Into the Woods We Go

Tomorrow's the day...my first official camping trip! I'm quite excited and I really hope I like it. I wouldn't mind this becoming something we do more often if I can manage sleeping outdoors and having literally like nothing to do for days. I think the very biggest thing I'm afraid of is the whole terlit situation, lol. As ridiculous as that may sound, its the troof! I'm really looking forward to seeing some animals, and enjoying the peace and quiet under the starry night sky and full-ish moon.

Idk if I've told you, but this coming week we'll also be going to South Carolina for a few days for V's work. That should also be super awesome! No work for the next nine days! Wowzaaaa. The week that I go back to work is the week of our Christmas party, the following weekend is V's work Christmas party, and then Christmas will actually be here. Holy macaroni! This year is just continuing to fly by!

CAMPING IN TWO DAYS!

Two more days left of the week until we're headed out, away from everything and everyone! I'm really looking forward to camping, I think I'm going to like it...a lot!

Last night V was going through all of his hunting shit to get stuff for camping together and found a nice camo hat for me to wear for the weekend, lol

Mini Poinsettia

Yesterday a co-worker gave me this adorable mini poinsettia! Super sweet of her! V's mom brought me two the other day to put on my front porch and I was thinking when I put them out that it would be nice to have a small one to keep inside!

Christmas Time!

Well, Thanksgiving has come and gone, and now it's time for Christmas! Today we got our tree at a local Christmas tree tent and I spent the afternoon decorating it while V put up lights outside! Our house is ready for Santa!!!

I've decided that this year for our Christmas cards, I'm going to make ones online and do a small collage with a picture of me and V in front of the tree and then Lacey and Ellie separately in front of it too! I got Lacey's shot tonight and I think it turned out really well! I'm going to work on getting Ellie's and get them made up and mailed out by the 20th at the very latest! 

Sister-From-Another-Mister...

...but not in a good way...

I don't think I've ever told you about my sister Sarah, blog. She's the second oldest, and the biggest liar I've ever knows in.my.life. I don't mean to bore you with family drama, but I really need to just get it off my chest. Thanksgiving with my family is on Friday and I literally haven't seen/spoken to Sarah since my birthday in June (when she brought her friend (that I do notlike) to my birthday party, unannounced). Needless to say, this is the first Thanksgiving that I'm actually really dreading because I just don't want to see her.

I've never really not liked any of my siblings, but over the last few years, Sarah has changed into this terrible, lying, conniving, manipulative monster. She basically has my mom brainwashed to believe she never does anything wrong, and that me and Lindsey (my favorite sister who I hang out with every weekend), are evil. I'm not sure I want to get into all the shit she has put my parents, myself and Lindsey through over the last 2+ years, because it's a lot…but then again, I kind of feel like it's imperative for you to understand just how awful she really is. Since it was some time ago, I might not recall all of the details perfectly, but I think I remember enough.

Most of it started in late 2010 when she graduated from Northeastern. I went up there with V, my mom, and my dad. Me and V stayed with my oldest sister, Tessa (who is totally awesome). I recall blogging about going up there because I lied to work so I could leave early and catch my flight, and then spent 80% of the time there on Tessa's couch, and 50% of that time in the bathroom barfing my brains out. (I think it was karma because when I left work, I told them that I had just puked in the bathroom and had to go home needless to say I learned my lesson). Anyways, Lindsey couldn't make it to her graduation, so Sarah was all butthurt about that. Wah wah. But after Sarah graduated, she broke up with her douchey boyfriend and moved somewhere, I honestly don't know where, because she lied about it so much over the next year. She said she was living in like New York, working this shitty job and making no money, so my parents sent her money every month for food, bills, rent, etc. Little did my mother know that Sarah was spending all of my dad's hard earned money on going out and drinking and livin' it up. Lindsey tried to open my mom's eyes to this fact, even had proof, physical proof, and somehow my mom turned a blind eye, and blamed Lindsey for making all of it up. Let's say this is strike 1.

After all of that happened, Sarah moved to Tennessee (I think), moved back to my parents for a bit, and now she has a residence somewhere in California. Supposedly she has a job for some jean blog or something and she lived with her boyfriend. The next thing I recall is her totally fucking over my mom with a credit card. Apparently Sarah had most of the information from one of my mom's credit cards, but was missing a number or something, so she called my mom and asked her for it, and my mom decided that she didn't want Sarah using the card after all, so she told her that she wasn't going to give it to her. Well, Sarah, being the scheming thief she is, somehow figured out the missing number and used it anyways. I believe she ended up maxing it out, and then when the bill came, she told my mom she would set it up for automatic payments out of her account so she could pay it back. Apparently, she set it up to automatically come out of my mom's account instead. Strike 2. But somehow my mom isn't mad about that. What?

