Pages

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Happy Halloween!

Halloween: I did have a few customers tonight despite the drizzly weather.  I didn't see any costumes that I thought were particularly awesome, but what made me laugh was a dad telling his daughter "Yes, he's real."  I had left the front door open but storm door closed for RJ to look outside, so his kid was probably asking "Daddy, is it real?"

Work Related News: I got the following email from the big boss today. 
Dear Staff,

This is to let you know that I am going to close the office during the winter holidays as follows:

December 25 – Federal holiday
December 26-31 – Office Closure
January 1 – Federal Holiday
OMG, this is awesome!  I had to read it a few times, to make sure that it wasn't just a figment of my imagination.  I was planning to take some time off during the holidays, but now I can without actually having to use vacation hours! 

School Pride: I saw this article on my Facebook feed and felt a sense of pride for my alma mater, especially since I was there last weekend for Homecoming. Go Generals!  Kiplinger's Best Values in Private Colleges, 2014.

Card: Here's the card that I made for Robyn's birthday.

Card Specs:
Ink: Colorbox chalk ink in Charcoal, Warm Red, Blackberry, Yellow Citrus.  Stampin' Up in Close to Cocoa, Crumb Cake
Stamp: Studio G (sentiment), Stampin' Up- Owl Occasions
Paper: American Crafts- Letterbox
Punch: Fiskars Upper Crest border punch
Other: Brown Sharpie Ultra Fine Point marker

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Bookstore Prize!

"Sick Day": I decided to take a sick day today.  Being out all weekend, I wasn't able to get some errands done, so I blasted off several emails this morning and then called it a day.  I did get a bunch of things accomplished today:
Bookstore Prize: When I was at Homecoming last weekend, the bookstore staff were promoting their Facebook page and telling people to "Like" their page.  On a whim, I pulled out my phone and "liked" their page.  On the trip home on Sunday, they posted on their wall announcing 3 winners of their t-shirt contest and I was one of them!  Hah, so cool!  I emailed the bookstore staff person that was mentioned in the post to claim my prize and also asked her how I won considering I didn't remember entering in a contest.
Hi Tina, We did a promotion that we only advertised in the store. We were attempting to get more of our young alums to like the Store’s Facebook page. So the drawing was pulled from the new likes generated from this weekend. So if you weren’t here you still were entered because you like the store’s page. :) Lucky you.
The t-shirt arrived today after only talking to the lady yesterday...only a 1 day wait!  What amazing service!

Monday, October 28, 2013

Halloween Nails

Bye, Suzie: The alarm went off this morning at 7:30 AM and my brain started churning out a to-do list of emails that I needed to send out.  I had thought about taking a sick day today since the weekend was so busy, but I figured that procrastination wouldn't get my anywhere.  Well, I'm already awake, I might as well start working.  Suzie was still sleeping so it's not like we could have chatted anyway.  I could hear her rustling later on and she came downstairs "I thought you were still sleeping!  I was being all quiet upstairs."  Ha ha, nope, busy little bee here.  We hung out for a little bit and then, all of a sudden, it was time for me to take her to the Metro so that she could be on her merry way back to NYC.

Nails: This is Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Heat Flash (2 coats) and Konad black nail polish and Bundle Monster plate #222.

Sunday, October 27, 2013

WNL Young Alumni Weekend, Day 3

Time to go home...but not before having a little bit of last minute fun with friends.  After eating breakfast at the hotel and checking out, we went back to Lexington Coffee Shop so the girls could get their last coffee fix.  Page wanted to stay there and study for a little bit and the rest of us walked around to check out the shops.  We got a text from her saying that Brightman was there to pick her up and make their way back to Georgia.  There were hugs all around and "see you soon" (goodbye seems too final) and away they went.

We continued our walk around town and also walked to campus so that Suzie could say goodbye to her brother (who was still wearing the jacket and pants that we had seen him in the day before).  Meg wanted to take some pictures.  Suzie also asked her to take some pictures of her with the Colonnade in the background in case they could be used for future book pictures.  It was time for lunch so we made our last foodie stop at Salerno's for lunch.  I noticed that the $5 pizza night that I remember has now increased to $8.99.  Sad, sad, sad.  I got two slices of cheese pizza and everyone else got subs.

