"Cause You Been Acting Like You're Overloaded"

Title: Hanson - "And I Waited"

Kinda like Friday's post, this blog post has no real focus. I have a whole bunch of random things going on right now, just thought you should know.

1.

The amazing beach day trip with my lovah and 2 friends? Didn't happen.

When I wrote Friday's post, I was trying to focus on all the happy things in my life so take my mind off of the sickness that was creeping in. I had convinced myself that I'd be fine. I went home from work and curled up on the couch. Even made it to the grocery store (in yoga pants, feel free to judge) to pick up snacks. Went back to the couch and crashed. For 3 hours. I never got anything done and I woke up feeling worse. After crying and a lot of "it's not faaaaaiiir"'s, Vito let our friends know we wouldn't be making it. Pretty lame but one can't enjoy the beach as much if her partner in crime is a box of tissues and a bag of cough drops. I'm still kinda bitter but I'm working on getting over it. We are going to try to reschedule for this weekend. I'm not letting myself get excited.

2.

Last night I had my first class of my senior year. Woot woot! I'm one of 6 girls in a class with 19 other men. It's a night class and I'm stuck in a group with the annoying kid in class. Awesome start. This morning's class has officially made my anxiety sky rocket when I learn that I'll be writing and defending a thesis for that class plus another one that starts tomorrow. Oh and did I mention the research study I'm running? 6 classes. I may not survive. I promise Vito will post if said death occurs.

3.

The best part of my 3 day weekend was yesterday, Vito & I ventured to Starbucks. Now seeing as it is 90+ degrees outside (what.the.eff), drinking a pumpkin spice latte wouldn't be possible. But there was a saving grace. I don't know if y'all have amazing baristas like I do around here but they will pretty much bend over backwards for you. I asked her what cold pumpkin drinks she could make me. She whipped us up a pumpkin spice coffee frapp.

*cue angels singing the Hallelujah Chorus."

I died. & went to heaven. & cursed Vito for making us share it. I'm still thinking about it and might need to go get one tonight. I am SO sad to hear from my international readers that pumpkin spice isn't an option over seas. I say boycott or start a petition because trust me, you need it in your life.

4.

I finished The Hunger Games' third book in its trilogy. Mockingjay. Peeta & I reunited and it feels soooooo good. Yes I sung that in my head, love me through it. 8) If you've been hiding under a rock and haven't read this series, do yourself a favor and get on that. You will thank me. & you will fall in love with the boy with the bread.

Trust.

5.

I bought the new Hanson CD.

Go ahead and judge me.

There are a lot of new followers around this blog! (Maybe not so many after admitting #5)

I'm so glad y'all have stopped by. Don't be shy, feel free to introduce yourselves!

"The Touch Of Your Lips, It's A Shock Not A Kiss, It's Electric Twist."

Title: A Fine Frenzy - "Electric Twist"

Today, let's address some reason why Vanessa is happy!

1.

It's Friday. Not only is that exciting in its self, it is also my last 8 hour day until at least October. And I have a 3 day weekend! & there is a certain someone who isn't in the office today which always makes for a better day!

2.

It's August and only 80 degrees outside, sun is shining, and the windows are open. I don't know about y'all but fresh air and sunshine always puts me in a better mood.

3.

Tomorrow we are doing a day trip to the beach with our anniversary couple! This will be my first (and probably only trip) to the beach this year. I am excited to go as it will only be 80 degrees at the beach, perfect weather. After the trip, I think I will finally be able to let go of summer and welcome fall!

4.

The beautiful Ivy is celebrating her blogoversary and is having an amazing giveaway. I do not want to tell you about it because I'm selfishly dreaming of winning just so I can try her treehugger coffee!

5.

I received an email today from Starbucks. We all know how I'm addicted right? Right. And many of you also know how excited I am for September 1st, which is usually the first officially day for Pumpkin Spice Latte's (my second favorite drink!) to be back! Well since Starbucks and I are bffs (Read: I keep them in business) they sent me an extra special message today that I want to share with y'all!

So tell me what things are making you happy today??

Happy Weekend!!

Word-Filled Wednesday {15}

♥

"You Make Me Happy When Skies Are Gray"

Title: You Are My Sunshine.

