Viva Las Life.

Life with lots and lots of candy.

2009-02-18T16:28:00.001-08:00

Wow. Its been a while. Hey there, long time no see, type, talk...

Last time I updated, I was on my way home for Thanksgiving, which was not pleasant, and left me with a bad taste in my mouth for the much longer visit over the Christmas holiday. Mom was in a snit, and made everyone tense and miserable, and I didnt really get to see anyone because I was up for 27 hrs straight ( I traveled for 14 of them, and I can't sleep on planes) so right after dinner, which we had about 30 minutes after I arrived home, I promptly fell asleep. Black Friday shopping was a sign of the times, and the bad economy... people were everywhere, but there were no good deals to be found...

Fast forward to Christmas! Christmas was an equally long journey, but this time it was well worth it, I had a great time coming home and spending time with family, and finally getting to see my FRIENDS!! I got Yesterdog, Culver's, Marie Catrib's (Turkish coffee, Adult Grilled Cheese, and Cabbage Soup, yum!), every kind of delicious food I was lacking, i GOT. I even managed to talk the owner of Yesterdog into selling me JUST the chili to take home!! I got $600 worth of shoes for $150, I got a super cute party dress that I need to find a place to wear, and just had a good time, there were a lot of late nights, or rather, early mornings...

So 2009 hasn't really started out that great, my iPhone was stolen at work, and cost me $430 to replace, so I was broke for a while, and I am finally getting back on my feet, I have paid for a bridesmaid dress, my flight home, and I am currently working on shoes for the wedding, next comes reserving and affording a rental car, yay!! Last but not least, is the wedding gift, and spending money. Ill get there. (Hopefully before April, too!!)

Things have been looking up, I rearranged my bedroom, so I have a TON more floor space, and the abundance of carpet has inspired me to keep my room relatively tidy and organized, which is a tad unheard of for me...maybe I should rearrange my car. ;)

So I have this drawer in my desk and it is so full of candy that I can barely close it... What does one do with oodles and oodles of Dum-Dums, Kisses, Suckers, SweeTarts, Conversation hearts, Dove Promises, Cadbury Mini Eggs, Milky Way Caramels, Charleston CHews, Lifesavers, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, and assorted other yummies? I have to rid myself of at least SOME of it, #1 before it goes bad and #2 because I'm moving desks sometime in the not-so-distant future.

I have sort of started on this kick to de-clutter my life, so if you're a size 6, 6.5, 7ish shoe, and are interested, let me know, I have lots of shoes I'm looking to donate or whatever. I'm listing some stuff on eBay, too. Go me, I'll get it done eventually. Ive just come to the realization that I don't NEED all this STUFF. I think I do when I buy it.. but maybe I should start telling myself now, even if it IS the deal of the century ($450 Tom Ford Sunglasses For $97)<----never worn. I don't NEED anymore makeup- so perhaps I should stay away from the MAC store...and Sephora, and maybe even ULTA, for good measure. (this counts websites too!!) In fact, perhaps I should avoid shopping venues of any kind (with the exception of grocery stores), because I buy stuff cause Im bored, not because I need it (case in point: fuchsia cowl neck satin shirt I'm wearing today- did I need it? No. I bought it cause I was bored the other night). I also need to start cooking at home more... I'm really starting to get sick of fast food, and the only restaurant cravings I have lately are for a Mushroom Swiss burger dipped in Ranch dressing, a Hawaiian Burger from Rocky's Bar in Grand Rapids, MI, and a Maui Banana milkshake from Fatburger. Side note: whose brilliant idea was it to name a restaurant Fatburger? It's probably to their benefit that their milkshakes are divine, though I'm not ga-ga for their burgers... otherwise in the health/weight obsessed times we live in, and the shitty economy they'd go out of business, based on the disgusting sound of their name alone. Bleck!

Happy Belated V-day, Happy Early St. Pat's, see you around Easter.. (jk, I'll blog before then...unless I get eaten by the garbage monster that resides in my car)

Life with gratitude.

2008-11-25T10:56:00.001-08:00

I get to go home!!! I'm more excited that I can convey in a blog. It's been 8 months since I've set foot in Michigan, and longer since I've been home, to where I grew up. I'm so thrilled to be seeing family and perhaps a few friends, and my niece and nephew (the Aussie Shepherd, and the Black Lab mix, Mira and Yukon, respectively). I'm looking forward to familiar surroundings and people, and a warm fireplace.

