SP resumes her petty behavior

We aren't going to let a little ulcer get in the middle of SP's snarky Princess-y behavior.

I went to class last night. I had a slight anxiety attack and considered running out before the professor arrived. I didn't. I stuck it out. Because I am brave. I still suck at l'italiano. Language is not my forte. English or otherwise.

And then, I went home. Where I hogged the remote so I could flip back and forth between Troy and The Mentalist.

I'm sorry, did you think I was going to spout scholarly words about Presidential Inaugurations or discuss The First Lady's fashion choices? Ha. You've come to the wrong place.

Here, we discuss my never ending effort to lose weight (and the fact that someone is going to have to pry this chocolate croissant out of my hand--damn WW points!), chick lit (mainly, mine),babies (only cute ones), Target finds, shoes, and men with accents.

I really like that Erica Bana.

And, Simon Baker too (obvs).

And then my husband and I had a really long semi-argument over how much Brad Pitt butt is seen in Troy. I claim it's no more than Legends of The Fall (which always makes me want to move to Montana), he claims it's more. Anyone have an answer (for real)?

Wow. Did I really just blog about Brad Pitt's bum? (help)

Have I traumatized you enough? Are you still my friends? Should I go hide under a rock now?

Cover Girl

Well, not quite.

But, the horribly smug SP will promote this as far as she can.

If you fancy to know a bit more about SP (but you gotta keep it hush hush) you can pick up the February edition of D CEO magazine and find yourself a lil pic of yours truly.

I realize this isn't exactly like being featured in the New York Times or anything, but, for this little country raised chick, it's wildly exciting. Almost as exciting as when a pitch I sent got picked up in the AP. Now, that was an exciting day.

Onto more important things...

It is a horrendous shot, taken just days after the wisdom teeth removal, and I must say, I look drugged.

I have never felt so glam in my entire life.

Musings & Monday

1. Loving the 3 day weekend y'all--I figure if you're going to feel like butt, it's nice to at least have another day to recover.
2. Still no definite answer as to what was causing me to feel like death. My doctor friend thinks possibly an ulcer--my family concurs. Lovely! I've been put on some meds, which I think is helping. Thank you for your concern--I really appreciate it! I'm feeling better :)
3. Yeah, haven't been following my WW points the last few days--it's pretty hard to be motivated to lose weight when you feel like ick. A little worried about weighing in tomorrow, but, oh well.
4. I'm at home. Watching Giada. I love her. I want to be her. Or her BFF. Would it be weird if I named my firstborn after her? Cause I'm considering it.
5. Class starts on Tuesday. Sure. I'm actually really nervous because I was feeling lost in l'italiano towards the end. I see office hours in my future.
6. Hanna puppy is at the vet. Husband is at the dentist (he lost a chunk of tooth!!)--we are just blowing through our Benefits like crazy.
7. Note to self: You know when you mom told you to always have on clean undies because you don't want to be in a car crash and in the hospital with, um, you know? I have decided that also applies to shaving your legs. Let me tell you, nothing classes up those lovely hospital gowns like 5 days worth of hair growth (don't judge me, it's winter). I know, I'm a winner.
8. I was considering cleaning my bedroom and bathroom today, but, you know, I make take a raincheck on that one. Clearly, I am a Domestic Goddess.

Well my lovelies, I better go--Giada is throwing a Moroccan party and I have to go pretend I'm invited.

Have a lovely day!

xoxo,
SP

My doctor makes house calls

Sort of. BFF C's husband is a doctor (C just happens to be a lawyer--I know!), but, not a practicing doctor and after 3.5 days of excruciating pain and several nights of hysterical tears, I broke down and called him. Because I'm afraid of actually going to a doctor or hospital, duh.

He doesn't think I'm dying, which is good, because I'm not ready yet (I haven't learned Italian!), but suggested I call a doctor or check-y check myself into the ER if it doesn't get better. Now, please, allow me to replay the convo with another doctor's assistant this AM:

Me: "Hi, I need an appointment today. Like now. I need to get in as soon as possible. I'm in intense stomach pain and can hardly breathe. I've been sick since Monday and I can't work, I can't sleep, I can't do anything. I need help."
Assistant: "OK, how about 11:15--"
Me: (thinking to self 'well, that's a little early, I am on deadline today.... whatever') "Great!"
Assistant: " On Monday."
Me: "OK. There's nothing earlier? I need to come in today."
Assistant: "No."
Me: "Not even a referral?"
Assistant: "No. Can I get your name and insurance?"