At some point in time, she applied for food stamps through the state of Florida and received them. Well, when she moved, she decided to use my address so she would still get them, even though she wasn't a legal resident. I started getting letters in the mail like every couple weeks, and at first, I was planning on sending them to her…but then when I found out all the shit she did to my mom, I decided against it. I figured if she wasn't responding, they would stop sending them. But they didn't. And then she asked about one, a while after I began receiving them, and I decided (along with the help of V) that I didn't want to be a part of it anymore, so I sent it back and wrote "Return to sender. Not at this address" on the envelope. When I told her she got mad. Whatever. Strike 3. I won't help you scam the government out of money for people who actually need it.

She is a terrible gift giver. Last year was our first year doing Secret Santa with the siblings because I just couldn't afford buying seven presents only for my family. The price limit was set to fifty dollars, so everyone could get something equal. I got my Lindsey's husband, Wes, and I gave him a gift card to 7-11 (because he goes there every morning before work), and some golf balls. Everyone else got nice gifts from their Secret Santa's, and mine was Sarah. She gave me a bunch of used books, some soap that she had lying around her kitchen and a bunch of other random shit that used to be hers. *insert disappointment* I don't mean to sound ungrateful, but it just wasn't fair. Everyone else got really great gifts, and I got a bag of junk. Literally. Strike 4 for being too selfish to spend money on anyone but yourself. By now, if this were baseball, she'd be long gone.

But then on my birthday, she showed up with her stupid friend that I really don't care for (and she knows it!). She pretty much just hung out with her the whole time, and the gift she gave me was an old dress that was hers, and some bracelets that also used to be hers. When we went bowling, she invited her stupid boyfriend (and didn't even ask me), and then hung out with him and her friend for the entire time. THEN, when her birthday came in September, I didn't get her anything because frankly, I just didn't want to. I texted her and wished her a happy birthday, and a few days later, woke up to this email from her:

Not even a birthday card, huh? Would you do that to Savannah or even Maddox? A two-word text on my thirtieth birthday. I'm amazed. You do remember that I stayed in Orlando for an extra four days so I could come to your birthday, hang out, swim, bowl with you (even though you guys basically ignored me) and gave you a present? Because that's what sisters do. I would never, ever treat you like this, especially on your birthday. I didn't even get a fucking text message from Lindsey and am lying in bed right now at 2:30 in the morning, crying because I thought for sure your cards would just show up a few days late. I just can't stop thinking about how I would never do something like this to you guys and how you both had no problem doing it to me.

I give up. I just fucking give up on you two.

See the part where she says she stayed in Orlando for an extra four days so she could come to my party? LIE. She was only here because she couldn't get a flight to leave until after my birthday. And the part where she says we "basically ignored her" LIE. She isolated herself with her stupid friend, and later with her boyfriend. And remember the present she gave me? That used to be hers? Yeah…I'm going to have to say this would be strike 5 for trying to make me feel bad when I did nothing wrong. I never replied to the email.

Oh, did I mention she's in town for Thanksgiving? She arrived last Wednesday and I haven't seen or spoken to her yet.

Today I had to work from 8-5 so the other receptionist could have the day off and I planned on having lunch with Lindsey. She also invited her friend Shannon, who I love, and our cousin Alicia! We all went to eat at the Downtown PourHouse and when we got there, I checked us in on Facebook "Lunch date with the ladies!". A few minutes after, I got notified that Sarah left me a comment (or three). "Thanks for the invite, you guys" "No really, it's super sweet and cool." "Like, I don’t feel like crying at all right now. Not at all." All followed by a text from my mother. As if it's any of her business. "I think it was very rude of you girls not to invite your sister to lunch today L." And then another thirty minutes later "You two really hurt Sarah's feelings that you don't care about including her L Please think about this. Love mom and dad" No. This isn't happening. This THIRTY YEAR OLD isn't actually complaining to her mommy about not being invited to lunch. Not to mention she hasn't actually spoken to me since she got here, so why would I be inclined to invite her to lunch with me? I literally have not physically spoken to her since June twenty third. STRIKE 6. Thanks for the invite to your pity party, bitch, but I'm.not.coming.

I was contemplating actually posting this on my blog because it's pretty personal family shit, but then last night, after we got home from Thanksgiving, V informed me that Sarah's stupid "best friend" (the one that came to my birthday party uninvited), posted this on her wall:

Lindsey thought about calling my mom and crying to her about it. Ha. I bet my mom still would have found a way to blame us for being in the wrong.

Thanksgiving with my family this afternoon should be interesting...to say the very least.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today we went to dinner at my aunt and uncle's house and it was quite lovely. Tomorrow is dinner at my parents. We'll see how that goes. Happy Thanksgiving, blog.

Camping...

