July 1 - July 2, 2010
Happy July! It's summertime! Enjoy my favorite summer song here! It gets me fired up to come home and hang out with my friends! Whew! ;)
So, yesterday I did not get home until about 1a.m. We had another grand opening of a really hot mexican restaurant on Atlantic Ave. in Delray Beach. Have you ever heard of Cabo Wabo Tequila?? I hadn't, but apparently it compares and competes with Patron. I'm not a tequila person--I think it's disgusting and this is what happens to me. Watch here...
Okay, totally kidding! ;) Anyways, the party was so much fun! It led to some pretty hilarious conversations.
So, I'm driving to the event, talking to Brett when I interrupt with, "Oh my God, Brett! I found the place that sells chicken 'n waffles!" Please tell me you know what chicken 'n waffles are. If you don't, please don't talk to me. I was so disappointed that only one of my family members knows what this is. Ugh! It's not even American to now know this crazy combination of deliciousness!
For those who don't know (which I'm ashamed, but I can forgive)...it's fried chicken and waffles together. Yes...together. So anyways, we're at the party and I mention something about it to the crowd of people we were talking to. All of them from Florida, except one other person from Champagne, Illinois. Everyone looked at me like I was crazy!
"You're from the south!" I said. "You should definitely know what chicken 'n waffles are!" It's the All-American southern food! I swear in a previous life I was born and raised in Georgia or North Carolina on a farm, or I was African American. The only other person who knew what chicken 'n waffles was the person from Illinois! Way to go Midwesterners knowing your food!
My friend says, "So...do you eat them for breakfast?" Oh, how you have so much to learn. "No, you can eat them any time of day!" I say.
Someone else, "So, do you pour syrup on them?"
Me: "Of course you do! It's the perfect combo of salty and sweet!"
Someone else: "Before you know it, they'll have drive-thru liquor stores!"
Me: "Actually, they have those in Iowa!"
Everyone died laughing! Hahahaha! Of course Iowa would! Such a coincidence they would bring that up!
We got to go in the office late again today! I love nights we work late...that means I get to watch Regis and Kelly in the morning! So, I get to work and I think to myself, Whew it's hot in here! Well, that's because the air conditioner was broken. You think Iowa's hot in the summer? Ha! It's twice as bad down here! Our office was literally 87 degrees. Awful. We were all sweating, falling asleep at our desks, and basically just zombies lurking the cubicles.
Our boss let us leave early! Awesome way to start the vaca! We go for lunch at JB's on the Beach. It's an awesome place in Deerfield that overlooks the ocean! Beautiful! The ocean says hello, by the way! ;) I order fish tacos. Since I've moved down here, it's become my new favorite food! It's such a light dish, but perfectly filling. I love the texture and saltiness of the fish, but the sweet and spicy flavors that go into the mango salsa (sometimes they use papaya or pineapple). Delicious! You must try them!
So, I got another part-time job today! It's at the same restaurant I worked at in NYC! I'm so excited! I loved working there and it's a great way to meet new people! The manager asks if it's too much that I work full-time and part-time. Heck no! This will create a little more excitement in my life! He doesn't know me yet and the fact I get bored in .2 seconds.
It's thunder-storming here tonight, which I actually love--they don't scare me as bad as they used to. It's such a cool night out and a perfect one to just relax and get ready for my drive tomorrow to Orlando. Yea, I'm leaving from Orlando which sucks because it's three hours away, but I'm saving almost $350! Crazy right?? It's well worth the drive!
Maybe I'll stop at Disneyworld or Islands of Adventure. Or I'll stop in and see Shamu! Oh so many options! My parents are taking a week in September--we should totally go then, don't you think?? And my parents are so much fun to go to theme parks with! They ride everything! Done deal. No more contemplating. Now I just have to tell them that's how it's going to be. ;)
So, I'm proud of my mom today. She got Facebook (which I swore I would never let happen, but it's okay!) and today she posted her first status. Want to know what it said? "Both of my kids are home for the holiday weekend. SUPER excited. Haven't seen them in weeks/months!" Awww...it's so sweet! I love it! I'm just as excited! I pretty much already have my whole weekend planned. Tomorrow starts with hanging out with the family and then seeing the ever-exciting Eclipse! Ahhhhhhhhh, I can't wait! It's going to be amazing! Are you Team Jacob or Team Edward? I'm definitely Team Jacob now. He's so....I don't know....perfect!
