Kids Say Silly Things

So about a week ago the mister and I were out for our weekly Saturday coffee at the Leaf and Bean. A little way into our coffee a mom with two young kids came and sat near us to play with the toys. The kids must have been about 5-7 or so.

Their mommy left to go get coffee or whatever and these kids just kept looking over at us.

And not in the way kids normally do.

These kids would look over, whisper to each other, giggle, and look away.

It was odd.

So we kept on out conversation about what to sell when we move, you know....fun adult stuff, and these kids just keep up their shenanigans.

After about ten minutes of this I finally speak to them and ask if they are having fun with their toys and the littlest one FINALLY gives up why they are soooo giggly....

"We think you guys are talking about kissing."

And his older sister giggles and shushes him loudly.

Talking about kissing.

This is what children imagine adults do.

Talk.

About.

Kissing.

What I've Learned Wednesday!

What I've Learned This Week:

1. Exercising right when you get up is hard. Exercising right when you get up on VACATION is harder.

2. Two ugly sweaters are better than one.

3. Grades take altogether much too long to be posted.

4. Why manhole covers are round. (it's the only shape that ensures they won't fall in)

Also, if you don't know that you can't work at Microsoft.

5. Most professional hockey players from Canada are born in January. It's true. Look it up.

Let the Christmasing Commence

So first off, let me apologize for neglecting to blog yesterday. I did complete all my Christmas shopping and take the dog to the vet but it's Christmas break and that's really not a very good excuse.

So anyhoo, here are the highlights from the weekend:

I got a haircut and then forced the boyfriend to take me out because my hair was "did up".

I'm one of those people who likes to have my hair styled like, super fancy when I get it cut. I mean, isn't that half the fun??

Winning runner up at an ugly sweater party.

The full hideousness of my sweater can't be shown in the above picture because the boyfriend doesn't really do pictures. Why does this matter? Because we had matching sweaters folks! That's right. We found TWO of those marvelous things!! We actually won on "matching sweaters" because no one really knew us at the party.

And that was weekend numero uno. Now I need to get to the rest of my break plans. I think I may be busier these three weeks than during school!!

Finally

You guys, I'm finally done with finals. That means that my holiday enjoyment can officially begin.

I don't know about you guys but I have BIG plans for the break

1. Sleep.

2. Pack. Why you ask? Because the boyfriend and I FINALLY got a new apartment.

3. Spend a full day in my jam jams reading books that I couldn't read during a semester full of regular learning. Sigh.

4. Watch videos of puppies on youtube and laugh when my dog is confused by them.

5. Hang out with the Fam and friends who will come into town.

6. Stay out too late and eat too much.

7. If snow ever comes (hint hint mother nature), then I will build another Dr. Lumpy.

8. Post new photos to flickr.

9. Actually blog. You know, like more than just twice a week.

10. RELAX!!

What I've Learned Wednesday!

What I've Learned This Week

1. My vacuum is broken. Ick.

2. The time to buy an "ugly sweater" is not the month of December. Though I think the boyfriend and I still did pretty good.

3. I REALLY missed performing.

4. Coffee makes me more anxious. But I drink it before tests anyway.

5. The best way to celebrate the end of finals is with beer. Lots of beer.

Holiday Challenge

Holiday Challenge:

Remembering to shave your legs and cut your toenails despite multiple layers of clothing.

An Idea

So the other day while I was surfing the net..a.k.a-avoiding studying....

I came up with a fun idea.

You know how you can find weird stuff on Craigslist??

Do you also know how gift buying can be a bit of a pain when you make negative money?

If you don't understand this part then I can't be friends with you anymore.

Ok, so here's what I'm thinking:

• Get a group of friends together. Preferably people who are awesome and don't want to spend a lot of money but who DO like to party..
• Go to the Craigslist "General" category. Or really whatever category suits your fancy. It doesn't matter.
• Set you price max to $5 and bask in the glory of what you find.
• So this part is flexible but I'm thinking you and your friends all purchase one of these awesome items and then participate in some sort of white elephant activity.
• Add some booze and you've got yourself a Par-tay!

So this way no one spends over $5 and everyone has a great time!

Your welcome.

What I've Learned Wednesday!

What I've Learned This Week

1. Taking an analog photography class means that you will ignore your flickr account terribly.

2. I need to upload some photo's to Flickr.

3. They call it deadweek for a reason. It sucks the life out of you.

4. The supply and demand for illegal drugs.

5. When you finally approach the most IMPORTANT week of your semester, (play performance anyone??) some little dwarf angel or something will find it hilarious to give you a cold. The only cold you have had ALL SEMESTER. Balls.