So, after twenty minutes of "No, that's not how you spell my name!" and "I told you I have insurance" later, I ask about the cancellation policy:

Assistant: "Oh, you want to cancel?"
Me: "No, but, if I need to cancel, I mean, I need to see someone today, and, so, if I cancel on Sunday, will you charge me? Since it's 24 hours notice?"
Assistant: "Um... No. I think you'll be OK. I just cancelled it."
Me: "WHAT?"
Assistant: "Oh. You meant our cancelation policy? It's OK. I'll fix it.....So, you're coming in for stomach pain?"
Me: (very annoyed at this point, because yeah, sure, stomach pain, take some Advil and Maalox, you're good to go, this is like death) "Well, yes, stomach pain. I can't eat, I'm the size of a house, I'm nauseous, I am so puffy that I can't breathe, it's putting pressure on my back, my ribs and my chest and I'm in severe, severe pain."
Assistant: (in an all too chipper tone) "OK, see you Monday."

So, I have an appointment on Monday (which I am fairly certain I will be cancelling today).

If I have to suffer through this on my 3-day weekend, there is a real chance someone might get hurt. Besides me.

Wish me luck.

Any doctors out there?

**Update**
After being harassed by my "second mothers" at work (bless them) my husband picked me up and took me to the ER. After 4 hours and numerous lovely tests later, I was discharged with several prescriptions, a referral to another doctor, and instructions to come back if I'm still in pain in 12 hours. It's been 2 and I still want to die. BFF C's husband called to check on me--I get the feeling he thinks it's an ulcer. Fun!

Thanks for your kind words and concern--hopefully this will pass in the next few hours. Until then, I'm takin' my meds and goin' to sleep.

Tuesday TV Yumminess

Um, have I told you how much I loooooove this show?

Holy Simon Baker!, who we discovered in the ever so glam and Princess worthy The Devil Wears Prada (I might have a slight girl crush on Anne Hathaway).

The hubs and I totally love this show. The script is hilarious, the cast is fantastic (Debs, from Empire Records is on it. Please Lord tell me you love that movie too.) and, hello, it's an hour of lovely Simon Baker. Who I'm fairly certain should play a role when my book becomes a movie--and clearly, I'll need to be on set to make sure everything is going properly. Le sigh...

So, you should watch.

The Mentalist. CBS. Tuesday night. 8 PM Central Time (which is great because then you can watch The Office re-runs on TBS. Not that I do that or anything).

Happy TiVo-ing!

PS. You're welcome.

How SP and husband enjoy a few days off

SP's office is fantastic enough to give off a few days for New Year's, which meant, wahoo-- weekend getaway! And, at this point in our lives, even going 20 minutes away would have been awesome.

Thanks to Hotels.com and their PriceChopper (for real), we decided to pack up and head to Lake Travis for a few days.

The pups went about their merry way to daycare. Hanna rules the roost.

"Hi mom! We're ready to go!" (please excuse le Royal Honda backseat)

Mom, seriously. Let's go. I have big dogs to beat up.

Der! Der! Let's go! Der. Um, der. Der. I'm a dork.

Our lovely hotel room (usually $490 a night. Wahoo Hotels.com!).

Lake Travis sunset.

Because SP rocks at self portraits.

Hi. I'm short.

Le Resort.

House I think my parents should buy. (taken from side of the road with cars honking, real classy).
We had a lovely time and stayed in a lovely resort (written about in Southern Living!). Not enough time (of course), but, no complains from us. First "break" we'd had since Galveston. And the sunburn.

This time, no sunburn. We'll discuss my tanning issues come February. Yikes.

Musings & Monday

Well, good morning my dears. Can you believe another weekend has come and gone? (I can't either) Mine was productive, until I realized that I had very little $$$ in the bank and had a slight panic attack. Thank goodness for online banking! Being overdrawn is not very Princess like. Spending spree has stopped. For now. Until I get paid. Which is weeks away. I wish my husband had a job. Like badly. Stupid student. I'm done.

