Thursday, April 28, 2011

NERVES

Remember those wedding nightmares I had been talking about? The ones where I didn't have a wedding dress and we didn't have wedding bands and it was on a beach and no one came.... Well, forget those! Now, its 5k nightmares.

In my dream last night, I was running the 5k around a very small track with a ton of other people. Because I was the last one to finish, they had already changed into costumes (?!?) and we starting to party on the track thus blocking me from finishing the race. Not that it mattered, because I was so slow that they stopped keeping track of time before I was even done!

Now I know I'm slow, but not that slow! Oh geez... I will have to do another trial run this weekend to calm my nerves. But why am I even nervous? I'm not running this for time. I'm running the 5k to prove to myself that with hard work, I can do it! The same thing happened before RAGBRAI, and I didn't let that slow me down. (470+ miles ain't got nothing on me!)

While you are sipping on your margs and Coronas on May 5, don't forget to think of my huffing and puffing through my 5k. Who knows? Maybe I will even enjoy it so much I will want to try something bigger and badder (I'm thinking Disney Princess Half Marathon! Who doesn't want a tiara-shaped medal?!)

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

EASY STROGANOFF

I think I remember Andrew saying one time that stroganoff was one of his favorite meals... either way, he better eat it.

Stroganoff
1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
8 ounces macaroni

Directions
In a large skillet over medium heat, saute the meat and onions until the meat is browned and the onion is tender. - Try not to cry. Those onions are killer! One tip I recently learned... breathe through your mouth. It actually wasn't too bad once I remembered to actually do this.


Cook the egg noodles according to package directions. - Now, let me tell you about my spoon. Listen to your mothers. Never buy wooden utensils unless they are carved out of a solid piece of wood. The only upside to this misfortune is that it easily fit into the mushroom can and is very good at scrapping the inside.


Stir in the flour, salt and paprika. Then add the mushroom soup, mix well and cook, uncovered, for 20 minutes. - Easy, peasy.


Reduce heat to low and add the sour cream, stirring well and allowing to heat through. Cover and set this mixture aside. - At this point, go back and read the ingredients. No where in the recipe does it say to actually double the amount of sour cream. Oops. The good news: I had enough ingredients on hand to make it a double batch. Now I can freeze the half of it and heat it up some other time. On that note, let's just say I planned to do that.


Drain the water from the noodles and pour the meat mixture over the noodles. - Nom, nom, nom.

Monday, April 25, 2011

WEEKEND RECAP: APRIL 15-17 & 22-25, 2011


April 15-17 Highlights:
- Going to the Conduits concert at the Slowdown (Icky Blossoms were good too!)
- Seeing my cousin, Jenna, for the first time in probably 15+ years
- Getting to hang out with Katie T. and meeting her ultra-cute nephew, Lucca
- Starting work on my first dress (The first piece of clothing I will make by myself!)
- Naps
- Bowling with Czech Club even though I lost. every. single. time.
- Pop's 92nd birthday party
- Getting really, really excited about our upcoming Las Vegas trip!
- Shopping spree!

Lowlights:
- The bowling alley not letting me buy the awesome bowling ball I used. Yes, I asked.
- Having to take my car in to the car doctor. The good news is that they called this morning to let me know that it was nothing major, my tire was just about to fall off. No biggie.
- Not having enough time (or a car) on Sunday to go grocery shopping AND make Pops cookies for his birthday


 April 22-25 Highlights:
- Hanging with my friends in Ames
- Eating lots of yummy cake
- Homestyle Chinese
- Trying on MY wedding dress! (Oh, it felt so good!)
- Taking a long nap - a reoccurring theme
- Easter with the fam
-Having Monday off of work
- Watching the Time Traveler's Wife (good movie!)

Lowlights:
- Not feeling well after eating Homestyle Chinese
- Not seeing Tim in concert
- Missing my bro, his wife, Pops, and Tom at Easter
- Forgetting my Easter basket at my parents house

Friday, April 22, 2011

5 GUILTY PLEASURES

Today as I was contemplating getting myself a nice, warm latte from Scooters, I realized that I couldn't make up my mind because I felt so guilty about it. This is ridiculous. I brown-bag my lunch everyday. Why should I feel guilty about treating myself to coffee That got me thinking about my other guilty pleasures...



1. Starbucks/Scooters/etc - I crave this stuff daily. I limit myself though because I can't justify spending $4/daily on the stuff. Alternative: McDonald's - There iced coffee isn't bad!

