bathroom. SERIOUSLY.
4) Finish working on invitations as much as I can until I get my shipment of pens. Does it make me incredibly crazy that I special ordered pens for my invitations? Maybe. The one that I had (and L.O.V.E.D.) is dangerously close to running out of ink. So I ordered three more. A girl can't be too safe.
5) Clean out my car. That one might be a stretch.
6) Try to stick to my diet. Weekends are always hard for me. Wish me luck.
7) Decide on our favors for the wedding.
8) Start looking into clothes to buy for the honeymoon. I might need a new wardrobe.
9) See Batman. We haven't seen it yet...lame.
10) Not be woken up by the dogs on Sunday morning. Saturday morning is a lost cause.

Ebb & Flow

2008-08-04T19:00:00.000-07:00

Today was kind of awful. A lot of days in social work are, mainly because the world is a scary place and scary people exist in it. But, then you are somehow brought back to reality and you understand why you are in the field you are in. Those little moments get me through the big, hard stuff.

BUT...my day got about 6000 times better after work. Good, good things are happening in wedding-land. The invitations will be printed tomorrow! I'm sooooo excited. The first place I stopped made me feel crazy and were going to charge me approximately $300 more than the second place (which did NOT make me feel crazy!) And the lady was very friendly and helpful. Yay, Office Depot! I love you and your reasonable prices. :) I started writing out all the invitations, and it wasn't nearly as overwhelming as I thought it might be. I still have a lot to do, but I'm trying to do some each night so the night before I send them I'm not up until 4 AM. I love them, they look great. Special thanks to the wonderful and talented Ginger who labored over them for hours and hours. I appreciate your hard work. They look beautiful!

Other things that were NOT in the awful realm today:

1) Remember the previously mentioned diet? I'm down two pounds since last Wednesday! I'm currently weighing the lowest that I've weighed in a while. It feels good. (But because I believe in cheating one night a week...we might have splurged on pizza tonight. :) ONE NIGHT ONLY! Diet (seriously) starts again tomorrow.

2) Along with the pizza, we also got to try the cake from our baker. YUM!

3) We have a pianist booked for the wedding. (And she's going to be free! Even better :)

So thats all in our world. This week = wedding craziness for sure. We are going to finish up the invitations and go visit the florist again.

have a great week :)

If you want to feel moved...

2008-07-31T19:50:00.000-07:00

Watch this:

Shipping Out.

2008-07-30T15:20:00.000-07:00

*I got the UPS shipping stuff to send in my camera today.
*Sugar is laying so sweetly on the rug behind my computer desk.
*No major crises at work.
*Wife Swap is on TV tonight.
*I went to the gym for the first time in a few weeks.
*I've followed my latest diet and made lots of healthy choices for a few days now. And it feels good.

All in all, a good day.

ahhh...sweatpants Sunday

2008-07-27T15:06:00.000-07:00

I haven't gotten out of my sweatpants all day. I'm more than ok with that.

I've been running around crazy for a while now. There is so much to do and there just doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day (cliche as all that is).

So, it was nice to relax all day. I'm still working on wedding stuff, because there is always something else to do! But I'm pleased with our weekend wedding progress. We figured out all the wording for invitations (which was SUCH an ordeal, who knew?), picked up Scott's wedding ring (it's SO weird to see him wear it...so not used to that!), made contact with our reception site to set up food tasting, got our passport applications underway, updated our target registry and picked up our *free* engraved cake cutting set that Dillard's gives away to those couples that register there. This week brings plenty more to do.

I'm realizing just how boring my blog is without pictures. I'm working on that. Promise.

Hope your week is wonderful. Will update soon.

Announcement!

2008-07-22T15:35:00.000-07:00

Our honeymoon is booked! Yaaaaaaaaay :]

Go here to see pictures! http://www.sandals.com/main/royal/rj-home.cfm

And we have a beachfront room. I didn't think we were going to be able to swing that, but it happened. So excited.

Pleasure Reading

2008-07-20T14:40:00.001-07:00

I highly recommend this book!

It is purely pleasure reading. You will not learn anything, be caught in any sort of drama or be at all motivated to change the world. You WILL laugh a LOT and possibly be taken back to your childhood a bit.

This book is a superquick read. I found myself quite literally laughing out loud while reading this book. I'm excited because Scott and I found it and it's sequel at a garage sale, so now I can move on to that one.

This is definetely a kid's book, but is guaranteed to make adults laugh as well.

Conclusions Reached

2008-07-19T14:23:00.000-07:00

1)I'm not as athletic as I used to be.

In all honesty, I wasn't as terrible as I thought I might be. The ball only came my way once and I almost caught it :) I did have one SHINING moment (if it would have been recorded, I probably would've won America's Funniest Home Videos): I definetely just fell over after I hit the ball. Seriously, I just dropped. It was so weird, funny, etc. I'm not real sure what happened but the best thing we can come up with is that I stepped on home plate and it was slick. BUT, it was something I won't live down for a bit...

That being said, it was a superfun time.

2) Garage sales are a lot of hub-bub.

I'm trying to come up with creative ways of earning $250 to get my camera fixed, so I decided "hey, we have a lot of stuff, lets sell it." So I had a garage sale (with Scott's mom) today. I made about $80, which is a nice start. But with all the work that went into it...I feel like I should've made several hundred. Oh well, at least I have some money to put towards the camera and our garage is pretty cleaned out!

3) I wanna be the hostess with the mostess.

