Pretty Makeup

I just think Emily does some of the prettiest makeup looks. She's not stuck on high end makeup. But instead mixes it up. And I always take her reviews seriously. Because she is honest and genuine. I just like the look of this makeup. I think it also helps that our coloring is similar. So when I like a look on her, I think it will look pretty nice on me too. ♫

Weird Dreams

I've been having the most insane dreams for weeks now. And because I'm not feeling well, I think they're becoming more insane. I finally fell asleep sometime before 10AM. I know J is trying to be quiet. Which is insane. This is his house. And it's ginormous! He could have a party on one side, and I'd never hear a thing!

Anyway, I got about 2 hours worth of sleep. And I woke up, suddenly, and completely sweaty. Ugh! But the dream was so weird. We'll just say it was about a guy we'll call "Cowboy."

I was a teacher. In a school downtown. Where? I have no clue. Maybe my hometown? I lived in a apartment building about 2-3 blocks from the school. Because I would walk to work every day. My apartment was small. A typical "city" apartment. And my parents lived across the street from me. In a ginormous penthouse apartment.

So here I am, going to work. I'm teaching little kids. Maybe 1st graders? And I really like my job. Then boom! I'm 9 months pregnant. And I'm married to "Cowboy."

*So I know this person in real life. But we're not close. We know each other because of other people. We've maybe talked briefly, twice in the last 2 years.*

Anyway, we're married. And happy. In our little apartment. He has some kind of good job, because he has to wear a suit to work every single day. So at this point, I'm not working. But I get up early to iron his clothes and make him breakfast. Hello! 1950's housewife at your service. :)

On this one particular day, he doesn't want to go to work. But I insist. I'm OK. The baby is not coming anytime soon. And I make plans to go shopping with my Mom and my Auntie. Completely out there. Since I haven't seen my Auntie in months! I know, we talked briefly last week. But we've never done anything like this.

Somehow, we end up at my favorite Mexican restaurant. Um, that's a good hour from where I live. But we end up there. And we have this delicious meal. And I go into labor. Somehow my Cowboy husband makes it on time for the birth of our baby. We had a girl. And when we go home a few days later, we live in the middle of the nearby mountains.

It's beautiful. The house is ginormous. And it's so peaceful. Everything is perfect. All the things I have been dreaming about doing to my own house, this house had. It was such a weird dream. I woke up when we put our little girl to sleep.

It was such a weird dream. But I've been having lots of dreams recently about pregnancy. Is my body screaming at me? Telling me that the clock is ticking? I don't know. But um, it ain't happening anytime soon.

I'm not feeling any better from my earlier post. In fact, I know have bright red cheeks. And I feel so hot. But I don't have a temperature. And, I feel a lot weaker. I think I'm just going to stay here. In this nice white and comfy bed. I also feel safer. Knowing that someone is here. Because I'm still having issues breathing. I know, I should go to the doctor already... ♫

Feeling Horrible

I've actually been eating raw since Monday. And it's helped a little. OK, so I cheated on Monday and had some enchiladas too. But since then, I've been trying really hard.

But yesterday morning, I woke up feeling horrible. Around 2AM, I woke up and couldn't feel my arms or hands. It was that feeling like when your leg falls asleep. And there was shooting pain. I couldn't do anything to relieve it. It was horrible. So I got up. I sat outside for hours. It wouldn't go away.

Eventually, I had to get on with my day. I had a lot to do. And a lot of work that had to be done. Important stuff that only I know how to do. That's what happens when you work for your friend. But I managed to get it done.

I also noticed I was having a hard time breathing. Like it was a heck of a lot more labored. I was really having to think about it. It was horrible! So when I came home around 6PM, I called my parents. But the night just didn't go as planned. And I was here alone trying to figure out what to do.

This scared the crap out of me. A few times, I really struggled to catch my breathe. It was horrible and frightening. So I came back to J's house. I figured that he would eventually come home. And even his dogs were better company than being home alone. Because what if something horrible happened. How long would it take someone to find me? Yes, I was that scared.

J came home late. He was finishing up a cattle ranch inspection. But I could tell that he was immediately scared by the way I looked. Believe me, it scared me too. And my friend begged me to go to the hospital. But I refused. For so many reasons. I figured, I could make it through the night.

I didn't sleep much last night. And everything hurts. From my forearms down, there is so much pain. My breathing got a little easier. But it really does hurt my chest to breathe. I'm wondering what's up. So if you're wondering here are my symptoms.

1. An achy body.
2. Numb/painful forearms and hands.
3. Increased heart rate.
4. Labored breathing.
5. Feeling of a full bladder. But there is nothing in there.
6. Inability to sleep.

