Photo Frenzy

Because I'm just soooo good about uploading photos....

The husband & me after our anniversary dinner (this is also the new haircolor)

BFF L and The Shabby Princess at L's surprise birthday party...Please ignore my wildly attractive double chin. Wow. (not my best angle by a long shot)

Horses! and cars! on the beach! Galveston, TX.

Proof that I was actually at a beach! (finally)

Although, I won't lie, the beach did lead to this.... My sunburn....

I know, I know, we're adorable.

Um, feel free to discuss how cute we are. (kidding...sort of)

Cannot. Contain. Excitement!!

picture from here

No, seriously, I can't. I'm like a giddy little child. Eee!!

Mama Mia! is coming to the big screen. Next week! Tee hee. I can't wait. I can't wait.

I. Can't. Wait.

And, also, took them long enough!

And, I have "Dancing Queen" stuck in my head (watch the below, you will too--feel free to thank me later).

from YouTube

Now, who wants to go to Greece with me?? And, who wants to see the movie with me? (as I'm sure the husband will be voting for The Dark Knight premier)

PS. Don't you think the chick who plays Sophie could totally play me in "the" movie? Because I do. (yes, that is Karen from Mean Girls)

Musings & Monday

Well, I don't know about you all, but, I really enjoyed the long weekend. And yes, it's Monday and just as crazy (if not crazier) as usual around here! Naturally, I'm dreading kickboxing tonight, and I'm trying to think up ways to miss class, but still work out... So far, I haven't really come up with many other great ideas. Mainly because none of those ideas make room for cooking dinner, eating dinner, letting dinner settle, going for a run (which at this point will be very late evening) and watching Jon & Kate Plus 8. Yikes! So, I guess I'll just suck it up....

1. I got a trans-Atlantic phone call yesterday from BFF L in Estonia (I know, I know). Today she's going to the opera in St. Petersburg, Russia. I'm not at all jealous or anything.
2. I recently rekindled my love affair with Whole Foods (take that Central Market) and oh my, it was good to start that up again. And, bonus, I got out of there for under $60 (which, is a record, I'm sure). Ohhh yummy Whole Foods and my yummy in my tummy juice, ice cream, fattening dessert that will not be mentioned here (it's organic, so, that's OK, right?), arugula, saffron... Oh I cannot wait to cook dinner tonight!
3. I'm now an official employee at my workplace (which is funny because I've been here for more than 1 year), but, this means that heck yes, I can now go to the super awesome gym without paying an arm and a leg. Sweet!--This also helps accomplish my previous goal of wanting to lose some more chub by the end of August.
4. I really want to learn a foreign language. I've debated this for ages. I couldn't ever narrow it "Spanish would be good...I live in the U.S, that's basically the second language here, I could practice with Rach, I was semi-fluent in college...It would be the easiest..." But then it would lead to this "But, I really want to go to France. Like, I have to go to France. And, I'd really like to learn French because I would love to take a cooking class in France, and well, the French like you to at least try their language... So, French.... Ok..." But then... this would happen: "But, husband wouldn't ever go to France. I mean maybe, to watch the Tour, but, even still, that would be pushing it. And, I'm not really about to go to France alone.... So, if I can't go to France... Well, maybe I could convince him to go to Italy. It's doubtful, but, I would probably do better to fight for Italy than France...." So, at this point, we've got me learning 3 different languages. I mean, I'm awesome and all, but, yeah... we'll see....
So, thanks to this lovely lady,

and this episode, I think I have finally decided that yes, I must go to Italy, and thus, I must learn Italian. Plus, I can take evening classes at a discounted rate--once the Italian classes start again (wah whoo!)
5. I also want to take a creative writing class. Who knew I actually would want to learn stuff post-college? I know, fascinating.
6. I wish I was going to the Russian Opera tonight.... Whatever, I'm watching American TV. That so much cooler. (now, please excuse me while I got pout)
7. I did not make patriotic cookies or cobbler and my cupcakes were less than impressive. Yummy, yes, but, I couldn't find the sprinkles I needed and they ended up looking like Baby Boy Baby Shower Blue with red sprinkles. Plus, I haven't figured out the new oven and the cupcakes ended up taking a shape that resembled, well, misshaped boobs. I'm so not kidding. (only I could end up with boob shaped cupcakes). Alas, no one could tell because I slathered them in frosting.