Then it was time for us to get on the road.  The 2 weird things that we saw on the drive was a truck that was carrying 3 tractor trailer cabs that were stacked and leaning against each other and then another truck that was towing some random playground items: hobbit house, apple with a worm coming out of it, and a pencil.

Meg drove us to a Metro station near her place and we all got out to continue our journey home.  After dumping our stuff at home, I drove Suzie to my parents' house so she could say hi to my parents and Julie.  Julie stayed in the kitchen and listened to us recap the trip.

One observation from the weekend: it was nice to see the Speaking Tradition in full force this weekend.  It was weird to have people...strangers...saying hi to you.  You just don't do that in DC, but it's totally the culture on campus.  Several VMI cadets even tipped their hats and said hello when walking by.
Lee Chapel
The red brick and white columns never gets old.
Thanks for a fun weekend, WNL!

Saturday, October 26, 2013

WNL Young Alumni Weekend, Day 2

Robyn had a thing to go to this morning so we were out of the hotel by around 9:30.  We went to Lexington Coffee Shop for the other girls to get warm drinks and hang out until the tailgate.  At the coffee shop, I saw a couple (Avery and Will T.) that I knew from when I was at school.  They were two years older than me and dated while they were students and got married after they graduated.  The woman actually worked for the school a little bit post-graduation.  They came to the reunion with their 2 adorable kids.  I wasn't sure if they would recognize me, but the husband gave a subtle wave and I smiled and did the same.  The wife was trying to get the little one situated and I talked to her for a little bit before she left the store.  She and Robyn were going to the same place. 

Suzie's brother came by the coffee shop later on.  He was dressed up nicely, which we complimented him on.  "Oh, I slept in this."  What about your necktie?  Did you take it off?  "No, it was really cold in the place that I was staying at.  I had it on for warmth."  Then he proceeded to tell us about his seemingly magic jacket where you could ball it up and it would still come out wrinkle free (somehow this became a running joke among many during the weekend).

Around 11, we started heading out to the Law School lawn for tailgate.  I was especially excited about having salad and mac and cheese.  Afterwards, Page went to go study and Suzie went to the library for some quiet time.  Robyn, Meg and I went to the football game until halftime.  I wasn't really paying too much attention to the game because I was too busy watching people and eavesdropping on their conversations.  What seems to be in fashion are skinny jeans and riding boots.  I mean, I knew that, but to see almost everyone wear that type of outfit was a little strange.  Hello, individuality?  Another fashion item I noticed were backless tops.  Hello, it's cold outside!  Are you nuts?!  Plus, we're at tailgate.  Not da club.  Anyway...another funny thing was that something flew in the air randomly a few rows in front of us.  I realized later on that it was a cork.  A girl said quietly, "Do you think anyone noticed?"  Um, yes.  The conversation I heard behind me was about how Mom and Dad were confused about the term "hooking up."  "Yeah, my mom's always like 'What does that mean?!'"  Ah, college life...

After halftime, the three of us wandered over to the Commons to sit down and chat some more until it was time for Suzie's book signing and dinner.  Shane, a (then) freshmen that I knew from coordinating a pre-orientation trip, recognized me and we chatted a little bit.  Page gave Meg her notes and tried to recite what was on the page from memory.  Just like old times. 

Suzie's siblings came to the book signing so it was nice to see them.  Robyn went to a professor's house for dinner and the rest of us went the BBQ/wine tasting event.  You can't go to a WNL weekend event without a pulled pork sandwiches.  I had some white wine and some raspberry sparkling wine which was very delicious. 

After dinner, it was back to the Bookstore for what seemed like the 5th time in 2 days.  We looked in to the theater to see what movie they were playing.  It was Man of Steel.  The guy that played Detective Stabler on Law and Order: SVU had a military role in this movie, and I was thinking to myself "Umm, you're supposed to be NYC, protecting us from sexual predators..."  I caught maybe 10 minutes of it and then the 5 of us met back up in the Commons living room.  Brightman eventually joined us with some of his friends.  More talking ensued...
Lunch at tailgate.
Group picture!
Hi, Brightman!
Page, Meg, Me
Meg's super excited about her new phone case.  Her clothing matches it so well.  Earlier this morning, we joke that she looked like she was going riding or hunting.
Meg helping Page study.