I don't know what is wrong. And like a typical health care worker, I'm refusing to go to the doctor. I'm just grateful for my friend J. He's been great. Did I mention he is a veterinarian? So he thinks he knows how to check all my vitals. I silently assume that he's called one of the doctor's I work with. He doesn't live far from J's. Let's see if today is a better day. ♫

Eating Raw

I decided to eat "raw" this week. Nothing crazy. I'm not going on any diets. I don't have an eating disorder. But I've been feeling horrible. And my allergies have been so bad.

All of this reminded me of an article that I read in the JAMA. About eating raw for a week. It cleans everything out. So I'm giving it a try. I have lots of fruits and veggies on hand. Something that is not the "norm" around here. Because seriously, they're so expensive!

I'm going to eat 1 fruit, veggie, or type of nut about every hour. Ugh! I never eat this much. But I need to try something. I feel like I belong in the gutter right now. Why do I feel so sick? I'm hoping this works. Another rain storm would be a good thing too! ♫

Quick Kitchen Helpers

I really like these. Not really for me. They're just not my style. But to make for my neighbors. They're the Quick Kitchen Helpers from Crochet Soiree. And the pattern is free!

I like to make them little gifts, from time to time, for my neighbors. I think these would be nice for the Fall. When I take over some of my garden veggies. Now, I just need to get some cotton yarn. Is it crazy that I'm this excited about the entire process? I just like to see my neighbors get excited with this little gifts. ♫

Daddy's Baby Afghan

Isn't this a cute blanket? I really like it. And with all my friends having babies, it would be a nice gift idea. It's a free pattern from Crochet Soiree. I'm putting the Daddy's Baby Afghan on my list of "To-Make-Crafts." I'm thinking it would be great for "Baby Jelly Bean." Just with some bright fun colors! I can't wait to start it! ♫

25 Random Facts About Me

I was sitting and talking to Dr. M this morning. We were waiting for rounds to start, which were really late today! And we decided to just sit and talk. It was like a little more in depth, get to know you session.

It made me think. There are lots of things that people don't know about me. Maybe I should do a post about some random facts. So here goes. 25 things you probably didn't know about me.

1. I don't like to hug people. I don't know why. But since I was little, I've been like this. Except, I like the big bear hugs that my friends give me. Those are the best!

2. I don't ever get tan. I have light skin. Pale to be exact. If I'm in the sun too long, I turn red. Then I peel and return to white.

3. My hair was black when I was little. And as I got older, my hair has lightened. All natural. In the summer, it just turns more red every single year. Thanks Dad!

4. I LOVE candles. It's ridiculous. I have them everywhere in my house. Nothing expensive. Most are from Wal-Mart and Target. I have a few from Hallmark too. But I LOVE to light candles.

5. Scarves are my favorite things ever! I LOVE to buy them. And I LOVE to get them as gifts. I seriously wear them all year long. I have so many different styles. But I really do love a nice scarf. :)

6. Beef and broccoli with noodles is my favorite thing to eat for lunch. So yummy!

7. I have a minor chocolate obsession. OK, it's a big problem!!!

8. Dangle-y earrings are my favorite kind of jewelry. They just make my day brighter.

9. I get so excited to get mail. I really do. I think my mailman used to think I was nuts. Now he understands my LOVE of mail. Nothing is better than getting a handwritten letter.

10. PBS is one of my favorite channels to watch. OK, so I only have 3 english channels. 2 when the weather is windy or bad. But you know what I mean. :)

11. I'm a little bit obsessed with polka dots. No lie! I like just about anything with polka dots.

12. I like to go to small towns. They just make me happy. There's just a feeling you get when you're in a small town. Especially in the South.

13. Antique shopping is one of my favorite things to do. Not for the fru-fru stuff. But for quirky things. Lots of things from the 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and 70s make their way into my home. :)

14. I hate feet. All feet. No matter what they look like. Feet are just so disgusting! So I'm funny when it comes to my own feet. My toenails are always painted red. Because I hate feet. I almost never wear sandals. And I always have shoes or socks on. End of story!

15. Peonies and gardenias are my favorite flowers.

16. I HATED pink until I moved. Now I like it. A lot!

17. Men with deep voices...they make my toes curl. :)

18. No one really calls me by my real name. My uncle used to call me Pink. Part of my family calls me Junior. People call me Rae. My parents call me "The Kid." My friends call me lots of different names. But these are 3 of the more common ones: Lola, Chiquitita, and Chaparrita.

