My life is over as I know it!

Yes, that is right. My life is over as I know it. As I was at my parents house last night a disturbing discovery was found. Possibly the most disturbing discovery of my young adult life. I found (or actually Hailey found) my first GRAY hair. WHAT??!!?? How could this happen to me? I am 24 years old!

The gray hair was promptly extracted from my head and I took a picture of it to document this tragic day. Really, it is quite hard to take a picture of a single strand of hair. If you can see it, it is the white thin line in the middle of the picture. Oh, I am so ashamed and embarrassed. How am I ever going to go on?


My hair will now forever be dyed. No more waiting 6 months between dye jobs.

What is your decorating style?

Along with the FN (Food Network), I am also huge fan of HGTV. So while checking out my friend Nicole's sisters blog, I found a fun link to "Test Your Style". Apparently my style is "Sweet":

"What's sweet is chic. Nothing stark and modern for you. You're drawn to cozy interiors and a welcoming palette (think soft, sun-bleached hues). You like your patterns whimsical and your buildings quaint. You enjoy heirlooms with sentimental value, like a rocker that once graced your grandmother's nursery."



What is your style? See for yourself!

http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv/pac_ctnt_988/text/0,,HGTV_22056_33320,00.html

I need a new book

The last two books I read were absolutely fabulous. I couldn't put them down. Given, i was sitting on a beach and sipping my strawberry daiquiri (virgin of course) and so I could read with minimal interuption. However, since then, I haven't been able to get back in a reading mood. I have started two different books and have stopped after 30 pages from lack of interest. Please, if you have any suggestions for me to pick up at the local Barnes and Noble, please let me know.

These are the two books I read while on the beach. Read them! You won't be disappointed.

The Other Boleyn Girl
The Tenth Circle

Don't hire me to paint your house

Maybe my poor painting abilities stem from my coloring book days and the fact that I wasn't very good at staying in the lines? Or it could possibily be the fact that i almost passed out twice while painting my room this past weekend. Yes ladies and gents, i painted my room. My small 8 x 10 hole has now been transformed. Ok, not really - but to me is looks so much better. My walls were a light tan color that actually looked peach in some light. I was not a fan. However, for the past year and a half I have just been too lazy to do anything about it.

That is until my roommate Brooke painted her room and I decided to copy. I should have taken an actual before and after picture, but of course i forgot to take a picture before I moved everything.

I bought this nifty tape gun that made taping my room a breeze. Took me 30 minutes max to tape my entire room. Good thing i wasn't trying to impress someone in my paint clothes - because that sure wasn't going to happen when I looked like this!


Ok, so my walls look great - but my ceiling is another story. I probably got like 10 paint spots all over the ceiling, PLUS, when i took the tape off, some of the ceiling came with it. Shown in the big spot in the following picture:


I hung drapes and used my manly power tools to drill in the rods. Who needs a man when you have a power drill all your own?





My room has come together nicely. Or so I think.

Who needs fertilizer...

Our way of getting rid of the dandilions in our front yard:


And when mowing the lawn doesn't work:

And we are back in business

The other day I got back from lunch and my computer screen was frozen with a big black pop up box that said, "You need to restart your computer". And so that is what I did. Little did I know that after hitting the power button, my little Mac wouldn't turn back on. This was going to be tragic. My whole life is on my computer. I have about a zillion emails that I haven't ever backed up (who does that?) and I also have pictures and files that are all on my desktop.

After a 1/2 day of trying to reinstall the operating system, my little computer had to be brought to the doctor. The Mac doctor that is. MacDocs. The past two days I have been in a constant state of panick that my files will be lost. I have had to play musical computers at work. Whatever computer is free for the moment, I was on it.

After some intense surgery and diagnostic testing, my computer has been saved. Apparently it was a bad RAM. I have all my emails, pictures and files back in safe and comfortable mouse click away. Maybe i should back my stuff up know huh?

Plan of Attack!

To continue the saga of my "Seeing Mushrooms" entry a few days back, my roommates and I thought it would be appropriate to take this mushroom situation into our own hands. Annoying Neighbor #1 needs to know we don't think 75 mushrooms in her garden is acceptable. So, in the cover of darkness Mackenzi and Brooke snuck over to AN#1 yard and stole a mushroom. They ran back to our house and we devised a plan that would surely demonstrate our hatred of the mushrooms. The mushroom must be hanged.

With a little rope, some scissors and a knot, our master plan was soon to be fulfilled.


Que evil laugh.....


Also, note the time. Nothing good happens after midnight.


Kenz and Brooke snuck back over and hung that mushroom from the tree in AN#1 front yard.


The mushroom stayed this way until Sunday afternoon when AN#1 finally took it down and placed it back in her garden.

Fun Quiz..

You're Lorraine Baines McFly!

