Stuff from Stephers

Thursday Adeventure

2009-07-31T09:09:00.002-05:00

So, last night me and Katy went to a place called Angels to see some live music and have a few drinks. It was actually pretty nice and chill. We left around 10 and decided to drive downtown for a bit. This is where the oddness began. There was a BMW full of high school boys next to us for a while. When we finally got to a light they began honking and yelling at us to get our attention. We of course didn't look, because talking to a car of high school boys could never be good. It was freaking hilarious and the longest light in the world which made it seriously awkward. Driving downtown we saw a man riding a bike in boxer briefs. Red and white striped ones I think. Then we found a place on 6th that had pitchers of liquor. WTF? So of course Katy really wanted to see what that was all about and we got some. We ended up in a back section of the bar that was playing some serious rap with some serious emo kids dancing around. Weirdest night. Seriously.

WTF Netflix?

2009-07-16T13:47:00.003-05:00

So today I was strolling through my Netflix recommendations and I have a few concerns. First of all it says that I'm interested in "Violent Military Movies." WHAT? I mean, military movies are ok, but when do we categorize them between violent and non-violent. Because really, most military movies are about war, and war is violent. Beyond that it says that I like "Witty" movies based off of my interest in Finding Nemo and Kung Fu Panda. Let me remind you that I rent these movies for the kids I work with. So the suggestions based off of that? SECRETARY? WTF? A movie about S&M and a girl that cuts herself based off of Finding Nemo and Kung Fu Panda? Or maybe, "Wrist Cutters: A Love Story" Yup...exactly what I would expect kids who like cartoons would watch. I mean, why don't they just put Kung Fu Panda in with my violent military movies for crying out loud.

On the move

2009-04-30T19:32:00.003-05:00

OK, so after a few months of living the nomadic life I am prepared to settle down again. On May 15th me and September will be calling one of my old apartment complexes home. It was a great complex and it was in a great location. I'm obviously not putting where it is just in case there is a stalker out there, but if you know me you probably can narrow it down. We're both really excited and we can't wait!!

For all my peeps

2009-04-10T23:15:00.006-05:00

Here's my new haircut peeps. I know you've all been dying to see it.

OK, and an added bonus, me and my mom's dog (err...my half brother as she calls him) sniffing flowers together. Aren't we precious? I'm making the weird face because I thought he was going to lick me.
OK...and my sister sniffing the flowers too. This is just how holidays go at my house people (we celebrated Easter early since I am going to be at work).
I think the type of flower would be a nose-hat.

Bias

2009-04-09T20:58:00.002-05:00

I know that no one really reads the blog anymore, but I thought this was a cool website that I would share. You can test your minds unconscious bias' on race and gender. It is an implicit association test. Try it out.

Flying Solo

2009-04-04T09:45:00.002-06:00

OK, so me and Adam broke up as most of you probably know. So, I've been spending a lot of time chilling in Killeen. The other day I went shopping with my mom and the other night I made easter nests with my dad. You know, chocolate and coconut. It's not bad and the dog loves the yard. I have my own room and I got my wireless internet hooked up. And best news is - Killeen has better radio stations. Or maybe just more. They have all the Austin ones plus Pirate FM and The Eagle. They play random music - like Bob FM but better. Maybe I was just in a rut before. So, I'm trying to move on with my life - thanks for all of the support and encouragement :o)

A few of my new favorite things

2009-02-19T11:19:00.007-06:00

In this time that I have been slightly out of pocket I find that I have developed a few new favorites that I must rave about.

So, last month for "Present Day" as Katy calls it she took me and Jessica (another girl from work) out to get makeovers at MAC. They didn't use this on me, but it was one of the things I got. They advertised it as an eyeliner that wouldn't come off - wow! So I tried it and even on my roughest days I find it to be pretty much true. Sometimes I still get that under eye shadow - but I got that with everything - and at least now I can still see the eyeliner. Yay! I already have this in 2 colors and there are 2 more I'm wanting still...and it is only $15. Seems a lot for eyeliner, but the little gel tub will last FOR-EVER. OK, so please meet my new favorite eyeliner - MAC's Fluidline eyeliner gel.

And over the past week Adam and I did wine tours at about five wineries around Fredericksburg. We did Texas Wine Tours with Jim as our guide driving us around in the limo-style shuttle and telling us all of the do's and dont's of wine tastings. Anyhow...we sampled 25-30 wines and I definitely have a new favorite. In the sweet wine category I met Muscat Canelli. Who knew? My favorite of the day was from Becker Vineyards and was a wonderfully sweet, yet not too syrupy taste. They also had a wonderful viognier that they call Clementine that was a favorite. AND, I even found a few reds that I could do. One was from Texas Hills Vineyard called Kick Butt Cab and the other was the Pedernales Cellars Family Reserve. All in all, a very educational trip!

February begins...or keeps going

2009-02-13T09:25:00.007-06:00

Apparently my blog is now just for a monthly update. So, I took the next week off of work which will be good. Adam and I are going to Fredericksburg and doing this all day wine tour in a van limo thing and staying at a fancy little bed and breakfast that looks like a pueblo by Enchanted Rock. We are also going to try to teach ourselves to make truffles and get me an oil change. All very romanticle. Anyhow, so the new homelessness is interesting but it seems that every time I need something it is in some other location. The guy I work with at work is leaving in 2 weeks and I will have someone new. It is stressful but the new guy was already working there and he is great so it will probably be a quick transition time. What else...I am excited that summer is coming fast because that means I get to sleep more at work. I've actually lost about 7 pounds so I'm working on that whole losing weight resolution. My favorite new craft to do with the kids this month is making hearts made out of crayons. They can't get enough of that and I actually bogarted the pan and made a whole one to myself one night. Umm...besides that...I hope everyone has a lovely Valentines Day. And rest of the month. I feel like I haven't seen my friends in ages but I'm thinking about y'all.

How 2009 has been so far...

2009-01-08T13:44:00.005-06:00

So, long time no post. One of my resolutions this year is to keep in better touch with my friends. Easy to say, hard to achieve. I am working on it as hard as I can and hopefully you will hear from me more often. One hitch in the plan is that when my lease is up at the end of the month I will be putting all of my stuff in storage and staying with my dad for a while. I'll be nomadic, but will still work really hard to be in touch. In other news...I went to the doctor today for that rash that keeps popping up when I go to work. Doc says that she thinks it is scabies that I got from a kid. Eeew!!! And on top of that I have to tell everyone because it is really contagious. My boss is telling everyone in supervisors meeting today - talk about embarrassing. Tonight I am doing "the treatment" and then hopefully it will go away. Such is the plight of a houseparent I guess. I am now off to pack (by the way if you have spare boxes I would love some) and to make some brown sugar candy in an attempt to use up my baking supplies before moving.

Fa la la la la

2008-12-23T09:24:00.003-06:00

I feel so out of it this year. I'd like to start by partially blaming my work schedule. It doesn't make it easy to do much more than sleep and get things done that are absolutely necessary. I feel like I've been a horrible friend. I haven't gotten together with anyone. I haven't sent out cards. I barely even finished shopping. I have to go into work tonight and work over Christmas. Saturday I am going home to do a family Christmas and then it's back to work. The other day I just started crying because I'm so stressed out. One of our kids got to go home which is great but just reminds me of all of the kids that are gone. This is a tough job...it's like practice losing people over and over again. Anyhow, I look forward to spending some NYE time with my friends and then I appreciate everyone's help in not asking me to go out to eat bad foods because I have some serious weight to lose. I'm not just saying that...I've gained everything back I ever had which is depressing and I need to do something about it. Not that there's much I can do while at work, but at home I definitely can. In other news...Sara had baby Benjamin who is a healthy little dark haired blue eyed treasure. I can't wait to meet him!!

Time Flies

2008-12-12T11:32:00.003-06:00

I can't believe it is already almost Christmas!! Luckily, or unluckily, I am working on Christmas so I guess that gives me a few extra days to get gifts together. Unfortunately my schedule is crazy enough that I don't really have much time to figure out what to get for people. So, what have I been up to? Mostly work. Last night was Adam's company Christmas party and that was fun. Last week I made a vegetable pot pie and it was delicious. The recipe is from allrecipes.com and is super simple. Try it out!

Stop copying me Martha Stewart

2008-11-14T16:40:00.005-06:00

Many of you remember last year when I moved to my new apartment and used a seed pod type thing as a decoration.

Well, I was perusing Martha Stewart's website today and came across this:

Proof that not only is Martha out there using random seed pods for decorations, but that you are all in the presence of crafting genius!

Preparation for celebration - Part Ghost

2008-10-25T13:35:00.006-05:00

Here is an updated look at the vodka with cinnamon sticks and vanilla beans

Adam caringly carved a second pumpkin. I named her Edwina Pumpqueena.

She also looks pretty cute in the light. Look at that smile. I know it sounds crazy but she has a human-like kind of cuteness. It makes me smile.