Have I told you that we're going camping next weekend? Because we are! I'm suuuper excited about it! V has a really nice tent that's big enough for a queen size air mattress and then some. We decided that we're going to bring Lacey along because we both think she would really like it. And she's so well behaved that I don't think it will be too much of a hassle. I think she will be more entertaining than trouble! We're planning on staying for one night and then feeling it out to decide if we want to stay another. I wouldn't mind staying two nights, honestly. But what do I know…I've never actually been camping in a tent in the woods. I've only been in a motorhome at the campsite at Fort Wilderness at Disney! Not to mention I was like 6 at the time, so I don't really even remember any of it. I really do hope I like it though, because I wouldn't mind making this into a yearly tradition. It's cheap as shit, so we’d never have a reason not to go! And it'll be like a vacation because no one will be around, and we won't have access to Facebook or anything like that. It'll be a nice break from reality.

Bye Bye, Carol!

Well, Carol left this morning. Her mom brought me back a magnet and a really cute scarf from Chile! She's so nice!

We had lots of fun, but I can't lie...I'm glad she's gone! The house is much more relaxed and much quieter! 

After she left, I went to Sears to get a new pair of work pants. I wanted another pair of black ones to wear when I wear heels because my other black ones are hemmed for flats, so they look silly with heels. While I was there, I tried on the CUTEST pair of booties that were on sale for thirty bucks. I wanted them SO bad, but they had like 4/4.5 inch heels, and that's just too high for my stupid bum-ankle. I put them on and walked like 5 steps and my ankle was already starting to hurt, so I had to take them off and walk away. SAD FACE.

Time to begin another work week, but this one's short! Woo! I agreed to work all day on Wednesday so our other receptionist could have the day off, but then I have Thursday AND Friday off AND I'm getting paid for both of them! I didn't think I would get paid since I'm only part-time, but I do! Yay for surprises!

Happy Thanksgiving week! Damn...I can't believe Thanksgiving is already almost here. 2012 is almost over!

Pumpkin Cheesecake Baker

Yesterday morning before work, I made my spiced pumpkin cheesecake for our Thanksgiving Luncheon Baking Contest! I was so happy that I was feeling better when I woke up, because on Wednesday, I didn't think I was going to bake it because I didn't think I was going to feel better. But I did, and it's done! It's currently at work, probably being judged as I type this. I really hope I win! I'll be sure to get a picture of it when I go in later. I had to have one of the ladies at work put the whipped cream (which I made from scratch and it was soooo grood) and pecans on top because it wouldn't have made it overnight, and it had to be turned in by 9 this morning, so hopefully she did as good as I would have done (or better!).

Stayed Home

This morning I woke up to learn that this shitty ass cold has forced its way into my chest, giving me this lovely and disgusting cough (and manly voice). A friend from work texted me and asked me how I was feeling and offered to cover for me if I needed to stay home. So I called her, and she heard how I founded and pretty much told me she didn't want me coming in and getting everyone else sick. After talking to her, I called my boss and told her I was staying home. I got my prescription filled from my doctor's visit yesterday and started that, along with a nice dose of Airborne and spent the entire afternoon on the couch napping and reading. The weather has been quite complimentary to my sickness as well, giving me a nice rain shower to nap to around 3:00.

I was offered to also stay home tomorrow, but I really don't want to. I feel bad already taking a day off because I haven't even been there an entire month, and I'm already taking a day off at the end of the month for my stupid UCF orientation, and then the entire first week of December for our winter vacation. Not to mention I'm not getting paid for staying home either...part time = no sick days. We'll see how I feel in the morning. I really hope I feel better.

I entered a baking contest at work for our Thanksgiving Luncheon that's taking place on Friday, so sometime before Friday morning at 9am, I also have to make a (winning) pumpkin cheesecake. I'm quite determined to win this contest and show all the other so-called bakers at work who's boss.

I'm going to take a shower to wash all of my sickness off of me before I begin baking my cheesecake. I hope I don't infect it with my cold and get everyone that eats it sick. That's not possible...is it? =/

Hooray...

...no sinus infection! Just a plain old cold! Should be gone by the end of the week...I think I can manage! While I was at the doctors (for an hour and fifteen minutes! My doctor always takes FOREVER. I was in the waiting room for 25 minutes and after I finally got back, I saw the nurse for like 4 minutes and then waited another 30 minutes before I finally saw my doctor!) I also picked up my shot records for UCF and found out that I was 3 years overdue on my tetanus shot, so I got one. My right arm is SO SORE. I can't remember the last time I got a shot, but I don't recall it being this painful! Oh well...at least now I'm protected against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis!

You can barely see it, but I'm curious to see how much it will bruise. I scraped my leg on the corner of our bed this morning and there's already a pretty gnarly bruise appearing.