Good luck on your finals everybody!!

Important Things

Ok people. It's December.

I don't know about you guys but I personally start my holiday celebrating (music and decorations) on Thanksgiving.

That's right.

My stockings have been hung by the 'electric fireplace' with care, and I have enough tinsel to sparkle your pants off.

And yes, that handy little Santa cup pictured has been getting a lot of tea and coffee action lately.

However, despite all this preparing there is one VERY important thing that I just decided on.

What my holiday nail polish color will be.

This effectively determines how your holiday will transpire..(not really)

I have decided on silver with a couple added sparkles. (as shown)

Hopefully this means my holiday will be bright and happy. That's the goal.

I have a feeling I will play with a little classic red as well but that's really a given.

Has everyone else decided on this very important question????

What I've Learned Wednesday!

What I've Learned This Week

1. I'm not as good at keeping a straight face as I used to be. The other folks in the play with me continuously crack me up. Damn them.

2. Turkey is extra good when you haven't eaten meat for months. Reeeeaaalllll gooooood.

3. My moms Pecan Pie is absolutely worth the extra workout time.

4. Samus is a girl. And when I play with her (in pink armor) I can kick some Smash Brothers Butt. Oh yeah.

5. I really REALLY hate it when people sit where I usually do in class. Yes, I realize that's weird. But I really, really hate it.

Can You Guess??

That's right. It's Thanksgiving and you know what that means.

A post about what I'm thankful for.

Overdone?

Sure. But it's still important.

All morning the only thing I'm seeing all over the internets are articles about Black Friday and where the best deals are.

This is no bueno dudes.

If you're one of those crazies that stampedes the box stores at insane hours then that's your choice.

But that is not what today is about.

It's about how the pilgrims shared a meal with the indians and then took all their land.

JK guys.....kinda.....

It's about remembering how lucky we all are and taking time to think about all those things that make your life wonderful.

Not sure you have things to be thankful for? Well unless you're in Africa with diarrhea because you have no clean water to drink I'm pretty sure you think of SOMETHING.

Now I want you guys to THINK about this. Be specific. We're all thankful for food and family.

I believe in order to REALLY get into the spirit you MUST put a little more thought into this.

Also, none of these "5 items" lists.

That's just weak sauce. Pink water folks (like mild salsa). We can't have that. This is an American holiday. Go big or go home.

10 items.

Yeah.

So here's my list of things to be thankful for today.

1. A family that texts me Happy Thanksgiving wishes in the morning even though I'm going to talk to them later anyways.

2. A dog that FORCES my attention away from the internet from time to time. She literally lays across my keyboard guys. And she is not a teeny puppy. I'm talking 5oish pounds of fur coming at you. And when you try to go back to your bus-nass she will stich her wet nose in your face until you pet her again. Basically it just forces you to get the frack off the computron for a sec.

3. Friends that will wear onesies with you. That is all I will say about that.

4. A boyfriend who will go to the store to buy me gluten free oatmeal when I go crazy and cry because we don't have any. Yes. This happened. I am NOT proud of it.

5. Jillian Micheal's 30 Day Shred. It will kick your butt into shape. Seriously you guys. It makes you realize potential you never knew you had.

6. The Macy's commercial with Justin Beiber. It keeps making me laugh so I think it deserves a place on here.

7. Living in a gorgeous town surrounded my mountains. Not only do I have a multitude of ski areas to choose from....but tornadoes are unlikely. Winning.

8. The Backstreet Boys. I don't think I need to explain this one. Everyone is thankful for this I'm sure.

9. My pretty hand made blanket. Not only does it keep me warm but it reminds me that my Muv loves me. Because she made it.

10. This glass of hot tea I am drinking. At church last week Pastor Dave said something that stuck with me. Soldiers from Vietnam, people stuck in England during WW2, and people stuck in prison camps all said they missed the same thing....a hot cup of tea in the morning. The simple things make a big difference don't they?

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!!

What I've Learned Wednesday!

What I've Learned This Week

1. Integrals. Oh yeah, and I still hate math.

2. My dog is finally old enough to go to the park and play without a leash!! YAY!

3. Apartment hunting in Bozeman may be the worst thing ever. I mean, EVER.

4. It takes approximately 12 weeks of school for me to get sick of it. Thank God for this break.

5. Nothing is more exciting than a bubble bath+wine.

Snap, Crackle, POP!

You guys,

I made rice crispy treats.

Why?