The fourth book is really interesting. A lot of things happened that I didn't expect, but I suppose I'm not shocked. Ugh, I can't believe I've fallen into the Twilight craze. Listen to me. I sound like a teenager. It's completely mindless reading, but it's so enticing!
So, the other day I go to log into my Google e-mail account. It wouldn't let me on. It said my password wouldn't work and I had to enter my phone number to get a special code. My heart sank. I've known people to hack into others' e-mail accounts and delete them! Yea, people are crazy?! ;)
I freaked! A big portion of my life is on that thing! Someone hacked into it and decided to send Canadian medical e-mails to every. single. person. I've ever e-mailed. Grandma got an e-mail about female Viagra! Yep. So, people that I e-mailed while working at BHG, friends, family, whoever got Viagra e-mails and God knows what else. So, if you were one of these people...I apologize. Some crazy person thought it would be funny. It's really funny, actually. But not when some of these people are big wigs at New York City companies!
Okay, so I'm one of those people who bought something, wore it, then returned it. Is that bad?? I don't think so. It was just a bracelet. I took the stretchy tag off, wore it last Saturday, put the tag back on and took it back. No harm done. The bracelet was $60! Are you nuts?! I'm cheap! I don't even spend $60 on a dress or pair of shoes! I can't justify it. Like Brett says, if it's not $2 or $100,000, "she doesn't want it."
It happens.
Since moving here, I've really gotten into DJ's. They are so hot down here! I'm not talking about their looks--the music and mixes they come up with are amazing! My friend listens to this guy, DJ Cha Chi. Check out his website. I don't know if you've heard of him, but he has awesome mixes! I Googled him and found some mixes on YouTube. Since it's live taping, parts sound a little weird because of the base. Check them out below!
Mur.Mur. Mix
Shrine
Show Me a Virgin Mix
I recommend you go to his website and download his mixes onto iTunes. It's free! I love how he incorporates old school and new school! It fascinates me how he works on the computer and on the turn tables. So cool! I could watch it all day!
Heads up: I probably won't be blogging this weekend while I'm home. In fact, I know I won't. Check back Wednesday night. I get back to Florida on Tuesday, but not until about 11:45 p.m.
Happy 4th of July! Have a fantastic weekend! Enjoy lots of fireworks! I LOVE fireworks! They just make you feel like a kid again. All of the Oohs and Aahs! So magical!
Note to self: "God Bless America. My Home Sweet Home." Remember this 4th of July the thousands of American troops who have died and risked their lives so our country can be just a little normal. With all of the craziness of war and politics, it's very rare that people stop and really look at what our troops go through for us.
Watch this video. KISS performed for our soldiers. It makes you proud of these men and women. You don't know them, but the undeniable amount of respect we have for these people is incredible. America is truly an amazing country, filled with so many great people. Unfortunately, America is quickly becoming something completely different. It's sad to know we are conforming so much to other countries and losing our identity in the process. We are fighting for our freedom, but our culture is being diminished. I think culture is great, however, I still think we need to keep America's culture. If we don't stop the irresponsible immigration, then America will no longer be America. We'll have to call it: Amerimexifranadiagypt.
Watch video here.
I love sweets! Sweet treats, sweet deals and sweet ideas for decorating is what I enjoy the most. Check out my ideas for great parties with friends, sugary recipes and great deals I have found to create a fresh and fun home!
Showing posts with label Iowa Vacation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Iowa Vacation. Show all posts
Friday, July 2, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
Day 238 - Day 243
April 28 - May 3, 2010
So, the last week was all about Iowa and a wedding! My best friend got married on Saturday and I left for Iowa on Wednesday. This was such a great trip and I had such a great time! I get home Wednesday night and just kind of relax. I had taco pizza from Casey's awaiting my arrival! It's so good! My favorite is still Happy Joe's, but Casey's is still top notch!
Thursday morning, I wake up and decide that my at-home tanning spray is going to be put to good use. So, I have my mom be my personal beauty tanning woman! I'm standing in my garage, doors wide open, and boobies exposed to all, while she's make me beautifully bronzed! It's boobs. Everyone has seen them! And mine are so small, you can barely tell they're there! Hehe! Hence, why I an enhancement isn't all that bad of an idea! ;)
Thursday night was about primping for the wedding. Some of the wedding party got together and did wine, cupcakes, and mani/pedis! It was so nice and relaxing! A perfect beginning to a great weekend! I love getting pedicures! Those Asian people really know how to take care of feet! We went to Truly Nails in Johnston and they did a fantastic job! You can bring in your own beverages, so Christin brought in wine and we had cupcakes! So much fun! Then, we went to Legend's for appetizers. It was a good girl's night out!