Scott is currently hosting a bachelor party in the downstairs of our house. It was kind of a last minute thing- they were supposed to go to the Reds game and that didn't work out, so he volunteered to have it here. No problem, I love being the hostess...but therein lies the problem! I'm used to catering to everyone's needs (I kind of thrive off that). But tonight, I'm trying to let them do their guy thing and therefore exiling myself to the upstairs. I just keep thinking of reasons I should go downstairs and visit with them. :] They're all nice boys and I'm glad they are spending time in our home, even if I'm not in charge.

4) I'm out of shape.

That conclusion was reached a long, long time ago. But after playing softball and moving things around for the garage sale for two days...yikes! I'm soooooo sore and tired. I might just take a nap {which would also help with number 3}. But then I won't sleep tonight... What's a girl to do?

Hope you all are having lovely weekends.

Ten Years Ago Today...

2008-07-17T04:02:00.000-07:00

I was probably doing what I plan to be doing this evening...SOFTBALL!

I grew up playing softball and if I may say so myself, I was a pretty decent player. I played every different position except first base (I blame it on my height!) throught out my "career" ;) My absolute favorite, and the one I played the longest was second base. I loathed pitching, but my Mom, who was also my coach at that point, wanted to be able to count on someone on our team to be a decent pitcher, which meant her own daughter therefore trained to do so. Unfortunately for her, I was absolutely terrified of the ball coming at me from such a short distance... so when I did pitch, every time the ball was released from my hand, I ducked. True story.

This evening is our company softball game- Children's Services vs. Foster Parents! I'm really excited about it, but also pretty nervous. I used to be very athletic, but that was many many pounds and now years ago! The last time I played softball in a game, I found that I was very afraid of the ball now (that didn't happen when I was younger and more agile!). Scott is playing on the foster parent team tonight because they needed more players and he's awesome, so I would like to prove to him that I do have some athletic ability... he's never seen me play any sport. We played catch once last summer and that went kind of poorly because he naturally throws hard and I'm naturally afraid of the ball. There might have been some ducking, again.

So anyway, tonight is the big game and I'm going to do my best. I hope they don't put me in outfield because I'm not fast and I hate chasing the ball. At least if I'm in infield, if I miss it it becomes someone else's problem. :) I'm going to try to remember all of the coaching my Mom provided me... now ten years ago. She was a great coach that all of the players loved. She made softball a blast, taught us how to play and win as a team, and encouraged us to play the best 'ball that we could. So, Mom, please don't be mad at me if I happen to duck. I'll try not to, I promise. The ball just comes so fast!

:] [:

2008-07-14T16:54:00.000-07:00

Fun-ness was had all around this weekend.

My shower was amazingly fun. It was such a cool feeling- having people that I've known throughout every stage of my life surrounding me in support and expressing their love for me. That was an incredible feeling. The shower was very intimate and everyone had a great time. Laura and Katie, you planned one heck of a shower- thanks so much. I love you girls.

We are gearing up for our first (possibly annual) garage sale! I've wanted to have one for a while and this weekend, its happening! If you like to come check out our sale, leave me a comment and I'll send directions. I'm excited to de-clutter, and hopefully we make some moolah!

Happy Birthday {tomorrow} to our dear friend Greg!

Ta Da!!!!

2008-07-12T05:29:00.000-07:00

Today is finally here :]

My first bridal shower is today in Indiana and I'm superexcited! I can't wait to see everyone and just all in all have a blast!

Just thought I'd check in. I stunk at blogging this week. We had lots going on!

More soon.

Happy 4th!

2008-07-04T08:10:00.000-07:00

Our festivities will consist of the following:

Yep, one of those days

2008-07-02T18:07:00.000-07:00

I experienced problems with the following things today:

1.My dress is beyond too big. I tried it on for Scott's Aunt (aka alterator) and everyone that looked at it was just like...yep thats huge. No "oh that looks so pretty..." nope, just wow, that's huge. Nothing that quite makes me feel like a fatty as having to get a dress that I know is huge so that it'll fit around my biggest part- my belly. Yep, I get it, the dress is huge because I'm huge. I get it.

2. The supercute idea we had for our favors fell through. Wonderful.

3. Wedding food is becoming an increasing nightmare.

4. I'm learning that I'm a total control freak. I like to think that I'm not, but I am finding that I am. Maybe its mainly just about the wedding. I don't know.

So needless to say...not a great day in the life of Angie Polver. I'm so thankful that I have a wonderful man to come home to that makes me forget (ok, temporarily forget) about all the dumb details that are going into our wedding. He makes me smile even when I tell him I don't wanna. Thanks, babe. I look forward to the many smiles you'll put on my face for years to come.

I might not be blogging for a few days...

2008-06-29T05:12:00.000-07:00

Go here for a news story about yours truly!

http://www.mikeshard.com/weekend/newsStory.php?id=MTE4MjU=

Thanks Erin for the awesome post - too funny!

All it took was her cage

2008-06-27T21:11:00.001-07:00

After listening to Biscuit run around the bedroom for nearly an hour, I semi-lost my mind. The tappy sound of those little feet running in circles...it makes me a little crazy. To remedy this problem, I finally ran down stairs and brought a crate (which she rarely uses) upstairs. She went right in and fell asleep. Now the only sound I hear from her is the deep breaths of her deep sleep.

Meanwhile, I'm pretty-awake due to the increasing frustrations I felt while lying in bed, wishing that I had figured out this crate-cures-everything solution approximately 59 minutes ago.