And I decorated some little mini pumpkins into Frank-n-Friends
AND I made a tutu and wings for my costume.

Preparation for celebration - Part I

2008-10-18T13:19:00.005-05:00

This off-shift Adam and I dabbled in the art of Hallo-crafting. There are many more things I would like to make, but this is what we have so far:

A ghost house to adorn the top of Barbara and Zach's bar on Halloween. Directions from here.

A pumpkin infused vodka. The recipe is a combo from here and here. We haven't yet added the vanilla beans and cinnamon sticks but those are going in today.

Our pumpkin that Adam caringly carved. I think I am going to name him Don Pumpuardo.

How my days stay funny

2008-09-25T13:08:00.003-05:00

At work this week I had a girl on my on-call during lunch who is a little bit out of it. Meaning she talks to people that aren't there and so on. She kept asking for more and more food and since she hasn't eaten in months we let her have whatever. I gave her a banana and she picked up some ketchup that was on the table and squirted it all over her banana and began eating it. She realized some ketchup had fallen onto the table and she bent over and began licking the table. I had to keep from laughing long enough to stop her and tell her that the table was really dirty. That kid...hilarious.

Last weekend Adam took a video of Saffy being pissed at us after a bath. Check it out if you are up for some laughs.

Up to date

2008-09-18T12:19:00.003-05:00

I know I have been pretty delinquent on blogging. What have I been doing? Last weekend I went to Misty and Perry's wedding. It was beautiful and fun and Saffy got to go on doggie vacay. I've been working. It was one of my kids' birthday and we all dressed up. I wore a dress and heals to dinner - she loved that we all got dressed up. I also wore shorts underneath in case someone tried to act a fool. I also got my LPC-Intern license so I'm officially able to earn 3,000 hours to get my LPC license. I've been working at the Gap still. There are some cute new clothes for fall - and apparently as everyone says purple is in. So is teal. I love the teal. I've been thinking of Halloween costume ideas and something from the 80's or a tooth fairy are my top ideas so far. I just heard a commercial that said "You don't have to be a man to love manwich...you don't have to be a witch either..." ha!

All I want for Halloween is a Skel-o-mingo

2008-09-04T16:55:00.003-05:00

If you sang the title to "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth" then you are as super cool as me. Otherwise...just be prepared to be wowed by my find....the skel-o-mingo. If anyone has seen these puppies (or birdies) around town or would like to help me locate some, let me know because I would love to have some. They are quirky and fun and would make an excellent addition to my Halloween supplies.

Olympic ponderings

2008-08-22T11:44:00.009-05:00

I haven't gotten to watch much of the Olympics since I've been at work most of the time. And then sleeping the rest. However, today one of the sports I most wanted to see was on...basketball. I love to see who ends up on the team. I also wonder...do they HAVE to be NBA players? And how do they "try out" in basketball? I guess I could look that up, but I'd rather just ponder about it. Anyhow, what I was really thinking was how weird it must be to be playing with teams speaking another language. I mean...that must cut the trash talking to a minimum right? And it must be seriously hard to get any cues or figure out what the other team is calling. You can't apologize if you know someone down and you can't tell someone to stop it if they're messing with you. Not that they would, but I'm just saying... And, I was also thinking about how un-young Lebron James looks (photo at left). He's only 23, yet he has tattoos everywhere and looks totally mean at times. And upon more research I found out that he has two kids. I'm sure he's very responsible and all that, and he stayed with his high school sweetheart apparently which is cute, but still...he's only 23. Anyhow, I also saw a clip of the USA basketball team cheering on Michael Phelps in his 8th gold medal swim and that was really cute. And then some other pictures of the USA basketball team that are really cute. I liked that the USA team seems to be pretty good sports this year. Now I must get on with my day.

Vote!

2008-08-01T10:44:00.010-05:00

My wonderful momma sent me money for an early birthday present specifically to get these tennis shoes that I love. Now I am having a hard time making a final decision on color. Let me know what you think - black or brown?

Put the F in Fun!

2008-07-31T16:34:00.003-05:00

My last shift was crazy. Not as bad as some, but still high on the crazy scale. So as part of my unwinding last night Adam, September and I went to Specs for Wine Wednesday. It was crazy crowded. They said that it was a new record. There were some drunk jerks who kept trying to cut everyone. It seems that not everyone picked up on the etiquette of waiting in line for a group to go and then circling around with another group. Jerks or no jerks, it was a ton of fun. I tasted a lot of wines and found some ones that I really liked. The people working there were really helpful and nice.There were also lots of foods to try. Afterwards we went to eat at Carraba's. It was a really fun night and a good way to spend a Wednesday. Everyone should come next time if they can!

I heart this shoe

2008-07-18T17:06:00.004-05:00

I keep stalking the aisles of DSW, Shoe Pavilion and other such shoe stores hoping to find a black low-top shoe that I can run in. Actually one that I can chase kids in. There are a few Sketcher options that I like, but I need to figure out if they would look ok with shorts and capri's. Next, I keep running into this pair of New Balance running shoes. I looove them, but they are like $70 and I have no idea if I loooove them that much. But either way, I heart them. They are pretty and sleek, yet functional. There are a few color options and I lean towards black because I have brown shoes for work. There is a shade of raspberry though that is also super pretty. And in other notes, I have the Justice song DANCE stuck in my head.

Sometimes I rhyme slow

2008-07-18T15:01:00.002-05:00

Sorry for the delay in any update. I don't have anything important to say, but I wanted you all to know that I'm still alive. There isn't much going on with me except work and more work and then trying to pay off stupid student loans. OK, maybe they aren't stupid, but I made more money before I had a Masters so you do the math. I'm hoping to see Beauty and the Beast in the park this weekend and go swimming. It would be nicer if it were with friends, but I guess I at least get to do that sort of stuff at my job. It gets to me that everyone has such weird work schedules and it is so difficult to plan things. If anyone wants to go tubing next Thursday let me know - I'd love to get some more in this summer. Next Wednesday I will also be at Blues on the Green if anyone wants to join up. That's all I have for now. Now I need to go to the post office and mail a student loan that is late. sigh....

Specs-tacular

2008-06-26T16:32:00.002-05:00

Yesterday Adam and I were out and about and happened upon a spectacular event. Wine Wednesday. Apparently on the last Wednesday of every month Specs has a wine event. For $10 you get a wine glass, sample about 20 wines, and get samples of tastey foods. It starts at 5:30 but the guy who rang us up said to show up at 6:15 to avoid a big pack of wine-o's. I said wine-o, he just said to avoid the pack. We are planning on going to the next one, so clear your calendars for the end of July and plan on going with us!

Adding to the resume...

2008-06-20T10:19:00.002-05:00

I've been thinking of the new job skills I have now. First of all, I've dealt more with the police in the last few months than I have the rest of my life. Second, I can make a sandwich with a spoon which I've never even tried before. I spend half my time figuring out what could become sharp if broken and the other half trying to figure out what song lyrics are appropriate. OK, maybe that isn't all I do, but those are what I'm learning to do with the back half of my brain while the conscious half deals with more pressing issues.

I'm still trying to figure out how, in my off shift, to maximize both my time sleeping and time spent with friends and family. It is a tough balance. Hopefully I'll figure that out soon.

Random fact #1028

2008-06-13T13:04:00.003-05:00

I stir my coffee with a drink stirrer. Like a mixed drink stirrer. I realize most people don't do this, but who said it had to just stir alcoholic drinks? My stirrer is multi-use and appreciates its far reaching abilities.

In other news...I can't wait until it is October again.

Sound effects man

2008-06-07T12:41:00.001-05:00

When me and Adam walk the dog he sometimes makes sound effects for her when she's pooing. I admit that is gross but it cracks me up.

Crafty

2008-06-05T17:17:00.002-05:00

Maybe it isn't the epitome of craftiness, but I love this website. You can color online. Yes, it takes a lot of the meaning out of coloring, but it is really cool to be able to change colors around and see what different combinations look like together. To color online you can go to this website. Another thing I'm liking is the animal mandala coloring sheets found here. So go forth and color!

NOLA the Anniversary Edition

2008-05-25T10:34:00.008-05:00

Adam and I got back from New Orleans last night. It was awesomely fun. When we got there Wednesday night we just wandered around and had some drinks. Adam was tipsy and decided we were eating at the Acme Oyster House. The picture is him with a raw oyster. Ick! The next morning we didn't feel super well but we went to lunch at Commander's Palace. Unfortunately it rained the rest of Thursday and although we tried to wander about in it for a while we ended up just chilling at the hotel most of the time. Friday we made up for it by wandering all over. We went to the Faubourg Marigny area, the French Market (which the new building is almost all the way done), rode the trolley, and went to the Aquarium. Adam was entertained by an otter playing with a cup and swore that a sea horse was posing for him. We also pet some sting rays. That night we went to Irene's for dinner (pictured right) which had the best cheesecake I've ever had. After that we headed over to the Hotel Monteleone's Carousel Bar (pictured left) where I had a French 75 and we drank and spun around (slowly) and made friends with the people next to us. I happened to spot the Broom Man on Bourbon street drinking beer on a corner. I hadn't seen him working at the Gazebo Cafe that trip though. Saturday on the way home we stopped off at Oak Alley. I got us lost on the back roads trying to get back to I10 and probably added almost an hour to the drive. Oops. I also got some ear bling as my anniversary gift from Adam. Among the gifts I got him was an electric garlic roaster so expect to have lots of roasted garlic when you hang out with us. Now I go back to work and work off some of those pounds I gained!!