The song my mom used to sing to me when I was younger.

Last month when I celebrated my 1 year of bloggin' it up, I had asked if there was anything I hadn't blogged about that you wanted to know. I have not forgotten about them! I decided to start with one of the newly married Aubrey's requests.

10 Things I've Learned From My Mom

Reading is one of the best past times.

My mom's favorite thing to do is read. This woman will sit down and read a book in one night. When she comes home from work, she is often found with a book in her hand. Growing up, I never found an appeal in reading. It wasn't until I was introduced to the Harry Potter series that I truly found my love for reading. I learned from her that getting lost in another world through words is one of the best ways to spend extra time.

How to flute a pie

Every single Thanksgiving and Christmas my mom makes the best pumpkin pie to ever grace this earth. Her mother use to make it and the recipe has been passed down. Now as a wonderful little girl, I always loved to help. My job every time she baked these lovely pies was fluting the crust. Still to this day, if I'm around she'll ask me to do it. Only now, I don't need to pull a chair up to the kitchen counter to reach the pies. 8)

Life isn't always fair

This is one of those phrases I've heard more times that I ever wanted to. You know the typical conversation between mother and teenage daughter, I'm sure you've had it.

"But mom, that isn't fair!"

"Well honey, life isn't always fair"

I hated hearing it but it is true. Life isn't always fair. We just need to suck it up and take the bad with the good.

It's better to have too much than not enough

If you've ever walked into my house when my mother cooks, you would think the entire neighborhood was coming for dinner. This woman overbuys everything.

Example A: We have family dinner every Sunday. One week at our house and next at my sister's, back and forth. Last week when it was at our house, we were having a "make your own sub" night. Easy right? For 6 people, my mom bought 5 different lunch meats, 2 different cheeses, all the fixin's, 3 bags of chips, mac salad, 2 types of potato salad, red beet eggs, veggies and dip, and meat and cheeses cut up. Plus cheesecake for dessert. 6 people. Her response? "Well, I wanted to make sure everyone would get what they wanted." Example B: Mom made ham, green beans, and potatoes for her, Vito, & I. After us three dishing up our food, she makes the comment "Are you proud of me? I almost made the right amount! There's only about 2 extra servings in there!" Yes Mom, so proud. 8)

Being selfless

Anyone who knows my mom would describe her as someone who has a big heart. Sadly, it becomes a fault for her as she has been taken advantage for it. This woman always puts her children first. I could probably count on one hand growing up and up until now how many times I've seen her go clothes shopping for herself. We certainly didn't grow up with much but the little she did have, she spent on my sister and I. She'd rather us be happy and have something new than herself. She still struggles with buying things for herself. I believe she will always put us first, even now that we are grown.

Sometimes a banana split for supper is the way to go.

After my sister moved out when I was 11, it was just my mother and I living at home. One night she didn't feel like cooking. She said she craved a banana split. Since we live within 2 minute walking distance from an ice cream shop, she thought it was a good idea to go get banana splits for dinner. That was my first one ever. Sometimes, it's good to do something silly like eat only ice cream for dinner.

That the world, contrary to what I sometimes believe, does not revolve around me.

Even though my mom's life revolved around both my sister's and I's, she often reminds us that it isn't that way for everyone. As many times as I've heard "Life isn't always fair" I've always heard, "Well Vanessa, the world does not revolve around you." It's a sad truth if you ask me.

Keep everything.

Ever seen the show Hoarders? My mom could be on it. This woman keeps everything. She hates throwing things out because "you never know when this might come in handy!" It's bad. & let me tell you, that one time a few years ago she had that one random thing you might have needed for one split second? She will never let you forget that instance. She will bring it up as proof that keeping random things is worth it.

Licking the spatula is more than okay

As a child, my mom always made home made chocolate cake with the best white icing ever to exist. Another recipe passed down from her mother. You best believe that then and still now she calls me to the kitchen to lick the beaters or the spatula. She always told me that is why the electric beater had 2 beaters, so both my sister and I could lick them. Obviously this means I've eaten raw eggs and I've still lived to tell the tale.

