Wide Eyed Smilin

Back In The Groove

2012-02-23T06:58:00.000-08:00

I've been on cloud 9 this week. I just feel like everything is falling into place, anything that isn't, oh well, it'll happen eventually =]

My weekend was great, and I'm gearing up for another fun one. Last weekend, I went to a concert and hung with some great girls on Friday! Before we left, I altered some stuff I already owned & made a cute new rave outfit, had a greeeat night in it & we got home at like 4 am, so I spent most of Saturday recovering from that! Had dinner with my cousin (who is most likely going to be my new room mate), and then came home and got ready for a night out. Had a good night out with my mom, cousins, brother, friends, and just enjoyed the night. Once again, closed down the bars... A few friends came home with me, including the new guy.... I guess he'll need a name if it goes any further lol. We stayed up talking til around 5, and then they left... and I was still giddy so I read and then passed out! My momma bought me breakfast, and then I headed to Cheesecake Factory & Sephora with my BFF for lunch & primer =] That right there is what I call the weekend from heaven!

Check out the new glass decor my sister & her boyfriend got me!
I already had the spiral to the right, and the egg in the middle,
they got me the crazy spiral to the left, and 2 potion vials on the ends!
Perfect decor for my bookshelf/in front of my siblings pictures!

I've been making hoops like CRAZY!
I just ordered a lot of new tapes last night,
and I'm going to order my first roll of PolyPro this weekend!

Oh and then last night I got a new piercing ~
Microdermal up near my eye/cheekbone!
I did the dumb thing and watched a Youtube video, freaked myself out, so I took half a Vicodin I'd had left over for like a year, and then it was literally like NOTHING.
I mean, it hurt... and it bled quite a bit, but it was nothing like I was scared about!
I have to wear a little band aid over it for a few days at first, but it looks GOOD!

Can't wait to change it and put in a smaller diamond =]

~ * ~ * ~ * ~

I'm still working on getting 100% back into the blogging swing ~ taking pictures throughout my days, etc. I missed it soooo much! It's such a relief to just have somewhere to talk about things. =]

& I have soooo much to talk about!

XoXo

Flutterbyesss...

2012-02-20T10:02:00.000-08:00

Yep, I just said that ^^^ lol

My weekend was perfect! =]

I drank, I danced, I laughed, I smiled...

I accomplished absolutely nothing else!

But you won't catch me complaining.

Oh and I met a boy... (man?) lol

We're hanging out tonight.

Can someone pinch me?!

cheers to the freakin weekend*

2012-02-17T07:49:00.000-08:00

It's kinda hard to get back into the swing of blogging, but I figured I'd post a few pictures (we all know I'm good at that!) of what I've been up to lately =]

My 2nd attempt at wire wrapped pendant,
I'm trying to expand into making more of these to sell & use on my jewelry =]

What?! I will be meeting Camille in 2 short months?!
YES!!!!!
Oh & I'll be seeing Bassnectar again too...
Camille kinda overshadows that!

Another new style I've been working on ~ double necklaces,
which have a choker and a longer necklace.
This one is called Rock You Like the 80s because I used paint splattered beads & a wrapped stone, duh! ;)

My new hood :) It's really pretty, 100% hemp fabric & has a peacock feather on the back!
LOVE!

Last night after the bar :)
Wearing my favorite feather clip from miss Jamie!
Thanks love, I wear it at least once a week!

*****

I'm so so so thankful for this weekend being here, finally! I had a bit of a "romantic" slip up with the ex on Wednesday but it hasn't dampered my mood much. Was supposed to get my hair done last night but she had to reschedule, so I'm kinda bummed about that... I ended up going to the bar with some girls, but it wasn't very fun either... Booo!

Tonight, a group of us ladies will be venturing to a show to support our other crafty friend & listen to some live music! I got a DD so I'm planning to get a little crazy! Tomorrow, I'm vending a small local show, hoping to make a few extra bucks off that! And then Sunday, heading back to Cleveland with some girls to check out Melt which is basically this gourmet grilled cheese place, sounds pretty legit. I don't like cheese but apparently they have vegan (cheese free!!!) options on the menu as well! So stoked!

I'm basically set up to have a perfect weekend! My house is organized, clean, and I might have my little cousin staying with me soon, to contribute to my never-ending bills... we'll see how that works out! The only thing I absolutely need to do is go grocery shopping. I'm really slacking in that dept lately... my fridge is full of waters, juice (Naked, OJ, cran-grape 100% ~ YUM), salad, and yogurt. Healthy, but sometimes I just want some red meat!