I'm so thankful for all the blessings in my life, be they in MI or here in Las Vegas....

I'm thankful...
...for my family, who support me in all of my decisions, no matter how harebrained.
...for my friends, who befriended me despite my goofy looking exterior and even goofier personality.
...for you. Thank you for being who you are.
...for my job, which is expanding my horizons, and pays my bills.
...for the amazing people that I've met in my life that have molded who I am.
...for Wendy's Dollar Menu, cause it is tasty and cheap.
...for the fact that it is 60°, when it could be only 30°.
...for the fact that I have an education that provides me with a means to succeed
...for the fact that I am able to afford (sort of) to further that education and learn to do something I truly love.
...for pumpkin pie, because Thanksgiving isn't the same without it.
...for significant others in the lives of those that I love, because you've made her life so much better, and you made the inner her that we all love come back to us.
...for my co-workers, because they make the workday go just a little bit faster.
...for facebook and myspace, believe it or not, because they've made it possible to reunite with old friends, and to meet new ones.
...for Thanksgiving leftovers, because nothing is like turkey and gravy with mashed potatoes over one of Aunt Roxanne's homemade rolls the next day. MMMM. (I seriously look forward to this almost more than the actual dinner itself)
...for Northwest Airlines and Delta Airlines, because they make it possible for me to spend the holidays this year with my family.
...for love, because it really does make the world go 'round.
...for the bad things in my life, because they make it possible to truly appreciate the amazing things and people that I DO have.

What are YOU thankful for?

Life with furry toes.

2008-07-23T12:14:00.000-07:00

Ok, I admit it, I'm a freak, I have a bit of blonde peach fuzz that is completely invisible on my feet. Guess what? I'm not getting rid of it, it keeps me warm.

Life in an uneventful world.

2008-07-18T15:31:00.000-07:00

Ugh. I love living here in Las Vegas, its a fun city. However, when you're single, know only a few select people, and don't have a shitload of money, you get insanely bored and very, very lonely. I don't mind doing things on my own and being alone, I'm fine with that. It just sucks that I don't have anyone to talk to that can relate to my daily life, hang out with, or just shoot the shit and laugh. I miss that. I miss home.

I've decided my quest is to find something to occupy my time....not someONE, someTHING. I think this is where I've gone wrong thus far. I can entertain myself, and have done so for 27 years, why should Las Vegas be any different?

If anyone has ideas on what I could do, inexpensive hobbies (preferably ones that avoid the sun... you know.. pale, pale, white girl) I'd be more than appreciative.

On second thought...maybe I should clean my room and finish unpacking... I mean.. I have lived here since April ;)

Life with luck.

2008-07-16T15:35:00.002-07:00

I found a penny today in a parking lot...heads up. I put it in my shoe.

Life as an exorcist.

2008-07-10T13:49:00.000-07:00

So a lot has been changing in my life, and as far as I'm concerned, things are going in a good direction.

I've been exorcising demons from my past, whether lost loves, regrets, or what have you. I'm getting over him, and realizing that all men are NOT out to get me, especially those I currently hold in fond regard. I know that now. it took a friend to get me to actually realize that...and then come to the conclusion that I shouldn't punish men in my future because of men in my past. Everyone is different, including me. There is no guarantee in matters of the heart, and while that pill is hard to swallow, it's a prescription that I need to take.

Next up, the demon of regret. Anyone who knows me at all, knows my love of all things sweet. Whether men, sugar, or baked goods, they all hold a place in my heart. ;) Anyway, more to the point, I have always loved baking, and when the time came in high school that we were to start looking into possible career paths, I was really interested in becoming a chef- or more accurately, a pastry chef. Unfortunately, my ass of a counselor talked me out of my chosen profession, assuring me that I would never make any money at it. Luckily, he guided me towards the highly lucrative *cough* riiiiight *cough* field of Graphic Design. This is something that I have regretted ever since. Don't get me wrong, I love design, and I like to think that I'm pretty good at it, however, baking has always been there in the back of my mind. Well, now I live in Las Vegas, and culinary delights lie around every corner, taunting me. I have recently, upon encouragement from a good friend, decided that I might like to go back to school to fulfill my dream of being a pastry chef. Thing is, its $$. I have done the homework, gotten the information, now the decision that needs to be made is one of finance. Is my dream worth it's accompanying financial burden?

Life after Gus.