And now I'm thirsty for some kool-aid. It could be a long night, folks!

I love, love, LOVE Fridays.

2008-06-27T15:04:00.001-07:00

I couldn't be happier that today is Friday. I am SO thankful that I get to spend the evening with my soon-to-be hubby :) I've had a terrible week just in general (details would bore you) and he's been working major overtime- so both of us have had a small case of the grumpies (ok, probably me more than him because he brushes things off better than I do). So anyway, we are headed to O'Charley's in about an hour. Yay.

This weekend has hope of being a nice break from the yucky week. I bought all the ingredients to make my homemade veil which I'm super excited about. It shall be lovely. I may or may not post pictures of it in the near future. We are meeting with the photographer on Sunday night (yaaaaaay!) And we will be doing a cake testing in the next few weeks. Bliss.

I hope this weekend is a nice break for you, too.

No pictures. I got nothin'

Visit Here!

2008-06-26T16:08:00.001-07:00

http://etiquettehell.com/

I just read a book by this website's founder. It was a great guide of how NOT to act as a bride. I'm semi-obsessed with etiquette, so this book was right up my alley. And let me just tell you that some of the things you will read on this site...of what people REALLY think is acceptable behavior...will floor you.

Check it out!

Inspiring Me as of Late...

2008-06-23T14:33:00.000-07:00

Wedding Websites. I'm feeling addicted. Go here if you need pretty things to look at:

http://www.stylemepretty.com/
http://blushevents.blogspot.com/
http://with-this-ring-i-thee-obsess.blogspot.com

From any of those- you can link to tons and tons and tons of other wedding websites. You could spend hours doing it...which I have.

Now that all the big stuff that's hard to figure out is figured out... I have a new outlook on wedding plans! I mean, I still get ridiculously overwhelmed about...hmm..everything. BUT, there are so many beautiful ways of decorating weddings that I kind of want to do it more than once! :) Totally kidding. But I am glad that I've reached a different level of plan-making and now feel like its fun more than stressful.

So, yay. I hope you love the blogs.

My camera is still down and out (sigh) and will be for a few months. Here are some flikr faves I haven't shared before, because I know pictures on blogs makes them much more exciting. Here you go:

we're all smiles over here :)

2008-06-21T13:33:00.000-07:00

Our Saturday proved extremely productive. We found the church that our wedding will be in! :) :) :) This is such a huge relief... It's a cute old church that is very "woodsy" on the inside which will go well with our fall motif & it's right down the street from our reception site. Perfection! And the people that showed us the church were so cute. Yaaaaaaay :)

AND we ordered Scott's wedding band. Its pretty simple...tungsten...I don't really know how else to describe it. But I love it!

He's mowing the grass now so I should probably go contribute to our household as well. :)

Until next time, folks.

PS- if you are a Cincinnatian and want something to do tomorrow (Sunday) afternoon- you are more than welcome to come to Scott's movie debut! It'll be a fun time. If you'd like details, leave me a comment and I shall pass them on.

any ideas? (cincinnati people)

2008-06-19T16:49:00.000-07:00

hey all,

we still have been unsuccessful finding a site for our ceremony.

we are going to see at least one church (hopefully more than that) on saturday.

BUT... does anyone out there know of any churches/facilities that we might be able to use? I feel like I've e-mailed every church in Ohio at this point and am just not having much luck. Places are either already booked, you have to be a member there, etc...

So... if you have any ideas, I beg of you- leave them here for me!

Thanks :)

ahhhh...sigh....

2008-06-17T19:16:00.000-07:00

Today was a great day.

Scott and I got lots of wedding stuff done (!!!!!)

And I got my dress. It is sitting at my house!

I haven't tried it on yet. I want other people to be there when I do it & I'm terrified of getting it dirty! :)

We registered at Dillards for BEAUTIFUL china. I didn't even know I wanted china. It's gorgeous!

I'm meeting with our florist on Thursday afternoon and she's Scott's aunt and is making very promising offers :) :)

Yay. I needed a night like tonight that may or may not have included a nice dinner at Chili's with honey-chipotle (whatever they're called) chicken crispers!

And I worked out and I've been working hard the past week to start losing weight. Besides the chicken crispers episode this evening, I've been eating very well. That's hard for me typically, but lately I've felt wonderfully motivated to make better choices. AND IT SHOWED ON THE SCALE TODAY!!! What a great moment! I've lost a pound and a half in a week. :) That may not sound like a huge number, but to a person that just has kept gaining for a while now...a loss at all is so significant to me!

Hope you've all had a great week. Holla at your girl! :) Night.

Rejuvenation

2008-06-15T14:56:00.001-07:00

I got just that this weekend.

I stayed at a hotel last night and juuuuuust relaaaaaxed. It was nice. I've been stressin' about the wedding, but my weekend was a good chance for me to just clear my head a little bit and take a breather.

I got to see my Dad and since I have no money, I decided to be creative and I made him a collage of stevie ray vaughn (his favorite guitar player of all time) and various guitar images. (If you don't know, my Dad is so good at playing guitar that I think he should be a superstar! :) He LOVED the collage, and he says lots of sweet things all the time, my favorite from this weekend was, "Ang, I wouldn't have liked a gift that you spent a $1000 on more than I like this collage. It's beautiful."
What a fantastic man!