Possible Sinus Infection

Dear blog, I think I have a sinus infection. It SUCKS. My nose is so stuffed on the right side and my face is sore. My throat isn't too bad (yet), but I'm like all achy. I'm going to see my doctor tomorrow morning before work and I'm hoping he'll have some good meds to give me so I'll be better before the weekend. UGH. My nose keeps dripping, but then when I try to blow it, practically nothing comes out. I don't get it! Oh and my eyes are a bit watery/burning. I just wanna sleep for days and wake up and be 100% better. If only!

UCF Acceptance!

I've been officially accepted to UCF! Woo!!!!!!

BFFL

Rob and Amby stayed with us again this weekend and it was funnn. Saturday morning we all went to Cranes Roost Park in Altamonte for the Walk Now for Autism Speaks walk that we do every year. It was fun, the weather couldn't have been better!

I really wished they lived closer so we could hang out more often. I miss having this girl in my life as much as she used to be. Thankfully though, even with so much time apart sometimes, nothing ever changes <3

Later today we're going to the Winter Park Concourse and I'm planning on bringing Carol with us! I brought her last year right before I gave her away, so I think it's just appropriate that she comes this year since she is coincidentally with us!

Happy Weekend!

Sorry it's blurry, but it was hard to stay still!

Thursday Morning

I'm on the desktop checking out the latest Facebook updates, and this little girl jumps up on the back of my chair and walks onto the desk. She's hilarious. I figured it was the perfect opportunity for our picture together, even though I pretty much just woke up, and still look half asleep!

Happy Thursday, friends!

I Wanna Go Camping

I'm determined to go before the weather gets hot again!

She's a Licker!

Today I went to yoga twice! This morning at 8am and this evening with V at 8pm! He tried going for the first time since he got officially diagnosed with his bad hip. So far he isn't experiencing any pain, which is good! Hopefully he won't be hurting at all tomorrow or the next day so he can start going more on a regular basis! Woo!

Sunday Funday at the Greek Fest!

Today has been a pretty chill day. We woke up early, but spent the entire morning lounging around at home. Around noon we headed over to my sister's and met up with my aunt, uncle, cousin, cousin's baby and bf and we walked over to the Greek Fest that was around the corner from my sister's house! It was small, but that was a good thing. I was expecting it to be a huge fest with tons of people, but it wasn't! It was small, there were a lot of people, but not too many. Full of yummy Greek food!

I also just now decided that while Carol Molly Moly is here, I'm going to include her in my daily self-photo!

The time changed overnight. Rolled back an hour at 2:00am, so now it's 5:57pm and the sun is long gone, and it's practically completely dark outside. Which means for a while, when I leave work, I'll be traveling home in the dark. Wah! Oh well, at least now it'll be that much easier to wake up early since the sun will now be rising by like 6!

Here comes another week.

End-of-the-Year Goal

I've decided today that I want to make it a personal goal not to gain a ton of weight this holiday season. So far, so good. I want to ensure that I don't ruin how hard I've worked this year to get into the shape I'm in, and I don't want to holidays to ruin it. I don't want to use it as an excuse to eat like a madwoman. It's not necessary, nor is it beneficial to me in any way. I know it's going to be hard, but I'm officially blogging about it, so I can't let myself give up!

Oh and also, CAROL IS BACK!!!!!!

So far she's doing good! Has little spats of whining at the door her mom left out of, but I think she'll be okay after she gets more comfortable. Lacey is thrilled to have her here, and I actually caught her and Ellie playing together! <3

FRIDAYYYY!

I love that I'm able to be excited about Fridays and the weekend now that I don't have to work on Saturdays anymore! Woo! Happy Friday, blog!

Halloween Costumes!

I just realized I hadn't posted any pictures of Halloween costumes for you, dear blog!

That's Wes as a bearded lady on the left, Rob as Tiger Woods in the middle, and my V as a ghost on the right!

Being ghostly!

V the ghost and yours truly as Katniss from The Hunger Games!

Katniss battling Amber as paper...

My sister on the left as the "rock", my should-be-my-sister, Amby in the middle as paper, and my cousin Alicia as scissors on the right! Clever and creative ladies!

These pictures were taken at my sister and brother-in-law's housewarming party that turned into a Halloween party as the sun went down!

I'm not super pleased with how my costume turned out. I was pretty disappointed that I never came up with a bow and arrow to carry around. I was wearing a mockingjay pin though! 

Hello, November!

Today is the first day of the second-to-last month of the year. 2012 is quickly coming to an end and these last two months are going to fly by faster than any of the others! The next 5 weekends on our schedule are already booked! Geez louise!

I've been home all morning and took down the Halloween decorations and put up the few Thanksgiving decorations I have.

Work is going well. I have offered my skills and picked up some busywork which is fabulous because it actually makes time go by! It's strange how different things seem now that I have a regular work schedule. The weekends actually mean something to me again, and I feel so much more responsible actually having an office job. I love that I get to dress nice everyday too! AND today is my first payday, woohoo!