Friday morning, Maddie picked me up and we headed for Coon Rapids, Iowa--the wedding site! We had to stop in Perry, which I loved! I love small towns and Perry is a fun one! It's the first place I ever saw a mexican People Magazine! Ha! Fantastic!
Coon Rapids, Iowa you ask? Yes, it's in the middle of nowhere! But it's so beautiful and picturesque! A perfect place for an outdoor wedding! It's really cool out there! They have a barn, houses, hayrack rides, canoeing, etc.! However, our hayrack ride and the boys' canoe trip got cancelled due to weather and technical difficulties with the van. But it's there if you want it! The cabins are so cute!
Friday was the rehearsal dinner, where Litterdale's was the catering company. Can I tell you, if you ever need a catering service, this is the company! Their food is delicious and the people are really friendly! The rehearsal dinner was so much fun! And afterwards, the bridal party got together and partied in the boys' house. Yes, we partied before the wedding. A 12:30 game of flip cup may or may not have been my idea! But it was a good one! We had so much fun! Everyone woke up in great shape, so all is good!
The day of the wedding was really calm! Maddie never once freaked out, or panicked! She did great! And she looked absolutely beautiful! Her and Brent really had a great looking bridal party! ;) The weather was perfect--sunshine, warm weather, great family and friends around them! She couldn't have asked for a more picture perfect day! It got chilly at night, but it didn't stop us from having a good time! The party continued back at the house. I took a bit of a catnap, but woke up, and joined the party! I don't know how I do it, but I got hurt again! This time, I have a scrape on my wrist. The skin is gone. How I always manage to hurt myself, I will never know!
Sunday was nice and relaxing. They opened gifts, we cleaned up the party area, and then I realized my bag was missing. The bag with my identification, phone, and credit cards. I swore that I had it with me, but when we called the people whose truck we rode in, they swear it wasn't in there. We looked for that bag for a couple of hours and could not find it. All I kept thinking was, I'm never getting back to Florida. My parents are going to kill me. I'm going to miss a rather important day in my life. And this is going to cost me a fortune! On the outside, I remained calm. On the inside, I was freaking out! After a couple hours of calling, searching and searching, those stupid people who we called earlier had it. A couple from the wedding party went to their house and opened the truck--guess what? There it was! Idiots! Thank God they found it!
We celebrated Mother's Day since I won't be there this Sunday. Mom made her fried chicken. It hit the spot! Perfect end to a perfect trip home! I miss Iowa people. They're so nice! It's refreshing to be around people who are genuine and down-to-earth. You know what, though? I didn't cry this time when I left. Weird huh? Not one tear. I'm really proud of myself!
After not a lot of sleep this weekend and a long day of traveling, I'm calling it an early night! Hope everyone had a great weekend!
Note to self: Count your blessings. Not a lot of people are as lucky or fortunate as you. When you keep getting opportunity after opportunity, compliments, and praise for your work ethic and talent, you have to be appreciative and recognize that in this economy, it's really prideful to know that your work is being recognized! Be proud of yourself and don't take anything for granted. It's such a rough and competitive industry out there, and to know that people believe in you and your talents, it's really rewarding and a big boost to your self-esteem. Just be lucky and remember to take these opportunities and run with them. When they say, it's not personal, it's business, it's so true. You have to think of what's going to benefit you--every thing else will fall into place!
Side note: I just heard the new neighbor below me. It was my understanding that I was going to be getting an attractive male living below me. Nope. Go figure. It was definitely a woman's voice. I swear to God, if I was as lucky at love, as I am with my career path, I would be married to Prince William by now!
So, the last week was all about Iowa and a wedding! My best friend got married on Saturday and I left for Iowa on Wednesday. This was such a great trip and I had such a great time! I get home Wednesday night and just kind of relax. I had taco pizza from Casey's awaiting my arrival! It's so good! My favorite is still Happy Joe's, but Casey's is still top notch!