My work week is DONE

2008-05-14T14:16:00.002-05:00

So...I finally did my first restraint this shift. Luckily it was one of my kids and she was easy. All of my kids decided to do crazy stuff this shift and I'm super tired. I think I'm slowly getting the hang of it. I burnt two bags of popcorn last night trying to make snack. I think everyone was ready to let me just chill at that point. I let a kid dry erase marker my face as a reward and then had to go to another cottage like that to check in with a kid that we had over there. Interesting stuff. And dry erase marker washes right off by the way so if you ever want to try it - feel free. That's enough work talk. In other news...only ONE WEEK until my man candy takes me to NOLA!!! We have reservations for Commanders Palace and are planning on Irenes, maybe NOLA and a swamp tour and a plantation tour. I can't wait!!! I'd be more annoyingly ecstatic but I'm too tired!

Jingle Bells

2008-05-08T14:25:00.004-05:00

You might be surprised to find that my most effective coping strategy this past week for the kids was singing Christmas carols. We were in the middle of a safety - which is basically when someone isn't being safe. The "unsafe" kids were outside and the door was locked, but they like to bang on the doors, windows, etc. etc. When the banging started I saw the frustration on the kids faces who were inside and said "anyone like Christmas carols?" So we started singing and it was a lot of fun. Probably pissed off the kids outside, but we enjoyed it and it helped calm them down and get them ready for bed. It didn't help that we were locked out of the fridge, but it is much easier to tell a calm kid than an agitated kid that they might not be getting milk with their HEB Buddies. When dealing with a crazy situation you just have to bring in a little bit more crazy to stay sane.

Leave a message...

2008-05-04T13:11:00.001-05:00

The other day I called Adam and left him this voicemail "When we're married can you sleep on the couch sometimes so that Saffy can sleep at the top of the bed next to me?"

Busy Bee

2008-05-01T15:01:00.004-05:00

I made it through my training shift this past week. Granted the leaving houseparent was there so she was in charge and I can't take credit for the fine behavior this weekend. This next weekend I am on my own, with my kick-ass YCC that is, so it's up to us to keep the good going. I really enjoyed it and I only felt nervous around a kid once and it wasn't even one of my own kids. This coming weekend I get to take a few of the kids on a bat cruise so I'm pumped about that.

This coming weekend is ALSO Sarah's wedding, which I can't believe is here, but I'm totally pumped about. I feel like I've been in a bubble the past 5 days and I'm super excited to see my friends! It really makes me appreciate being on the outside when I know I'm going back in for 4 nights and 5 days afterwards. If you find that I'm more difficult to communicate with just know that it is because I'm at work and not because I don't heart you.

Rolling with my homies

2008-04-22T10:23:00.002-05:00

I just did my van training. After cruising around in the area I'm allowed to take the kids out on my own. It actually isn't as bad as it looks. I'm still a little slow, but I'm ready to kick it in the 15-passenger.

J-O-B

2008-04-14T19:52:00.002-05:00

As many of you may know I have accepted a new position. My last day at ACS will be April 25th and after that I will begin the life of a therapeutic house parent at a residential treatment center for girls. The set-up is a cottage with about 9 girls that I'll live at for most of the week. My dog can live there too or she'll stay with Adam. I'm excited and nervous all at the same time, but the benefits and learning opportunity are great. Another plus is that I hear that I'll lose a lot of weight because I'll be so busy. Yay. I stopped by to visit the other day and the girls were hanging out outside and they had baked brownies for the staff and were painting nails. I had my nails painted red by a talented young lady. When I was leaving they were off to get sno cones. It sounds like something I wouldn't mind getting paid for.

I see you found your eyebrows

2008-04-11T17:07:00.005-05:00

A few weeks ago I was shopping with Barbara at Ulta and I found this cute little tool called an eyebrow razor. It says that the "Tinkle Eyebrow Razor removes the fine hairs of the eyebrow, neck and face as well as unnecessary hairs elsewhere." I don't know why I bought it knowing my obsession with cutting hair. The directions sounded simple.

Directions:
First, remove the safety cap from the razor.
Glide the razor softly downward. Don't press too hard.
For more effective use, apply the shaving cream before shaving.
After use, be sure to put the safety cap on the razor and keep it out of reach of children.

I asked the man at the register if he thought I could shave off my whole eyebrow with it and he said no because the blade was too small. I felt comfortable with that so I took it home and began trimming my eyebrows. If you have seen me in the last few weeks then you know that the man underestimated how obsessive I am about getting every little thing and that I almost completely removed my eyebrow. I put make-up on the next morning and Adam said "I see you found your eyebrows."

where oh where has stephie been?

2008-04-09T08:27:00.002-05:00

First, last week I took the NCE, which happens to be the big bad National Counselor Examination. If you pass it you can apply for a temporary license after taking another test and paying $98. I'm on my way because I PASSED!!! When I got back to work on Wednesday my co-workers had all written me congratulations notes and decorated my desk. Unfortunately half of it got ripped down by Facility Operations because streamers are apparently a fire hazard. Only on your desk - they're ok in your trash can. I now have a party in my drawer. Don't tell anyone. They might take that away too. After that I got prepared for one other venture before hunkering down with last minute tasks for a bachelorette party (not Sarah's in case anyone asks). After loading my car for an hour and making last minute trips to Spec's and the bank to get cash for the stripper (Strippper?!) I was on my way down south. We had cheesy porn to make fun of, a home-made spa day, Passion Party, and the stripper who was cliche enough to make us all laugh. Since then I've worked two Gap stock shifts because we got in all new stuff. Some of which is pretty darn cute and any of you UT fans would be happy to know that we have t-shirts and cardigans that appear to be somewhat of a burnt orange. We have many other colors too though. So there is the breakdown of why I've been MIA. Now I'm off to wake up my cheeto who is making me biscuits and hash browns for breakfast. And he brought me flowers last night too.

Contenders

2008-03-29T09:55:00.005-06:00

I took this quiz just for fun - not to seriously decide who to vote for. Obviously it looks like I'll end up voting for whatever Democrat is running for president (but I already knew that). Here are my rankings of agreement on issues:

91% John Edwards
90% Barack Obama
88% Hillary Clinton
84% Bill Richardson
82% Chris Dodd
76% Joe Biden
73% Mike Gravel
64% Dennis Kucinich
48% Rudy Giuliani
43% John McCain
40% Tom Tancredo
39% Mike Huckabee
36% Mitt Romney
25% Fred Thompson
13% Ron Paul

2008 Presidential Candidate Matching Quiz

I also took this quiz and it says that I'm pretty equal on the amount of things I agree or disagree with for Obama and Clinton, and although it's the same amount it is different things for each one.

Happy Birthday Saffy!

2008-03-24T15:30:00.001-06:00

In addition to yesterday being Easter it was a special little lady's birthday. Saffy turned 4 so she is our age in dog years. To celebrate I baked her a cake in cupcake format so I could share with her friends. The recipe is below, and since it is all stuff I would eat I tasted it and it wasn't bad. I didn't make any frosting like they suggest. She seems to like them so if you want to make your own doggie cupcakes here's an easy recipe.

Peanut Butter Carrot Cake

1 cup flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup shredded carrots
1 tsp. vanilla
1/3 cup honey
1 egg

Mix flour and baking soda. Add remaining ingredients. Pour into greased 8" round cake pan and bake at 350° for 30 minutes. Let cool. Puree cottage cheese in blender for icing. Decorate with more peanut butter and carrots.

Happy Easter

2008-03-23T08:21:00.002-06:00

The people that believe God is everything around us....plants, animals, air, etc...what do they think they are eating? Are they eating God? Or is that different? Or am I making up a religion?

If I had a bug like that I would make a coat out of him

2008-03-17T18:08:00.003-06:00

This story makes me think of this post from Barbara's blog. Yesterday Adam and I were taking the Saffster on a walk and just off of Spicewood Springs Adam did a little bounce type thing onto the sidewalk by the drainage slot in the curb. I thought maybe he tripped, but then he pointed at something on the curb. Something the size of my hand and hairy. With legs the size of my fingers. The thing was a freakin' tarantula!! Right on the curb. Just sitting there!! I wonder if it was wild or maybe an escapee pet. I wonder what it eats and if might ever wander as far as my apartment. I wonder where all it can come out of when it goes back down into the sewer drainage on the side of the road. Are tarantulas wild in this part of Texas? Surely not...surely...