Because they are delicious. Also because overindulging is the best way to celebrate this holiday.

The great thing about rice crispy treats is that they are SO easy to make.

Also they only have 3tbs of butter rather than the 2 cups(or so) that go into cookies.

So they're practically HEALTHY!!

I mean, come on. Puffed rice?

That sounds like health food to me.

Sure you add a buttload of these sugary guys.

But they're so light and fluffy they CAN'T be that bad right?

RIGHT??

Now here's where I strayed from the recipe a teensy bit.

I added chocolate.

Because chocolate is freaking great.

And it totally has antioxidants and crap.

So we're still keeping to that health food idea.

Oh yeah,

Here's my way cute apron.

And there you go.

A completely healthy (wink wink) treat for your holiday!

Happy Holidays!

Don't forget the TREATS!!

Awkward Family Photo's

So while searching through old photo's the other day I came across this gem.

I honestly never realized how funny it was.

The look on me and my big bro's face is really just too funny.

It turns out my family really DOES have it's own set of awkward family photo's.

Brilliant.

The Story of Friday Night

You know when you're young (like 22 and youngerish) and you stay out late,

drink too much,

wake up with weird bruises,

take stupid crazy pictures and POST them to the internet?

It's great right?

You're NEVER gonna end up like one of those lame adult people, right?

You know,

the one's who tell you to pay more attention to the road,

and that you need to apply yourself more,

and who go to bed early so they can study the next day,

and take multivitamins,

and who do the weirdest thing of all....only have ONE drink when they go out????

You'll never ever ever EVER be like that right???

Well here's the conversation from my Friday night.

The night of a still young but not too young 24 year old.

Me-I'm sooo bored. We never DO anything anymore.

Boyfriend-What would we do?

Me- I dunno. Go get a drink or something?

Boyfriend-We could....(looks at clock)

Oh, but it's already 8.30.

Me-Yeah

Boyfriend- We are SO old

There you have it folks. I have become an old, boring lady.

Rather than go out on a FRIDAY NIGHT. I stayed home and watched Friends and was in bed by 10. Neat.

Sure, I still have a little crazy left in me, but more and more frequently I find myself in bed at a reasonable hour.

This is my warning.

The lame bug will indeed bite you one day. So watch-out. And invest in some cute jam-jams.

And also, you kids really SHOULD pay more attention to the road. It's not a race!!

What I've Learned Wednesday!

What I've Learned This Week

1. Not being able to see the road on the way home due to fresh snow=fun new game.

2. 100% on an econ. test is worth one dollar. That was my prize.

3. You CAN get stuck in a dress. And it isn't pleasant.

4. Working way too hard on everything just might pay off. We'll see.

5. Dogs really don't like it when they've been home all day and then you come home and blog. I am learning this

RIGHT. NOW.

Silly dog won't get off my lap. And she is NOT a lap dog.

!!!!!!!!!!!!

Big news in my family lately folks!!

A few weeks ago I learned of a new addition into our happy family.

Whatever do you mean Megan? Is what you're asking I'm sure. (and if not...come on...humor me)

My big brother has gotten engaged!!!!!

That's right people. That little dude right there who's super grumpy cuz he has to share the heater is getting

FREAKING

MARRIED!

Andrew is the best big brother in the world!

He gave piggy back rides (even though they may have resulted in a face hitting the stairs/broken nose injury),

walked me to school AND carried my bags,

with his help I completed my first ridge run and also jumped off a small cliff (very small but still)

and he also taught me the very VERY important lesson that putting a cigarette behind your ear at the bars makes you look cool. But DON'T smoke it. If you smoke it you will get cancer. And Die.

And now he's marrying an awesome person which is another lesson in itself.

I'm so excited for the two of them and the fact that they have decided to spend the rest of their lives together. I feel so blessed to have such great people in my life to look up to.

Congratulations Andrew and Jenny!! I love you both!!

Veterans Day

Hello! Happy Veterans Day everyone. I hope you all are enjoying your (hopeful) day off from work or school.

Remember to take a second today to think and appreciate why we have a holiday. Give thanks to all who have served or are in the armed forces. You don't have to agree with everything, just remember to give thanks.

On a side note...today is 11.11.11! I'm sure you all know. Because it's cool. Make sure to make a wish at 11:11. I'm pretty sure it HAS to come true today!

What I've Learned Wednesday!

What I've Learned This Week:

1. School makes me tired. All. The. Time.

2. You don't need butter to make awesome sauce cookies.

3. My dog's love for the snow makes me love more. If you could see how she runs around like a crazy child filled with joy you would love it more too.