With all that said ~ I hope everyone has a lovely weekend, I know I will!

From Scratch*

2012-02-15T07:39:00.000-08:00

Okay so I'm gonna be back.... whenever I feel like being back. So much has been changing in my life so I guess here's a bit of an update ~ then I'm starting from scratch =]

*I live alone now ~ in the house I was occupying as part of a couple, but now I'm a single lady... & I'm surprisingly okay with how things are going! I do have all the animals, Ruca, the tortoise, and 2 ferrets, so I'm never really alone. Things have a funny way of working out & I think right now I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing!

*I've been spending the past week arranging, cleaning, purging the house of everything I don't want/need. Bringing things out from the past and putting them to use. It's nice!

*Knotty Craft Kreations is an official tax-paying business now! I am hoping to vend a few larger festivals this summer. I actually have a gig this weekend too! I've been focusing mostly on jewelry lately, and only doing hoops as custom orders..

*I've been becoming a healthier me. I've cut down on meats, I do still eat meat, but only a few days a week, when the craving strikes. Since I don't make many big meals, I've been surviving on salads, fresh veggies & fruits, and other random easy to make & eat foods. I'm down about 15 lbs and hoping to lose a bit more.

*Everything is about positivity. I want to be completely surrounded and engulfed by people who are on the same level as me. I have been cutting people out who don't (and haven't) deserved to be there in the past few years, it's time for me to finally stand up for myself and what I believe in. I was too comfortable with how life was and didn't want to deal with drama/change, so I was putting up with friends because of the people they used to be, when they obviously didn't give 2 craps about me or what I was going through. That all changed. I don't see the same people all the time, I have been venturing out with new friends and finding I actually love life still! I've been going out, having a good time, and not worrying about what comes tomorrow. And I think that's what we should all do...

Anyways, ladies, I'm back... I hope you're still subscribed... lol

PS - the top of my blog is a big ugly black box... how do I fix this?!

Breaking.the.Silence.to.Say..

2011-12-22T06:04:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

*hope you all get to have an amazing holiday with your families/loved ones! and of course get everything you asked Santa for...

Last Chapter

2011-12-19T06:11:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking long and hard about a lot of things since coming home from vacation. My life is taking a huge shift from where it was even 7 days ago, and I think the time has come to say goodbye to blogging. I don't know if it's a forever or just for a while, but it's gotta happen. My heart's not in it, my heart's not in much these days as much as I hate to admit it, it's true.

If you're awaiting a package from me, it's coming.

If you sent me a Christmas card, I so appreciate it.

If you don't have my email, comment here & I will email you.

I'll still read & comment, I just can't put my heart into it all the time right now,

although I wish I could.

Back

2011-12-15T09:32:00.000-08:00

Im back.

Vacation was amazing.

Why didn't anyone tell me to expect to come home to 5000 times the stress and anxiety I had when I left? I have missing packages... missing delivery confirmation slips because I was in a rush to get the hell out of the house for vacation... no groceries (DOH)...

I just want to go back to the last 2 weeks and not have to deal with this whole "real world" thing. Oh yeah and Christmas starts for me in 2 days... So please excuse me for an extension of this whole break thing.

Fell Offf

2011-11-29T11:30:00.001-08:00

Unfortunately, I fell off the Thankful train.... with only 3 days to spare in the month! Oh well, I did pretty damn good, I think! Just for an ender, I'm thankful for my upcoming vacation, my in-laws, & my amazing cousin for watching the house & pets, since our normal bailed last minute (he got a real job!). I haven't had any luck with guest posts, so after today this could possibly be the last post for 2 weeks! Life is busy, and we leave Friday ~ FINALLY!

Had a GREAT long weekend, doing a lot of the things I wanted to do, but not accomplishing everything, which has led me to the last 48 hours of my life being extremely crammed with stuff, as well as the next 48 hours... So basically, I'll be a slave to packing, laundry, cleaning, creating up until the moment we leave! I've been being a perfectionist about everything, which is always my downfall, and it leads me to procrastinate on other things because I'm focusing so hard on that one thing.