As long as you've tried your best, that is all that counts.

My mom was never the one who got angry if I ever brought home a bad grade. Never. I remember the first time I brought home a D on an assignment from middle school. I cried. She hugged me and asked me "Did you try your best?" I sobbed out a "Yes and I still did bad" and she would reply "As long as you tried your best, that is all that counts to me." It always made me feel better. She never expected perfection from me as other parents wanted from their children. She only wanted me to try as hard as I could. That was enough for her.

I could go on and on as I've learned so much from my mom. These just happen to be the first 10 things to come to mind.

Do we always get along?

No.

Do I love her always?

Absolutely.

Me & Mommy, Circa Christmas 2008

What's some of your favorite lessons you've learned from your mom?

Word-Filled Wednesday {14}

♥

"Check Your Handbook, It's No Trick. Take The Chapstick, Put It On Your Lips."

Title: Vampire Weekend - "Oxford Comma"

The other night I thought it was a good time to clean out my purse. I don't know about you ladies, but my purse seems to collect an insane amount of trash. Mostly stupid, old receipts. While cleaning it out, I decided out of inspiration from Amanda, to do a "What's in my purse" post! I'll warn you now, it's a lot of junk!

1: Beautiful, pink Coach purse. My sister had been buying Coach purses for years and I scoffed at the price. Hi, why would someone pay all that money for a purse?! Then I saw this beauty when Vito & I were in LA. We were wandering down Rodeo Drive and ventures into the Coach store. I saw her and fell in love. We left and I kept thinking about her and ended up going back the next day to get her. It's true purse love.

5: Movie ticket stubs. I collect them. 2 for Eclipse, 2 for Inception, & 1 for My Sister's Keeper.

1: Spoon. I have no words or explanation.

1: Checkbook with pictures of my niece when she was younger. *tear*

1: Blue & Green Polka Dotted Umbrella. Because you never know when it could rain!

1: Wallet with a million bonus cards and a few credit cards.

2: Coupons. My mom gave me an entire stack of BOGO Rita's coupons. They have no expiration date so I assume they are good for life. Plus 1 old Kohl's coupon. I'm MVC, it happens.

2: Olive Garden Gift cards left over from my "Admin Assistant appreciation day" gift from my boss. AKA free soup, salad and breadsticks for me!

1: Book. I always carry a book with me. You never know when there might be a spare moment to read! This time around, it's "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo."

1: iPod. Always. Music must be with me always. Vito bought this for me for our 4th anniversary. I use it almost every single day. I have enough songs on here to cover 5 days.

1: iPod arm band. To assist listening to music while at the gym!

1: Pair of head phones for the iPod.

2: Sets of keys. The one with "Vanessa" is my normal, small set of keys. It only has my school ID, house key and car key. My other set of keys with the pirate keychain (Yes, it does say "I'd Like To Get My Hands On Your Booty") has a lot of bonus cards and other keys on it.

1: Beautiful new iPhone with Hello Kitty Case. I never go anywhere without my phone. I'd feel lost without it. Especially since I know how an unhealthy obsession with Words with Friends. (Anyone out there play??!)

4: Bottles of meds. Ranging anywhere from Aleve, to allergy pills for Vito, Allergy pills for me, & Acid Reflux pills. Because I'm obviously old.

2: Bottles of hand lotion to keep my hands super soft.

1: Mini bottle of perfume. Never knew when you might need to freshen up!

4: Lip glosses

1: Chapstick. Because I obviously need all these lip products

1: Bottle of antibacterial! Never know when you are going to be in some nasty place & need to be refreshed!

1:Hair clip. I usually wear my hair up. If I have it down, it usually ends up going up at some point.

3: Necklaces

2: Pairs of Earrings. Jewelry gets annoying while at the gym so I usually throw it in my purse before going it & forget to take it out.

1: Sillyband. Because my niece gave it to me.

2: Pairs of sunglasses.

8: Pens. I lose pens more than anything so I throw one in my purse whenever I can. Especially from different places. Only 3 of those I bought. Ones from the bank, 2 from different hotels and 2 from different restaurants. 8)

2: Packs of sticky notes. For those times after I clean out my purse and do not have a plethora of receipts to write on.