Me and Page with Dr. Uffelman (chemistry professor) at Suzie's book signing.

At the wine tasting.
Smile!

Friday, October 25, 2013

WNL Young Alumni Weekend, Day 1

Suzie and I woke up pretty early this morning so that we could eat breakfast and get on the Metro so that we could meet Meg at her place around 9.  She was the best person out of group to be the driver of the trip because a) she had a roomier vehicle and b) she's more familiar with driving around campus than the rest of us.  We got there around 9 and waited around for Robyn to show up.  Meg pulled up where the buses were picking people up.  The drivers were not pleased and honked their horns.  We tossed our luggage in the back of the SUV and leaped in the car and away we went!

The drive there was pretty smooth with minimal traffic.  Funny thing in the car...Robyn was saying that she wasn't going home for Thanksgiving.  I invited her to my family's Thanksgiving.  "We'll set up a table for you...I mean, a chair."

While in the car, we were communicating with Page and Brightman, who were driving from Georgia to Lexington.  They had already been driving the day before and were in Virginia today.  At one point, Page texted "back right" and it took the 4 of us in the car to realize that Page was already at the restaurant that we were planning to eat for lunch (Don Tequila, a Mexican restaurant).  "Drive faster!!"  Ok, Page, safety first.

When we got there, we found her in the back corner with her computer on and headphones plugged in.  She has a pharmacy school test on Monday, so she was trying to cram all the studying she could.  Brightman basically dropped her off and decided to go mountain biking.  At lunch, I was trying to figure out the room situation since we got 2 rooms for 5 people.  "Someone will have to room with Meg" but what I was trying to say was that someone would have to share the room with Page and Brightman.  It turned out that Brightman wasn't even going to stay with us anyway, so Page and Meg shared a room and Robyn, Suzie and I shared the other room.

After lunch, I wanted to go to the Science Center to see my favorite chemistry professor.  Page and Robyn had also taken a Netherlands art class with him. I didn't tell him that I was coming and he was walking down the hall with his advisee. You could see him slowly register who I was. "TINAAA!!" followed by a big hug. Compared to the other chemistry majors, I wasn't the smartest academically and I didn't go to medical school like everyone else. However, he didn't hold that against me and asked if I would be willing to come to campus at some point to talk to the students about public health because who knows...maybe there's a "Tina" student that's there right now that's in the same situation as I was in.

We decided to continue our walk around campus.  Wow, so many changes.  One of the dorms on the Quad was converted to office buildings, the library was renovated on the first floor (very open floor layout and more well lit).  The circulation desk that I remembered wasn't there anymore, but at least there was an information desk in case anyone had questions.  They've since upgraded to a self-check out system. We left Page at the library so she could have some quiet time to study.

While in the English building, Suzie found an English professor who gave us a tour of the newness.  There were new lounges where students could congregate before or after class, complete with nice comfy chairs and a large TV that displayed news and campus announcements.

At some point, we went to the campus bookstore so we could stock up on WNL gear.  I got a Tervis with the trident and a sticker for my car.  Yay, school pride! 

After walking around campus, we decided to to to the Palms to hang out and eat dinner eventually.  Suzie and Robyn had appointments with other professors/students/people so the Palms was a good central location.  We were there for a good 3 hours but it was fine because we left right when business was picking up and we were able to give them back our table.  As we were walking from the Palms to campus, we were looking at some of the stores in town.  Where's (fill in the store's name)?  Didn't (store's name) used to be here?  Followed by a series of similiar questions.  A guy that was walking behind us heard our conversation. "It moved 3 years ago."  Oh.  Heh.  We learned later on that a breakfast place that we liked (Aunt Sarah's) and a cafe called Joyful Spirit had since closed.  Joyful Spirit was replaced by a gelato place that Suzie actually went to while we were at the Palms.  Apparently, it's really good.  How can you go wrong with gelato?

Next up was a reception outside in a heated tent. There were several food stations: stir fry served in Chinese food take-out containers, mashed potato bar, cheese/dip, and cupcakes.  I was so excited to see the cupcakes, and I picked out one of the yellow cake ones to try.  I was a little disappointed when I bit in because the frosting was hard.  I guess they had been refrigerated prior to the reception, which makes sense.  On the other hand, I really enjoyed the cheese/dip station and the Lexington lemonade that was provided. 