Things I love right now...

2008-03-16T13:01:00.004-06:00

I found some new stuff that I'm really liking right now. I thought I'd share my finds.

I bought Bare Minerals and after the first few days of using it I think I might stick with it.
CoverGirl's Lash Blast mascara is the best I've tried lately.

OPI's new "India" color collection is what I'm loving to see on my toes.

Now I'm on to finding some sort of product to make my hair less dry and icky at the ends...

An oldie but a goodie

2008-03-12T18:52:00.003-06:00

Last night I baked some good ol' chocolate chip cookies for a co-worker's birthday. I used this recipe from allrecipes.com. It was easy enough to make, but the cookies seemed more cake-like than I usually enjoy in a cookie. Everyone at work said they were great, but I don't think they are my favorite cookie.

INGREDIENTS
1 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1 (3.5 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

DIRECTIONS
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
In a mixing bowl, cream butter and sugars. Add pudding mix, eggs and vanilla. Combine flour and baking soda; add to creamed mixture and mix well. Fold in chocolate chips.
Drop by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until lightly browned.

Get in my belly..

2008-02-27T21:20:00.003-06:00

A couple more vegetarian restaurants I want to try now. This place has a veggie hero that sounds pretty amazing Rio Rita and I'm interested in Bouldin Creek Coffee House for the all day breakfast which sounds normal but pretty good. Maybe I'm just hungry right now. And in case you've never gone to Mother's Cafe or Veggie Heaven those are both pretty good veggie food that I'd rather be eating right now than sitting at work thinking about.

7

2008-02-20T21:08:00.004-06:00

Rachel tagged me, so here are 7 things that you may not know about me.

1. My new neighbors live here. The cemetary entrance is through the parking lot near my building. This actually makes me like my apartment complex more to have a cemetary nestled in here.

2. I’m taking the LPC licensing exam on April 1st.

3. My biggest fears are failure and smelling bad. Both of which I do often.

4. My boy name would have been Carl.

5. I was in OCP (On Campus Placement) once for 3 days in high school – a sort of all day detention program.

6. I made it onto the cheerleading squad in high school because I was the first alternate and someone decided to not be on the team.

7. I call my boyfriend things like “my cheeto” “snuggleufagus” and “love button.” He calls me “weird”…with love of course.

Valentines day in photos

2008-02-16T14:21:00.007-06:00

On Valentines Day I got home from work around 10:30. Here's our pretty dinner table. If you make the picture big you can see the cards and they're pretty funny.

Adam made me tofu and broccoli - one of my favorites!

He got me this beautiful heart necklace (with help from a personal shopping assistant)

Dessert was champagne and cake.

Here's my artistic photo of champagne and flowers.

Are you what you eat?

2008-02-14T19:56:00.003-06:00

Which dessert would you choose?

Angel food
Brownies
Lemon meringue pie
Vanilla cake with chocolate icing
Strawberry short cake
Chocolate cake with chocolate icing
Ice cream
Carrot cake

And does your personality match the description? I'm a brownie.

Angel food: Sweet, loving, cuddly. You love all warm and fuzzy items. A little nutty at times. Sometimes you need an ice cream cone at the end of the day. Others perceive you as being childlike and immature at times.

Brownies: You are adventurous, love new ideas, are a champion of underdogs and a slayer of dragons. When tempers flare up, you whip out your saber. You are always the oddball with a unique sense of humor and direction. You tend to be very loyal.

Lemon meringue pie: Smooth, sexy, and articulate with your hands, you are an excellent after-dinner speaker and a good teacher. But don't try to walk and chew gum at the same time. A bit of a diva at times, but you have many friends.

Vanilla cake with chocolate icing: Fun-loving, sassy, humorous. Not very grounded in life; very indecisive and lack motivation. Everyone enjoys being around you, but you are a practical joker. Others should be cautious in making you mad. However, you are a friend for life.

Strawberry short cake: Romantic, warm, loving. You care about other people and can be counted on in a pinch. You tend to melt. You can be overly emotional and annoying at times.

Chocolate cake with chocolate icing: Sexy, always ready to give and receive. Very creative, adventurous, ambitious, and passionate. You have a cold exterior but are warm on the inside. Not afraid to take chances. Will not settle for anything average in life. Love to laugh.

Ice cream: You like sports, whether it be baseball, football, basketball, or soccer. If you could, you would like to participate, but you enjoy watching sports. You don't like to give up the remote control. You tend to be self-centered and high maintenance.

Carrot cake: You are a fun loving person, who likes to laugh. You are fun to be with. People like to hang out with you. You are a very warm-hearted person and a little quirky at times. You have many loyal friends.

The Experts say....

2008-02-09T22:25:00.000-06:00

My boyfriend somehow found the website Video Jug. It gives you life tips via online video. I have to say that I think the one below is pretty much right on. There's all kinds of topics from dating, confidence, home improvement to style, cooking and make-up. Check it out, you'll be entertained by something.

How To Be The Perfect Boyfriend

Lucky...

2008-02-08T13:45:00.000-06:00

The other day I started thinking about all the incredibly stupid things that kids do. Then I started thinking about all of the incredibly stupid things I've done in my life...mostly as a "kid." I thought I would share with everyone the reasons that I'm lucky to be alive still at age 28.

1. At some point in middle school I was swinging at the park with my friend Shawnette and she decided to wave down some army guys that were driving by. We decided it would be smart to get out of there, but were too slow because they went around the block and came back. They started to get out of the car (without parking, just in the middle of the street) which is the point that we decided to run the rest of the way back to my house. Luckily we lost them at the corner.

2. In high school I was at the lake with my friend Shawnette (notice a pattern forming?). We were laying out on the beach when some army guys pulled up in their boat and asked if we wanted a ride. Without hesitation we said YES! and jumped on, leaving all of our belongings on the beach for the rest of the afternoon.

3. In college I went to South Padre the weekend after spring break with my friend Shawnette. We stayed in a hotel close enough to the border to walk from it to the other side. We were driving somewhere, got lost and turned into a car wash to turn around. We saw some guys washing their car there and asked them how to get where we were going, and then asked them where to go out at night in Mexico. The guy offered to take us out that night, and we said yes which meant that we ended up driving into Mexico with some random guy that night.

This is only the beginning of the list, but all I have to say is...lucky I'm not dead, eh?

Tummy says growl

2008-01-14T21:27:00.000-06:00

It used to be that finding veg friendly food was difficult, but now more and more is available for those of us who remain meat-free. I found this website called Cooking Light that helps you plan menus, and it has a special option for vegetarians. It also has other fun things like work-outs and wine stuff, and then meat for all you meateterians. And you can get 2 free trial subscriptions too! At work we have some magazines laying around for down time and while reading through Eat & Drink Austin I found a few veg-friendly places I'd like to try. One place is a cajun cafe called Evangeline Cafe that has some fun meat-free options I'd like to try like an avocado po-boy or veggie gumbo. I love Louisiana but I've never had gumbo! And, last but not least is Dog Almighty, a hot dog stand type restaurant that makes everything on the menu in vegetarian options including frito pie, corn dogs, and hot dogs. I love to have options! Maybe tomorrow I'll post about all of the fun brunch places I read about!

If I'm here, leave a message....

2008-01-06T09:28:00.000-06:00

Last night at about 5 minutes till 11 my phone rang and my caller id told me that it was Barbara. I answered it, and heard a lot of noise in the background and no Barbara. I thought maybe it was a mistake dial, until I heard her start talking. She was leaving a message. For me. On my phone. Except not on my voicemail, because I had actually answered remember. From what I could hear her message went something like this "I love you! If you're downtown send me a text message and if not...I love you!!! Ok, bye-bye" So, since I wasn't downtown I didn't send a text message, but I love you too Barbara and thanks for making me laugh :o)

Do GOOD

2007-12-20T23:56:00.001-06:00

Today on Austin Tidbits' email this nifty cool piece of info was provided:

Looking for an easy way to make a big difference this holiday season? Post a food review of a recently tried dish at a restaurant on www.dishola.com between now and Tuesday, January 15. For every review posted, the do-gooders at Dishola will ensure that a dish of food is delivered to a needy individual. Do good, eat well!

I plan to do as many as possible - I need to put all of my eating to good use somehow! Please spread the word!