Thursday morning, I wake up and decide that my at-home tanning spray is going to be put to good use. So, I have my mom be my personal beauty tanning woman! I'm standing in my garage, doors wide open, and boobies exposed to all, while she's make me beautifully bronzed! It's boobs. Everyone has seen them! And mine are so small, you can barely tell they're there! Hehe! Hence, why I an enhancement isn't all that bad of an idea! ;)
Thursday night was about primping for the wedding. Some of the wedding party got together and did wine, cupcakes, and mani/pedis! It was so nice and relaxing! A perfect beginning to a great weekend! I love getting pedicures! Those Asian people really know how to take care of feet! We went to Truly Nails in Johnston and they did a fantastic job! You can bring in your own beverages, so Christin brought in wine and we had cupcakes! So much fun! Then, we went to Legend's for appetizers. It was a good girl's night out!
Friday morning, Maddie picked me up and we headed for Coon Rapids, Iowa--the wedding site! We had to stop in Perry, which I loved! I love small towns and Perry is a fun one! It's the first place I ever saw a mexican People Magazine! Ha! Fantastic!
Coon Rapids, Iowa you ask? Yes, it's in the middle of nowhere! But it's so beautiful and picturesque! A perfect place for an outdoor wedding! It's really cool out there! They have a barn, houses, hayrack rides, canoeing, etc.! However, our hayrack ride and the boys' canoe trip got cancelled due to weather and technical difficulties with the van. But it's there if you want it! The cabins are so cute!
Friday was the rehearsal dinner, where Litterdale's was the catering company. Can I tell you, if you ever need a catering service, this is the company! Their food is delicious and the people are really friendly! The rehearsal dinner was so much fun! And afterwards, the bridal party got together and partied in the boys' house. Yes, we partied before the wedding. A 12:30 game of flip cup may or may not have been my idea! But it was a good one! We had so much fun! Everyone woke up in great shape, so all is good!
The day of the wedding was really calm! Maddie never once freaked out, or panicked! She did great! And she looked absolutely beautiful! Her and Brent really had a great looking bridal party! ;) The weather was perfect--sunshine, warm weather, great family and friends around them! She couldn't have asked for a more picture perfect day! It got chilly at night, but it didn't stop us from having a good time! The party continued back at the house. I took a bit of a catnap, but woke up, and joined the party! I don't know how I do it, but I got hurt again! This time, I have a scrape on my wrist. The skin is gone. How I always manage to hurt myself, I will never know!
Sunday was nice and relaxing. They opened gifts, we cleaned up the party area, and then I realized my bag was missing. The bag with my identification, phone, and credit cards. I swore that I had it with me, but when we called the people whose truck we rode in, they swear it wasn't in there. We looked for that bag for a couple of hours and could not find it. All I kept thinking was, I'm never getting back to Florida. My parents are going to kill me. I'm going to miss a rather important day in my life. And this is going to cost me a fortune! On the outside, I remained calm. On the inside, I was freaking out! After a couple hours of calling, searching and searching, those stupid people who we called earlier had it. A couple from the wedding party went to their house and opened the truck--guess what? There it was! Idiots! Thank God they found it!
We celebrated Mother's Day since I won't be there this Sunday. Mom made her fried chicken. It hit the spot! Perfect end to a perfect trip home! I miss Iowa people. They're so nice! It's refreshing to be around people who are genuine and down-to-earth. You know what, though? I didn't cry this time when I left. Weird huh? Not one tear. I'm really proud of myself!
After not a lot of sleep this weekend and a long day of traveling, I'm calling it an early night! Hope everyone had a great weekend!
Note to self: Count your blessings. Not a lot of people are as lucky or fortunate as you. When you keep getting opportunity after opportunity, compliments, and praise for your work ethic and talent, you have to be appreciative and recognize that in this economy, it's really prideful to know that your work is being recognized! Be proud of yourself and don't take anything for granted. It's such a rough and competitive industry out there, and to know that people believe in you and your talents, it's really rewarding and a big boost to your self-esteem. Just be lucky and remember to take these opportunities and run with them. When they say, it's not personal, it's business, it's so true. You have to think of what's going to benefit you--every thing else will fall into place!
Side note: I just heard the new neighbor below me. It was my understanding that I was going to be getting an attractive male living below me. Nope. Go figure. It was definitely a woman's voice. I swear to God, if I was as lucky at love, as I am with my career path, I would be married to Prince William by now!
Monday, January 4, 2010
Day 113 - Day 119
December 26, 2009 to December 31, 2009
My remaining days during my Iowa vacation were fantastic! I can not tell you how nice it was to sleep in and not think about anything, except what I was going to do that night. I didn't stress about work, money, nothing! My following blogs are going to put my vacation in a nutshell. Kind of. You know how I love to talk!