At some point, we went back to the bookstore because the girls wanted to get some apparel.  I was happy with my earlier purchases, but I did try on a t-shirt that ended up being too tight.  Suzie had been eye-ing a hoodie and put one on.  "What do you think?"  I said the first thing that came to mind, "What you going to do with this?" pointing to her chest area.  I was trying to communicate that it was a little tight there, but it resulted in a fit of giggles (a running joke of the weekend).
They put up a fence for the renovations.  Painting students at school decided to make the fence look pretty.  Reconstruction doesn't have to be an eye-sore, right?  It's probably difficult to tell in this picture, but the subject of the artwork is fairy tales (Sleeping Beauty, 3 Little Pigs, etc.).

Outside the library, waiting for Suzie to finish her phone call.

In front of Washington Hall.

The fire pit that the bookstore folks wanted to show off.

Hi, Page!

Evening reception.

Mmm...cupcakes.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Suzie's Here!

I'm so ready for Young Alumni Weekend at Washington and Lee University.  It's been over 5 years since I've been to campus, so I'm looking forward to seeing the changes at school and hang out with my friends and eat local/school food.

Step One: Pick up Suzie at the Metro.

There wasn't much in my fridge for dinner, so after the work day was done, I wanted to go to Target to get some Halloween candy for the trick-or-treaters, thank you candy for Julie for taking care of RJ this upcoming weekend, Dunkin Donuts to use a coupon, and Panera for dinner.

I had a $1.50 off coupon for 3 bags of fun sized candy so I picked out a bag each of Snickers, Milky Way and Twix.  In the next aisle, I saw that boxed candy was $1, so I got a box each of Starburst and Sour Patch Kids for Julie.  Suzie was like "I really want a 3 Musketeers.  If they had one, I would totally get it."  There was a funny moment at the check out line, I saw a display with candy on clearance and there were 3 Musketeers bars for $0.38!  Suzie immediately grabbed one and started eating it right after we stepped out of the store.  It lasted the length of the mall where the eatery was.  While she was basking in chocolatey goodness, my heart sank when I realized that the Dunkin Donuts in the mall was no longer there!  WAH! I had been waiting and waiting and waiting to use my coupon.  Oh well.  I don't need 6 donuts anyway.  Hmph.

At least I got my salad from Panera.

Then it was a lot of eating at the house and Food Network for the rest of the night.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

30 Day Shred (Round 2): Measurements and Pictures

When the alarm went off this morning, I was thinking "Today is the day!"  I finished my Round 2 of the 30 Day Shred last night, so today is weight and measurement day! Well, I've been keeping track of my weight throughout the process, so that number didn't really surprise me, but the measurements did.  I had to do them several times because I was thinking, "Um, this can't be right.  I actually lost inches?  This thing actually worked?  It worked!  I did it!"  I knew that something was going on at least in my waist and hip area because my jeans require a belt now.

Before (9/22/13) /After (10/22/13)
  • Weight: 152.7/151.5 (-1.2 lbs)
  • Chest: 38.5/36.5 (-2 inches)
  • Waist: 35/32.75 (-2.25 inches)
  • Hips: 39.5/39 (-0.5 inches)
  • Thighs: 29/29 (no change)
It feels nice to put some numbers to my success.  I regret not having a set of measurements in my first round, and that's because I was a) skeptical that the program would work and b) skeptical in myself  that I'd actually be able to do the full 30 days.  And 60+ days later, I've done the cycle twice! :)

Progress Pictures:  I'm not sure the pictures reflect the change in the measurements, but these are good for record keeping at least.

Monday, October 21, 2013

30 Day Shred (Round 2): Completed!

Whoo hoo!  I completed my first 30 days on September 17 and decided to start another round about a week after that.  Today was Day 30 of Round 2 and I'm feeling pretty accomplished.  There were some nights that I really had to force myself to get off the couch to do it.  I mean, really, I had to push myself to do the workout at 11 PM, just so that I could say that I did it and could cross off another day on the calendar.  I hadn't really had a reward in mind, but the thought of a pair of skinny jeans and some tall brown boots sounds pretty good to me :)

Progress pictures and measurements to follow tomorrow.