2008-07-10T13:36:00.001-07:00

So I've finally figured it out. Figured out why I'm bitter and hurt and angry still, a year and a half later. It wasn't the fact that he found someone he felt was better, someone who fulfilled him more, it was the fact that he hid it. I can get over the fact that I wasn't his perfect woman. I have a hard time getting over being lied to...betrayed. Whatever. I'm working on getting over him. He wasn't that special. Definitely not special enough now that I think about it to have dwelled on him, and the failed relationship for as long as I have.

I have adopted a new philosophy. I'm not going to let the things people do or say around me have a negative impact on me, and I'm going to be a better person today than I was yesterday, and tomorrow, I'm going to be a better person than I was today.

That's all I have on that for today.

Life With My Head in the Clouds

2008-05-25T21:32:00.000-07:00

So where else but Vegas can you suffer in 108° heat and 34° cold in the same week...in relatively the same area? From the scorching heat of the valley, to the snowball fight up in the mountains, its been a great couple of days, with great pictures, great food, and even better company. This weekend we took a drove up to Mt. Charleston, once on Saturday, and again on Sunday, since the batteries were dead in the camera. ;) Surprisingly, cell phone cameras have become quite good, and I managed to make a great panorama of several shots taken by my cell phone...

Cell Phone Panorama

So anyway, Saturday started around 11:30 a.m., and we headed up to Mt. Charleston to see the snow, stopping only at the Mt Charleston Lodge to grab some grub and warm liquid. Fleeces and jackets were put on, and stocking caps were thrown on, but quickly removed. The whole drive had me grinning like an idiot, staring at the majesty that our Earth has to offer. Obviously, it was my first trip up into these mountains, and I was amazed that something so amazing and beautiful was a mere hour from the bells of the slot machines, and the smell of smog. Made our way up until we hit snow, pausing alongside the road to enjoy the sights, wander off the road a little bit, and take marvelous cell phone pics. :-P Got up to SNOW, it'd been my first since Michigan, and was a welcome change after the heat of last weekend. Had the obligatory snowball fight, made a slushy snow angel, and just enjoyed being. The sounds of wind blowing through the trees, the birds chirping, and the fact that the area was devoid of the honking of horns, screaming of children, bells of slot machines, and just human life in general. It felt good to get away.

Today started with the promise of charged camera batteries, Vitamin Water, and an amazing breakfast complete with some fabulous steaming hot banana bread. I had my fortune extremely accurately told by a Zoltar speaks-esque machine for the low low price of a mere two quarters, which weren't even mine. I was also fortunate enough to sit in the eagle chair...pictures to come at a later date. The clouds were pretty heavy this morning, which made the pictures slightly more difficult to actually capture an image of, well, the mountains. Still, we soldiered on to Cathedral Rock, and took some pretty bitchin' pictures, and saw some pretty awesome sights. I tried to limbo my way out, but I'm not quite as limber as I was in my younger days. ;) 30 minutes, a bathroom break, and $7 later, we were on our way further up the mountain to the overlook so I could get my panoramic taken again... but with a real camera this time. ;) Somehow some binoculars materialized as well, and I got to peruse the caves and crevices from afar, which was the next best thing after actually physically exploring them myself. Thanks again for bringing the binocs, kid.

After this, I napped.

Enjoy the view, I did.

Real Camera Panorama

Life is good.

2008-05-22T13:57:00.001-07:00

Life is good.

People (some in particular) are incredible. Ok, ONE in particular.

I am happy.

Can you tell the temperature is reasonable today?! :-P its only 70°!

Life in the oven

2008-05-22T09:08:00.003-07:00

Wow. I love living in an oven...now I know what my cheesecakes and tortes feel like. Temperatures of 100°+ are not meant for human consumption...I'm sorry, they just aren't. I mean, seriously, it's only May, for goodness sakes. Ok, enough bitching about the temperature... I'm sure I'll do far more of it later in the summer. I have switched from my hobby of baking for the time being to making ice cream, so far the flavors include: Chocolate with Vietnamese Cinnamon, Strawberry, Mint Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Strawberry Chunk, Chocolate Banana, MARGARITA!, and Lemon Raspberry Sorbet. If you have any ideas for ice cream flavors, no matter how wacky or odd, send em to me, I'm always trying to come up with new concoctions.