Resolution

2007-12-19T21:46:00.000-06:00

I have an idea for a great way to start off the new year for all of us non-smokers. Our resolution should be to quit smoking! Sound crazy? Yes. But, how good would it feel to call the ACS Quitline and sign up for the counseling service and then when you call the first time you get to tell the counselor, "well, I already quit actually" and they congratulate you, and encourage you to find ways to stay quit, full knowing they think you might slip sometime in the next week. The next time they call you, when you're still quit, then they really think you're doing a great job. I think it would be great to have support and congratulations on some of the good things we're already doing. My next resolution will be to finish grad school. CONGRATULATIONS! I've already done that too!!! Having two big things knocked off my list will make the other things that I'll potentially not finish seem like just one small thing uncompleted. This new year is already seeming easier just thinking about all of the resolutions I've finished early! You've got to look at the donut, not the hole!

Learning

2007-12-11T21:30:00.000-06:00

I started my job this week. I sort of want to bang my head into the desk. One high point was this afternoon when the HR lady was giving my "class" the schpeel on sexual harassment and while discussing dating in the workplace she said "get it where you can." Ha. I miss my internship style job already where I made my own schedule and didn't get a tardy if I was late. That's their word, not mine. There's no parking (ok, there's parking but there are also hundreds of employees) so if you leave for lunch it takes 5+ minutes to find a spot somewhere. It might be easier if we got to pick our own lunch time to avoid the peak times, but that is apparently never an option. It doesn't make sense to me, but I guess I'm new and don't see the big picture yet. Sigh...so now I'm going to bed so I can get up and do it all over again. Don't get me wrong - I appreciate having a job. I'm just not used to this being chained to a desk stuff.

How do you feel about that?

2007-12-04T11:44:00.001-06:00

I pictured the end of grad school being me working like a mad lady until the very last second. There I go proving my self wrong again. I finished my last paper yesterday afternoon. Early evening I guess. I have my last class ever tonight. Ever. That is so scary. I don't really want to say good-bye to some of these people who I have just started to get to know. When I think about graduation I think about how proud I am, and how scared I am, and when I'm thinking I am almost always on the verge of tears. Although, in our good-bye for last nights class, I find that when talking about grad school words block my emotions. Maybe it's a defense. Maybe it's because I've ended up in a good place and have dealt with a lot that came up. Maybe it's because my last kick into the world was only 5 years ago so I remember what it's like. I have my last supervision today so I baked some stuff for my supervisor, got her a book, and after I take a shower will go get her a thank you card. The rest of the week will be spent terminating with clients and closing or passing on files. I want to write more but all I'm really doing is staring off into space a feeling, and I can't put much word into that.

Just keep talking...

2007-11-29T12:36:00.000-06:00

Today at the grocery store in the check-out line the checker man says "is all this stuff for just YOU?" When I said yes he said "Are you trying to quit smoking?" and then I gave him a confused look and he said "OH, well at least it will last a while..." Umm...right. I didn't have THAT much - just a lot of veggies and fruit and drinks...geez.

The Hours...

2007-11-24T10:51:00.000-06:00

Last night I did a counseling session and completed the last line in my log. I tallied up the hours so that I could leave it for my supervisor to sign. After adding my first and second practicum sites together I had the pleasing feeling of knowing that all of my hours were done. I have spent 51 hours with couples and families, 130 hours counseling individuals and 399.75 hours doing administrative work and trainings. I have spent 580.75 hours learning how to do this "job" is what that means. It sounds like a lot (to me, because they were hard hours to get - hours I spent up there during holidays, when sick, missing favorite tv shows, and instead of spending time with friends and family), but in a full-time capacity that would only be about three and a half months. Although, if you think about the fact that I've had two internships, a full course load and a part-time job, it all seems so much more spectacular to me. I have spent 130 hours listening to people. Who else has a clock of the time they have spent listening to and helping people for the last year of their life? I have to admit that it is pretty cool to know that. 130 times I have sat with someone in a room and we have struggled, failed, and seceded together. I have spent 51 hours helping siblings and couples to see each other more clearly. 23.5 of those hours were spent with the grieving. One part time work-week sounds so insignificant, but I know it wasn't for them, or for me. I'm going to miss my clients and my internship, and that is how I am certain that my caring is genuine.

I've come to realize...

2007-11-20T13:21:00.000-06:00

Barbara tagged me and I tag Danielle and Misty...

What I've come to realize:

1. I've come to realize that my butt:
widens as I age

2. I've come to realize that I talk :
in different ways with different people

3. I've come to realize that, I love:
to learn

4. I've come to realize that, I have:
to learn to adjust to change better

5. I've come to realize that, I lost:
a lot of stuff when my parents divorced

6. I've come to realize that, I hate it when:
I have patience for the people I know the least and am the hardest on the people I love the most

8. I've come to realize that, Marriage:
is both a dance and a battle and that people should spend as long preparing for their marriage as they do for their weddings. I may not be married, but there's a reason I'm about to be a licenced marriage and family therapist.

9. I've come to realize that, I am no longer embarrassed to admit:
I fart in my sleep

10. I've come to realize that, I'll always be:
a goody-two shoes

11. I've come to realize that, I have a crush on:
umm...no one except my boyfriend right now

12. I've come to realize that, the last time I cried was:
oddly not when I was upset about something, but because of a commercial

13. I've come to realize that, my cell phone is:
something that I both get excited about and cringe at when it rings

14. I've come to realize that, when I wake up in the morning:
I just want to sleep for about 5 more hours

15. I've come to realize that, before I go to sleep at night I:
do the exact same routine: wash face, brush teeth, pee, lotion my hands, put the dog on the bed, pass out

16. I've come to realize that, right now I am thinking about:
writing a paper, blow drying my hair, and where my life is going

17. I've come to realize that, babies are:
taking away my drinking buddies

18. I've come to realize that, when I get on Myspace:
I often feel old

19. I've come to realize that, today I will:
not write my paper again

20. I've come to realize that, tonight I will:
counsel a couple, then pack to go home for Thanksgiving

21. I've come to realize that, tomorrow I will:
go to radiation with my mom, make egg nog, do dinner with my dad

22. I've come to realize that, I really want to:
know the future

23. I've come to realize that, the person who is most likely to repost this:
Danielle

Freshly Fall

2007-11-18T21:22:00.002-06:00

The other day my sweet sweet boyfriend brought me some fun fall flowers to brighten up my day. Here they are....

Newslings

2007-11-16T10:33:00.000-06:00

I've been fighting trying to decide what to write on here for the past day. Should I tell the story about wearing a bandanna in a counseling session that cracks me up, or should I announce that I got a job? Obviously one of those is more exciting to tell, but I'm feeling...underwhelmed by it. I don't know if I'm burnt out, or maybe just am not sure about the job and what I'll be doing, or if really...I don't know. I just don't want to go through everything changing again. So, I guess I'll tell both.

The other day I was sitting in a counseling session and I felt something around on my neck. I touched it and suddenly wasn't sure what I was wearing...did I have on a turtleneck? Surely not, since it was in the 80's that day. I tugged at it and off come a teddy bear bandanna that I had put on the hour before in play therapy. My clients busted out laughing at my look of horror. I asked "HOW have you taken me seriously for the last hour with this on?!" And maybe to my horror, the lady answered "I don't know, it sort of matched so I thought maybe...." So now I'm the kind of person that might seriously wear a teddy bear bandanna with black pants and a red top. No, really...you never know.

And, just to make the official announcement...I accepted a job today. One down side though is that I still won't have a normal schedule, I may have to work a weekend day, and I hear it is really hard to get days off there. On a happier note, I also have already found my LPC/LMFT supervisor for after graduation. There are only about 10 of them (that supervise for both licenses) in Austin and one of them is now mine. That basically means instead of paying two separate supervisors $75 a week, I just pay one saying an average of $300 a month. Even if it was contributing to other procrastination, my early searchings have served me well. NOW I just need to study for and take two licensing exams and a jurisprudence exam. And write two final papers.

Coming out of retirement

2007-11-11T15:57:00.000-06:00

Today I spent a long time trying to decide on some graduation decorations to order. I insisted that we have these graduate cardboard cutouts that had a spot for my picture as the face. I wasn't all that excited by the other stuff on the website though so while browsing around I found my new favorite website to order decorations and stuff from. It is called Century Novelty and I have to admit that I got way more decorations than I needed so my graduation is going to be all fancied up. The one thing I didn't get was the cardboard cutout but I guess I'll be ok with it since I got so much other stuff. They have every holiday, and I admit that I did get 20 Halloween creepy monster fingers for $1.00. Awesome right? They also have really cute New Years Eve sets, along with all kinds of other holidays and events to choose from. While looking for graduation stuff I found a bunch of other fun little things that make me smile like this personalized mug (you all know I have a cupboard FULL of mugs - a little more than 40 actually. I don't know the obsession, but it's there). I also found a picture frame and tassel holder that I can't decide between being cheesy or cute. I am WAY more into graduation the third time around so please don't mind my obsession. I am totally excited to finally have time to read the millions of books I've been collecting, and time to maybe find a craft or hobby since it seems that making stuff runs in the family. It's not as exciting as people who are planning weddings and whatnot, but we'll consider it to be my coming out of retirement and THAT is a big deal ;o)

Scattered paddler

2007-11-06T10:48:00.001-06:00

I never updated from Halloween like I said, and I don't have a lot to say about Homecoming. It was fun and wonderful to see everyone, but I was totally exhausted the whole time. I feel like in my final stretch of school I'll be lucky if I can make it. OK, not lucky, but I always have something due and I've started looking and applying for jobs and I just feel scattered. Scattered is the way my head feels right now. I do one thing and it makes me think of another thing I need to do, and then the path just unfolds and I get lost in it. I need a personal assistant. A free one. So I'm over here following the path and paddling like a maniac. It's funny to be working so hard to get to the end because I know there's an end to this path, but then it just disappears. I'm a visual thinker so in my head I'm running down a path that will just disappear and then what do I do after graduation? If anyone has ideas, contacts, knows about jobs - I'd greatly appreciate your help so I don't just fall off.