Take the Which Person from Back to the Future Are You? Quiz
Also try my other quizzes.

Sick Day

The flu is going around my office. Normally, my body is able to shield off any unpleasent sicknesses, but yesterday was not the case. Wednesday night I felt it coming on so I rushed to the local Albertsons and loaded up on NyQuil. I hate NyQuil. I swear it it doesn't work. Why I bought it I don't know. I bought the capsules because the thought of drinking the liquid makes me gag.

I woke up yesterday with the chills, a mean sore throat and horrible body aches. Nope, I wasn't going into work. I slept in until 10 and then decided to watch a movie. Around noon the doorbell rang. I froze. Who is at my door in the middle of the day? I tiptoed upstairs. I didn't want whoever was at my front door to know I was there. Not that my car parked in front of the house was a dead give away, but I had to be careful. I went to the window and peeked outside. I saw no car. Fear rushed through me. I am home by myself in the middle of the day.

By some unforseen force, I was walking towards the door and opening it. It was my landlord. Phew! He came to fix our stove. I chatted with him for a while as he fixed the stove. He then asked if I had had lunch. I said no. He then said that he was going to get me some chicken noodle soup to make me feel better. I told him that was unnecessary, but he put on his shoes and told me he would be right back. Now, Mark (my landlord) lives in Maryland. He has no idea where to get soup here. I figured he wouldn't be back so I sat back on the couch and resumed my movie. 10 minutes later the doorbell rang. I opened the door and this is what Mark was holding:


He couldn't find fresh soup anywhere (shocker), so he stopped off at the store and got me this. I thanked him and then said goodbye. Needless to say, I didn't make the soup. But what a nice landlord!

Seeing Mushrooms?

I used to have a very cute family live in the house next to me. Missy, Troy and their darling little daughter Caroline seem to have the perfect life. I am very jealous. Where do I sign up? Missy was an exceptionally talented gardener and kept her garden in top form. She once said her garden was supposed to be "french-inspired" - and it was.

Missy and Troy moved away in December and a rich little spoiled 20 year old girl moved in. I have yet to learn her name. I already don't like her because her parents live in California and bought her the house. She is in a sorority at the U - need I say more. Anyway, Annoying Neighbor #1 (this is what I will call her) has taken it upon herself to ruin Missy's beautiful garden by placing dozens of those ceramic mushrooms all over. Now, maybe one or two would be cute, but dozens put me over the edge.

I made sure she wasn't home and took a few pictures.


And this is the saddest part. The flower boxes. Missy always had them decorated to match the appropriate season. Texas Street will never be the same.

Future Food Network Stars!

Mackenzi and I are obsessed with The Food Network. Ok, I shouldn't speak for Mackenzi, but I am obsessed with the Food Network. I once read an article that said the FN has now become the new MTV. I would have to agree. With all the hip young chefs, how can anyone resist watching a 30 Minute Meal with Rachael Ray or Everyday Italian with Giada?

On Saturday afternoon, Mackenzi and I were watching Barefoot Contessa with Ina Garten. Ina had a friend over to visit and decided to make him a delicious lunch for him while he was there. Ina's house is in the Hamptons and every episode she has some weird excuse to make a meal. I thoroughly enjoy the stories she tells. Anyway, she made a delicous salad that Mackenzi and I just had to try. And we did. Here is us cooking our dinner last night.



Pasta, lemon cream sauce and vegetables cooking on our stove.


Better watch out - that EVOO that Kenz is holding will be gone before we know it!

And the finished product. Ok, i had already eaten 1/2 of it before I remembered to take a picture. But doesn't it look fabulous?


For all those interested in making this delicious, very easy meal - here is the recipe:

1 tablespoon good olive oil
1 tablespoon minced garlic (2 cloves)
2 cups heavy cream
3 lemons
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound dried fusilli pasta
1/2 pound baby arugula (or 2 bunches regular arugula, stems removed and leaves cut into thirds)
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved

Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic, and cook for 60 seconds, then add the cream, the zest and juice of 2 of the lemons, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until it starts to thicken.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 1 tablespoon of salt and the pasta, and cook al dente according to the directions on the package, about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Immediately add the cream mixture and cook over medium-low heat for 3 minutes, until the pasta has absorbed most of the sauce. Pour the hot pasta into a large bowl and add the arugula, Parmesan and tomatoes. Cut the last lemon in half lengthwise, slice it 1/4-inch thick crosswise, and add a few slices to the pasta. Toss well, season to taste, and serve hot.

YUMMO!

One of the Boys

I love to golf. Yes, i do. For many years of my life, I was completely against it. But as i have grown older and wise, i realized that the golf course is where all the men are. And really, very few women I know golf - so the odds are in my favor ever time I go golfing. However, when i go golfing on Satrudays I rarely shower before. I mean, I am just going to get all sweaty and gross - I don't want to shower twice. So, my logic is all messed up. I go to the golf course hoping to find a cute single guy, but I look like I just rolled out of bed. How am I ever going to catch a nice fella when I look like crap?