And I have another fantastic man that I'm looking forward to seeing in just a few hours! I told him we were going full-force wedding planning as of Tuesday. (I figured I'll give him a day off tomorrow since he's currently operating on about 5 hours of sleep since Thursday night)...

Speaking of Scott- he did lots of really cute things for his absence- such as leave me a note that told me which remote to use for the tv and which one to use for the dvd player and how to use them both in combination with each other. He knows just how much I don't understand our tv system!

He also left a note he drew on on my computer (using draw or whatever...not a permanent marker to my physical computer :) when I got home on Friday night. It was a sweet little suprise. I tried to copy it, but he drew it so I don't really know how to do all that...

Anywho, final answer: weekend was good.

Hope yours was as well. Here's to a happy week!

An update nonetheless

2008-06-13T18:40:00.000-07:00

Hi friends.

I'm solo this weekend because Scott is participating in a super cool movie project called the 48-hour film project. I will post more about it once his movie goes up on you-tube.

So, I'm having sort of an angie-retreat this weekend.

I rarely have alone time, so I'm kind of enjoying it. I was a single girl for a long, long time and so this coupledom thing is still pretty new to me. I miss Scott already, but its nice to just be chillin' alone.

BUT, my angie-retreat weekend was almost pooed on because I got a bill for my recent MRI that I had done (they found nothing- no worries)...but I wasn't expecting a bill for it. I thought my insurance was covering it all. Not so much. There's $215 I'll never see again!

AND...my beloved camera. I told you it was broken. Unfortunately, it's really broken. I took it to get estimates today... it's roughly $225 broken. Ouch.
AND... when I send it in to get fixed, it'll be gone for 2 months. Ouch again.

So, thats all a lot of money that I don't really have.

But I shan't let it get to me!

I'm working on a collage for my dad for father's day. I'm seeing him this weekend. He'll put a smile on my face. :)

Talk to you soon.

Memories from yesteryear

2008-06-10T19:01:00.000-07:00

We had nothing to watch tonight so we turned on Showtime On Demand. At that moment, I was totally ok with just how much money we spend on cable each month after finding one of my all-time favorite movies EVER just waiting for me to watch at my convenience. That movie is... D2!

I had the BIGGEST crush on Adam Banks (aka Vincent Larusso). I am not kidding or exaggerating when I say...I seriously thought we had a future together.

Here he is now. I read some article online where someone saw him as a bartender in hollywood. If Laura and I ever take our trip, we will totally be stopping in that bar. JUST to say hi. :)I mean, I'm pretty over him now. :)

But yes, watching this movie took me back to 7th grade, where I watched this movie... everyday. I would fast forward and rewind to the scenes Vincent/Adam was in. I felt moved when Charlie ran around the rink with Old Glory flying high over his shoulder. ;)

I hear that my comments weren't working. I hope that that is no longer true. I wish you all a lovely evening and remember: ducks fly together!

Forgetting Sarah Marshall

2008-06-06T19:55:00.000-07:00

We just saw this movie. We both thought it was very funny. Also, Scott...I know you read this, so please just turn your eyes away for a minute... one of my top five celebrity crushes is Jason Segal, and he is the fellow that is trying to indeed forget Sarah Marshall. I will say that after this movie, nothing and I do mean nothing, is left to the imagination regarding Mr. Segal. You see everything he's got...several times. So, just be warned, there is defininte full frontal nudity in this movie. (And crush or not, I'm not really into that, so whatever).

Anyway, good movie. You will laugh. You will want to not ever eat again so you can be as stunningly beautiful as the headlining girls. Then you will laugh some more.

That's all for me, goodnight everyone!

aruba? jamaica? ...us virgin islands?

2008-06-04T17:35:00.000-07:00

In my last post, I wrote that we were going to try to go to Hawaii for the honeymoon. As of today, we have made a formal decision (ok, it wasn't so formal) to go somewhere else (probably in the caribbean). Hawaii would be great and wonderful... BUT

1. We think there would be SO much that we would want to see that it would be impossible to fit it all in 5 days- and chances are, once we go we won't be going back. So we thought, maybe we should just start saving money after the wedding and plan a supernice longer trip to Hawaii. And by then we'll have kids, so it would be extra nice :) (we have discussed that our children WILL be staying with grandparents during that trip!)

2. Hawaii is so expensive! Oh my goodness. We figured out that we could physically get to Hawaii and have a place to sleep... but that might be it. We would rather use the money we are getting from our parents and that we've saved in other ways and not use ALL of it on the Honeymoon.

So, that being said, I feel really good about this decision. I hadn't really thought about the fact that we wouldn't even be gone a whole week! Flying to Hawaii is like 16+ hours from here... so we would lose two days right there.

We started looking at possible places to go. We love the idea of all-inclusive. We are probably going to talk to our friend's mom who is a travel agent sometime in the next few weeks.

Have you been to any of the islands in the Caribbean? Any places we should or should NOT go?

ehhh

2008-06-03T17:31:00.000-07:00

I had what was supposed to be a quiet/productive evening at home alone.

While I was somewhat productive, I was kind of hoping to get our whole wedding planned tonight. :) That didn't happen.

I don't feel very good at all- I have a sinus headache {AGAIN} and frustrating things have happened. I don't have the energy to do the stuff I need to get done. Ugh. Biscuit pooped and smeared the poop into our wooden floor. That was especially nice. It was just kind of a blah evening. And there was no rain like I had been counting on (actually, I wanted storms!)