Tonight, after work, I'm having a quick dinner with my friend, in between delivering tutus to clients. Yes, I am now delivering things because people have made it so complicated to pick up or meet up, and I need that cash flow. So I will deliver this week and after the 1st of 2012, I will be changing policies, updating my etsy, no longer selling via Facebook, and doing away with a large portion of stuff that was custom made, partially paid for and hasn't been paid off or picked up. SICK OF THE CLUTTER IN MY LIFE!

I also have to finish packing for both of us, do dishes, clean out the fridge, force J to finally clean out the ferret cage again, put all our clean laundry away, finish the last load of dirty clothes, and then make about 5 more tutus and 5 kid's hoops. That's all tonight. Tomorrow, I have dinner with my mom, sister, J and baby J. Then I have more deliveries/pick ups, and hopefully will have that complete. As long as I finish everything tonight & tomorrow, I'll be heading to the mall with mom & sister on Thursday. I have some Kohl's cash to use, and a VS giftcard, plus that nifty little card they give you that you get $10, $20, $50 or $500 off (last year I got $50 - SCORE!). I need some cute panties, a white shirt, and possibly some shorts if I can find any on sale this time of year.

I ordered and recieved my first real bikini in at least 5 years. And I think I look pretty damn good in it. It even matches my cute hip tattoo, the colors & everything (I didn't realize that til someone else pointed it out). I also bringing at least 2 other bathing suits (tankinis) in case I don't have the courage to wear this one 24/7. What do you think?

*One thing I hear soooo much is that people are jealous of my "hourglass" figure...
I want to tell you ladies one thing ~ I HATE IT! It makes finding clothes that fit and aren't loose in the middle extremely hard & my hips are huge. *end rant*

Also, my hair turned out GORGEOUS! I only have one picture of it so far, but here it is... It's a golden red, with gold highlights. A lot lighter than I usually go, but it brings my eyes out a lot more than usual ~ especially when I'm wearing eyeliner! I've gotten SO many compliments on it, and think I've found my new hairdresser for sure! She also gave me the deal of the lifetime ($43 total) so I tipped her $17, she was stoked! Also, in the picture it looks like my roots are darker than the rest of my hair, I think that's just some weird effect from the flash, it totally does not look like that! ha!

* * * * *

Now just wish me luck, so that I can make it through the next 2.5 days, get everything done, go meet BFF's new son in the hospital Friday before we leave, find the missing $250 (yes, J misplaced that much, we know it's in the house, just not where), go to the bank and ensure they won't screw up and put a hold on my debit card, and call Netflix to bitch at them for charging me twice this month, even though my account was cancelled 2 months ago! I am having anxiety about leaving Ruca and I think J is too, he just doesn't want to admit it. So basically, cross your fingers it all goes smoothly & I might be back for an update between now & Friday, but if not, I'll be back in 2 weeks, with lots and lots and lots of photos & stories!!!

XoXo

Day 27

2011-11-27T08:00:00.000-08:00

27. Butterflies, "I Love Yous", Goodnight Kisses

Basically, I'm thankful that my relationship is 100% back on track.

I feel like we fell back in love all over again ~ and I am so so so thankful.

You ladies were all beautifully supportive of me in August when we broke up.
My life basically fell apart, I didn't know what to do.

I stood my ground, showed him I was fighting for us, and now we're back.

Dare I say it? Better than before.

So everytime I catch him looking at me and feel those butterflies,
Im thankful.
Everytime I hear him say "I love you",
Im thankful.
Everytime I lean to the left and get a kiss goodnight,
I am so, so thankful.

Thankful for second chances on first loves, thankful for his support & love & thankful for all you guys who supported me when I was sure my life was basically just going nowhere.

Love love love.

Day 26

2011-11-26T08:00:00.000-08:00

26. Small Business Saturday

So, with Black Friday & Cyber Monday always being so popular, I was stoked when I found out about Small Business Saturday last year. Basically it's just a day to shop at small, local places and show them the appreciation they deserve.

Most of the time, these places can't afford to do a HUGE blow out B.F. sale, but don't forget them. They're the people who didn't want to sell out, who are sticking to their dreams and making them work ~ even in this economy!

I'm thankful for it because it gives me a chance to remind myself to stop and check out all the places that line our Main Street, to have lunch at a local place, and to appreciate my own small business customers.

