Lately I've been working 7 days a week. I currently have two jobs--both involve talking on the phone to strangers. (Someone's gotta do it!) So I work my normal 8-5 job Monday through Friday, and then three evenings a week and on weekends I work a couple of hours. It doesn't seem like much, but I must say IT SUCKS!
I have never been more tired in my life! I never realized how important the weekend was for week-recovery, even if I do more during the weekend than I do during the week. The 13 hour days are pretty harsh and the bags under my eyes aren't getting any lighter.
Having the two jobs has made me realize that I really, truly need a job that pays what a 7-day week pays while only working 5 days a week. Oh, to dream...
After talking to my dear friend Julie, I realized there are some things in my life that are so completely random, and most of my friends and family don't know about them. I have had a bunch of very strange and different jobs. That's another post for another day...
Here are some random pictures that make me happy:
My happy place--warm and bundled up at Julie & Ron's with a "Magic Hat" and zen balls in hand
Today I'm really missing my dad. He died four years ago and every once in a while I get sad about it. I just start thinking of him and how I wish he could be here to experience my life with me, to see me growing up and becoming an adult (even if I'm not very good at being an adult). I get sad because he'll never walk me down the aisle, or see his grandkids, or meet (and scare) my future husband. And then, especially around this time of year, I get sad because I go to Michigan and hang out with the Kennedy family, and he's not there to enjoy it and eat all the good food and be there for the funny conversations and big hugs and family love.
I know I'm not the only one that misses him. I try to be strong for everyone else. People look to me as the last piece of him, and while I know it's not required, I try to be that person for them. I try to call and connect with people he was close to, but it's a really tough, time consuming job and I don't know that I was ready for the job at 19. I've lost touch with a lot of his friends and I don't call my family members nearly enough. I think I got tired of hearing everyone say they missed my dad or that he was such a great guy, that they can't believe he's gone. I think I got tired of having the same conversation that I never wanted to be a part of.
I'm glad I look like my dad. I've got my mom's eyes and facial structure, but my nose and lips are from my daddy. My curly hair is from my daddy too. I hope to one day pass on my curly hair and nose and lips to a handsome young boy and see him grow up to look like his grandpa. He'll probably be named Robert, like my dad.
I really miss him, but I know if I have to have a guardian angel, a dad is the best angel you could have looking out for you.
Remember how I said I needed to make some changes in order to be where I know I need to be so that I can be happy with my life? Remember that? Well I was reading a blog today (surprise, surprise!) and it was about a woman in Haiti who is there with her family trying to help remedy the devastating orphan situation there. This quote has changed my mind about my church, and when I read this I immediately thought of my church. It is a beautiful church and the people there are so talented with all sorts of media and technology and lighting that this really hit home.
"While many American churches are worrying about the lighting on their stage, or fussing over the displays in their foyer, children are suffering in orphanages, groaning...aching...for someone to come redeem their lives."
Well shet. I guess I'm going to have to rethink this again because that woman in Haiti is so. right. I'm completely willing and ready to move beyond the pretty and visually satisfying church to a church that uses the offerings they receive towards giving and not beautifying. Maybe I could find a church that is held outdoors and we'd all sit on the grass and not waste energy or expenses on things like chairs and roofs and lighting. I know I feel closest to God when I'm outside anyway, so this kind of makes sense. I don't know if there's anything like that in Austin, but I'm willing to bet that people would be on board. Get a mic and an amp and we could preach God's word for an whole park of people if people were willing to gather. Or don't get the mic or amp and use the voice God gave us to sing His word, praise Him, love Him selflessly and in turn selflessly give to those in need with the funds.
I think it's a good idea. And my thoughts about adopting a child are starting to change to a genuine possibility. I was unsure before reading this woman's take on orphans. Of course I had heard horrible stories about the abuse orphans in places like Africa deal with on a daily basis, but it wasn't until realizing that there are so many. Millions. That don't get the proper nutrition at all. Sometimes they don't eat. Some, no, most have next to no medical care, and I am, in contrast, a very wealthy American.
Now, let's not kid ourselves. I'm in no way wealthy by American standards. I make less than $30K a year and I gots the debt. But even so when the time comes for me to be a parent, adoption is a very, very real possibility for me. In the meantime, I'd love to help at an orphanage to love on some kids that really need it.