I suppose that I've overwhelmed with my rantings for today... I apologize.... Now, I better go nurse this dizzing headache and down some water--that helps, headaches, right??

I said I'd do what??

Ann Taintor picture, from here.

You may have heard, but, we're hosting a fabulous 4th of July Party (yes, capital letters, it's an official title and all.... ugh, please, don't make me get my AP Stylebook, pretty please) which means, tonight, we're....

going to Costco (which, might kill me)

cleaning

cleaning

more cleaning

making it look like we actually like our house (when, in fact, we love it)

and, somewhere along the way, I got this great idea that I wanted to make my sister's Famous Sugar Cookie Recipe (don't worry Miss L, I won't share it!), homemade frosting and dust them with red, white & blue sprinkles--because I'm all patriotic like that. I also recall mentioning cupcakes. And cobbler (because, if you ask me, it's not the 4th of July without either a. apple pie, or b. some sort of cobbler--of course, my preferred is apple, but, on the 4th, I can take blueberry).

And I signed myself up for this?? Along with all the people at my house?? Eating my food?? What??

Yes, it's evident, I have a long way to go before I'm Miss Martha.

Hope you all have a wonderful holiday! (and enjoy the long weekend)

Hilarity Ensues

"It's Moo"

via YouTube

Kellie, you inspired me.... And, it's also 8:33 AM and I'm really tired....
Nothin' like a dose of Friends to get you off to the right start.

Enjoy!

Musings & Monday

First, I must warn you, if it is at all any warmer in your neck of the woods (seriously, wherever you are) today than it should be, please, don't blame global warming--blame The Shabby Princess. I am burnt to a crisp (and yes, A, I did heed your warning and used sunblock!!), and am fairly certain that a) my legs glow in the dark, b) I am radiating heat, c) I look like I've actually been in nuclear fall-out and not Texas sun. So, there you have it--I am actually the cause of global warming. My apologies to the polar bears.

1. I need to hit the gym more often. Seriously. I want to start the next "school year" looking as good as I did when I was a first year (tall order, I'm aware).
2. I need to stop biting/picking at my nails! Yuck. (although, this does save money on manicures as I couldn't bring myself to have anyone paint this nonsense)
3. It's almost July. When did that happen?
4. Next week, we're heading back home to clean out my mom's house. I wasn't really worried until today. I'm not sure I can handle it. Wish me luck!
5. American will stop flying into my hometown airport very soon. This is no bueno for several reasons a) jobs lost, b) it will be much harder to go home (this means, flying to L.A or S.F. and driving 4+ hours.... in a rental car), c) it will be that much harder to get family to visit us--because they'll have to drive 4+ hours to the airport. Are you freaking serious, American? I mean really!
6. Hanna Butt doesn't seem to have lost any weight, even with a weekend at daycare and her new meds.... Come on girl, we'll drop the chunky together (too bad it's too hot for walks! Stupid ozone warning)
7. Butch Butt on the other hand, will not eat. My animals are so weird.
8. A lizard was on my car Friday morning and I nearly died. I hate lizards/snakes/all those creepy things. Ick!
9. Seriously, this Friday is July 4th. Seriously. I'm not joking.
10. I'm totally bright red right now, and it's wildly attractive. Next up: peeling! (gag me). I'm debating suing the sunscreen company....Kidding, I wouldn't....However, I would leave them some nasty messages...But...I won't.... Because I'm lazy. (S, I'm so sorry we're so crispy! We'll do better next time)
11. I e-mailed this lady about riding lessons last week, and haven't heard back. I'm annoyed. Partly because the novelty is now wearing off because I've realized that a) riding lessons are expensive, b) I don't think I have any boots that still fit, c) when will I have the time?, d) money. Seriously. But, in the event that she does reply, I'll suck it up, spend the money and get my booty back in the saddle. Literally. If only for a little while, since the husband said it's horses or kickboxing. Not both. And I don't really know how I can do that!
12. I'm really excited for our backyard BBQ this weekend!! Any excuse I have to play with kiddos in the pool and eat good ol' California BBQ, I am down. Which also means, running this week--and a lot of it.
13. I'm now, actually quite fond of Galveston. It's no Avila, Pismo or, dare I say, Poipu, but, I'll take what I can get. Until of course, we have the $$ to head to Sanibel or St. John....Until then, Galveston it is!
14. Did I mention I baked last night? I think we may have solved the "why I can't lose weight" mystery. I know, shocking. Why can't I love to cook granola and boring ol' salads? Right, because it's boring and no one gets excited about salads on Monday morning. They do however, respond to brownies.
15. Yay for 4 day work weeks!