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Homeownership Joys: the Garbage Disposal

I had intentions of going to spin class this morning, but I failed miserably at that.  I did wake up on time, but then fell back asleep.  Also, RJ came to visit me so with him being on the bed, it made the bed extra cozy.  ZZz.

When I got up around 11:30 (gasp! I must have been really tired!), I checked Facebook and saw that Meg finished her 10 mile race.  Woot!

After I finally got out of bed and went into the kitchen, on a whim, I turned on the garbage disposal.  It's not an appliance that I use very often, but I wanted to make sure that it was at least working.  I flipped the switch and it hummed and then it went completely quiet.  I pressed the reset button and also flipped the switch on the circuit breaker and then did that a few times with no luck.  I went to Google and YouTube to see what might be the problem.  Ah, it's stuck, but I was able to find a solution that wouldn't require me to call in someone.  I went to the hardware store to get an Allen wrench and then went to my parents' house for a quick visit.  I told Mom about what was going on and she said that she had one at the house!  Ugh.  Oh well.  At least I have the receipt so that I can return the set that I got. Armed with the one that Mom gave me, I stuck the Allen wrench in the hole at the bottom of the disposal and used some strength to move it from side to side to loosen up whatever was caught in there.  5 seconds later, my disposal was working just fine.  Whew!

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Spaghetti Squash

The couch seemed like a comfy place to camp out after going to the grocery store this morning.
Recipe #9 of 2013: I tried spaghetti squash for the first time a few weeks ago when Julie made it.  Top it off with some marinara sauce and it's just as good as pasta, but healthier!  Slice the spaghetti squash in half with a butter knife, top it off with salt/pepper/olive oil/garlic powder, and then put it in the oven at 400 degrees for about 50 minutes.  One squash will probably last me the whole week :)

Friday, October 18, 2013

Fall-To Layout #263

At the office: My boss left for a 2-week European vacation last night and the only meeting that I had today had to be rescheduled.  Usually, this situation would make me feel like "when the cat's away, the mice will play," but I was definitely feeling panic-y this morning when I had some issues where it'd be helpful if she was around to ask questions.  For example, a focus group participant needed a $800+ ticket to get from WI to ATL.  I didn't know whether or not to approve it, but since she's a necessary person, we'll just have to suck it up and fork over the money for the airline ticket.  I was holding my breath for the rest of the day, dreading another email from the travel agent asking for more approvals.  Thankfully, the other two tickets she booked today were below the panic level.  I'm going to be so happy to escape next weekend for Alumni Weekend.  BLAH!

Card:  Here's my take on Fall-To Layout #263.  It almost looks Christmas-y with the red and gold, but I think it could pass for an anytime card.
Card Specs:
Rub-On: Karen Foster Design- Birthday
Paper: Die Cuts with a View- The Fashionably Chic Stack
Sticker: Martha Stewart Heirloom Framed Bird Stickers
Other: Stickles, Black Sharpie Ultra Fine Point marker

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Full Day at the Office

I haven't been to the office for a full day since August 23 due to the renovation.  I've come in here and there to check the mail but not for a full day.  Today was a full day...
  • Interview, 9 AM
  • Interview, 10 AM
  • Conference call, 11 AM
  • Non-senior staff meeting, 12 PM
  • Interview, 2 PM
  • Interview, 3 PM
The interviews were for a website professional position.  1 interview was an internal candidate, so she definitely had an upper hand over the other candidates.  2 interviews were fine, but nothing spectacular. 

The last interview of the day was downright horrible.  I noticed that the last entry in her resume was January 2012 and when I asked her the reasoning behind it, she said that she had to move in with her grandparents to take care of them.  I felt like total scum that I asked, but I felt like it was important to understand the reasoning behind it.  With that aside, it still didn't go well because she didn't have the technical expertise, seemed to want to work independently, and didn't have answers for some of the interview questions, like "How would current or past supervisors describe you?" It kind of shocked me how unprepared she was.  After the interview, my co-worker on the interview panel was like, "OMG, Tina, your face..."  I don't have a good poker face, so I probably looked bored or annoyed.  He wasn't too thrilled with her either, "She was odd.  I knew in the first five minutes that this wasn't going to work out."  I hope the candidate can take this experience as a practice interview for future interviews.