I want to start off talking about things I've missed. Number one: cable! I can't believe how behind I am on Keeping Up With The Kardashians! I love that show! I feel like I don't even know a thing about them anymore! Since when did Bruce and Kris get a new house? And Scott? Please. He needs to go! I would have smacked his stupid ass too! She should have Tiger Woods' him! He's too "pretty" for my liking! Who lays out, at your baby mama's, mother's house, when you know they don't like you; all the while, your baby's mama is at work?! Get a job!!!! Okay, and the Jersey Shore?! OMG! The funniest thing I've ever seen! The fist pump is now my favorite dance move! Hahahaha! Those people are something else! The sad/funny thing is...my first date in NYC was with a dude like this! LOL! Go figure, right? Total "Guido" or whatever they call themselves. Beautiful man, dummy for a personality! Remember me telling you about the Greek goddess? It was him! ;)
I miss Nick at Nite! Shows like, The Nanny, Roseanne, Fresh Prince. These are the shows I used to fall asleep too as a teenager/young adult! ;) I also missed radio. Although 107.5 still plays the same ten songs they did four months when I left, it was nice. Okay, so they now play the new Britney and Lady GaGa songs, but they did a segment on the number one song in 2000. C'mon Des Moines! Really?! It's 2010. No time for reminiscing. If people in Iowa only knew about the songs they were missing out on--the songs I hear play at clubs here in the city, you guys would be so mad! KISS needs a serious upgrade and maybe a possible rearranging of who's in charge!
The day after Christmas was spent shopping. I went to Von Maur, my all-time favorite department store ever! They typically have the best sales! However, I was highly disappointed with the selection. The shoe barn didn't disappoint. It never does. Needless to say, I walked out with, I think, five new pairs of shoes. But the clothes weren't that exciting! It's time for spring wardrobe. I need to see some color! I did buy my first Burberry handbag at Von Maur! One of the best days of my life! ;) It was on sale, of course! Do I ever buy anything full price? Heck no! I'm way too cheap for that! It was a ridiculously good deal, plus it's what I need to carry to and from work!
After much sleep, Wii Mario Brothers, and a couple watchings of "The Hangover," Monday finally arrived! Okay, Wii Mario is awesome! If you have a Wii and don't own it...buy it! It's like the old school version, but better! My family was sitting in our family room, yelling at the t.v., yelling at each other, and yelling at ourselves. It was great! You forget how intense you get when playing. My palms were slightly sweaty! And "The Hangover." I don't even have to say anything. It's one of the funniest movies I've ever seen! This brings me to my next point.
So, while home, my brother invites me to Vegas with him and his buddies in May. One condition: I have to bring a friend. Okay. Can do! Have you ever heard the Carrie Underwood song, "Last Name?" Well, when it came out, my mom always told me this is something I would do. Okay, mom. You're probably right. I would do something like this, just because I can get a little crazy sometimes! You're in Vegas, you have to get married! Why wouldn't you?!?! What a great memory! This was my thought: since I'm going with my brother and his friends, I'll marry one of them, then get it annulled the next day! Brilliant! Because if they don't annul the marriage, he'll kill them! It's like it never happened! Hehe! I would prefer to just not sign the marriage papers, but I'm pretty sure they'd make you. So, I already have my husband-to-be and we decided on a "Cops and Robbers" themed wedding. He said he'll marry me under one condition: he gets to be the robber. And my brother said we have to get the ultimate wedding package like in "The Hangover" because he wants a keepsake hat and coffee mug! LOL! Now that I've created this huge story, let's see if I can even afford to go! But if I can...I can already hear wedding bells! ;)
So, throughout the week, I had several dates. My first date was a breakfast date with my long time friend, Greg. We always meet at Hy-Vee in sweatpants, looking like we both got hit by a truck the night before, and eat pancakes, eggs, and bacon. It's tradition! Later that evening, I have a dinner and drink night with Tim; probably one of the nicest guys I've ever met. He will make some lady very happy one of these days! We went to Brick House; a new restaurant in town, then to Court Avenue Brewery for a drink. I'm always guaranteed a good laugh with both of these guys!