On the other hand, I DID contact the person that I want to design our invitations. She does a very cool thing where she does the graphic design work and then emails me the file and I get it printed. I LOVE her stuff. The problem is I'm not 100% sure if she's going to be able to do it. She has lots of orders right now and isn't accepting new orders right now. Lets all keep our fingers crossed that she will decide that my wedding is the event of the year and she totally needs to do the design work. That'd be great :)

Also, one of the churches we've been looking at DOES have the date available that we need! I originally emailed them the 25th. Our wedding is for the 11th. Yikes. But alls well that ends well.

PS in the bad news department, there is a reason you haven't seen pictures from me in a while. I broke my camera. UGGUHUHUHGGGHGHGH {--- me ridiculously frustrated. I need to take it in to get looked at, but I'm thinking the repair is going to be a couple hundred dollars. Thats a couple hundred dollars we canNOT afford right now.

In other good news, we might just get to go to Hawaii for our honeymoon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! That news might trump everything else, good and bad. I've wanted to go to Hawaii since I can remember, and it was looking like it was going to be out of our price range. But my Dad recently told me that he was planning on giving us money for a honeymoon. Along with Scott's parents AND our wonderful tax rebate checks...this just MIGHT happen.

Thats all. I need to go finish the dishes. Ugh. I'm so up and down right now, can you tell?

BrrrrIIIIIIIIdezillas!

2008-06-01T16:48:00.000-07:00

I'm not one. I don't think. Yet.

But I understand how brides get that way, and I send them my sympathies.

{The show is on a sort of marathon right now & I'm lovin' that}.

Most of you (all of you?) probably knew that I was engaged before. Planning that wedding was much different than this one. Emotionally, this engagement is in much better shape than last time around! I feel great, secure, happy, optimistic etc... about my future.The marriage will be great, if I can just pull of the wedding!

The details of it all were a lot easier the first time.It was a different world back then for me. I KNEW exactly what was available in Richmond, Indiana. Now I'm in Cincinnati and I'm facing so many options that I feel over-stimulated! I had a smaller budget that time around and a bigger guest list, which made the reception planning a lot simpler- there couldn't be much to it. We were going to get our reception site FOR FREE and I belonged to a church that we attended so that part was a breeze as well.

Fast forward to 2008. So many options for everything! And I have such different taste than I did 5 years ago. And now I'm working between 2 states. And I'm working a full-time job that wears me out. And we're serving alcohol. And Scott has a huge family and we have lots of friends together at a much more expensive-per-head reception. AND, I'm farther in the process than I made it last time...

All that being said, I'm trying to remember that it will be fun and after this wedding is over we will be married, and thats what its all about, anyway. I'm trying to remember that things naturally work out and fall into place. I'm starting to do some of the more fun things like looking at flowers, invitations and cakes. Except for money, that stuff isn't all that stressful. Yet.

Thanks to my friends and wonderful fiancee that are keeping me grounded and not letting me become a total bridezilla. And as I continue in this process, please keep me sane.

PS I went to King's Island today with Laur. It was very fun. I'm so proud of her for riding invertigo (aka face-off!)

TV... How I love thee!

2008-05-28T18:22:00.000-07:00

I love TV. I always have. What can I say? I think it's awesome.

When I like a show, I LIKE A SHOW. I get kind of obsessed with it.

I thought it might be interesting (for me) to list those shows I have loved. This might be quite boring for you. Just FYI.

Here they are- all those random shows that have made me who I am...

Survivor (Note: ONLY the second season- Austalian Outback)
Starting Over
What Not to Wear
In Living Color
Double Dare
Bridezillas
Beverly Hills, 90210
Ghostwriter
Dr. Phil
Dragnet
Lost
Salue Your Shorts
The Brady Bunch
Family Matters
Extreme Home Makeover
Full House
The Office
The Donna Reed Show
Reading Rainbow
The Patty Duke Show
Arrest Development
Get Smart (I'm SO excited about the movie :)
Perfect Strangers
Mr. Wizard (AKA Mr. Wizard's World)
Cheaters
Scrubs
Guts (From Nickelodeon...anyone??)
Married with Children
Are you afraid of the dark?
Wife Swap
How I Met Your Mother
Mr. Rogers
Saturday Night Live (Cheri Oteri/Will Ferrel/Chris Farley years)
Friends
Everybody Hates Chris
The Real World (These seasons: San Francisco, Hawaii, New Orleans, Las vegas & Los Angeles :)
Big Bang Theory
Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Growing Pains
Hey Dude
Trading Spaces (oooooonly the early seasons. I hate it now)
Clean House
Just the ten of us
The Golden Girls
ALF
Roseanne
Clarissa Explains it All
Supernanny
Doogie Howser M.D.

Wow. Those are some of the shows I've been a huge fan of in my life. I hope that they brought fun memories back for you. It was a good time for me :)

Days like this keep me warm...

2008-05-25T19:01:00.000-07:00

This weekend was a nice & relaxing weekend where we got lots of stuff done and got to see lots of familiar faces.

Scott and I vowed to spend lots of time together this weekend. We had lots going on last week and didn't get to see each other nearly as much we normally do. So, Friday night we had a "date" which consisted of wings from Buffalo Wild Wings and "Reign Over Me" in Scott's new basement game room that he is VERY excited about. It's pretty dormroomish, but in a weird way, is quite cozy. It was fun to just be together and watch a good movie.