Do you ever come to a realization about something and realize your life will never, ever be the same ever again if you act on that realization? I did. Today. Well actually, it all culminated today, but I've been thinking about this for a couple of weeks now and sort of getting opinions from friends and my mom.
I don't like the person I am right now on the surface. I don't like what I perceive people perceive of me. I know there needs to be a change in a big way and I'm going to have to pull on some big girl pants and get to it.
There are certain things that I want in life more than anything else, and I'm finally at a point where I think I can get these things if I just start living my life the way I know I need to live it.
A couple of things:
1. I need to start going back to church. To my church. To Lake Hills Church where I felt so comforted by God's word every Sunday and met so many beautiful, inspiring, wonderful women who ultimately, though through my own thoughts and prayers, are the reason I am returning to my church. I still cannotget on board with thinking homosexuality is a sin, but hopefully I can help others to realize the hypocrisy in this thinking. Church grounded me for the week and reminded me why I was here on this Earth, and I'd like that again.
2. Running makes me ridiculously happy and I need to do it more often. I need to do it more often because I'm tired of feeling like there's too much on my body. I'm sure that sounds weird, but when I see myself in the mirror I don't think "ew, disgusting, you're fat, lose weight." It's honestly not a bad visual if I do say so myself. But it's the feeling of this much weight on my body that drags me down. I can especially feel this when exercising. I cannot run as fast or as far until I lose some weight. My early 20s will hitherto be known as "Nicole's Fat Phase." Also, check out my other blog! http://townlakeiphonepics.blogspot.com/ (I get bored easily.)
3. I miss love. Sure, I love my friends and family and my precious, sweet, angel-puppy more than anything and I know that I am very loved, but I miss being in love. I miss the feeling when your man calls you and you're so giddy with excitement before, during, and after the conversation and you smile so big it feels like your mouth is going to explode and you just can't contain the feeling you're feeling and you want everyone to know how fabulous your special guy is. And when you touch there feels like there are literal sparks flying from every part of your body and you can't get enough of each other and constantly want to be together, even if it's just laying in a field not saying anything, as long as you're with that person everything is perfect. That's what I want.
4. I need to read more and not just blogs and websites but real, tangible books! My mind needs some stimulation other than from a computer screen. I miss college, and most of all I miss the intellectual discussions I had in college. I miss reading a couple of chapters (or an entire book if it was that sort of professor) and then talking about them with my peers, picking apart each and every detail until I had a grasp on an entirely new concept the author tried to convey that I would never have noticed on my own. I especially love philosophical talks and discussing the what ifs, how comes and the whys. I think that is probably my favorite question. Why? [Sidenote: I love that "why" and "because" are basically the same word in Spanish, because I have this mental image of a Mexican man and woman having the following exchange: Por que? Porque. Por que? Porque! Por que? PORQUE!! And scene.]
5. I really need to be better about staying in touch with friends, especially the ones who have made an impact on my life and helped to mold me into who I am today. What's funny is I bet some of my friends have no idea just how big of an impact they may have had on me. (HB, You taught me a life lesson in Vegas and I'm sorry that you had to be the one to do it and that it affected our relationship, but I am so thankful for you and for that experience because I know I am a better friend and a better person because of it.) Some of my friends that I haven't even been that close to have been so inspiring with how they live their lives that it makes me strive to be a better person.
So those are the big 5 things that have been weighing heavily on my mind lately, and that ultimately, if I decide to follow this path, will lead me to my happy place. I'm not there right now. Like I said, I know the changes I have to make, but making them is the hard part. Responsibility is the hard part, although sometimes responsibility can be fun! Right? Right?! I'm going to go with yes.
Ok, I haven't actually had a haircut, but I'm thinking about getting one and getting a completely new hairstyle to boot!
It's no secret that Elisha Cuthbert is my #2 girl crush (with Britney obvs being #1....duh.) so I looked to her google image search for some inspiration. (Brit Brit's shaved head and/or extensions just won't cut it. Ha! See what I did there?) Maybe if I get my hair my hair cut like hers I'll take sexy, minimal clothing photo shoots like she does too! Probably not.
