Musings & Monday

1. I'm falling apart. And way to young for this BS. Let me explain: I enjoy visits to hospitals where they cannot solve my ailments, then, I take a shower Sunday night and am disrupted when my laundry doing husband (bless him) screams at me to "get out of the shower now!"--where I discovered that I had somehow broken out in a rash all over my body. Which is slowly spreading to my face. Lovely. And did you know since everyone and their dog has the flu that getting an appointment is like finding a diamond? Cause seriously. And a nice cool oatmeal bath never sounded so good (did you ever have to do that when you were a kid and got chicken pox? My mom totally made me do). I don't seem to be contagious, as the husband doesn't have it. Stress, perhaps? Oh, and, I have wrinkles. I'm not thrilled.

2. So, excuse me and my lovely freak out. We'll move on. Last night, I was wildly moved and humbled to learn that a family who have steadfastly lead our youth and our local church organization over the last several years will be leaving us to serve in Mexico. To know that a family that I have had the chance to know and love will be doing an even greater service was profoundly humbling to me. I am so grateful for their service to us and am so excited for them.

3. I did more house decorating on Saturday! Thank you Pier 1 Sale. I have an awesome new arts and crafts style bookshelf i my living room. Fancy.

4. Has anyone ever tried those Olay or Neutrogena microderm abrasion kits? I'm thinking of buying one this
afternoon--my face is lookin' tired and I gotta look good for family trip to Florida.

5. Is it bad that I'm making my husband spend Valentine's Day hanging out with Disney Princesses? I might finally be able to get my mini snowglobe! Wahoo!

6. Because we're lazy people (true story) we spent most of the weekend watching TV. And more specifically USA and TNT. Which consisted of holy aviator sunglasses, Michael Weston--re-runs of Burn Notice!--and, holy Irish accent, Colin Ferrel--Miami Vice. Lovely.

7. Did I ever tell you about the time I literally bumped into Colin (we're on a first name basis) at the LAX airport Admirals Club? Best.Graduation.Present.Ever.

8. Seriously, I'm falling apart. Too young! Too young!

9. I spent Friday doing arts & crafts time at work. My desk still has glue on it. Good thing I didn't use the rubber cement I was offered. (wasn't that stuff the coolest when you were a kid? No? Just me?)

10. We're supposed to get a "wintry mix" of weather the next few days. We wanted to barbecue tonight. We aren't. Sad times. But! This means I get to make peach, mango and avocado chicken. Yummmmmm.

11. Mission: Isla Fisher look alike has began. I touched up my roots (not that I ever had any) and my hair looks fab. Now, I just need to lipo the legs.

12. Have I talked your ear off yet?

I better go. I may need to go stand in our industrial freezer--will that stop the bumps?

Happy Monday y'all! If you're near me, stay warm this week!

xoxo,

SP

I love Isla

You can bet your bottom dollar that I got my grubby little hands on this magazine as soon as I could. Even if it was during an obligatory BN stop on the way to get HRH Princess Hanna Banana from a not-so-fun vet visit (she only took 260 cc's of fluid, yay!!).

I love her.

If I can't be Giada's BFF (since apparently there's a line for this job or something), maybe I can be Isla's BFF.

We'd chat about being redheads, me specifically being a faux-redhead and then she'd tell me to always keep it because then we'd be twins.



I could play with Olive and do my Borat impression for Sacha, and he'd think I was wildly hilarious.

She'd support my writing and want to play me in the movie--because, who better to play me than my best friend? Clearly.

We could share clothes and she could give me weight loss advice (did you see her just a few months after having her baby? My word, she looks better than me and I've had no babies!) and give me the free makeup she doesn't need. I'd get late night phone calls from her whilst traveling and when I have my first child, I'd call her and she'd be on the first flight to my side. And then I'd name my daughter Isla and she and Sacha would be so thrilled (am I getting carried away? Why do I want to name my unborn children after celebrities?).


Most importantly, she could teach me how to do a fine Aussie accent and I would be invited to their wedding. Which I'm sure will be fabulous. And you know SP loves a good wedding.

Did I mention I love her?

Must lose weight. Must look like Isla.

(fyi, I hijacked the above images from allure.com)

OK, I'll admit it

I had this whole post worked out in my mind about how I was (dare I say it?........) kind of over Lost (I know! For shame!).

There. I said it.

The mental post went something like this:

"It was fantastic when my SIL lived in Hawaii and would report back on seeing the cast around the island and about random scenes being filmed. Then they killed off Charlie and I did not like that. Then they got all January - May on us and by the time the next season starts, I'd forgotten what happens. Also, I'm easily confused. This doesn't mean I don't love the show and think it's totally brilliant and awesome, but, it does mean that I might not be as OCD about it as I once was. (I say this now. Let's talk next week. I may be creating a Lost Patch, a la Nicoderm)."

Annnnd, after last night, I'm fairly certain that I will being the patent process on my Lost Patch today.

I'm addicted yet again. (stupid show!)

PS.

While I'm admitting things, I might as well tell you that a few years ago I swiped a rubber duckie that is wearing a tiara from my kid sister. It sits on my sink and I hide it whenever my family comes to visit. I feel terrible, but, it's a totally fitting rubber duckie and I love it. She hasn't ever asked about it. I'm the worst big sister ever (even though I bought her Heelies last year, a friggin expensive a** art set the year before, and multiple seasons of Full House plus a Nintendo DS this year)!

Now, if you'll excuse me. I have to un-tarnish the tiara and figure out a way to solve world peace, hunger and adopt all the orphans. All before lunch.

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.