1. I will keep this as short as possible, but, I bring you now, SP's Golden Globes Recap 2009:
a. Were you not brought to tears when Heath Ledger won for The Dark Knight? I personally loved the film, and thought he was divine. I'm so happy that he won. That is something his family, friends and daughter can cherish forever.
b. Was Kate Winslet not just the cutest thing ever? So thrilled for her. She's a peach!
c. OK, so, I was rolling with laughter when Sacha Baron Cohen was presenting. Clearly, Hollywood has lost their sense of humor because when he won his Golden Globe several years ago, the room was dying with laughter. Lighten up guys--no writers strike this year!
d. Ah, Simon Baker... Minus points for presenting with Eva Longoria. She just bugs me, and I can't really put my finger on it. Sorry Ms. Longoria.
2. I don't usually frequent Wal-Mart stores--not because I have any issue with them, but, because most of the Wal-Mart's near me, are kind of icky. Well, a new one opened by my house recently and it's very nice (in my opinion), so, on Saturday, I somehow managed to do major checking account damage there. I know, I was unaware it was possible, until I did it.
3. I got new super soft and super comfy wrinkle free (!) sheets in a dramatic deep red. Which, might be odd, but, there's something so soothing and romantic (in my mind) to them. And, they are super comfy and I didn't want to get up this morning. Thank you Wal-Mart.
4. After my trip to Wal-Mart I spent the rest of the day cleaning and organizing and decorating. We've been in the house for almost a year, but, it still doesn't quite feel perfect. So, I'm still working on it.
5. Stuck to my WW points--except for yesterday--and, I only went over by like 2, and I wouldn't have, but, there were cookies. I can't resist a cookie.
6. I met my darling friend's darling newborn baby C on Friday night and am rather obsessed with him. Borderline unhealthy obsession. He's just so yummy! And he let me hold him and rock him and didn't cry. So delicious. I want one.
7. Don't we have a three day weekend coming up? Ahhh...
8. Who is dying to see The Office this week? Hee hee hee. It looks fan-freaking-tastic. Gosh, I love that show.
9. l'italiano starts next week. Have I studied? Nope. Have I enrolled in the class? Nope. Am I going to? Yep. And charge it to my credit card. Which I hate doing. Fabulous.

Well, I must go about my merry little way and clean out our office's storage room. Because clearly that is in my job description.

Happy Monday!

xoxo,

SP

A Royal Vacation

Santa (aka me padre) gifted me this darling snowglobe (which is rather fitting considering I wanted to buy one at DisneyWorld over Christmas, but, since we stayed in Big D, I was unable to purchase the twin of the teeny snowglobe that my sister brought me and I sadly broke in The Big Move several years ago--I still feel bad).

I was giddy with glee--it was Cinderella. My favorite Disney Princess (as if you couldn't guess that--although, my favorite childhood picture is of me with Snow White at DisneyLand--I need to find that picture!). He was equally as excited to give it to me as we had spent several hours discussing the merits of each Disney character (my sister does not like any of the Disney Princesses. It is clear she is her mothers child, while it is equally clear that I am my mothers child and raised in a home with musicals, dress up and princess-y goodness. Thank you Dad for obliging us).

It sings "Someday My Prince Will Come", which is so fitting if you know anything about the book. And is currently sitting on my desk, offering inspiration and smiles.

But, it isn't just a lovely snowglobe. It was the gift that housed another gift:

SP is goin' to Florida kids! SP is goin' to DisneyWorld (shut up, I'm 5). SP's most favorite-est gift this year is a vacation to my favorite-est hotel!

Did I mention it's 4 weeks away? Did I mention I have to fit into a swim suit by then? Holy yikes!

On the good side: what could be more fitting than the Shabby Princess getting to spend a few days with the Disney Princesses?

PS. The husband is planning on fishing the entire time. I plan on wearing tiaras, getting tan, and eating breakfast with various Disney characters. I'm 5. I completely accept that.

I wear these...

Every night when I get home.

My lovely Tempur-Pedic slippers. Santa brought them.

I'm officially old.

But they are sooooo comfy. I swear, it's like walking on a cloud. Ah, love.

Three Things

1. I got booted from my office today after 6 months of four walled goodness. Now, I am at a desk. Like Pam. Only, my boss isn't Michael. I'm only slightly bitter. Plus, now everyone can see that I'm blogging. Yikes.

2. I signed up for WW online last night because I realized that I won't have time to go to meetings and if it doesn't work, then I will re-evaluate and maybe not take classes this semester so that I can go to the meetings. But, anyway, I went to bed hungry last night because I had exceeded my Point total for the day. That's a first (yay!).

3. Over the holidays, I found out that my dad's best friend's new step-son is a favorite character of mine from The Office (as in, our family friend married the cast member's mother, thus, making my dad's best friend Annonymous CastMember's step dad--am I making sense?). The hubs and I were hysterical and forced my non sitcom watching dad to understand the goodness that is The Office--as we aimlessly shouted "That's xxx's step son! We're practically family!". Don't worry, I am going to find a way to get invited to the next family event. I missed the wedding--if I had only known! And Annonymous CastMember would have been there--after all, it was his mother's wedding! (and no, I can't tell you who it is, but, I trust that you could figure it out if you used a little Wikipedia and IMDB--and thought about how well you know your dear SP...like where she's from, etc... )

I'm off to warm up my Lean Cuisine Fettuccine Alfredo--very glam.

Happy Wednesday!

Edit/Update: My word, I tempt you with The Office and y'all get so excited. No one as guessed correctly yet. As of 4:40 Central Time. There are still some cast members you've missed. I'll just tell you that when I found out about this guy being my dad's best friends wife's son (whew!) it made him rise about 10 points on my scale. Come on, I know you can do it! I might have to break down and give hints tomorrow.... Hmm... Think.. Hmm.. (every hint I can think of will give it away!).