I suppose that's all for now... Did everyone else have a good weekend?

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to nom, nom, nom on some brownies...and Diet Coke...That makes it OK, right? Right....

Fun Shoes Friday!

(please ignore the hideous blurry aspect of this.... as my friend the photog says "blurry is the new artsy", so, ha, I'm artsy. Who knew?)

I took these ditties out to L's birthday party last weekend and they are makin' their way with me this weekend. Not really office shoes (which just hurt their little soles--ha, look, I'm quirky too), but, they do get to come out occasionally.

And when they do, it's always fabulous. You just can't have a frown on your face while wearing sparkly shoes.

Aren't they sweet?

Have a fun and safe weekend everyone--we're off to the beach!

ps. I'm also currently just giddy because I found out some fantastic news about my fantastic cousins!

Pop Quiz

1. Who believes that swimsuit shopping is a rare form of torture? (that said, can we please get John McCain on this, please?)
a. The size 00 high school senior.
b. The lady with 12 kids but looks like she's 18.
c. The Shabby Princess.

2. Who also believes that swimsuit sizes were created by some evil beings? i.e., let's size generously--none of this going up a size (Or 2! Heaven help us.) nonsense.
a. The crazy girl trying on the non-to0-flattering monokini.
b. The Shabby Princess.
c. Your mom.

3. Who, after a very frustrated tromp around the dressing room bought a stupid swimsuit and then treated herself to a cookie at Mrs. Fields?
a. The crazy lady you see at the mall with 500 bags and a giant soda, pretzel and to-go bag.
b. The Shabby Princess.
c. The bratty girl from your sisters boyfriends swim team.

4. Who quotes "Borat" when having a bad day?
a. Isla Fisher.
b. Sacha Baron Cohen.
c. The Shabby Princess.

5. Who believes that Jon & Kate Plus 8 Marathons make it all better?
a. The Shabby Princess.
b. Jon Gosselin.
c. Kate Gosselin.

6. Who seriously had a cookie for dinner?
a. Mrs. Fields.
b. That kid in CTR 6 who has a major sugar problem.
c. The Shabby Princess.

7. Who doesn't know what to do about the sad state of her (non existent) social life?
a. The Shabby Princess.
b. That lady in your knitting club.
c. Your grandmother.

8. Who is hoping to spontaneously drop 10 lbs in two days?
a. You.
b. Anyone on a wrestling team.
c. The Shabby Princess.

9. Who had to take a rather rotund doggie to the vet today (which was traumatic for both)?
a. The crazy lady who lives down the street with a million pets.
b. The Shabby Princess.
c. Rachael Ray.

10. Who is totally 100% petrified about the next few months of their life but has opted to swim through the craziness--even if it means calling the Coast Guard?
a. The Shabby Princess.
b. Crab fisherman on the Bering Sea.
c. The staff at Carnival Cruise lines.

11. Who is currently kind of obsessed with Discovery Channels "When We Left Earth: NASA Missions" and kind of wishing it was on right now?
a. The Shabby Princess.
b. Jim Lovell.
c. Gene Krantz.

12. Who is seriously debating making a hotdog for an after dinner snack?
a. Anyone at a baseball game.
b. Boys.
c. The Shabby Princess.

Correct Answers: All are "The Shabby Princess"

Yep, that pretty much sums it up.