Halloweenie

2007-10-28T21:59:00.001-06:00

The Halloween party was a blast - thanks to everyone that came, contributed, helped me through it or put up with me being crazy. Only 360-something days until the next one depending on what day it is. More of an update later, because I have to say something about the stripper, shot block, drama-filled night.

I want off the merry-go-round

2007-10-26T11:06:00.000-05:00

Today I had the realization that there isn't much I actually have control over right now. I mean, I try as much as I can, but things like clients not showing up may possibly cause me to not having enough family hours to graduate. I try to not stress about it because I can't control it, but I feel like I need some plan or map. Last semester I was 70 hours under what I was supposed to be, and the professor was nice enough to give me a month to make that all up, but this time...this time I'm graduating! I'm so scared about not making my hours, losing my 4.0, not getting a job, memorizing an encyclopedia to pass this test.... I feel like a lot of it is out of my control. It's a weird feeling because I just want to sleep, but I force myself to stay awake and keep on working. I think I'm afraid to stop because if I do I may never get myself moving again. I feel like there's never enough time for anything because it just flies by. I feel like the later it gets in the day the harder it is for me to breath. I feel deadlines looming and I just can't force myself to budge. I feel like I'm on this merry-go-round that just keeps speeding up and I'm screaming because I can't get off!

kick it

2007-10-23T22:33:00.000-05:00

I kick paper butt. My sickness may have kept me home from class, but it didn't keep me from writing 7 pages of critical analysis in 2 hours. Go me. I rocked it today. Now, if only I could rock it into finding a second costume for a kid Halloween party that I am going to tomorrow afternoon....uhh...yikes.

Holy SH*T!

2007-10-22T16:21:00.000-05:00

Pardon my French, but I just realized I have a book report due next weekend and an already full weekend and this week will be taken up by writing a paper for a Thursday class. I'm losing some sanity and when I'm overwhelmed I just want to sit here and stare at the wall. Today I made 30 bats out of construction paper for party decorations and did some other miscellaneous stuff that I had to do (besides work at the Gap) and now I am just starting to freak out. I'm sick (for real) and tired (for real) and my to-do list is seeming impossible. I'm just going to need some help and have to put a few things off and I think i can do that as soon as I figure out what....sigh... Sorry that I'm just complaining on my blog all the time, but it's a good outlet when I realize how screwed I am. I can do this...focus...breath....RUN!

The counselor is...confused

2007-10-16T11:42:00.000-05:00

I was googling all kinds of things because I was trying to think of a word. The word I was trying to think of was placebo, but somehow in my searchings I came across a blog called DumpYourWife Now.com. I might equate it to a woman-hating blog. I guess any person can write a blog about what makes them miserable, but....wow... I would probably say that this guy (and the men on there) should think about the women they are choosing to spend their lives with, and how they have interpreted what a good mate would be so poorly before they blast all women, since you are in control of your feelings and your wife can't MAKE you miserable. Why not make yourself happy rather than spend all your time blaming some relationship gone wrong for all your woes? Hurt is under anger and this dude must have some serious pain he isn't dealing with. I mean, does this guy even WANT to date? Because if I started dating a guy and found out this was his blog I would be afraid and appalled. I am all for assertiveness and expressing yourself and doing what makes you happy, but in my brief read some of the things the guys were saying just scare me - they sort of make wives sound like property. They make all women sound derragned and evil, and I'm sure some women do the stuff he mentions, but it's more like he's promoting the continuation of ingorance, non-communication and self-centeredness in relationships than collaboration and growth. He doesn't seem to understand that women are human, not perfect, and can't read men's minds (yeah, the same way men can't read ours). I don't get what this guy wants, but he sounds really bitter and scary. This blog is sort of all about promoting what is wrong in relationships (not communicating, no empathy, no understanding) rather than something to actually help someone in a relationship. I could go on and on, but I really just wanted to share my confusion.

On another, lighter note, I just realized that I've been drinking my milk that expired September 24th. Gross? Maybe....I didn't notice it though so who knows.

This is Halloween

2007-10-15T09:41:00.001-05:00

Arrrgh matey...Captain Bones and his little friend Pumpkin Head Smurf have come to warn ye of the Curse. This curse is one placed on people who don't be payin' proper respect to the holiday of halloween. If ye don't be celebratin' right you will be cursed with bad luck and bad dreams and an eternity in Davey Bones' locker. Pumpkin Smurf used to be a normal smurf until he was accused of not celebrating properly and was set to forever find others to suffer his fate with him. Fear the curse and celebrate accordingly or Captain Bones and Pumpkin Smurf will find you....

Important...

2007-10-10T21:20:00.000-05:00

I just looked at my "to do" list and here's what is on it

9. study for midterm
2. vodka prices

Yes, with that exact numbering. Interesting state of mind I'm in :o)

How do 28-year-olds spend their birthdays?

2007-10-08T12:06:00.001-05:00

I like the number 28 so I don't mind being it. 29 and 30 will not receive the same regard I think. So, how did this birthday girl spend her birthday? I was at the Gap at 7am, then studied for an hour, then counseled someone by phone for 30 minutes, back to studying soon, then walking the dog, then counseling a new family, then going to class until 9:50. Yawn. What a way to spend the day. But I'm also getting lots of love on the email, snail mail, text messages, phone calls, facebook and myspace so all those things keep me going for the day. And of course a special thanks to all those friends that chipped in and got me an Ipod Nano to celebrate the birth of me. What an exciting present!

Let me see if i can explain it correctly...

2007-10-05T08:16:00.000-05:00

I've been reading a book that I picked for a client, because I figured I should read it before I recommend it. The only problem with that is that my client will be done with me before I'm done with the book. I've probably seen her since April now, and she's doing so well (ah yes, my fine counseling skills at work) so we've started her coming every other week. It's ok though because in the last week I've gotten two new clients. It's like the mail, the people never stop coming. Anyhow, even though I haven't been able to recommend this book to her, I'm able to share ideas from it with her. It is amazing because of course since this whole counseling gig I know that your feelings are your own. Someone can't MAKE you sad or mad. They do something, and you react with those feelings. Your feelings aren't owned by anyone. Anyhow, the concept that I want to share, is that your feelings are your intuition, or your guide. If someone makes you cry more often then not, then that is your intuition that this person shouldn't be in your life. If you think back to bad relationships...remember the earliest sign that this person was going to screw you over. Yet, as people we think we can work anything out. This book says that if you don't just have that connection then you will never be able to work it out, no matter how hard you try. It isn't giving up, so much as making a good decision, when you follow your intuition to end a relationship. Now, if you're thinking that you want to get rid of all your friends and boyfriends, etc. right now, maybe you aren't applying this in the way I'm thinking. Or maybe you choose a lot of bad people to be in your life, which is a pattern that denotes something about you. Either way, I think this is all really interesting and I wanted to share the idea.

making it?

2007-10-03T15:18:00.000-05:00

whew, ok so I've made it through about a month of my final semester of school. I have to say that I am totally burnt out. Some weeks I don't think I'm going to make it. Evidence of this is Adam massaging my back last night and me yelling "ow, softer!" and him replying "oh, I barely touched you though." I'm obviously wound up! I've added on a few new clients, and ended with a couple of others. I've added the adult grief group which I have to say I had nightmares about afterwards. I've done 3 papers and one quiz. I haven't spent enough time with my dog, friends, or family. I need a haircut. However, each week I start new and say "I can do this!" and struggle through it. I don't know if I'd make it without people keeping me in good spirits. You know in Kill Bill when she wakes up from the coma and can't move her muscles and uses severe focus to will herself to move? Well that's what I feel like I'm doing, so anyone who can send me some mental support in that effort I appreciate.

I wanna be a cowgirl...

2007-09-29T08:50:00.000-05:00

And you can be my cowboy. This is what Miss Saffster is being for Halloween. I wasn't going to get her a costume, but how could I say no to this? The medium was too big and the small is too small so she's smooshed into a small, but it isn't like she'll be wearing it much anyway.

WHO are you?