Le Merry Royal Abode

Because I am lazy, and totally unable to remove the photos from my camera in a timely manner, I now share with you le Royal Adobe in Holiday Form (and, I know you really want to see this). Enjoy!

I told you we had a Charlie Brown Christmas tree. And yes, it's blurry. Blurry is the new artsy, don't you know?

(please ignore the sad amount of gifts)

My entryway all holiday-ed up. Kind of. I'm cheap (why i still have pumpkins will always be a mystery. Although, that pumpkin painting on the bottom shelf? My aunt made that for me, so, it stays up year round).

My fireplace. Yes, yes, I will eventually replace this sad mantel, but, it worked perfectly for hanging stockings with care, so, we decided to not replace it before Christmas. (why did I take pictures when my house is so messy?)

And the present stack after my parents got here...

My faux mistletoe ball hanging in the entryway doorway.

Did you miss us?

And, I leave you with a very tired Hanna pup (isn't she the cutest?). She was over it. Too much Christmas for her.

Musings & Monday: 2009 Edition

Happy New Year, all! Let's hope 2009 will be the best year yet. And you know what? I'm doing my very best to make it that way. I got to work early (can you believe it?), I'm picking up lovely friends from airport tonight (although, I despise solos airport pick ups, but, since we bought le royal abode, we don't have the $$ for new le royal chariot, and the Honda is just gonna have to fit us all. Ha!), and feel like this year can and will be fantastic. First, I have to fix up my upstairs bathroom (and rip out smelly carpet). Once that's done, we'll be in good shape.

What was I saying? Oh, right....

1. After fifteen thousand million bagillion attempts at losing the chub and keeping it off, I have decided to start Weight Watchers. I realize that I don't have a ton of weight to lose, and that at my height (5 feet, 5'1" on a good day), I probably am at a pretty OK weight, but, I will go bonkers, lose a bunch of weight, work out every day and then fizzle out, gaining it all back (thanks, wisdom teeth!). I want to be able to stay at a "happy weight" if you will, and be prepared to be a healthy mother if you know, we ever have kids. Apparently, my day planner missed this memo and I am packed literally every night this week, so, I'll have to start next week, but, hallelujah, the gym is open today, so, SP will be bustin' a sweat at lunch.
2. We had a lovely New Years mini vacation. I'll post pictures soon. I was officially relaxed for exactly 2.5 days. Now, I'm back at work. And a frazzled mess.
3. I have a new found obsession with getting rid of the "fine lines" around my eyes. I blame it on the whole laughing/smiling thing that I occasionally do. I must get rid of them. I am too young for this nonsense! Anyone have a miracle product??
4. One of my dearest most wonderful-est friends had a baby last week--and he's so yummy. I made them blueberry muffins (which is what I do for all my friends who have had babies. I'm not sure why. Maybe because I'm obsessed with blueberry muffins and hope someone will make them for me?) and sugar cookies cut out in his first initial. They were not superb. I remembered why I don't make sugar cookies that often. But, I frosted those babies up, and, well, after all, it is the thought that counts, right? Hopefully I'll have the sugar cookies letters mastered before anyone else has a baby .
5. I'm no Martha.
6. Not that anyone would have confused us, but, you know.
7. I've been having bizarre dreams lately. Exhibit A: I dreamt that I was at the movies with Debra Messing and Isla Fisher (like, sitting in between them) and I wanted a picture with them, but, was too scared to ask. But, I was sitting with them.... Exhibit B: I dreamt my mommy was alive. As in, came back to life. But, not in a creepy zombie way. And it was Christmas. And she thought my Hanna pup was actually my previously dead Muffin pup. And, she was pretty dang pissed off when she found out that skeezy step dad (aka, the man she married) was engaged (which, was kind of awesome in my dream. Because I was pretty pissed in real life).....Possible meaning(s)? Any dream analysts out there?
8. Last night, Cheapie McCheaperson (aka, me) was attempting to paint her little piggies because pedis cost $$, and, well, I dropped the bottle of OPI and, of course, it broke and spilled all over my bathroom floor. On the lovely tile floor. In the only bathroom in my house that doesn't need a major facelift. After 30 minutes, ten hundred paper towels, all the cotton pads I own and a bottle of nail polish remover, you can hardly tell. Although, the grout does have a slightly pick hue, but, we're moving past that. Ah, nothing like huffing nail polish remover to bond a marriage.
9. I was slightly shaky for the rest of the night.
10. Sure.
11. I'm on deadline, why am I blogging?
12. I better go.

Happy Monday, y'all! Make it fabulous!

xoxo,

SP