Swimsuit shopping is for real evil. For real. And, also, someone needs to explain to me how a swimsuit tankini top can be $110? Seriously. Because that makes no sense to me. (don't worry, I didn't pay that much!)

Yes, I seriously did have myself a nice big chocolate chip cookie as a reward. Which is kind of the opposite of my whole trying to drop 10 lbs by Friday thing, but, we'll ignore that fact because after all, I did try on swimsuits in florescent lighting. That should at least negate those calories.

There's been a lot of "high fives" and "very nice, how much" around here today (my cousin taught me the Borat quotes, and, it makes me giggle--mainly because I'm picturing my cousin saying it--and she's hilarious). But, watching my beloved Gosselin children makes it that much better.

I really feel lonely lately. I'm at a weird place. I got married rather young, and, I work, The Shabby Princes is still in school, thus, we don't have kids. All of our married friends do--and I love them, and their kids, don't get me wrong, but, it's just different. Most of my college friends are single--which puts me at some awkward in-between place. I just don't "fit" anywhere, and, it's becoming more and more clear. (but, thanks to all you bloggie buds out there--you make me feel so much better and I love hearing from you, so, thanks!)

HRH Princess Hanna Puffy Cheeks went to the vet today. Got some meds, hopefully she'll drop some weight. The blood drawing was horrific. I don't know how parents of the two-legged variety do it--you all are my heroes!

The cards have been turned upside down, and, I'm hanging on tight. Wish me luck!

All Sunday, we watched The Discovery Channel's "When We Left Earth: NASA Missions". Anyone who knows me knows that when I was younger, I wanted to work for NASA and was ready to move to Houston in a heartbeat. Of course, I later learned that math was kind of important, and, well, I suck at math. That said, I still love the space program and can totally watch Apollo 13 over and over again. Also, I'm (very) distantly related to John Glenn. Like, very distantly.

Anyways, I'm sure you all aced your pop quiz. I'll hand out lollipops at the end of class.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go make myself a hotdog.

Love,
Her Shabbyness

Sunny Side Up

This picture was taken last summer on a family adventure in Vernal. I loved the way the sun was pushing it's light through the clouds.

After a nice relaxing night at home, some yummy orzo salad (I loves me some excuses to make pasta into a salad all summer long. Next up: trying to convince the husband that hummus will not in fact kill him), playing with puppies and not going to kickboxing (yes, I've come to accept my lardy status for now. I realize that I won't magically drop 10 lbs before Saturday--although, that would be ah-maze-ing, so, between now and then = lots and lots of sunless tanner my friends. Hey, I wonder if I could go get the airbrush tan and they could maybe airbrush me some abs? Hmmm....)--anyways, so, after a nice night at home (and a nap) and some sweet comments by some sweet people (thanks A & K!!), I'm feeling much better.

Because, after all, you can't control everything. And, sometimes, you've got to sink or swim, and, I vote to swim. Even if it means I'm going to need some floaties. I'll figure it out. I'll always do. Besides, I'm going to the beach.

You don't understand the excitement of the beach. This will be the first time in 3 years (gasp!) that I have felt sand in my toes or ran in a wave. It's been 3 years since I've moved away from my coastal home and moved where the nearest beach is hours away. And we haven't been there once since we've moved. Because we're lame. Someone remind me how I ended up here, again? In any event. Beach!

And, I'm wearing snappy new dark reddish uber comfy high heels today. And that always makes things better.

Musings & Monday

In no particular order.....