Saturday we drove to my homeland to attend a wedding of a girl I went to church with/babysat when I was younger. I saw lots and lots of people I haven't seen in several years. Lots of "kids" that I babysat with their licenses, taller than me, and biggest of all: married. Craziness...But it was really fun to have Scott meet those people that were a huge part of my life {which feels like a lifetime ago}. The WEIRDEST thing of all is through a conversation with my old pastor, we found out that he is the brother of one of Scott's favorite teachers in high school. WEIRD.

After the wedding, we spent time with my dad sitting on his back porch. It was really nice. I love my Dad, obviously that goes without saying, but he and I have a really special bond ever since my Mom died. It was great to see him.

We then drove back and got lots and lots of chores done. Those "chores" included planting flowers in our flower beds out front. They look so cute! It was fun to work on that together. We spent most of the rest of the evening cleaning. Then we fetched some dinner and watched Scrubs (during which I fell asleep).

This morning we woke up and cleaned some since we were going to have some friends over- some of which haven't seen the house before & some of which haven't seen the house since helping us move. It was fun to "show it off" :) We had a cookout, played cornhole and talked lots. Then we went to the game room and played the Wii. I honestly haven't played it all that much, and Scott isn't super into it either. But tonight we found out how fun it is with a group. We spent a couple of hours down there, and then finished the evening by watching the Reds game. It was really fun, I love being the hostess.

For the cookout today, I made rice krispie treats. Everytime I make them, I wonder to myself..."why do I not make these more often?" After I devour half a pan, I remember :)

We are planning to just hang out around here together tomorrow. I got kind of into playing the golf game on the Wii, so I'm hoping the day holds some of that along with Dr. Phil, sleep, no money spent or gas used, snuggling with the dogs and maybe Scott, and maybe, just maybe some creative time. I'm just so glad to have a day off tomorrow!

Hope your weekend has been fantastic!

bind-it-all project #1!

2008-05-23T21:15:00.000-07:00

Here's a scrapbook I made for a girl I grow up with who's wedding we are going to tomorrow. Her new last name will be Jackson- thus, the J. I don't totally have my new binding machine all figured out, but I'm pretty pleased with the way this turned out given I only worked on it for about 4 hours (waaaaaaaay less time than a normal project for me!) I left the pages blank and included a note to give her ideas of how to fill the book up. I hope they like it!

Thank you, sweetums!

2008-05-22T18:41:00.000-07:00

Scott decided that I needed the bind-it-all machine that I've been talking about...kind of non-stop. And so tonight, after his softball game, he took me to Archivers and now I'm the proud owner of this awesome machine. I will be using it to make projects on my etsy shop that I have neglected lately. I'm looking forward to this weekend and hoping it brings lots of crafting time like last weekend did!

Thanks Scott for being so thoughtful, loving and generous to me. I love you!

Weekend Creativity

2008-05-19T14:41:00.000-07:00

I haven't had a surge of creativity hit me in a long time- but it came this weekend!
I had an urge to scrapbook (which is kind of strange for me, I rarely involve pictures in my projects- I find it really challenging), make a gift for my friend Melissa's baby that is coming in September and take lots of pictures!

Here are some of the things I worked on for your viewing pleasure :)

1. Austin's (Melissa's baby) wall decor. Melissa and her husband (John) are going with a rainforest theme, so I chose to make a monochromish green "painting" with his name in painted chipboard letters.

2. Doggy scrapbook- this is from a class I took with Scott's Mom at Archiver's. We took this class last March (as in 2007!) and I just now got around to finishing it and adding pictures. A lot of it wasn't really my style, but it was fun for me to sit down and get a lot done without much thinking!

3. All my weekend creativity items together- the other thing you see is an "Enjoy" scrapbook- from another class I took with Scott's mom (this one was just a few weeks ago). I think this book is so cute- I love the design and I loved filling it with my pictures. It was super fun to make.

And now I'm going to go work on another book! I will show you later what I get done.

one more thing:

2008-05-17T20:14:00.001-07:00

I now have a flickr account! If you're here, you've probably seen most, but feel free to take a looksie!

www.flickr.com/photos/angiesparkles

3 posts is enough for one night. goodnight!

current pics part 2

2008-05-17T19:42:00.001-07:00

1. The tag/gift I assembled for Mother's Day for Scott's mom- I love the way it turned out!
2. A random "I'm bored in the car" picture. But I thought it was a very fun shot :)
3. We stood outside the restaurant we ate dinner at. I had my camera. This is what happens. Isn't he adorable :D
4. And then it was my turn!
5. I did this weird thing where I decided that it would be a good idea to throw my water out of my bottle straight up. I got really wet. Here is how that looked. It really did seem like a good idea.

as promised

2008-05-17T19:19:00.001-07:00

here are some pictures of my life as of current.
they are random.
i shall try to explain.

1. I told you we dyed our hair. Here is self-portrait proof.
2. Biscuit is so very wee!
3. Me + Val at a work fundraiser (the one I blogged about below).
4. We got sweet cheese coneys at said fundraiser!
5. Meet Biscuit's brother, Shockey. We call him Scruffy. He always has his tongue out! He lives with Scott's parents. Someone found he & Biscuit dropped off at a park. Who would get rid of them? People are awful sometimes.