2. Celebrity Magazines - I love reading all of the gossip, fashion tips, and "fun facts." Although I rarely buy them, I do have acceptions including vacation (just another reason I can't wait for Vegas!) I always feel like I hit jackpot when I get to browse one in a doctor's office free of charge. Alternative: Sucking up as much celeb gossip as I can while I make Andrew wait in line to pay for stuff. He hates this and even talked about getting me a subscription so I would stop.

3. Alcohol - Let me clarify, I only feel guilty about this during the week. Some days I just want to come home after a long day and drink a beer without the guilt. Alternative: Take drinks of Andrew's beer.

4. Mani/Pedi - I always think about what else I could be using mani/pedi money for. That's why this one happens close to never. Alternative: I cheap bottle of new nail polish. This week's color: mint green.

5. Taking unplanned time off - I often have the feeling that if I'm not doing something, I'm doing something wrong. This thought process is just wrong. I took Tuesday off of work. I was extremely tired, it was raining, I had a headache, and was in a terrible mood. I needed a day off, but I felt guilty about it. Alternative: No real alternative. Everyone needs time off. Bummer.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

ANDREW JUGGLES

After playing with the cats for a little bit, Andrew wanted to take the poof balls (aka decorations Ashley was working on for the wedding) and try to juggle. It took him a minute to learn that he had to do more than just throw one up at a time, but after 20 mins, he kinda got the hang of it. Sort of. Listen for the rhythmic breathing!

MID-LIFE CRISIS

Who knew it could happen to me? I thought it was just something that John Mayer sang about. Nope. It hit me the other day while at Jenny's bachelorette party. What the h--- is going on?


I was sitting with my friend Sarah watching one of Jenny's friends chat it up with a cute boy across the bar when I realized that will never be me again. I'm 25 years old, and I'm embarking on the biggest commitment of my life - marriage. Never again will I attempt to get free drinks from cute boys. There will be no more random make-outs. (Yes, I did that. And it was fun!) What happened? Is this the point where I pinch myself and wake up from this crazy dream called life? 


Don't get me wrong... I'm soooo happy to be marrying Andrew. It's truly hard to imagine him not being in my life. I think this is what Mallory's older and much wiser sister calls melancholy (although, after looking it up, I'm going to have to say nostalgia). 


Oh, and don't think that this just applies to relationships. Here are a few other areas that are freaking me out/frustrating/sad: (list taken and adapted from wikipedia, don't judge)


- confronting one's own mortality and the mortality of others
- insecurity regarding present accomplishments
- re-evaluation of close interpersonal relationships
- nostalgia for university, college, high school, middle school or elementary school life
- tendency to hold stronger opinions
- loss of closeness to high school and college friends
- financially-rooted stress (overwhelming college loans, unexpectedly high cost of living)
- desire to have children
- a sense that others are doing better than oneself

What's the solution? I don't know. Time, maybe? I just feel like I'm stuck in this really weird time in my life right now. I know it will pass and everything in that list will change. Until that time, Sarah and I, in our inhibited state, decided to go back in time and relive younger years by flashing someone?!?! I'm so glad we didn't do that.

Can I get a raise of hands for others who feel this way? Please tell me I'm not the only one.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

BOOK REVIEW: THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE

Let me start by saying how thankful I am to everyone and anyone willing to get through a tough start to a book. Without you, I would have given up long ago. Not only was the beginning of this book confusing and dull, I didn't see a lot of character development and it was hard to relate. But because of the people out there willing to stick it out and let me know that it actually was a good book, I made it!


Now, the storyline of the book is really not my thing. Time traveling and romance rarely come together, and the thought of it didn't quite make sense. But the author did it so well. In the end, it wasn't about the time travel at all. The love story between the main characters overshadows any odd scenarios that can come up when one person is traveling through time.


If you ask most people they will tell you that I am not a fan of the mushy, chick-oriented, sappy, love crap. I find it over-the-top and completely unrealistic. Let's get real. Although this book is far from anything real (ummm time travel?), the story of their relationship, their struggles, and their strong bond is very believable.


It made me wonder what I would do without Andrew, and I had to stop reading more than a few times when the book made me really think about a life without the love of my life. Before I get all emotional on you, I will just end by saying that this book has made the list of favorites. Now I just hope the movie can live up to the book. Here goes nothing!