1. Actions speak louder than words. True story. (Don't say it. Do it.)
2. I don't really understand the whole HDTV/HD Cable/HD DVD thing. Don't even try, I won't get it.
3. I really want to make homemade ice cream, but, don't have an ice cream maker, and am sure I would butcher it anyway. So, if you ever come over and I offer you "homemade" ice cream, just go along and pretend like you don't know I didn't just put it in a different container. It'll make me feel handy.
4. Why is it that no matter what, I always wake up with a dog on my feet in the middle of the night? Who suddenly turns into dead weight and I cannot move.
5. We can finally watch movies at our house again (yay!!)
6. I'm exhausted.
7. We just recently bought a GPS for the car, we've named her Lola. She's mildly annoying, but, surprisingly accurate.
8. Here's an equation for you: Shabby Princess + Saturday + Costco = total freakout. I don't understand crowds! Why must they be wherever I am? Ah...!
9. I'm kind of bitter with some stuff right now. Which is lame. But, whatever.
10. I think we're still going to the beach (!). That said, I was thrilled I found my boardshorts last night.
11. I'm still pretty pale. Let's hope for sun! (fingers crossed people, fingers crossed)
12. My dogs are wildly excited because if we're gone, that means they are at daycare! Which, honestly, they like better than us 99% of the time anyway. And, bonus, they sleep through the night when they get back from daycare. Ah, bliss....
13. I have made myself a little icky by eating so much sugar today. Not good. Yes, I'm aware that I'm supposed to be on The D, but, you know what? I'm kind of in a funk and therefor, my self control has gone totally out the window. And I'm just going to have to deal with it. Even if it means looking like a lardy on the beach.... OK, well, I may just be starving myself come tomorrow. We'll see. I will not be "that" girl, oh no, no.
14. Seriously though, I believe that I look thinner with a tan, so, here's to a weekend sans sunscreen (please, no lectures on the skin cancer thing--I'm aware).
15. I could really just use a day to sleep....or, at least sleep in.
16. I didn't get to do yoga on Saturday.
17. Loved having friends over on Saturday night. Loved playing with friends kids. The puppies loved it too.

I suppose that's all for now..... It's been a rough couple of days.... But, my SIL Rach is a college graduate, and I couldn't be more proud of her. And that makes me smile. Congrats, babe, I love you!

Collective "awwww" please

Today is our anniversary!

Three years ago today, I was stuffing myself into a big 'ol white dress and having false eyelashes put on (oh yes I did). My hair was also much shorter and lighter. I insisted on wearing it up and curled--although it kind of resembles "prom hair" now that I think about it. I only had one ring on my left hand. I was still "single". I still lived with the fam.

By the end of the day, we were married. It was the Shabby Princes and the Shabby Princess. And now, we live in a whole different state, we have three little crazy four leggeds running our house (aka "the kids") and couldn't be happier. Who knew marriage was so great? (yeah, I had no idea. Literally weeks before I met the Shabby Prince, I had sworn off marriage and was content to live as a spinster. For real)

We're going to Roy's tonight for dinner--we had dinner at the original Roy's on a honeymoon (aren't we cheesy?).

And, her Shabbyness awoke to find this beauty awaiting her on the coffee table:

Yeah, I lucked out. And, I thought we were going to just grill up some steaks and watch Jon & Kate Plus 8 (not that I would have minded watching a marathon of my favorite not related to or in my ward family), but, he tricked me! He tricked me good! And, turns out, everyone knew. And I was just playing into their hands.

Could it be better?

(this totally makes up for my awful, terrible, very bad day I had yesterday)

Help me....

Lay off the Twix!

Seriously.

When did I become so obsessed?? Not good. Not good at all.

Made even worse by the fact that the husband and I may be going to the beach in a few weeks (sadly, not Hawaii--I'm not bitter or anything), and I don't want to look like a beached whale (but have no self control when it comes to cheap afternoon sugar rushes)! 'Cause for real, if we do end up going, I'm gonna look like a beached whale in comparison to S.

Because she's teeny.

And I'm a lardy. Who's eating Twix.

I'm going to need some help.

Feel free to pitch in, which includes:

• keeping me locked in my office
• making sure I have no money to spend at work (this will also include removing me of my ATM card, as there is an ATM on campus)
• burning my tongue so that I cannot taste anything anyway
• showing me pictures of a beached whale with my face on it (aka: soon to be "A&J Beach Pictures!!")
• wiring my jaw shut
• buying me stock in Slim Fast as to create motivation to drink the stuff (shudder, shudder)
• dragging me out of bed at 5AM so that I can go run before work (ha, who are we kidding).
  

I think that is a sufficient list for right now. *

*I reserve to update these items at any time before the dreaded beach trip.