Monday, October 14, 2013

Fall-To Layout #262

YouTube Haircut: In a moment of impulsiveness Saturday night, I cut my hair.  My bangs were getting really long and I didn't like the way they looked.  After a quick refresher on YouTube, I grabbed my Tim Holtz craft scissors and gave my bangs a trim.  Meh, not to bad for doing it myself and fortunately, I'm not too attached to my hair.  (This wasn't the first time...)  Who knows, maybe I'll have the guts to cut my own hair one day.  Mom does...

P.S. I'm totally loving my new Wonder Woman top from Old Navy. :)  I wore my new cardigan and neon pink top to Laura's baby shower yesterday.  Saturday's shopping trip with Julie totally paid off.
RJ:...enjoyed our lazy Sunday afternoon together yesterday...
Card: Here's my take on Fall-To Layout #262.
Card Specs:
Ink: Colorbox chalk ink in Charcoal, Warm Red, Blackberry
Stamp: Inkadinkado- Wellspring, Inkadinkado, K&Company- AB Lotus Greeting Stamps
Paper: American Crafts- Abode
White Gel Pen: Uni-Ball Signo Broad White Gel Pen
Other: Stickles

Candy Crush Update: Level 112.

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Laura's Baby Shower

Laura, my friend from graduate school, is expecting twin boys in January 2014, and today was her baby shower!  (I wonder if this twin thing is going to be a trend with my graduate school friends since Cristina also had twins.)  Just like her bridal shower, the baby shower was hosted by her sister.  There were games...like we had to match a submitted baby picture with a guest.  I'd like to think that I was pretty easy to guess since I was the only Asian person there.  ;)
In a sea of gifts...
Graduate school friends...go Terps!
Here's the card that I made for her and Nate.  I also got a fluffy blanket and some items from the registry for the babies.

Card Specs:
Ink: Colorbox chalk ink in Prussian Blue and Chestnut Roan
Paper: American Crafts- Letterbox, Recollections- Mosaic Memories
Stamp:  Inkadinkado- Round Frames, Stampin' Up- Fox and Friends
Die: Sizzix- Squares, Scalloped #2
Other: Brown Sharpie Ultra Fine Point marker

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Shopping Day with the Family

I went to the mall with my sister Julie this morning so that she could return a shirt to LLBean.  Since we were already there, we decided to walk around.  We went to New York and Company and Sephora to look but not buy.  We had better luck at Old Navy, which was having a sale on everything on the store.  I got a replacement grey cardigan since RJ tore a hole in the one that I already have, 2 pinkish t-shirts (clearance!), and a Wonder Woman 3/4 sleeve shirt.  Woot! :)

We came back to my parents' house, ate lunch, and then went to another mall with Mom.  She wanted to go to Costco.  Julie needed to go to Target.  I just wanted to tag along, and while I didn't buy anything on this trip, Julie bought me a very berry sundae.  Yum!

I hung out at the house for a little bit and then decided to go home.  On the way home, I picked up a few books from the library and a movie: Safe Haven.  I read the book a few years ago, so I was curious to see how the movie adaption would be.  Plus, Josh Duhamel is very easy on the eyes.  It was good, but nothing that I would buy to watch over and over again. 

RJ curled up on the couch with me while I was watching the movie.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Happy Hour and Makeup Update

I went to dinner with my boss, coworker, and some members.  During the conversation, my committee chair asked me how my summer was.  Meh, nothing really exciting.  I bought a car and my sister came home from school.  Doing anything big would have been financially irresponsible because of said car...and I had already done a cruise in the Spring.

Then the conversation went to how most of my coworkers and I are teleworking and how sometimes that arrangement makes us work extra hours.  "Yeah, sometimes, I get reply emails from Tina after hours."  I replied with, "Well, usually, I'm in the checkout line at the grocery store waiting for my turn.  I might as well reply.  There's not really much else I can do while waiting."  Everyone laughed.  Somehow things turned into "Tina, we need to work on your love life" or something to that effect.  Wait, what?  How did we get on that topic?  Sigh.  Oh, here we go again.  If they weren't being so motherly, I would have taken offense or been embarrassed (hello, I'm sitting with my boss, my committee chair, the association's president and other association members...like VIPs from work), but I've just come to accept that my love life (or lack there of) will come up somehow in conversation.  I just roll my eyes and laugh along and try to change the topic really quickly!