So if you all are looking for something to do, somewhere to eat, etc ~ check out someplace small & local ~ support small business today!! =]

Day25

2011-11-25T08:00:00.000-08:00

25. Good Deals

Okay, so it's Black Friday

And I'm not shopping ~

Doesn't mean you all can't!

www.facebook.com/KCKreations

Having a 25% off sale on ALL pre-made items, includes:
Necklaces
Bracelets
Anklets
Rings (although I technically custom make each ring, they're counting)
Hoop Bags
Backpacks

Hair Accessories ~ Feathers, Clippies & Headbands
& anything else that's listed for sale (I think that the above is all I have! haha)

& while some people ARE leery about buying via Facebook, this is what I do ~
You tell me what you want, I Paypal you an itemized invoice & you pay.
I won't scam you,
Items are sent in a timely fashion (unless you are Angie, because I keep adding to her box)!!

So I'm thankful for Black Friday deals, customers & anyone who buys anything =]

Day 24

2011-11-24T08:00:00.001-08:00

aka THANKSGIVING!

24. Family Gatherings

So, I'm the first to admit my family is certifiably insane, especially certain branches of it.

As I get older, I start looking forward to spending the days with them, though. Today, I'll make us breakfast and then J will head to work. I'll stay on the couch, cuddle Ruca for a bit, then head out to my dad's. We'll have lunch & lots of laughs =] Then we usually put in a movie, my dad falls asleep, along with various other family members, and then I head home around 4.

After a quick trip home to freshen up, smoke, nap, J will get home around 5:15 and we'll head to my Nana's (mom's mom) for dinner. This is the craziest part of my family. We generally sit around, eat dinner, clean up the table, and then the females bust out the black friday ads, while the males watch football and/or play the Wii. This year, I will be sitting sadly at the table while everyone else talks about shopping. I didn't think I'd care that much, but I am certainly more sad about missing tomorrow than I thought I'd be.

At 9 or so, we'll head home with lots of leftovers, and probably hit the hay pretty early. If we don't hit the hay early, we'll head over to J's brother & sister's house, so we can drink a little, chat a little and smoke a little =]

I love spending time with our families! =]

Days 22 & 23

2011-11-23T05:51:00.000-08:00

22. ELECTRICITY!

Okay, so I'm sure you noticed things were quiet around here yesterday.... which was due to a squirrel who knocked out power to most of my town. Yep... for hours. So we were cold, bored & in the dark... And by the time the power returned, I was even more thankful for it in the first place!

23. NEW HAIR!

Yes, I am getting down to the end here & running out of "big" things to be thankful for.

Tonight I'm getting my hair done, and my mommy is paying for half of it (late birthday gift).

I think I'm gonna go for medium red/brown with blonde streaks.... I'll post a picture at some point! :)

Calling All....

2011-11-21T09:05:00.000-08:00

GUEST POSTERS?!!?!?

Don't know why I didn't think of this earlier, but I probably need some guest posters for while I'm on vacation! Comment/email (haleyrenaexx @ yahoo.com) and let me know if you're interested! I don't care what you post about, it can even be a little introduction to your crafts, etc. if you'd like to do that! I want to promote my friends blogs, shops, etc & still have something read-able on the blog while I'm gone!

Day 21

2011-11-21T09:00:00.000-08:00

21. Short Work Week

I had a great, great weekend, and was ready to come back to work this morning.

Why?

Because I only have to work 3 days this week!
I'll totally take that!

Yes, another short check.

But my week schedule is going to go a little something like this...

Monday (today): Work 8-5, eat dinner, cuddle, go through our change (J collects, so we have to check everything for rare, etc before we cash it in)
Tuesday: Work 8-5, make dinner, start packing, work on orders

Wednesday: Work 8-5, make dinner, make 2 pies for Thursday

Thursday: SLEEP IN, dinner w/dad's family at noon, dinner w/mom's family at 5:30, get drunk with the in-laws (probably) and then SLEEP!

Friday: Sleep in (for the first time in 5 years, no black friday shopping), work on orders

So basically, I have a lot of spare time to work on orders, sleep, eat, and relax. Sounds like a win to me!

Day 20

2011-11-20T08:00:00.000-08:00

20. My Customers

After sleeping in, today is going to consist of making orders. I literally have over $500 in orders waiting to be made.

And Friday, I found a person who is very eerily (to a teeee) copying my jewelry designs. Not even changing their names. Silly girl. But my stuff is still selling better ~ so I guess I win?