Update :)

2008-05-13T18:01:00.000-07:00

It's been a few days since I've posted whats going on in the wonderful world of Angie. Here are 13 things on the 13th

1. I've become OBSESSED with flickr. I mean, I always knew that it existed. Now I can't keep my eyes off of it. You should go there.
2. Along those same lines, I've been looking at lots and lots of pictures of fall weddings and I'm very VERY excited about our decision to marry in the fall!
3. We've decided that Biscuit HAS to learn how to walk up and down the stairs. She's so cute, but really, the carrying of her as she sheds all over us, thats gotta stop!
4. We've done more things for the wedding! We have a DJ, photographer (probably), reception site, I've ordered my dress, and we've decided on bridedsmaids dresses and tuxes.
5. Work has calmed down tremendously- I was getting use to living in the chaos, and I'll admit that I'm feeling bored without all of the crises!
6. I've been really inspired lately for all sorts of creative things and want to have a 2-day create-a-thon soon!
7. I had EVERY intention of postings pictures on this post. I totally forgot my camera at work. Oops- they'll be hear soon!
8. I got two new tank tops this weekend that are SO cute.
9. Scott and I dyed our hair together this weekend :) how random is that. I don't think you can really see much of a difference for either of us- his is a little lighter and my patch o'gray has been somewhat tamed.
10. I made shake and bake chicken last night and it was awesome. Why don't we have that more often?
11. My current cell phone ringtone: See You Again (thats right, it's Miley Cyrus!)
12. I would love it if we had a wedding ceremony site booked like...right now.
13. I LOVE LOST. Hasn't it been soooooooo good lately? Yummmmm.

So there you go. There will be pictures in the next few days! But here are some of my flickr faves!

I don't know if more beautiful words have ever been written...

2008-05-09T20:31:00.000-07:00

"Above all else, it is about leaving a mark that I existed: I was here. I was hungry. I was defeated. I was happy. I was sad. I was in love. I was afraid. I was hopeful. I had an idea and I had a good purpose and that's why I made works of art. "- Felix Gonzalez-Torres

Puts it all into perspective for me. I feel pretty speechless.

a tiny plea from me...

2008-05-09T04:40:00.000-07:00

Most of you know that I work for a foster care agency. May is foster parent recognition month. My agency is hosting a walk tomorrow (Saturday) in good ole' Clermont County. If you would like to walk, we'd love to see you- call me for details. If you would like to get more information or donate money- go here:

walkmehome.org... then "find a walk" then go to Ohio- Clermont County then "find a participant" at the top right and type in Angela Polver.

Thanks.

Happy Friday, I'm going in to work today- snotty and all :)

Flu-Ew

2008-05-08T12:06:00.000-07:00

I haven't been this sick in some time. I typically have one symptom that overtakes me for a night or so, but this is worse. Everything hurts. Headache? check. Runny nose? check. Sore throat? check. Cough? Big check. Weak, achey, etc...check. And finally, nausea? Check. I also have gone in and out of a fever.

I took the day off work and have been babying myself all day long (which basically means I've been sleeping and watching court tv & now dr. phil).

The Nyquil (yes NY instead of DAY) that I took at 10 AM seems to be helping.

PS one of my new favorite shows is Scrubs. I never got into it before, but now...OMG. It's so, so funny and emotional and just good. Dr. Cox & Rowdy are my faves :)

2 Legit

2008-05-06T14:50:00.000-07:00

It's been a rough past few weeks for lots of different reasons. This week (and by this week I do mean today and yesterday) has been the craziest I've ever experienced at my new job. The kind of stuff that makes me want to give up on humans at all and go to a job where I would make more money, wouldn't leave stress at the end of every day and wouldn't take everything so personally. That is sounding better and better.

Then, as I was driving home, rounding third if you will :D, I heard the MC Hammer song Too Legit Too Quit. And that song randomly inspired me. Here's what I took from it:

1. Life is fun if we can still play songs like Too Legit on the radio at the end of the day and dance in the car when we hear it. Thats a kind of life that I'm just fine with having.
2. My work is legit, and I'm legit in it. Despite what my clients may say, I work my butt off trying to make them have the brightest future possible. They might not see it right now, but maybe someday they can and I hope to all that is good that they will remember me as a person that kept believing in them when they gave up on themselves.
3. If (when) I teach dance again, I totally want to choreograph a dance to this song- but only if its a retro-kind-of-recital. Otherwise, I would look semi-crazy.

So, that being said, I'm off to have a good night. We are having some friends over for a cook out and to watch last night's episode of Big Bang Theory. Does anyone out there watch it? I adore it.

My house is clean. I want to post pictures for my faithful readers- that is my goal this week, so be on the lookout.

In the words of MC Hammer:
I've been around the world, from London to the Bay, it's Hammer, Go Hammer, MC Hammer and the rest can go its way, you can't touch this.

things i want

2008-05-04T13:06:00.001-07:00

I want this.

That's all.

another game of tag!

2008-04-30T17:39:00.001-07:00

Laura I tagged me, so here goes. I can't remember how many random things I'm supposed to do, so I'll do 10. Sure.