Things are good here, I have my moments of nostalgia, things I miss still at home, and people that I regret not being able to be there for, but alas, my life must go on. Mind you, these people are on my mind and in my heart, and I certainly hope that life deals them good hands, and that things are going to end up well. That said, I still don't regret the move, though mom still questions me if I want to move back on a daily basis. Finally got fed up and told her, I'm not moving, I'm happier than I've been in ages, and a little heat and nostalgia isn't going to change it. Let's see how long she lasts without asking again.

I still have yet to get my Nevada plates and driver's license, mainly because I have to get a replacement Social Security card first, and who really has time to wait in line for that shit!? I decided to go with personalized plates this time, and they're going to be supernerdy...like me, I suppose.

I bought a fan, two actually, as I found it necessary for survival and ability to sleep an entire night in my hotbox of a bedroom (it faces the afternoon sun- the bastard sun!) It's helped considerably, and air condition has also been turned on in the house...which has helped immensely. I'm slowly starting to unpack stuff, and find places for it, I have so much stuff, it makes me a little nauseous. I'm trying to make things homier at my place, like I didn't so much at my last place in A-dale...I'm actually unpacking my boxes here, I'm thinking that I might stay awhile... and to Heidi and Bridget- there's a floor in my bedroom.. and I can see it everywhere...it's incredible, you wouldn't believe it. I'm on the hunt for a storage unit, so I can find a place for the rest of my stuff that I can't use or don't have room for... I wish there were cheap decent places here... no such luck so far though, not that I've been looking particularly hard.

Some thoughts:
Grimaldi's pizza is amazing.
Homemade ice cream is better than amazing.
Homemade sorbet is a pain in the ass to make, and better be worth it.
I hate cleaning.

and with that, I bid you adieu.

Life After Michigan

2008-05-22T09:08:00.001-07:00

This blog is for those of you who are interested in my life as it is now, 2000 miles away from almost everyone I know and love....

Life in Las Vegas is amazing. There is so much good that I'm not sure where to begin, to be honest.

The weather is gorgeous (and I know this is short-lived) but for right now it is sunny and 80° every damn day, with an amazing breeze, and hey, thats ok with me. The scenery (yes, there is scenery in Vegas) is incredible as well. Even as I sit now, I can look out my bedroom window and gaze upon a snowcapped mountain. Not exactly what you'd associate with Vegas, eh? Mountains in every direction, cloudless days, blue skies. Nothing like sitting on your lunch break, eating lunch outside, staring at not so distant mountains in the middle of April, or early May, as it is now.

I haven't spent much time on the strip yet, and when I do, its shopping. :-P This has been a popular question amongst people who ask about life now. I'm not a huge partier, not much for the club scene, so I'm not missing much. Plus- with a Vegas ID I'll get in free, so I'm waiting to shed the MI driver's license til I'm ready to brave the DMV. Shopping here is phenomenal, and my wallet and bank account pretty much hate me. MAC Pro, Apple, H&M, Dolce & Gabbana, Diesel, Sephora, there are sooooo many amazing places to spend my hard earned cash (and I have been ;)) My recent purchase is an ice cream machine... fantastic purchase, this weekend I made homemade Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream, and homemade Strawberry ice cream. so yum.

The hard earned money comes in paycheck form from Bally Technologies, where I work in Game Development. I'm fortunate to have found this job, as they're the reason I got to move here. I get to (eventually) draw and design all the graphics on the slot machines - what a great job! So far I am doing production work, so I can learn the ropes. The people there all really kick ass, too, so that is fantastic.

I'm starting to meet new people here, which helps with homesickness. Everyone that I've met here has been really awesome, SO FAR. ;) I've heard stories that the men are lizards (cause that is what survives in the desert), and the rest of the people are assholes.... I've also learned that everyone who has lived in Vegas for any amount of time HATES people from California. Its hilarious how angry the Vegas ppl get at them and their driving. Vegas driving is yet another interesting task, everyone drives like a-holes. :) I fit RIGHT in. :-P Nah, it IS weird tho, there aren't lines on the road, just these raised dot things that reflect at night. its bizarre, and can be hard to follow at times.

All I can say is that though I miss home- whether the people, my family, my friends, the food (oh Yesterdog and Marie Catrib's, how I miss you so), I have never been happier in my life. This was the perfect decision for me, and I couldnt be happier I made it. It was tough, between the actual physical move, the mental effects of the move, and the difficulty of making the decision to leave my old life behind and truly start MY life. It was a bold decision, and I dont regret it for a second. I feel at home here, and that feels good.

Just thought y'all should know how life is here. Let's see if I regret that decision come june/july. ;)