19. I like a good accent. Men from the South...love their accents. I just can't help myself! It's probably a good thing that I don't live in the South. ;)

20. I have lots of Goddaughters. And I LOVE them all so much! How many do I have? I have 7 and 1 more is due in October! :)

21. I really like being a homebody. It's a little funny. But when I don't have to work, I like to just stay home and do what my friends call "Old Lady" things. You know, clean my house, work in the yard, garden, craft, cook, bake, watch movies, read books, and just hangout.

22. Blue eyes are like heaven to me. They really are amazing.

23. I never turn down a bed in a hotel. I don't know why, it just creeps me out. I usually take 2 blankets. I put 1 on top of the bed, and use the other to cover myself. I know, I'm weird.

24. I like to go shopping alone. I don't know. I just feel more peaceful. And I go early in the morning. When the store first opens. And if I have to go to Wal-Mart, I go at 3AM. Not many people are out at that hour.

25. I LOVE rainy nights. Oh there is nothing better than a rainy night. It makes the evening so calm. And you sleep the best!

So there you go. 25 things you probably didn't know about me. Funny, huh? I hope you learned something new. Whether you're part of the family or just a random reader! Now it's back to work for me. ♫

Finally

I was starting to lose hope. You know, in my yard and garden. Nothing has been blooming. My tiger lilies are begging for some help and relief from the desert sun. And all plants are just stems with green leaves. Not very attractive at all.

Then in my few hours of time off from work, I decided to tackle some more yard work. I swear to you, it never ends! But to my surprise, this little beauty had bloomed. Isn't it beautiful?

This is a plant my Mom gave me this Spring. And at one point, I thought it had died. But no! With a little TLC, and a whole heck of a lot of water, my Barrio survived. 2 of them actually. :) "Barrios" are what they call hollyhocks around here. Not sure why. But they do.

So I've got one bloom. Now if my lilies, lirios, or even my gladiolas would bloom, I'd be a very happy lady! Oh, and I could really use some veggies from my garden. Everything seems to be growing a lot slower this year. ♫

Shorts.

These are everyone's summer essentials. Shorts. Me, I haven't worn shorts, in public, for over 9 years! Yes, I'm 27 years old. I'm anywhere between a size 3-7 depending on what's going on. And I don't wear shorts. Did I mention...I live in the desert southwest. Here, it's easily over 100 degrees for almost 60 days a year!

Why don't I wear shorts? Um, I'm not really sure. Maybe because my legs are white as sin. Yes, I know, wearing shorts would help. But when you go from white to red to white, it's horrible! I've never been tan in my life! And then, my legs. I'm just not crazy about them. Sure, I workout a lot. I've got some cute muscular calves. But my thighs. Ugh! I've never liked them. Not when I was 16 years old and a cheerleader. With little to no body fat. Not now at 27 with a trainer that kicks my butt!

So there you go. Me and my evil enemy...shorts. I do wear pj shorts to sleep in. I really enjoy my old cheerleading shorts for working out at home. Never at the gym! But not even in my own yard, do I feel comfortable enough to wear shorts. It's something that I need to get over ASAP. You know, being that it was a cool 101 degrees yesterday. Oh, and the temperature is on the rise again! ♫

This is Love!

It's Monday. And I'm still at work. Tired, hungry, hot, in need desperate of a shower...and did I mention...tired. So when my mail arrived today and I saw this...



I about died! This is LOVE! And just what I needed to help me get through my day. By the way, I just might have to marry the man that sent this to me. Even if he's just a friend, lives 1000s of miles away, and is some big time super star! It's still love!

Right now, I'm hiding out in my office. Eating a pineapple flower and a chocolate strawberry. Oh, I think I've died and gone to heaven! I should have been the one sending the gift. Thanks! You know who you are. It meant a lot. And Congrats on your weekend. :) ♫

Dateline

I miss Dateline! I used to watch it. You know, every week! What twice a week? I think that's how many times it comes out. But the point is, I miss it! A lot!

You see, after the whole TV conversion thing last summer, our local NBC station's signal is for the birds! I don't get NBC anymore! Oh and the whole recording shows...well that's out the window too! But I at least get to watch my favorite ABC shows online.

But our NBC station, it saddens me so! I have to record "The Biggest Loser" at J's house. Because I have to watch it for school. But Dateline, oh how I miss you! I LOVED your stories! And I LOVE Keith Morrison...



Looks like I'm not the only one. :) But don't judge me. I like the way he tells a story. I first thought his voice was a bit creepy. Then it was soothing. My best naps came when I was falling asleep to some story he was telling. Sure it had to do with murder, but I slept like a baby. I know. Weird. But it's true. And I miss his story telling. I wish our local NBC station would get it together already! ♫