We went to the Happy Hour at the bar near the office.  I got an appletini, chicken tenders, and fries.  After pretty much being a vegetarian for the past few days, the chicken was welcomed.

Before I met up with the people from work, I exchanged the NYX lip liner that I bought in Mahogany.  The brown shade was way too dark for me and not very flattering.  I got Hot Red instead.  I tried it on when I got home from dinner and paired it with the Jordana Twist and Shine Moisturizing Balm Stain in Rock 'n Rouge.  Talk about bam, in your face! 

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

::Eye Roll::

Well, I guess more than one person can get a workout on my bike.

Monday, October 7, 2013

CAS(E) This Sketch #48

30 Day Shred, Round 2 Update: Today is Day 16.  Must. Keep. Going.  Don't. Give. Up.

Card: Here's my take on CAS(E) This Sketch #48.  I have a feeling I'm going to be using this sketch for future office birthday/anniversary cards.
Card Specs:
Ink: Colorbox chalk ink in Charcoal, Sour Apple, Yellow Citrus, Dark Peony
Paper: Die Cuts with a View- Mango Frost
Stamp: Hero Arts- Year Round Sentiments.  American Crafts- Herbs
Other: Brown Sharpie Ultra Fine Point marker, Stickles 

Currently on Level 105 on Candy Crush.

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Fall-To Layout #261

Spin: I found out this morning that one of the spin instructors broke her arm in 2 places over the weekend.  She'll be out of commission for a little bit.  :(

Shopping: After spin class, I went to TJMaxx and found some 6 x 6 paper packs: Studio Calico- Classic Calico (Volume 2 and 3) and Snippets.  The Classic packs are so great because the paper's in various shades of kraft.  Neutrals always come in handy!

Card: Here's my take on Fall-To Layout #261.  I'm sending this to a friend that's having a tough time at work these days.
Card Specs:
Ink: Colorbox chalk ink in Charcoal, Blackberry.  Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Peeled Paint.
Stamps: Hero Arts- You and Me,  K&Company- AB Lotus Floral Stamps, K&Company- AB Lotus Greeting Stamps (butterfly)
Paper: American Crafts- Letterbox
Punch: We R Memory Keepers Corner Chomper
Die: Spellbinders Nestabilities Standard Circles Large, Lifestyle Crafts- Nesting Lace Circles
Other: Do-Jiggies (purple flowers)

Saturday, October 5, 2013

Art on the Avenue

My friend Robyn had a concert today that was a part of Art on the Avenue in Alexandria.  My sister Julie and I drove down to watch her play and also do some serious people/kid/dog watching.  The weather was a little on the hot side for October (high 80s?), but not gross enough to deter people from coming out to support the artists and spend time with their families.  It was fun to watch the kids on the playground and people's dogs (the ones that stick out were a basset hound, Westie, 3 greyhounds, 2 golden retrievers).  There was a lady walking around with a legit parrot on her shoulder.  I was afraid that it'd fly away, but I figured she wouldn't have brought it outside if she had the same fear.  We saw a kid become really sad because he didn't hold onto his balloon tightly enough and it drifted off to the sky (like many other balloons today). 

After the concert, we went to Pork Barrel BBQ for lunch, and it was delicious!
These guys' heads bob up and down.  I thought they were cool yard art.
These guys are taking home a large scarecrow friend.

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Happy Anniversary Card from the Office

I got my office anniversary card today (per usual, one that I made). The message that the big boss left inside was funny because we had had a previous conversation...me saying that he could just save the postage. No need to send me one of my own cards. He insisted I get a card because he enjoyed sending them out to all the employees.

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Healthy Snacks

Apples + peanut butter = some sugar, some fruit, some protein...all in one!  Not a bad substitute for candy.
Someone randomly rang my doorbell this afternoon.  I got a little creeped out because who would visit me in the middle of the day.  I looked out the peep hole and no one was there.  Ok, even more weird.  I slowly opened the door and...

it was Mom.  "Hi!  I was in the neighborhood for a doctor's appointment!"  Sigh, ok, crisis averted.  She was pulling the weeds around my roses which was why I didn't see her earlier.
Conference calls...lameee.