4. Pink must be the luckiest of colors. (Reservoir Dogs)

5. Countries with a shorter summer break have smarter kids.

Applesauce and Oatmeal

Warm applesauce and oatmeal,

Pumpkin spice latte to drink,

Snow on the ground,

Cuddles on the couch......

Still Monday.

What I've Learned Wednesday!

What I've Learned This Week-

1. If I jump into a pile of hay I can knock it down.

2. My dog thinks trick or treaters are evil.

3. Farm Policy.

4. Other people's weddings cause me to spend way to much time on pinterest looking at wedding stuff.

5. I need more sleep.

Being a Tourist, Jackson Hole Edition

So about a month ago the Boyfriend and I attended the wedding of our wonderful friends Rob and Kelly in Teton National Forest. It was beautiful.

Like, freakishly beautiful. But that's for another post.

After the wedding we took a quick trip down to Jackson Hole to see the sights.

You know those annoying people that take pictures of EVERYTHING.

I believe we call them tourists.

Well.....

I did that.

I did that hard.

Check it out.

A little train thing.

This is a lie.

I don't know what they were pointing at.

Ugh, I HATE being left out.

This dude was mayjah cray cray.

Looking deep into Lincoln's eyes.

What a player.

I bet he does that with all the girls.

I even got one of me AND the boyfriend.

This is rare so I hope you appreciate it.

What I learned- Being an annoying picture happy tourist nerd is fun. Do it.

Happy Halloween!!

So as you probably have figured out by now, I'm a crazy dog mom. One of the ways I let this show is by dressing up my dog for all occasions. Particularly Halloween.

It's one of my favorite things.

If you haven't tried this I suggest you do.

It will bring you ample amounts of joy.

I promise.

And here is how it usually goes...

1. Get dog dressed and posed for pictures.

Doesn't she look ECSTATIC??

(Squirrel costume from Target)

2. Dog will start to get annoyed. She may start questioning her loyalty to you.

She is probably beginning to ponder some sort of escape.

Don't stop though. The fun is just beginning.

3. Dog gives up all hope and accepts her fate.

Oh the humanity!

And in the case of last year when we kept her in her costume for some play time, the following may happen.

Payback.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!!

Halloween Fail

Oh man you guys. I have totally failed at Halloween this year. I didn't think up a costume, decorate the house or even carve a pumpkin!! I'm afraid school and apartment hunting have taken up all my time. Plus there's the whole, my boyfriend will be busy all weekend and I don't want to go without him business.

Codependent much?

But on the plus side my super awesome friend Michelle will be in town and we get to PLAY!!

Hopefully next year I can get my act together and make up for this miserable fail of a Halloween.

I'm thinking I'll try Captain Planet or Arthur.......

Here's some pictures from when I actually had time on my hands!

Harry Potter and Mary-Kate (big sunglasses and pursed lips)

My Olivia Newton John Cat from last year

Burt, a penguin, and the strange Friend Heart Bone pumpkin

The year I successfully convinced boyfriend to match me. We were Charlie Brown and Lucy. I have now learned that matching is more trouble than it's worth.

I hope you all have a wonderful (and safe) Halloween weekend!

What I've Learned Wednesday!

What I've Learned This Week

1. Working in a photo lab is TIRING! I feel like I need a nap and an espresso whenever I get out of there! Jeesh!

2. I hate math. And yes. I didn't know this until now.

3. This holiday season is going to be awesome music wise-Justin Bieber AND a She and Him Christmas Album??? The Boyfriend is gonna haaaaaate me!

4. Elasticity.

5. Dorms=Drama. I haven't lived it but it's all the people around me seem to talk about.

No Heat Curls

Has everyone tried this? I bet you all have and this is like, super old news.....

I found this tutorial on how to get super awesome curls with NO HEAT over at The Paper Mama. You heard me, NO HEAT. That means like, no damage to your poor pretty hair.

And the other exciting thing is that it's really easy.

All you do is wrap your hair up in a headband (follow link for more instruction) when your hair is semi dry and then sleep on it.

You wake up looking like this. Scary, I know.

Then you take your hair out and WALA! You have some freaking curls.

Just.

Like.

That.

It's seriously super easy. And it's not uncomfortable to sleep on either.

Whoever thought of this needs a medal.

Thoughts on Winter

I was born in June. (on a stormy day but that's beside the point)

I love summer. It's a wonderful time. You get to drink cocktails outside and can drive your car without worry of sliding into a parked car.

In Montana if you blink, you just might miss it.