2007-09-24T15:31:00.000-05:00

Read the title like the caterpillar in Alice in Wonderland and it's much more entertaining. Yesterday I found some costumes that seem a little different. The website definitely has some BAD reviews on service but check it out. I am going to be this:

The Cheshire Cat!

And the man candy is going to be the Mad Hatter. If anyone else isn't sure what to be, join our Alice in Wonderland theme and we will have the Mad Hatter's tea party!

Babble Bath

2007-09-19T11:06:00.000-05:00

I haven't been updating much because my life is a madhouse. I am at my internships ALL the time but I don't think I'll have enough family counseling hours. If you want to come in and pretend to not know me so that I can counsel you and a spouse, parent, boyfriend, whatever please do... I might actually need some volunteers for a video I have to make for class. That could be fun right? The other night I woke up crying from a dream where my boyfriend had cheated on me. In my dream I beat him with a sock and said "you probably gave me AIDS!!!" hmm...odd thought. On the bright side I realized that I "paid" my car payment twice in my checkbook so I actually have a bit more money than I thought, except that will go to pay my car payment at the end of the week so it just barely saved me from catastrophe. Now I just have to figure out why else the bank thinks I have $700 cause to my knowledge I only have about $20. And now I need to stop procrastinating and read. Oh, and if you were desiring to get me a birthday present and didn't know what, here are some hints 1) you know you really don't HAVE to get me a present right? but if you insist 2) I LOVE this seahorse necklace that Joi's friend made 3) and of course there's pumpkin type things...body wash, lotions, but please no scent spray from Bath and Body Works cause it smells kind of alocholy. Target always has good Halloween and Martha Stewart has a few fun things too or 4) if you want to get a ton of people to donate you could make a collection for something exciting like a nano (or a new car if you can get enough money) or 5) if you want to get me things I always use and can always use more of there's Skyy, chapstick, I need a new calendar (ask ebony about hers), I'd love a pumpkin spice latte delivered to my door, bake me some brownies, etc. So really, there's lots of options. I only give these because i know how frustrating it is to try to pick presents so I won't be all mysterious. But your friendship is gift enough to me so I don't expect anything - seriously!

Women's Race 2007

2007-09-09T19:22:00.000-05:00

The race this year was HOT! But it was a lot of fun. We only finished 5 minutes slower than last year so for being out of practice we're doing pretty well. On top of that our team raised $565 for the YSC - thanks to everyone who donated!! Here's some photos...

My mom came to be our cheerleader. The back of the sign has photos of us from 2006 and 2005. The sign was hard to miss and she's already planning next years...

After finishing the race we pose with our 3rd teammate - the rubber chicken.

And we posed with our men-folk who volunteered at the race. They were at the bridge in the very beginning and then we found them on the obstacle course at the very end. I'm looking at Barbara, but if you look at the photo small it's cute!

It's a fall-iday

2007-09-04T07:35:00.001-05:00

How do you know it's fall? Is it all the Halloween stuff showing up in stores? Or the pumpkin spice lattes showing up at Starbucks? School starting? My mom making fall wreaths? My birthday being soon? or maybe we'll just go with the proof it's fall being the pumpkin shaped pancake my man candy made me this weekend. Whatever it is, I am getting excited about the pumpkin season beginning.

It's funny to me

2007-08-29T09:45:00.000-05:00

Maybe you had to be there, but there are two conversations I've had with Adam this week that crack me up.

A: Saffy talked me into rubbing her belly.
S: How'd she do that?
A: She rolled over

ha ha ha... that kid is a sucker for my dog.
And the next one...it was the middle of the night and we were in bed. I kind of farted while drifting into sleep. He was also drifting into sleep.

A: What did you say?
S: (giggling) nothing
A: Well what was that?
S: (cracking up laughing) nothing....
A: Did you just fart?!!!
S: (still just laughing)

And the funny thing is that he still big spooned me after that even though it but him in direct contact with my bum. Aww....

This is too funny to not share...

2007-08-28T16:32:00.000-05:00

I was writing some other post when I happened to come across this:

"Drink water from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well." -The Book of Proverbs 5:15

I found that on a site about urine therapy. Now go Google urine therapy and read all about it. Maybe one of the funniest things I found was a book called The Golden Fountain. Let me know what the funniest thing you find is. And if you decide to try it...let me know how that works out for you!

Randomness abounds

2007-08-26T19:09:00.000-05:00

I've been tagged by Rachel in a game of random facts. I think almost everything I do is random but I'll try to think of 7 that you guys might not know...

1. I brush my teeth in the shower
2. I mostly buy clothes in solid colors
3. When I nap on the couch I prefer to sleep behind the pillows (like, I move them on top of me to make me appear as part of the couch)
4. In the shower I have at least 3 different kinds of soap most of the time and I often use all 3.
5. Now that I have a boyfriend who is allergic to nuts I enjoy eating things with nuts in them more. Reeses, Snickers, Peanut M&M's...yum.
6. My thoughts come in pictures when I'm nervous.
7. I was supposed to be born on my sister's birthday.

Tagging someone who hasn't already been tagged is a little difficult, so I say if you read my blog you should be tagged. Danielle, Misty, Sara, etc. (If I didn't mention you it's cause you already got tagged or you don't have a blog)

Calling Dr. Bombay!

2007-08-24T14:20:00.000-05:00

Hmm...this is a new one. It appears that I have injured my rotator cuff or some shoulder part. The only thing I can think of that I was doing that might have caused this was leading a game of Simon Says. It was either "Simon says be an octopus" or "Simon says swim".... does this mean I'm too old to play?

Crash, boom!

2007-08-22T12:02:00.000-05:00

Crash boom is what I'm afraid is going to happen in the next couple months. I've been sitting here a lot lately thinking about the fact that next Thursday I start the fall semester. My FINAL semester of grad school. First thought - I still have a 4.0 GPA but I think I'm probably taking one of the hardest classes this time around. They added a weed-out course a couple semesters ago and this is where I could fit it in. Ha. Hope it doesn't weed me out. The instructor just emailed us all this stuff and there's 2 grading charts...scary. So, my first fear is this "reading intensive" course that everyone freaks out about. If I were Catholic I'd do some Hail Mary's for this one. On top of that, I've added a second internship. If you thought my schedule was crazy with just (ha, I said "just") class, one internship and the Gap try it now. Whew. I'm doing a group Wednesday nights and leading a grief group at a high school along with a couple new individual clients. Oh, and that whole part where I have to find a job before I graduate. And study for (they say you just have to memorize this encyclopedia - no sweat right?) AND take the test that allows me to work under supervision for a year and a half after graduation at almost no pay. And every one's birthdays (mine, my sisters, boyfriends and a best friends to name a few) seem to be in the fall making it even busier, along with a wedding, Halloween, Homecoming (I planned it so I have to go), Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, and then Christmas. I feel like I'm leaving something out. My mom is starting chemo and even though that isn't something that is taking up my time, it's something I worry about. Yes, she reads this, but I'm sure she already knew I worried (I worried so much as a kid that I got constipated into my small intestines so I'm SURE she knows I worry, but if not, now she (you) know). I know I just have to get over this initial freak out, but if you've thought I was busy and distant before you'll really think I am now. For now, I'll try to hang out, but I need to study and work. Just know that in December after I graduate I might be poor but I want to hang out. And you better plan on coming to my graduation party!!

Another CLM

2007-08-19T14:18:00.000-05:00

At work on Saturday my manager asked me to help him with some displays by undressing 4 male body forms. I said sure and started undressing them. When I got to the third one I started having trouble getting the button for the pants undone. After struggling for a bit I said "I feel like I'm on this awkward date where I can't get the guys pants off" .....awkward silence...."uhhh...I sound like a prostitute" to which my manager replied "not a very good one!"

eggs and money

2007-08-17T13:38:00.000-05:00

The ability to check your bank account online is amazing, right? Well, I think it's a bit ridiculous because at any point in time it says I have about $800 more than I actually do. Right now that would mean they think I have something like $824 and I really have, umm...$24. I think they are actually getting the charges in, but they save them all up until I think I really must have balanced my checkbook wrong and go buy something and then they put them all through. Except first they put through the one or two charges that will take up the $800 (no, I don't buy anything that expensive, but I have some bills from old times that add up fast) and then they put through every single little charge so that I have to pay the $36 NSF fee each and every time. I've had eggs for breakfast before that were supposed to cost $2 that ended up being $38. If I knew I was eating fancy I would have gotten something that tasted better.

Hauntings

2007-08-12T21:29:00.001-05:00

In New Orleans my boyfriend was taken by the dead...which reminds me that YES, I'm planning a Halloween party already. Start thinking about your costumes now fools!

One for the quote book

2007-07-30T12:58:00.000-05:00

Adam and I were hanging out on Sunday and in the midst of a conversation he said this: "Just because I'm homeless doesn't mean my mom's an armadillo"
HA HA HA....that kid cracks me up.

