Late Thanksgiving

After work yesterday, I drove 3.5 hours all the way to Rochester, MN! Now, I'm surrounded by family! and leftover Thanksgiving food.

I love Thanksgiving food. I plan on having leftovers all day. More specifically stuffing. I'm going to have that for every meal. I've already had pumpkin pie for breakfast. Then for a late breakfast I had stuffing and green bean casserole.

This is my meal plan for the rest of the day.

Lunch: Green bean Casserole, Sweet potatoes, Homemade kit-kat bars (they're totally awesome!), and Stuffing

Late Lunch: Pumpkin Pie, Stuffing

Dinner: Turkey, Stuffing and Green Bean Casserole

Late Night Snack: Stuffing

And if I can't sleep and I need something at 3AM: Stuffing

Now we're watching Crocodile Dundee ("Why do you always make me feel like Jane in a Tarzan comic?"), and my sisters are professing their love for Paul Hogan.

Also, my brother just gave my 2-year-old nephew a wedgie.

Post Thanksgiving food disorder

I have to work today. I know, I know: you're thinking "Liv. You just ate a lot of turkey yesterday. How are you going to get through today without falling asleep". Well, here's my plan:

1. If my hair was long enough I would tape some of it to my computer so if I nod off and my head droops my hair will rip out, causing pain and I will wake up. Since I don't have long hair...that won't work. Nevermind. On to number 2!

2. Every time I look like I'm getting tired I'm going to have Dave (the guy who sits closest to me) squawk like a giant un-evolved bird in my left ear (he sits on the right so I won't be expecting it this way). (This would only work providing Dave would actually do that).

3. At intervals of exactly 36 minutes, I will have a 3-minute impromptu dance party (although it won't be impromptu if I'm planning it). That way it will prevent me from being tired. The endorphins produced from the 3-minutes of movement will make me happy and forget that I'm tired for the 36 minutes.

I have to get my oil changed, and I think while they're doing that I'm going to get a mocha. Yum. Maybe the caffeine will do for now...but I think I'll resort to #3 when that wears off.

Accomplishments

Guess what? My car's going in for an oil change! yea! If you could see me know I would be doing a little jig. While sitting. Mind you, it's hard to do a jig while sitting on the couch, so please be impressed.

Other high points that have happened this morning:

1. I worked out...ran a mile. That's right. A mile. One mile. Uno. It's a lot for me. Then I did this other wacky machine that I don't know what it's called. (My workout place is full of old-er people, so no matter how little I do, I feel like a superstar!)

2. I'm going to go sign my lease today!

3. I called my educational award people to make sure that the payment request I submitted last night was ok. It totally was.

Overall, it's only 9:39AM, and I'm feeling good! Off to shower!

Lastly, I really enjoy this color.

You are fruity

I like to eat, eat, eat apples and bananas. I like to oat, oat, oat, ohples and banonos. Sing it with me ! (I know you know it). I like to ite, ite, ite, iiples and banihnihs. Actually, I do like to eat apples. And bananas. I ate an apple with a spoon today. It was like eating it with a knife....only with a spoon.

A spoon is a Utensil. And this song is about a utensil. But it's not about a spoon. But it's still a good song. So even if you really wish this song was about a spoon instead of other untensils, like a baking pan, a cheese grater, or a wooden spatula....maybe even a heavy wire boiler...you should still watch it. Ok? Ok.

Chairlift - The Most Evident Utensil

Can you paint with all the colors of the wind?

I love Thanksgiving. Mainly because I love turkey. And stuffing. And family. And I really love stuffing. Seriously. When I was at school I would get a box of stuffing, pour it into a bowl, add some water, microwave it, and chow down. Yum. I think if I could only eat one thing for the rest of my life...stuffing would totally be in my top 20. I would love a stuffing machine. Kind of like a slushie machine, you just stick a bowl underneath, pull the lever and out glops some yummy stuffing. Perfect.

So because it's the holidays, and I work at a newspaper, I've found some sweet recipes that pertain to Thanksgiving. One that I'm aching to try is:

Cranberry Jalapeno poppers.

Makes 30 poppers

1 pound fresh jalapeno peppers, sliced lengthwise and seeded

12 ounces fat-free cream cheese, room temperature

1 package (12 ounces) dried cranberries

1/2 cup cranberry sauce

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 teaspoons salt

Whole grain Melba crackers, crushed

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease baking sheet (with sides) with olive oil. Place jalapeno halves on baking sheet. Combine cream cheese, dried cranberries, cranberry sauce, garlic and salt in large bowl; mix well. Spoon filling into jalapeno halves. Coat cream cheese mixture with crushed crackers. Place baking sheet in oven. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.