My Tuesday is jam-packed with things to do. I met my friend Emily at McDonald's. I was so happy I only had to pay $2.50 for a coffee AND a cinnamon roll! That's practically free for me! Fantastic! And it never tasted so good! In New York, I pay like $5 for the same thing and it tastes like they just picked it up off the floor! ;) Then, I met my friend Renee and went to Granite City for lunch! I love that place! It's so dang good! Then, I met Maddie at the funeral home for dinner and a movie! We go see "The Blind Side" with Sandra Bullock. Amazing movie! I'm not a big movie-goer, but lately, I feel like that's all I've wanted to do is watch movies! If you haven't seen it, you must go! We ate at Ranallo's in Ankeny. Delicious! Again, if you haven't been, go! The service was fun, the atmosphere is nice, and the food is great! Not that pricey either, considering everything you get with it.
I had a wonderful day with my grandma...we got pedicures! It was fantastic! My feet were disgusting and the spa treatment pedicure hit the spot! We go to Pella Nails in Pleasant Hill and the staff there is wonderful! I highly recommend it! Not that expensive either...it's about the same as NYC! After that, we got lunch for mom and Brett at Norwoodville Bar. It's a dive place, but I tell ya' what. They have the best food! Another great food joint, Hilltop! I went there with my friend Kristi on Wednesday! I love their pizza! It's a tradition Kristi and I have. A large onion ring and medium extra cheese pizza! Yum-O! After pizza, we meet a few people at The Lift. What's that you ask? It's only the best martini bar in the country! Two-for-one on Wednesdays! In all honesty, I have yet to find a place in the city with as good of martinis as this hole-in-the-wall place. If anyone can tell me a competitive place, I'm all ears! My favorite is the S&M. But I've come to find that the French Caribbean is quite tasty as well! My friends Holly and Crystal from high school meet us out; my friend, Jennifer; and Tim!
Continue on reading about the rest of my trip!
My remaining days during my Iowa vacation were fantastic! I can not tell you how nice it was to sleep in and not think about anything, except what I was going to do that night. I didn't stress about work, money, nothing! My following blogs are going to put my vacation in a nutshell. Kind of. You know how I love to talk!
I want to start off talking about things I've missed. Number one: cable! I can't believe how behind I am on Keeping Up With The Kardashians! I love that show! I feel like I don't even know a thing about them anymore! Since when did Bruce and Kris get a new house? And Scott? Please. He needs to go! I would have smacked his stupid ass too! She should have Tiger Woods' him! He's too "pretty" for my liking! Who lays out, at your baby mama's, mother's house, when you know they don't like you; all the while, your baby's mama is at work?! Get a job!!!! Okay, and the Jersey Shore?! OMG! The funniest thing I've ever seen! The fist pump is now my favorite dance move! Hahahaha! Those people are something else! The sad/funny thing is...my first date in NYC was with a dude like this! LOL! Go figure, right? Total "Guido" or whatever they call themselves. Beautiful man, dummy for a personality! Remember me telling you about the Greek goddess? It was him! ;)
I miss Nick at Nite! Shows like, The Nanny, Roseanne, Fresh Prince. These are the shows I used to fall asleep too as a teenager/young adult! ;) I also missed radio. Although 107.5 still plays the same ten songs they did four months when I left, it was nice. Okay, so they now play the new Britney and Lady GaGa songs, but they did a segment on the number one song in 2000. C'mon Des Moines! Really?! It's 2010. No time for reminiscing. If people in Iowa only knew about the songs they were missing out on--the songs I hear play at clubs here in the city, you guys would be so mad! KISS needs a serious upgrade and maybe a possible rearranging of who's in charge!
The day after Christmas was spent shopping. I went to Von Maur, my all-time favorite department store ever! They typically have the best sales! However, I was highly disappointed with the selection. The shoe barn didn't disappoint. It never does. Needless to say, I walked out with, I think, five new pairs of shoes. But the clothes weren't that exciting! It's time for spring wardrobe. I need to see some color! I did buy my first Burberry handbag at Von Maur! One of the best days of my life! ;) It was on sale, of course! Do I ever buy anything full price? Heck no! I'm way too cheap for that! It was a ridiculously good deal, plus it's what I need to carry to and from work!
After much sleep, Wii Mario Brothers, and a couple watchings of "The Hangover," Monday finally arrived! Okay, Wii Mario is awesome! If you have a Wii and don't own it...buy it! It's like the old school version, but better! My family was sitting in our family room, yelling at the t.v., yelling at each other, and yelling at ourselves. It was great! You forget how intense you get when playing. My palms were slightly sweaty! And "The Hangover." I don't even have to say anything. It's one of the funniest movies I've ever seen! This brings me to my next point.