That is why I am thankful for my customers, each and every one of them. Even the ones who take forever to pay me... Because they're loyal enough to stay shopping with me! Because they promote me to their friends & families, and even strangers! Because they compliment me on my designs and don't just try to make it at home "because it looks easy". Because they alert me if/when they find someone straight jackin my swag ;)

If it wasn't for my customers, I wouldn't be here where I am today. It's been a long two years doing this so far & there have been moments when I'm ready to give up. But I haven't yet, even though I've come close. There has been drama, there have been harsh words said...

At the end of the day, though, my customers keep me afloat.
My customers have helped me raise over $500 for breast cancer research.
My customers have helped me raise over $3,000 to send local autistic kids to summer camp.
My customers have helped us pay bills.
My customers have bought new designs to be my guinea pigs.
My customers wait for me when I don't have time.
My customers have really stepped it up this march, raising me enough money to have me not worried about this cruise & our bills in December.

So thankful for my customers, helping my dreams come true, one purchase at a time.

^^^ As corny as that sounds ~ it's true!

Day 19

2011-11-19T08:00:00.000-08:00

19. Saturday Mornings

I dont know about you all, but Saturdays are my favorite morning!

We usually stay in bed as long as possible (aside from getting up to take the whining dog out into the cold to pee), and when we do get up, the first thing we (I) do is make breakfast. Since we usually just eat toast or cereal during the week, I always try to make something yummy on the weekends!

We then migrate to the living room, and are lazy. lol. I usually end up having to make a post office run, since I don't do many during the week, and then come home and resume my laziness.

If we have stuff to do, we usually don't start showering and whatnot until noon, and then resume with the rest of our lives. But the mornings are just glorious.

*Today we'll be doing the above, then shopping with J's sister and her husband. Possibly doing lunch too, then in the evening we will be putting plastic on our windows to keep warm (sounds luxurious, no?). And at night, going to see my cousin's band play with a bunch of our friends. Sounds like a perfect Saturday together!

Day 18*

2011-11-18T11:27:00.000-08:00

18. THE WEEKEND!

This week seemed to last 100 weeks.
I am ready for vacation.
Only 14 days to go (7 of them work days, 7 OFF days)!

Anyways, back to the point, I'm thankful for this weekend because J has pretty much the whole thing OFF, so we will hopefully be getting a lot of around the house stuff done, have his brother come over to get used to taking care of the animals, and shop for stuff he needs for the cruise.

I have soooo many orders to catch up on, so in the down time (if there is any), I'll be working and listening to him work too... He has been busting out some pretty legit music lately, lots of people love it. Just have to find a name because the one he had been using is taken (by a shitty excuse for a music artist lol).

So anyways, I'm thankful for the next 50ish hours away from work.

& I'm so ready for a short week next week.

Day 17...

2011-11-17T08:09:00.000-08:00

17. Helping Hands

Lately I've been realizing a lot of people in my life are amazing when it comes to me needing help.

It hasn't always been this way, it used to be me helping until I couldn't anymore, but when I needed help there were only a few around.

I'm just thankful that I've finally gotten to a place that I know I have people I can call when I need a helping hand ~ be it with money, moving something, spreading the word to help me make money, etc.

The past few weeks it has been very apparent. I have had friends come out of the woodwork to help me find ways to make more money for the cruise. Now that it's almost here, I'm getting nervous about running out of money down there. I have no idea how people can go on vacation and not be worried about it!

Today my mom called me and told me that there is all kinds of stuff in her garage she would like J to come remove for her... and some of it is scrap and we can have all the money from it! Score! Then my dad offered to buy my Super Nintendo I've been trying to sell! And I've gotten over $500 in orders in the past week! I am just stoked that people care about me enough to try to help and that my customers appreciate this huge sale I'm giving them!

So so so thankful not to be tryin to do this on my own!

Day 16*

2011-11-16T12:23:00.000-08:00

16. blogging

So, unlike most of you, my blog is 100% secret from basically everyone in my life. Mostly because I bitch and complain about those people here, from time to time. lol.

But anyways, I'm thankful for blogging first of all because it gives me a huge outlet! I've been doing it for about 1.5 years now (I think), and it's definitely helped me with a lot of stuff that I was holding inside, but now I can just come here without anyone judging me, etc. It's nice.