Monday, April 11, 2011

WEEKEND RECAP: APRIL 7-10, 2011


Highlights:
- Zombies v. Plants on the iPhone. I'm addicted.
- Singing karaoke with the other bridesmaids at Jenny's bach party
- Erin's crazy patron shot
- A crazy good reuben at Belguim Village Inn in Moline. Take my word for it... just get the rueben!
- Seeing all of the family! I love it when everyone can get together
- Jenny and Chris getting married
- Surprise Elvis performance at the reception
- Late nights with good friends
- Finally coming home :)
- Breaking Bad. I think I'm really going to like this show.

Lowlights:
- Having to say goodbye to everyone until next time...
- Not taking nearly enough pictures

Friday, April 8, 2011

FLASHBACK FRIDAY: APRIL WEDDINGS

In honor of Jenny and Chris's wedding this weekend, I wanted to take a look back at the last two years of April weddings. This month my brother, Chris, and his wife, Lisa, will celebrate 2 years.

The happy couple on the party bus after the wedding

Lin and I at the rehearsal dinner

And this weekend, Sarah and Ryan H. will celebrate 1 year!

The wedding party

Emily and I had matching dresses!

I can't wait to add another awesome wedding to my list. Congrats Jenny and Chris!

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

APRIL GOALS

I thought maybe I should post this blog before April escapes just like March. I give myself at 60% on my March goals. It may not be perfect, but it's better than 50%!

1. Watch all of the Harry Potter films - I did it. ALL OF THEM! Go me! I'm so ready for the last movie. I think I should dress up, no?

2. Exercise 3 or more times a week - Well, I only did this once. Every other week was just two times, but I am able to run for a lot longer than I could at the beginning of the month!

3. Write 2 letters a week - I plan on getting some Easter cards in the mail to make up for this. I will give myself some credit on the cards I sent through email though!

April!

1. Go to church twice this month - This shouldn't be too hard with Easter right around the corner. I'm thinking with a goal like this I should get a new Easter dress. Maybe?

2. Look into my retirement funds. - I have been putting this off for way too long. Between my current job and previous job, I have not done my part in being a responsible future retiree. Time to get organized!

3. Get involved. - I have been thinking about joining something. Too general? Ok... how about a book club? Or a young professionals group? Or a Bible study? Whatever it is, it's happening this month.






Tuesday, April 5, 2011

5 THINGS: RANTS

Oh yeah, I got my hair done this weekend! That should have been a highlight on my weekend list. Oops.

1. Please hold the door for others. If I'm just a few steps behind you, and you don't bother to hold the door, we will not be on good terms that day. And if it's raining/snowing/etc..., I might not talk to you for a week.

2. !!!!!!!!!! - This is not a good way to end a sentence. Neither is this ............. or this ???????????? Please try to keep your punctuation limited to just one. Ok? Thanks.

3. Do not talk on your cell phone when you are checking out. It's rude. You may not have any idea how rude you are being unless your have either been a cashier or you have been behind someone that has done this. I will give you the stink eye.

4. Just because you hang balls from the back of your truck does not make you cool. Is that really the image you want to present to people you don't even know? I hope the answer is no. Help me, help you. Grow up.

5. Don't say you don't like/hate something you haven't tried. If everyone took on that same attitude, the world would be terrible place. Give it a try, or shut up.

Knock it off! Any other pet peeves that I can add to the list? Feel free to share below.

Monday, April 4, 2011

WEEKEND UPDATE: APRIL 1 - 3



Highlights:
- Andrew hanging with me for a bit while I babysat
- Orsi's Pizza
- A killer run with an improved mile time
- A date day with Andrew: Ingredient Restaurant (I give it a 6 out of 10), Red Mango (Cin Toast Crunch, jelly beans, cheesecake, cookie dough, kiwi, frosted cookie, Fruiti Pebbles), and Harry Potter Deathly Hollows
- Finding some metal pails for rehearsal dinner decor - Good find Mom!
- Family dinner
- My mom successfully altering my bm dress for Jenny's wedding

Lowlights:
- Finding the perfect chairs for the dining room table on clearance at Target and not having the money to buy them....
- Eating so much good food it hurt
- Andrew getting Monday off and I had to go to work

In other news, Jenny (Andrew's sister) gets married on Saturday! Her bach party in on Thursday, and I can't wait. It's going to be one fun weekend!