So, while home, my brother invites me to Vegas with him and his buddies in May. One condition: I have to bring a friend. Okay. Can do! Have you ever heard the Carrie Underwood song, "Last Name?" Well, when it came out, my mom always told me this is something I would do. Okay, mom. You're probably right. I would do something like this, just because I can get a little crazy sometimes! You're in Vegas, you have to get married! Why wouldn't you?!?! What a great memory! This was my thought: since I'm going with my brother and his friends, I'll marry one of them, then get it annulled the next day! Brilliant! Because if they don't annul the marriage, he'll kill them! It's like it never happened! Hehe! I would prefer to just not sign the marriage papers, but I'm pretty sure they'd make you. So, I already have my husband-to-be and we decided on a "Cops and Robbers" themed wedding. He said he'll marry me under one condition: he gets to be the robber. And my brother said we have to get the ultimate wedding package like in "The Hangover" because he wants a keepsake hat and coffee mug! LOL! Now that I've created this huge story, let's see if I can even afford to go! But if I can...I can already hear wedding bells! ;)
So, throughout the week, I had several dates. My first date was a breakfast date with my long time friend, Greg. We always meet at Hy-Vee in sweatpants, looking like we both got hit by a truck the night before, and eat pancakes, eggs, and bacon. It's tradition! Later that evening, I have a dinner and drink night with Tim; probably one of the nicest guys I've ever met. He will make some lady very happy one of these days! We went to Brick House; a new restaurant in town, then to Court Avenue Brewery for a drink. I'm always guaranteed a good laugh with both of these guys!
My Tuesday is jam-packed with things to do. I met my friend Emily at McDonald's. I was so happy I only had to pay $2.50 for a coffee AND a cinnamon roll! That's practically free for me! Fantastic! And it never tasted so good! In New York, I pay like $5 for the same thing and it tastes like they just picked it up off the floor! ;) Then, I met my friend Renee and went to Granite City for lunch! I love that place! It's so dang good! Then, I met Maddie at the funeral home for dinner and a movie! We go see "The Blind Side" with Sandra Bullock. Amazing movie! I'm not a big movie-goer, but lately, I feel like that's all I've wanted to do is watch movies! If you haven't seen it, you must go! We ate at Ranallo's in Ankeny. Delicious! Again, if you haven't been, go! The service was fun, the atmosphere is nice, and the food is great! Not that pricey either, considering everything you get with it.
I had a wonderful day with my grandma...we got pedicures! It was fantastic! My feet were disgusting and the spa treatment pedicure hit the spot! We go to Pella Nails in Pleasant Hill and the staff there is wonderful! I highly recommend it! Not that expensive either...it's about the same as NYC! After that, we got lunch for mom and Brett at Norwoodville Bar. It's a dive place, but I tell ya' what. They have the best food! Another great food joint, Hilltop! I went there with my friend Kristi on Wednesday! I love their pizza! It's a tradition Kristi and I have. A large onion ring and medium extra cheese pizza! Yum-O! After pizza, we meet a few people at The Lift. What's that you ask? It's only the best martini bar in the country! Two-for-one on Wednesdays! In all honesty, I have yet to find a place in the city with as good of martinis as this hole-in-the-wall place. If anyone can tell me a competitive place, I'm all ears! My favorite is the S&M. But I've come to find that the French Caribbean is quite tasty as well! My friends Holly and Crystal from high school meet us out; my friend, Jennifer; and Tim!
Continue on reading about the rest of my trip!
Day 120 - Day 122
January 1, 2010 to January 3, 2010
Happy New Year!!!!! Can you believe it's the year 2010?? Crazy, right?!? So exciting though! My New Year's resolution: Don't dwell on the past! You can't change it. Right now and the future can only get better! I feel 2010 is going to be a good year for me! I'm ready to take in all of the challenges and excitements that lie ahead of this new and fantastic year! My cousin and his now fiance got engaged on New Year's Eve! So, that's really exciting! Congratulations to them! My cousin had their little baby boy walk the ring over to Sam in a little bag and hand it to her! So cute!