1)I will not wear colored socks. I've always thought they were itchy.
2)When/if we get another dog (in the FAR, FAR future), her name will be Flo.
3)I've been working out at the gym at least three times a week for 2 months now.
4)I think McDonald's Sweet & Sour sauce is the most delicious thing EVER. Here in Milford, they actually have a sauce policy. It's pretty intense.
5)I'm terrified of all things related to having children: being infertile, having a terrible pregnancy, having children with some sort of mental disorders/disability/kids that act like the ones on Supernanny, bringing children into our world when I think its a scary place.
6)Besides all that, I'm actually quite excited to have children in the near future. When we have a girl (we will NOT stop until we have one!) her middle name will be something I made up years ago- Annagail. My mom's middle name (and the name she went by) was Gayle, and I wanted to name my daughter after her in some way. The superironic thing is that Scott's mom's middle name is Anne. A perfect combination: Annagail. :D
7)I terribly miss teaching dance and desperately want to get back into it after our wedding.
8)I had several unfortunate hair disasters while growing up and I have picture-evidence of most: perms (thats permS, plural), fullet, braided rattail, wings. Yikes.
9)When I was little, some of my favorite shows included: Laugh-In, Donna Reed, Green Acres, My Three Sons, Full House, Family Matters and In Living Color. I'm not sure my parents knew I was watching some of those. :)
10) I loooooooooved the dancing on In Living Color BUT I thought that I was better than any of the "fly girls" and often got frustrated because of this. I thought I would grow up to be one.

I hope that you now know things about me that you previously did not. I tag whoever would like to be tagged.

Toodles!

Congrats to my bff/moh!

2008-04-29T05:47:00.000-07:00

I just heard from Laura that she and Chad got engaged last night. Yaaaaay! So excited for them :) And her ring is perfect- its soooooo Laura! Good work, Chad! Not only would I like to congratulate her for getting engaged but also for riding the vortex with me at King's Island this weekend. You go girl! ANNNND she's working really hard at losing weight. She is showing a lot of self-discipline and persistence and I admire her. It's paying off- she looks littler and littler every time I see her. And she's almost done with another semester (quarter?) of school. I'm proud to call her my bff/moh. Here's to you, Laur! The word of the day is...

Babies + Photography = 2 of my most fave things!

2008-04-22T18:07:00.000-07:00

We went to a birthday party of a darling little 1-year-old this weekend. I find myself taking lots and lots of pictures at social functions and I think its because I get so nervous at said functions. Over the years, I've tried to force myself to be an extrovert, but I'm an introvert at heart. People intimidate me. Crazy? Maybe. True? Definetely.

Here are some pictures that I snapped while filling socially awkward.

I think being a baby photographer would be such a fun job.

PS I'm kind of in a crabby mood tonight. One of those nights when I just LOVE being a woman.

rough week {again}

2008-04-17T16:28:00.000-07:00

Social work is hard stuff. I see things happen in kid's lives that will drastically effect the rest of their lives...often in a very negative way. I'm getting to the point where I want to bring them home with me and be the perfect parent and give them everything they could ever need and try my damndest to make their heart not hurt.

That being said, I've been so, so, so busy at work. Mostly behind the scenes type stuff that nobody knows (therefore, I look extra-crazy when I freak out about my work not getting done!)

I'm SO glad tomorrow is Friday, but to be honest... I'm already stressing about Monday.

When my time in the social work world is over, I want to do something that is happy.

In other news, I'm starting a garden. It's a little bit ambitious. I plan to harvest the following crops:

Tomatoes (easy), Strawberries, Corn, Pumpkins (HA! I am going to try to have a pumpkin patch!), Green Beans, Cauliflower, Broccoli, Watermelon, Carrots, Cabbage and Lettuce.

Writing it out, that does indeed seem like a lot for my first real garden EVER.

My old stomping grounds.

2008-04-14T15:29:00.001-07:00

(tap dance...get it...no....ok...well....)

I thought that was a clever title for the below information that i recently posted on craigslist.com:

I am looking to get back into the dance world :) I taught in a studio for four years (every age and several disciplines including tap, jazz, ballet and drill team), performed with a college dance team and on a cheerleading squad, and took lessons for years myself :)

I am offering to teach lessons in several different ways (and am open to other options as well!): *bridal party groups (how fun would it be to have a choreographed dance for your wedding!) *any type of small groups (girl scouts, home school groups, bachelorette parties, etc...) *individual lessons (learn how to tap dance this summer!) *a fun wedding dance for you and your fiancee *I would LOVE to coach a dance team! *Choreographing any musicals/theatre performances My rates are reasonable. I am experienced and professional and can provide plenty of references! I also have videos of some of the performances I have choreographed.

Dancing is a beautiful thing! I will help you feel confident as you learn technique and how to perform. Please contact me for more information!

I get by with a little help from my friends...

2008-04-12T07:33:00.001-07:00

And these girls can make me laugh until I nearly pee my pants.

We had a CFI (where we all used to work together) girls night last night and laughs were had.

Here is evidence that I'm not lying, in case you don't believe me.

PS I think awkward poses = a good time. Thus the arm linkage, etc.

That being said, I need more girls nights! Ginger/Tina group- shall we? Erin & Laura I- you're far away from me :( but someday maybe WE can do a girl's night. Anyone else who may be reading this that would like a girls night, I'm game!

Thanks, friends.

2008-04-09T18:12:00.000-07:00

Tina: Thank you for your sweet words- they mean a lot to me :] and def. put a smile on my face and thanks for your ideas!

Erin: Thanks for your comment as well! I actually don't know the brand of my dress so I can't give a link. That's ok, it'll be a fun surprise!

For your viewing pleasure, I've updated my blog this evening and linked to those I love. I hope that you enjoy.

I actually scrapbooked a layout tonight (OMG*thatneverhappens*).

And here she is...

Seriously, I NEVER create scrapbook layouts. I'm waaaaaay more likely to make a mini-book. But tonight I wanted to accomplish something to put in my actual book, and I did just that!

Dishes can wait.