Without futher ado, here are the three styles I'm thinking about:
Long hair, soft bangs, more layers
For the first option I would keep my length and get bangs and layers cut in to increase the body and wave of my hair. I think this cut is sexy and reminds me of my favorite haircut ever that I had in 2006.
Ignore my awk expression, just focus on the hair
Short cut with bangs
The second option requires me cutting about 8-10 inches off my hair and might be better for the summer season. I also haven't had short hair this short since 7th grade, and that was when a boy asked me if I was a boy or a girl during basketball tryouts. Traumatizing. Hopefully I look more like a lady nowadays what with puberty being an ancient memory at this point.
Shoulder length with bangs, minimal layers
The third option would require about 3-5 inches off and for me to straighten my hair regularly. I may be too lazy for this option... Maybe I could add more layers and wear it curly?
So those are the options! Let me know via the poll at the top of the page which hairstyle you think I'd look best in!
[Photos courtesy of pageantrymagazine.com, thehairstyler.com & midgarmods.insanejournal.com]
I can't be the only one. Every girl does it at some point or another, and we all start at different times. Sometimes there is a guy involved, sometimes there isn't and sometimes the girl is waiting for the right guy (or girl) to come along until she starts. That's right....I'm talking about WEDDING PLANNING!!
What is absolutely wonderful about my obsession is that when the time comes my wedding will be a breeze to execute since I've made plans for three different weddings depending on the time of year I get married. No, I don't have a fiance nor a boyfriend. I'm not even seriously dating anyone. It's just that I. Love. Weddings.
So that said, I'd like to start a new campaign. It's not a "Get Nicole Hitched" thing or anything like that. No-no, my friends. I would like to formally announce my campaign for
T-Pain 4 ROH
He is the perfect musician with his auto-tuned tunes titillating my ears in car rides, on runs around the lake, at parties...he is The Man. The first time I heard the melodic voice of my future Rapper of Honor was his hit about his fascination with the girl of his dreams: I'm N Luv (Wit a Stripper). Great song to dance to at frat parties, believe you me. That gem was followed by his #1 hit "Buy U a Drank (Shawty Snappin). Another great song to dance to with the new found gentlemen-friend you met at a frat party.
Of course, it wasn't until his out-of-this-world-blow-your-mind collaboration with the lovely boys of The Lonely Island that I truly fell in love with his musical talents. "I'm on a Boat" is the song of our generation. Hearing it instantly brings you back to that time that you were on a boat (and probably drinking excessively, slurring your rendition with all your friends making memories you'll never remember). It was about the 37th time hearing said song that I came to the realization: T-Pain would throw the most bomb bachelorette party ever.
And we both have grillz.
I look forward to you joining me in my campaign and hopefully (for the love of all that is sacred in this world) when I get married we'll be rocking out with my ROH!! Look for "T-Pain 4 ROH" meeting times and campaign updates in the near future (as soon as my campaign manager gets back from vacation.)
I'm doing it again! It's my first day of the Master Cleanse for the second time and I'm feeling pretty similar to the first time--a little light-headed and weak. Kickball should be interesting tomorrow...
I started the day off with some Detox tea that I took last time and I've been steadily drinking my lime/agave/cayenne concoction since I got to work. For lunch I had a cup of orange flavored tea. That's quelling the hunger pains pretty well.
My goals this go-a-round are obviously to cleanse my body of the toxins I put into it on a daily basis and to neutralize my palette once more so that I'm not so addicted to dairy products and sweets. Since I'm lactose intolerant this is a very good thing for my stomach, and the sweets, as everyone knows, are incredible unhealthy anyway.
Last time I lost 20 pounds and gained back 10, which is supposed to be right on target and pretty normal. I lasted 6 or 7 days (I don't recall off the top of my head) and I hoping to last at least 10 days this time. I also need to get in gear for my friends' wedding because it'll be here sooner than we know it and I'd like to comfortably, not snugly, fit into my dress. I think 20 pounds or so will do the trick and if I lose 10 with the cleanse then I can lose a pound or two a month until June and be good to go!
I already miss chewing...
Funny little coincidence: The Master Cleanse usually doesn't get into the news but some actor named Blair Underwood recently did the cleanse for some quick weight loss.