This Saturday was no exception. I sure didn't shower and my hair was pulled back in a nappy ponytail.


Really, I didn't care. I was golfing with my dad, brother and a family friend of my parents. Saturday was a beautiful day and I took a few pictures so i could remember how much I love spring and summer. Hooray for no more winter!!!

Lunch anyone?

The other day I went to Gateway on my lunch break because it was such a beautiful day and I had to get out of the cave that is my office. I shopped and walked around and serously considered not going back to work. However, I thought of my upcoming trips and realized I needed to work as much as I can to fool my boss into giving me more vacation time. Probaby won't happen, but always worth a shot.

Anyway, it was nearing the time for me to head back to work when i realized I needed to get something to eat or I would be snacking from my candy jar all afternoon. I looked around and the only thing that seemed appealing was Haagen Daz. Yes, ice cream for lunch. It sounded fabulous. I waited in line behind the most annoying children that wanted a sample of every single flavor. I quickly became annoyed. The mother was completely oblivious to the fact that her children were holding up the line with their incessent sampling requests. Please tell me that when I become a mother, i won't forget about the single people in line behind me. I waited 10 minutes (literally) before her children finally decided what they wanted. My order took less than a minute and I was out before her.


Yum, my lunch was good! I should make it a weekly ritual. However, now summer is around the corner, I can only imagine how many more children will be at Haagen Daz with their mothers in the middle of the day. The thought of that turns me off of ice cream completely.

Movies? Who likes movies??

Movies are great!

1. Name a movie that you've seen more than 10 times.

Um, there are plenty. The first one that comes to mind is How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days

2. Name a movie that you've seen multiple times in a theater.

Sadly, I have to admit that I saw Romeo and Juliet (with Leo DeCaprio) 7 times in the theater. Young love! So innocent!

3. Name and Actor and Actress that would make you more inclined to see a movie.

Matt Damon and Reese Witherspoon

4. Name an Actor that would make you less inclined to see a movie.

Jackie Chan

5. Name a movie that you can and do quote from.

I don't really quote from movies really. TV shows: Grey's and The Office

6. Name a movie musical to which you know all the lyrics to all the songs.

Moulin Rouge! Does that count?

7. Name a movie that you have been known to sing along with.

Sound of Music

8.Name a movie that you would recommend to everyone.

Finding Nemo. I think Dori is the funniest and it's just good clean family fun

9. Name a Movie that you own.

I just bought Something New - love it! If you haven't seen it and need a good chic flick, rent this one!

10. Name an actor\actress who launched their career in another medium but has surprised you with their acting.

This is a lame question because I can't think of anyone right now.

11. Have you ever seen a movie in a drive-in theater? if so, which one?

Nope - my life is depressing I know!

12. Ever made out in a movie.

NEVER! Wait, what have you heard?

13. Name a movie that you keep meaning to see but just haven't gotten around to it.

Pirates 2

14. Ever walked out of a movie.

no.

15. Name a movie that made you cry in the theater.

Stepmom

16. Popcorn?

Only if someone buys it for me.

17. How often do you go to the movies.

Depends on if there are good movies out. Usually at least twice a month.

18. What was the last movie you saw in the theater.

Blades of Glory - freaking hilarious!

19. What is your preferred\favorite genre.

I would have to say any chick flick out I will pay money to see. I like action films too.

20. What is the first movie you remember seeing in the theater.

I haven't a clue.

21. What movie do you wish you had never seen.

Dr. T and the Women

22. Whats the weirdest movie you enjoyed.

I can't think of one.

23. Whats the scariest movie you've seen.

I watched the 3 Hannibal movies in one weekend marathon - that would proabably be it.

24. What is the funniest movie you've seen.

Napolean Dynomite - seriously, i laughed so hard i think I almost pee'd my pants.

You Blew it, Ohio State!!!

March - normally it is not my favorite month of year. It is still pretty cold and it tends to snow every once and a while. There is however one major event that makes me smile each and ever year. March Madness! I become an obsessed woman. And unlike most women I know, I enjoy the 4 days straight each weekend of college hoops. Ok, I must admit that the real reason i like it so much is because I gamble. Yes, I am probably going to hell, but man, it is worth it!

The Harris clan has started our own March Madness pool. Yes, we get together, gamble and call it Family Home Evening. Whatever keeps us together right? Instead of filling our brackets, Kim has developed a difficult system of picking teams. Each person gets 10 teams. Anyway, my top pick was Ohio State. This year it was a tight race and the winner of the $50 pool all came down to who's team won the championship game. That's right Ohio State, you blew it!!! Penel won the pool for a second year in a row!