My New Year's Eve was rather interesting. After settling some boyfriend drama--not with me! God, no! This year my New Year's Eve was happily boyfriend/drama free! Nice change of pace! The night proved to be interesting. Belly dancers, cross-dressing singers, and guests in jeans and sweatshirts only intensified mine, Caitlin's, and Dyanna's evening! It was quite comical! It was a party put on by the Des Moines Social Club. Note to self: never got there again. Not my kind of scene.
My last night in Des Moines was spent none other than downtown! We go to Johnny's then hit up Liar's Club. I need a little dancing before I came back. Guess who was there? Dudes who looked like they were from the Jersey Shore! LOL! So, I start intensely fist pumping while shaking my booty! They thought I was being serious and start doing it with me! No, no gentlemen. I'm making fun of your overly tanned body, highly gelled hair, bulging biceps, and Ed Hardy t-shirts. You're in IOWA. None of this is even cool in New York City, let alone in the cornfield state! Some people. I tell ya'.
Leaving Iowa is bittersweet. I'm sad to go, and I obviously cried, because that's what I do, but I'm also excited to get back to New York! Airports just suck anyway, but in Chicago, we were delayed by two and a half hours! Blah! Blah! Blah! For an hour and a half of that, we sat in the "penalty box" on the runway. No fun! I finally get into NYC around midnight. I've never been so happy to see my clean apartment. I just sat and soaked it in for a bit! Relaxation. Finally. Airports take it out of you!
Note to self: during my whole trip back home was this: Don't EVER move back here or to a place where the weather drops below 20 degrees! What is up with the -12 degree temperatures. My whole body hurt and I couldn't breathe, just when I stepped outside. It's completely unnecessary. So, for those of you who wondered why I moved...it's this number one reason right here! I HATE COLD! It's stupid. My kids will never grow up knowing the change of seasons. The only seasons you need to know about are Spring and Summer! Maybe a hint of fall, but only until mid-October. If it gets like this in NYC, I'm not coming out of my apartment until July, after I thaw myself!
Happy New Year!!!!! Can you believe it's the year 2010?? Crazy, right?!? So exciting though! My New Year's resolution: Don't dwell on the past! You can't change it. Right now and the future can only get better! I feel 2010 is going to be a good year for me! I'm ready to take in all of the challenges and excitements that lie ahead of this new and fantastic year! My cousin and his now fiance got engaged on New Year's Eve! So, that's really exciting! Congratulations to them! My cousin had their little baby boy walk the ring over to Sam in a little bag and hand it to her! So cute!
My New Year's Eve was rather interesting. After settling some boyfriend drama--not with me! God, no! This year my New Year's Eve was happily boyfriend/drama free! Nice change of pace! The night proved to be interesting. Belly dancers, cross-dressing singers, and guests in jeans and sweatshirts only intensified mine, Caitlin's, and Dyanna's evening! It was quite comical! It was a party put on by the Des Moines Social Club. Note to self: never got there again. Not my kind of scene.
My last night in Des Moines was spent none other than downtown! We go to Johnny's then hit up Liar's Club. I need a little dancing before I came back. Guess who was there? Dudes who looked like they were from the Jersey Shore! LOL! So, I start intensely fist pumping while shaking my booty! They thought I was being serious and start doing it with me! No, no gentlemen. I'm making fun of your overly tanned body, highly gelled hair, bulging biceps, and Ed Hardy t-shirts. You're in IOWA. None of this is even cool in New York City, let alone in the cornfield state! Some people. I tell ya'.
Leaving Iowa is bittersweet. I'm sad to go, and I obviously cried, because that's what I do, but I'm also excited to get back to New York! Airports just suck anyway, but in Chicago, we were delayed by two and a half hours! Blah! Blah! Blah! For an hour and a half of that, we sat in the "penalty box" on the runway. No fun! I finally get into NYC around midnight. I've never been so happy to see my clean apartment. I just sat and soaked it in for a bit! Relaxation. Finally. Airports take it out of you!
Note to self: during my whole trip back home was this: Don't EVER move back here or to a place where the weather drops below 20 degrees! What is up with the -12 degree temperatures. My whole body hurt and I couldn't breathe, just when I stepped outside. It's completely unnecessary. So, for those of you who wondered why I moved...it's this number one reason right here! I HATE COLD! It's stupid. My kids will never grow up knowing the change of seasons. The only seasons you need to know about are Spring and Summer! Maybe a hint of fall, but only until mid-October. If it gets like this in NYC, I'm not coming out of my apartment until July, after I thaw myself!