4: Packs of gum. Different flavors for different variety. Though my fav is Stride Spearmint, hence why there are 2 packs.

Things not pictures but often seen in my purse:

1: Pair of yoga pants for changing into after work to head to the gym

1: Bottle of water. I try to keep water with me at all times.

1:Snack. Today it is a banana. Yesterday I had grapes.

1: Camera. I carry it everywhere because as anyone who has met me knows I'm basically the paparazzi with it. I loooove taking pictures!

It amazes me that all this fits in my purse. My brother-in-law calls it a backpack but it really isn't the biggest purse I own. It is true though, once you get a big purse, I don't think you can go back!

Fill In The Blank Friday {7}

TGIF!! Just when I thought Friday was never going to get here! Thank God it did! It's been a few weeks since I joined in on Fill in the Blank Friday over at Lauren's blog so I thought I should today. It's about food, one of my favorite subjects! Feel free to join in and link up over at her blog!

1. Today for breakfast I ate A whole wheat bagel thin with peanut butter & a caramel iced coffee. My treat for making it through a week at work. It's the little things people.

2. My go to/never fail recipe my go to meal on a normal night is probably pasta. We almost always have some sort pasta, sauce, and fresh parmesan cheese. It's easy and yummy.

3. Something I eat that other people think is weird is whole tomatoes. I really don't find it weird but when others see me do it, they always comment how weird it is. I grew up on taking a whole, home grown tomato and eating it like an apple. Sprinkle some salt on it and mm mm mmmm! I look forward to home grown tomatoes every summer!

4. My worst cooking disaster ever was probably the time I was making my mom's from scratch chocolate cake with white icing. (Uhm, best ever, just so you know). It was the first time I did it on my own and the icing calls for crisco. I found some in the cupboard and added it, mixed it in my kitchen aid mixer (my baby!) and went to try it. Can we say gag? My mom came down as I was in tears seeing as I was suppose to take this cake to work the next day for someone's birthday. Apparently the crisco had expired. Just for future reference, if crisco is yellow, don't use it. Only use it when it is white. 8)

5. If I could only eat one flavor of ice cream the rest of my life it would be Oh geez, just one?! I flippin' love me some ice cream. If I had to pick, probably soft serve vanilla. I love me some soft serve ice cream!

6. One food I hate and avoid at all costs is onion. I *hate* them. Like you wouldn't even imagine.

7. What is your favorite meal? Breakfast, lunch, or dinner? Dinner. It's the time I get to make something good and eat at the dinner table. It's what I look forward to after a long day at work.

Happy Friday Loves!!

xoxox

Word-Filled Wednesday {13}

I found this week's Word-Filled Wednesday quote over at Juliana's blog. Please go send her some love and prayers as she is going through a rough time right now.

"Then All Of A Sudden I Heard A Note"

Title: Florence + The Machine - "Swimming"

It's Monday already & I'm not sure how it got here so fast. If only weekends went as slow as the weekdays.

Thanks everyone for all the wonderful book suggestions! Since there are so many, I'm not sure how I will get these all read by the time school starts (T-29 days) but I am excited to look into all of them!

I did venture to the book store and picked up one book. I try to only limit myself to buying one book at a time so I do not get overwhelmed or try reading 7 books at the same time because they all sound amazing and I can't pick which one I want to read first. I ended up picking up this book:

One-I've heard this series is amazing

Two-it was on sale. Oh hi, this girl loves sales. So I nabbed it and it is sitting in my purse waiting to be read.

Now in order to keep track of all the books I now have on my "must-read" list, Bloggy/twitter friend Ashley has shown me the most amazing site ever that I will now share with you!

Enter Goodreads:

This site is thebomb{dot}com

No lie.

Not only can I keep track of all the books I've read and the books I'm currently reading, I can also keep track of all the books I want to read. This site gives you the option to read reviews on books and also write your own. You can check out your friend's profiles to see what they are reading too! & my favorite part? It has a free app for my beautiful new iphone so I could check into my must-read list while I was at the book store over the weekend.

So go, check it out! & love it like I do.

If you do join up, which you should, feel free to add me as a friend and see my lists!