Now I grew up in a skiing family. I mean, you were brought up to the hill in backpack before you could walk. My affection for "Cold Smoke" runs very deep in my blood.

But as I get older I crave just a bit more of the sunny and sweaty, slightly uncomfortable months of summer.

So I must say I've been slightly dreading the return of the white stuff this year and all the stuff it brings with it.....car scraping, a million layers (not cute layers either, I'm talking "I'm gonna get hypothermia if I don't wear long johns" layers), and the fear that you just might die every time you drive your car.

Yup, not looking forward to it.

But then something happened yesterday.

I found this.....

Which lead to this.....
That's pure joy folks. Joy that can only come from a homemade pumpkin spice latte.

And now a funny thing is happening. I'm starting to remember all the reasons I LOVE winter.

Seasonal flavors,

Christmas,

Dressing my dog up for Christmas cards,

Family time,

Friends coming to town for visits,

and most importantly...

the JUSTIN BEIBER Christmas Album. That's right. I'm excited.

Yup, I think I'm ready for the white stuff now...

For Future Reference

It is very difficult to do perform down dog while a dog licks your face.

The more you know.

What I've Learned Wednesday!

What I've learned this week

1. School makes you forget about things you're supposed to do. Like this post. oooops...

2. I REALLY need a fall break.

3. Ginger Tea is the bomb.

4. I'm starting to understand why people wear sweatpants to school. I still won't participate. But I'm starting to understand....

5. The only thing worse than homework is apartment hunting. We just looked and the CUTEST place today and the lady called to say that the tenants aren't moving out after all. HERUMPH!

At least that flower photo is pretty!

A Busy Weekend with Good News

Well it's Monday again and like most of you (unless you're crazy) it came much too soon.

While the weekend was a busy one (apartment hunting....ick) it was also a good one.

Boyfriend and I were able to take a little time between studying to grab some coffee at out favorite place, The Leaf and Bean, on Saturday morning. And that night we had a blast watching my dad's band. (The keg didn't hurt either)

But there was one other thing on Saturday that REALLY made my weekend....

I got a part in a play!!! It's been about 6 years since I have been on the stage and I really miss it so this is a pretty exciting thing for me. The part isn't huge but I'm so glad to be getting out there again.

So in celebration on that good news the Boyfriend took me out for sushi on Sunday and we topped the night off with an awesome chick flick.

With all my midterms and the apartment business it was definitely necessary to get in some cuddle time with the Boy and my dog.

I hope you all had a great weekend as well!

What I've Learned Wednesday!

What I've Learned This Week:

1. Pulling all nighters before big tests is not a winning idea.

2. Yoga before bed is the greatest thing I've ever done.

3. Alcohol only pretends to be your friend. (For some reason I learn this over and over again but never quite remember!)

4. Drag shows are awesome.

5. The only thing better than a curve is getting to be the one who kills it.

Adventures in Gluten Free-Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Pizza Crust

Alright. If any of you out there are doing this gluten free thing then you know the pain I feel when I crave pizza. It is most definitely one of the things I miss the most.

Luckily there are a few options out there. And lucky for YOU I'm gonna try them out!!

The first attempt was with Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free Pizza Crust.

So first make sure you have all your ingredients..this is something my Mom taught me to do before I make anything. That way you never get halfway through and realize you don't have something important!!

ingredients pictured- Bob's mix, olive oil, parmesan cheese, olives, mushrooms. Locally grown tomatoes, garlic, egg and purple bell pepper from Montana CSA

All you need for the crust-

Mix

Eggs

Olive Oil

Water

F.Y.I- This does not resemble regular pizza dough. It turns out almost paste like so you have to sort of mold the dough to the pan.

Sauce-

Omigod you guys! The boyfriend makes the absolute BEST pizza sauce.

Here's the recipe-

ingredients:

6 oz tomato paste

6 oz warm water

3 Tbsp Shredded Parmesan

1 Tbsp Minced Garlic

2 Tbsp Honey

1 tsp Anchovy Paste

3/4 tsp Onion Powder

1/4 tsp EACH- Oregano, Marjoram, basil, black pepper

1/8 tsp EACH- Cayenne, Red Pepper Flake

Salt to taste

Then you know, add em all together.

Now here's another little twist.

You have to bake the crust ALONE first and then you take it out and add your toppings and then bake it AGAIN.

mmmmmm.....cheese.

Here is the finished product.

This actually turned out really good. The crust was a little bland so I would recommend adding some spices to the dough before baking.

This is definitely a good alternative when you get that craving that needs to be satisfied.