If you want the whole story, and a couple other recipes (including: Cranberry Trifles, Cranberry and Crabmeat Appetizers, and homemade cranberry sauce)

http://gazetteonline.com/life-home/food/food-feature/2009/11/16/cranberries-versatile-for-thanksgiving

Odd fact: did you know that Jalapeno poppers were originally called: 'amadillo eggs'?

In conclusion, today I was laying-out a page and it was called 'Call for Colors', about a photo fall contest. And the only thing I could think about was 'Colors of the Wind' from Pocahontas.

I'm Lost

I've started watching Lost. I'm addicted.

Also, I had a Beef Baja Chalupa from Taco Bell today. It was like a little slice of west-mex heaven.

Lastly, I did make that Squash soup the other day. It was somewhat of a disappointment. But it was yummy when I dipped the cornbread into it.

I think I'm going to eat a piece of pizza in the fridge.

Exhausted

First of all, I would like to apologize for my 4 day absence...I have no excuses. Except that I've been busy with work. And I've kind of been not feeling well. And that because I've been spending time on my little nest in the new apartment it is so awesomely cute.

Secondly, I would like to say that I feel large. I'm not talking about the 'feel sorry for me' or 'I think I'm fat' kinda thing. I'm talking about 'I stuffed myself silly today with all different kinds of food so I feel like the only reason the button on my jeans in hanging in there is because my belt buckle is taking on the force of my protruding stomach and somehow keeping everything together' kind of feeling. I would be happy if I were this gorilla.




I'm at home today with my mama and my neice and nephew. And the babies are constantly eating (part of why I've been constantly eating)...and running around...and throwing hissy fits...and giving me the stink-eye...and yelling 'no!' at me on our walk when I get too close. this is how I feel.

So after I'm done posting this, I'm going to go upstairs and put the babies in their pajamas (don't worry, my mom is watching them right now), and then we're all going to make a little nest in the living room and watch Ice Age 3. Then when the babies go to bed, I"m going to play scrabble and watch the episode of Glee that I missed this week.

On a bonus note, I ordered a couple things from Urban Outfitters today...on sale..you might ask "Liv, how excited are you to" "EXCITED. I'm really excited".

Lastly, does anybody else watch 'Big Bang Theory'? I just got into it this past week. It's seriously really funny. Really funny.

I have an I.D. Badge

Day one = Done! And the best part of my day? I have an I.D. badge! Yea! I don't have to wear it (because that would make it not-so-cool), and my picture is actually uber-cute. I use it to get into the top secret doors all over the building that other people can't get into.

Other awesome things from today: I made work friends (even though I don't remember their names), I'm right across from the art museum, I didn't feel crazy overwhelmed, and I have a job!

On a sad note, I got lost coming back from work. To my defense I would like to say that I did not drive the route yesterday -- remember my to-do list? yea...that was a not-fully-completed-to-do-list. I was also talking to my mom and I just took a wrong turn. But I found my way back to my apartment and my laptop and your heart.

I was also uber-doober cute today, but I didn't take a picture of it. "Why not!" you say, "Because I was running late and didn't get a picture!" I say, and then you say "Ok, fair enough, but tell me how uber-doober cute you looked!", "ok!" I say "I looked so cute with this pink skirt, purple tights, tan flats, a white v-neck t and a tan cardigan....and my Grandma's jade necklace." Does that help your curiosity?

I don't have to go to work till 11 tomorrow, so I'm going to check out a gym near me. Sitting all day might get to me. So maybe I'll have to have a mid-day stretch routine. Anybody else want to join?

All Grown Up

I'm all moved in! Last night my roommate and I went to Carlos O'Kelly's (we couldn't resist the warm yummy tortilla chips and salsa) as a move-in celebration. I also took a yoga class yesterday morning. I hadn't taken a yoga class before, and I think in the yoga class vs. Liv, the yoga class definitely won this battle...

It's 2:52 and I really haven't accomplished anything today. So, here is my to-do list....in photos....