2 moth-aversary to me

2007-07-25T12:33:00.002-05:00

My boyfriend is so sweet...
here's what we look like after dating 2 months...

Dos-aversary

2007-07-24T13:41:00.000-05:00

Today is my second month-a-versary with Adam. As a present I got him a toothbrush. This is actually the second toothbrush I got him because I umm... accidentally peed on the first toothbrush. It's a long story. At least I threw it away and didn't just let him keep using the first tooth brush. Anyhow, happy month-a-versary to us!

Cosmo-drunk

2007-07-18T14:06:00.000-05:00

I have to say that I found the Cosmo in a bottle. The liquor store man said it was good so I bought it. It was quite tastey and quite strong. I have a few bits of advice for anyone who wants to try it. First, share it if you can. If you can't share it, my next advice is to not drink it out of a those big plastic party cups because you will drink the whole bottle. Drinking the whole bottle might not be THAT bad if you don't have to work the next morning... but it is that bad if you like remembering how you got to bed when you wake up in the morning.

I wonder...

2007-07-16T12:24:00.000-05:00

Before they discovered germs were there people who were germaphobes? Or OCD? Can you be afraid of something you don't know about? Did people in Victorian times know that they were dirty? Is being clean a disorder that comes with scientific discovery? And if so, will there be new ones in the centuries to come? Is there a fear of being clean?

blah blah blah

2007-07-16T08:09:00.000-05:00

Not that work is all that exciting, but here are a couple of quotes from work:

"you look funny folding the shirt that you're wearing"

"no wonder the vacuum wouldn't turn on, it is isn't plugged in"

"if I had a store we'd be able to cuss. Not at the customers, just in general....and there would be beer"

"why don't people know that leaving the clothes in the fitting room means that you DON'T want them, not that you do?"

On Madness

2007-07-07T13:13:00.000-05:00

I've been feeling a little crazy lately. All this time I spend trying to keep others sane (that's mostly school and internship, but I'd like to think that my help at work keeps the managers sane) is starting to make me do the semesterly spiral into madness. You know, the part where all the papers are due, but you still have to go to class like regular, and it just happens to be that at the same time you start getting more hours at work and find yourself with a boyfriend. I need to learn to not sleep. Unfortunately for me I've found no mix of caffeine that keeps me from being tired. So, in the honor of madness I found some quotes to share with everyone that spoke (no, I'm not hearing voices) to me.

It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society. ~Krishnamurti

Sanity calms, but madness is more interesting. ~John Russell

I don't really trust a sane person. ~Lyle Alzado

The statistics on sanity are that one out of every four Americans is suffering from some form of mental illness. Think of your three best friends. If they're okay, then it's you. ~Rita Mae Brown

Truly great madness cannot be achieved without significant intelligence. ~Henrik Tikkanen

Dreaming permits each and every one of us to be quietly and safely insane every night of our lives ~ William Dement

Sanity and happiness are an impossible combination ~Mark Twain

When dealing with the insane, the best method is to pretend to be sane. ~Hermann Hesse

Party made easy!

2007-07-01T15:25:00.000-05:00

Since I appreciate the art of drinking I like peruse The Spirit World to look for new drinking ideas. Today it was talking about a new creation by Smirnoff that I can hardly wait to share. The Cocktails Collection!! I don't know about you, but having pre-made mojito or cosmo in a bottle sounds pretty darn easy - who wants to spend their time at parties mixing up complex drinks? Not me - I like to drink easy and apparently very soon I will be able to.

tall dark and handsome

2007-06-28T17:39:00.001-05:00

Friends, meet my man candy: Well of course I guess the people that live in Austin probably already have, but there are numerous people who live out of town that might not have. We're both a little squinty cause we were in a dark club. It was the night we (me, Barbara, Misty + men) went out for the 27 years of Mista-rama-lama celebration.

He gets along with my friends, dresses well, fixes things, and likes to cook. He loves my dog (even though he's allergic to her) and he tells me when shoes don't go with my outfits. He's sweet and funny and gives me butterflies.

Get Maxed

2007-06-22T17:01:00.000-05:00

In the past I haven't liked any diet sodas except the one's followed by the word "Zero." It might be some psychological thing I've trained myself to do, but whatever the reason it's something I do. A couple of days ago I picked up some Diet Pepsi Max because I was needing an energy boost and had heard this stuff might do the trick. In fact, DPM has ginseng and extra caffeine added to it. This stuff is geared towards "consumers ages 25 to 34 who like the buzz of drinks like PepsiCo’s Mountain Dew, but are starting to become more concerned about their weight." This stuff though actually tastes pretty good if you like Pepsi and it really does give you energy. I'd buy it again and if you need to stay awake you should check it out too!

My Favorite Things

2007-06-19T11:06:00.000-05:00

Like Oprah, I've decided to make my "favorite things" list. I'm sure this isn't everything, but I'll try to get most of it.
1) The Savannah Bee Company raw Tupelo honey
2) daily coffee - Folgers Gourmet Selections Morning Cafe
3) movies - Hotel Rawanda, Finding Neverland, The Devil's Backbone, Maria Full of Grace
4) books - The Glass Castle, Poisonwood Bible
5) shampoo & conditioner - Matrix Sleek Look
6) health & fitness - ediets and Turbo Jam
7) dressy shoes - Nina
8) special coffee - Pacha latte
9) email - gmail
10) scents - fruity or flowery
11) nail polish - Revlon, Essie, Chi
12) lip gloss - Revlon Super Lustrous
13) hair product - Zero Frizz & Aveda Hair Potion
14) deodorant - Secret Clinical Strength
15) clothes I can afford - Gap, Strut, Old Navy
16) bread - Oroweat Health Nut
17) "diet" food - Kraft Ranch Light Done Right and Laughing Cow Light
18) everyday shoes - flip flops
19) oil change - Valvoline Express Care off of 183

Pimp your name

2007-06-12T10:49:00.001-05:00

Friday night Barbara and I went to happy hour and were promptly cut off after 3 drinks each. We went directly to HEB for mixers and old school wine coolers and came back to my place for more drinking. Adam, Zach, Misty and Perry joined us a little while later. Adam, in attempt to do away with my Drinking Jenga rule of flower names, came up with pimp names. He found a website that given your name translates it into pimp. These are what ours were:

Adam: Ice Master A Flex
Me: Magic Tickle Stephanie Shmoove
Zach: Macktastic Zach Luthor
Barbara: Vicious D.B. Fresh
Perry: Funk Master Perry Wicked
Misty: Silicon Slick M Flava

If you want to know your "pimp handle" - well you just should have been there Friday night. Just kidding - check out the Playa Appreciate website and let us know what you end up with.

Bitten

2007-06-11T12:51:00.000-05:00

I was in Killeen for my mother's birthday this weekend. I went to the mall and found that there is a Steve and Barry's there. It's that store that carries the Sarah Jessica Parker line Bitten for super cheap and those Starbury basketball shoes that are about $15. The one in the K-town mall is like a big warehouse. The clothes left a little to be desired (on Oprah they said it was good quality but I'm not so sure about that and they fit a little weird. The cute clothes on the website I didn't see in the store.) but they had really cute bags and jewelry for super cheap. If I had more time I might have been able to try more on and find more clothing. The place was pretty empty so I'm guessing that the kids in Killeen aren't exactly hopping to buy the super cheap clothes.

Mind the Gap

2007-06-06T20:03:00.000-05:00

I bought the Gap's "boyfriend T" for $10.99 (well, actually for like $7.70 with my discount) and wore it as a dress downtown. People liked it. Girls said it looked classy and my adorable man candy said it looked good. I worried that it would look too Footloose.Today I saw that Banana Republic sells basically the same thing for $58. At least now I know that I'm not an idiot for using the Gap t-shirt as a dress. But the people that buy the Banana dress are.

Summer, summer, summer time

2007-06-04T11:05:00.000-05:00

I hope you read the title like the DJ Jazzy Jeff and French Prince song. If you didn't, go back and do so. Since it's summer (or as far as Texas goes it is and has been for a while) I was thinking of the fun summer things to do. I am trying to make a list of things to accomplish before the season passes. Here's what I have so far:
Blues on the Green
Shakespeare in the Park
Tubing!!
Barton Springs
kayaking
baseball game
sitting on patios drinking margaritas
going to the lake
laying out at the pool
brunch outside
taking the dog on hikes
hopefully seeing my friends a little more
addition 6/5/07 - ROLLERSKATING!!!

uh oh...

2007-06-01T08:47:00.001-05:00

I slept through a client this morning. Imagine my horror when I woke up and realized it was already 10 minutes past appointment time. I don't want anyone to feel unimportant but maybe it makes her think I'm human. I just haven't been sleeping enough this week that I don't even remember hearing the alarm clock. Agh! I called her and told her what happened and she rescheduled to Monday night. What would you guys do if your counselor did this to you?