1. Make my hair look presentable.

2. Put in my contacts (I'm going to work out later, so I might as well put them in now).

3. Drive my route to work, so that I can do it with ease tomorrow!

4. Go to get a few extra groceries I didn't get yesterday.

5. Make this really yummy soup.

Last night after we got back from dinner we needed desert. So we made Cake in a Bowl. I know this sounds complex and somewhat french, but really, it's uber easy. Take a cake mix (any kind will do) and place in a microwave save bowl and pour about 10 oz of pop (any soda will work) into the bowl. Stir. Place in the microwave for about 2 minutes (or until the edges are crispy but the middle is an oasis of warm, yummy, ooey gooey-ness.). Eat. Fast. While it's still warm.

Bad Hair Day

I feel the need to tell you all I'm having a bad hair day. I have illustrated the problem and am going to explain what is going on in this drawing, as it may be hard to understand at first. (Before I start I would like you to please note the luscious lips and long lashes in the drawing before you look at the hair). Also, know that I washed my hair this morning (this short hair thing totally works better when my hair is skanky).

1. Ok, let's start. So the left side is doing this wonky thing where it's laying down fine behind my ear but there's a piece in front that's coming out like a bird wing. And not a cute bird wing. You know, when your hair does cute funny things and people are like 'oh it's so cute because it's crazy and unruly!'. No, this is an ugly bird wing.

2. The top is kind of coming up to a cone. Not like a cool faux hawk, but like my head is shaped slightly like a cone so my hair follows that shape.

3. On the right side I kind of have this swoop thing where the hair from the back of my head comes forward and, right before my hairline, swoops down, kind of like a whirlpool. And this whirlpool makes a little bump, so my head not only looks like a cone, but it looks like a cone that has an unfortunate lump on the side.

4. oh, and the back has these little wisps of hair that hang down just enough it looks like the start of a mullet. Now, I have nothing against a mullet, as I totally rocked one when I was younger (I try to stay really positive about it and think I was cute, otherwise I might start crying), but this is an ugly mullet.

Overall, I'm hopeful that tomorrow will be a better hair day.

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood

First of all, I would like to say that I have had some coffee this morning, even though it's only half-caf, I feel some buzzin' goin' on. (I always feel weird when I type things like buzzin' instead of buzzing).

B. It is a gorgeous day.

Lastly, I would like to say that I started packing last night. I'm going to be bunking with friends for a little bit, and I will be living in their living room. Ironic? Maybe. Not really. Kind of. My brother thinks so. This is my packing list:

1. Dresser
2. Mattress - I'm not going to move my whole bed, I think I'll be ok with sleeping close to the floor)
3. Rolling Clothes Rack - I won't have a closet...so this will do for now. I set it up last night, it's slightly wobbly, but I guess that's what I get for only paying $10. I just like to think it's dancing all the time.
4. Clothes - I can let the clothes rack dance all by itself!
5. Alarm Clock - I don't always wake up to my phone (sometimes I turn it off when I'm sleeping).
6. Computer/Camera/Guitar
7. Shoes - I haven't quite figured out a way that I'm going to stash these. Right now I have an over-the-door hanger, which is totally awesome, but I won't have a door it can hang-over...which = problem.

There are more - but these are the big ones.

Oh man, a couple of people just came into the office, from the coffee shop downtown, and they dropped off some Fresh Roasted Coffee Beans. I smelled them. It's delightlful. On the label it says "Light and levitating with vanilla-nut toned sweetness". Who comes up with those things? Because I think I would be really good at that! "Round and bulbous with a scoop of hazelnut to zing your tastebuds and bring order to your life".

In conclusion, I was looking through photos and found some fabulous ones of my neice and newphew that make me laugh. So you should laugh at them too. Now!

This is Gabe.

He likes to feed my dog Buddy.

And dress up.

(in fairness to him, his sister Grace dressed him up like this...but he did go along with it).

This is Grace. She is 3. I bought her Dora the Explorer Fake Fingernails. Needless to say I am now her favorite.

They have a great relationship

Grace tends to overshadow Gabe. But isn't it always that way with the oldest child?

Longing

I don't wanna work! I just wanna bang on my drum all day! Just kidding, I do want to work! Don't know why that song was in my head. I read those lines over, not singing them in my head, and the second sentence sounds slightly ridiculous. On to more pressing matters!

I have a want list. I want a lot of things. I also, until now, have either been a poor high school student, college student, or just unemployed. But now, I have a job. I have a job that will pay me, so I can go out and buy awesome clothes and shoes.

I've compiled a list. Of my wants. Some more attainable than others. Yet all have me giddy when I think about having them in my possession.

This is a beautiful scarf, knitted by Yarn Over Movement on Etsy. I want it.

These gloves make me swoon. I love them! These are on Modcloth, but I saw some in yellow that have bows at Target today that were cheaper.

I want some brown oxfords or just brown booties!!! (these booties are from Modcloth, not sure where the oxfords are from). Think of all the things you could wear them with! Man. I would wear them everyday. I would wear them with jeans, and skirts and tights and dresses, I would dress them up and dress them down, I might even wear them to sleep if they were that comfortable. But I probably wouldn't wear them to sleep because I don't wear shoes to sleep.

Lastly. This dress (Modcloth, yet again) I want to snuggle up in this dress, and never get out of it. Unless it smelled like B.O., or if I spilled something like orange juice on it, or maybe my roommate sneezed on it so it was full of sick germs. Other than those reasons I would keep it on.

What does everybody else want for fall?!

I did it!

Since 8/11/09, I have applied for 28 jobs. In 14 different cities/towns for 12 different positions. But this time, I got the job. I did. I totally did. !!!!!!!!!!!!!! Man. I feel good (na na na na na na na [I hope that was the right amount of na-na's), I knew that I would (na x 7).

So my new job will be working in Cedar Rapids, IA, at The Gazette as a Content Layout Designer. Whoooooo! Yea! Awesome! That's so cool! Whee! Totally!

The only downside to this is that I really can't pass for a student anymore (remember, I look like I'm about 14...but with this new haircut it's about 16!). So I can't get a discount at the Lake Mills Theatre. I'm not even mad about that right now. Lake Mills, Iowa, I will pay that extra dollar!

I think I need to send my haircut lady some cupcakes. I seriously think it was the haircut that got me the job. I should have gotten my haircut sooner.

This post is awkward. I don't apologize but I do sympathize. Before I leave I would like to tell you to go to Daily Candy. It's an uber cool site. It has information on big cities like best places to eat, neighborhoods, recipes, travel, gifts...totally awesome stuff.

I and Love and You

I was doing really well until now. I was on a roll this morning! I was so excited to blog, I was happy, feeling great, and then I got home, listened to some calm music and all of a sudden it's like I was a large bear in the forest and a hunter came and shot me with a tranquilizer gun because he wanted to tag my ear so he could find out my hunting patterns.

Some good news today, the place I interviewed at called my boss wanting a telephone reference, and I got word from another reference that they had called her too!! wooo!!! Shout with me! Woooo! Everybody now! Woooo!

I love music. I do. I totally do. If you would like to direct your attention to the left side bar of this post, you will see a list of songs. That list will be (hopefully) updated weekly with random songs/artists that are my loves of the moment. Moving on.

Now I give to you, three songs I love currently. Please love them too. Or maybe tell me songs you love? Relationships are a two-way street you know. Not that we're in a relationship. This isn't moving to fast for you is it? Ok, we can slow down. No, my feelings weren't hurt. Just look at the songs.

The Avett Brothers. Totally awesome! I was listening to these guys when I calmed down and got shot with the tranquilizer.

Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeros...love it! Holla!

I'm actually not a huge fan of Scarlet Johansson (singing with Pete Yorn)...but I loooove this song! Yea!

In other news, I'm going to the grocery store soon. Anybody need anything? I need to get fruit.

Hair like Halle Berry

I cut my hair. I did it. Finally just chopped it all off. I grew a pair of balls and now I look like a 14-year-old boy. Just kidding. I don't look like 14-year-old boy. I look hot. Seriously. My face was made for short hair (that's what the hair stylist told me).

Everyone loves it. Except my brother. Well, I think he's pretty neutral about it. He told me before I left I would look like a boy. When I got home he looked at me (giggled) and said "I didn't know I had a brother!" (and giggled some more). My mother encouraged him by giggling. Which, in turn, made me giggle.

Before (please don't mind that it looks like it's longer on one side and the fact that I have puff eyes).

After (hottie!)

In other news, I spent Halloween in Chicago, watching other people dressed up. I even saw a hobbit vampire. My sister and I thought it was just a vampire at first, but the nasty feet and hobbit-like cape led us to a different conclusion.

On Sunday, my Grandma (who lives an hour west of Chicago), mom, sister and Aunt Kristen, all had lunch. To celebrate Halloween (a day late) donned mustaches that my sister got for a wedding present from her coworkers (I think everyone should give fake mustaches as gifts for weddings).

I'm not sure you know about this, but fake mustaches don't have to just be used as fake mustaches. Sometimes they can be used as a fake unibrow.

They can also be worn upside down and with another fake mustache. My grandma is awesome.

Lastly, I had my interview today, it went really well! But I won't know for a few weeks.