Secondly, thankful for all of you ladies who I have become close with. It's not too often you find someone online, who you've never met, and instantly become friends. We all know the nitty gritty details of each other's lives, and still love each other! Another thing, I get (and send) more gifts to you guys than I do to my friends in the real world. And most of the time, I feel like my blog friends are more comforting when I'm having a problem. I know I'm not alone in this, actually just saw someone else post about it today!

Oh and by the way, you know that BIG giveaway I posted about yesterday?! Well today's my day, you can go win a collapsible hoop of your choice, so make sure you hit up Angie's blog and enter for your chance to win. Last I checked, the entries were kinda low, so you have a pretty good chance!

Day 15

2011-11-15T12:13:00.000-08:00

15. The Little Things

So... the past few days I've been spending lots of time just taking in the "little things" that we tend to forget about and overlook day to day. There are so many little things I'm thankful for everyday.

Waking up to him next to me, even if it is because he pushed snooze too many times, 2 hours before I have to be up :)

Puppy kisses before I get out of bed, even if it means I have to take her to pee before I go myself!

Taking my sweet time getting around and ready for work, because I don't have to be at work at 8, I pick up parts first then make my way to work :)

Meeting my dad's dogs with bones as soon as I get to work. Their tails are always wagging and they know I get here around 8:15.

Friendly customers. The bad ones make the good ones forgettable, but I try to appreciate them for what they are!

Coming home from work to my love & my pup at the door, both ready to see me after a long day!

Talking in the kitchen while I make dinner every night after work. (Yes, I am the only one who makes dinner, I like it that way though lol)

The expression on his face when he plays his new music for me, and I tell him how good it is. (and I'm never lying, the boy has got some talent)

Saying "I love you" when hanging up with him, my mom, my sister, my papa.

Memories of my stepdad... Sometimes something just pops into my head and I feel that's his way of saying hello.

Baby fingers. Okay, I don't have baby fever by any means, but I have definitely fallen in love with my nephew! His little fingers are so freaking cute!

Our life in general. There are so many things in my household, day to day, that just make life worth living. I am going to start appreciating them all the time, and not just when I sit back to think about how things are (and how they could be).

Miss Angie Reaches 500*

2011-11-15T08:14:00.001-08:00

*alternate title was "Miss Angie does 500"
Not so sure Angie would have liked that ;)

So, starting YESTERDAY, one of my most favorite blog ladies started a HUGE giveaway spectacular!

There are lots of great people & businesses involved in this giveaway, myself included! Angie will be giving you all a chance to win a custom collapsible hoop! Today, I entered to win a beautiful coffee cozy & I believe yesterday's giveaway had to do with photography! (I'm a little slow today).

Anyways, if you don't already follow Angie, check her out! You will not be disappointed, I can promise you that! And if these giveaways aren't enough of a temptation to get you over there, you can also read about her life in general, get some great music on Mondays, and she also has a fitness blog!

Day 14

2011-11-14T11:54:00.000-08:00

14. Education

If there's one thing that I use every single day, and never notice using, it's my education.

I've always been a little "too smart" for my own good. Starting in elementary school when I was reprimanded for finishing my work too quickly (with all the right answers), I always excelled at school. I was offered to skip a grade right away, but my mom was not comfortable with it, so we started out with just going to the 6th grade room for reading & spelling - in 1st grade.

The bad part about being smart is that, for some reason, it is looked down upon by peers. So, by the time I was in 5th-6th grade, I was basically just a secret smart person. I didn't raise my hand, I didn't volunteer, I didn't do extra credit... I just did what I had to, then went on my way. I kept up good grades in junior high, although I basically turned into a wild child on the weekends and after school. In high school, I definitely kept it on an even lower level of acknowledgment. I would skip the honor roll breakfasts, people would stare in shock when my name was announced for awards or honor roll. None of it really bugged me, I just didn't want to be lumped into the big nerd crowd, even though I was in all the "smart" classes & whatnot. By my junior year, I got suspended for 10 days (big, dumb story), and still managed to pass all my classes with A's. That's when I realized I should probably get my head out of my ass and just embrace being smart. So for my senior year, I booked all the smart classes I could. In between the end of junior year & beginning of senior, my life basically turned itself upside down, and I ended up taking ap english, yearbook and 2 study halls, then leaving to go work. I still graduated with a 3.875 GPA. Nothing to roll your eyes at, eh? lol.

As you've read here before, I waited to go to college. Big mistake number one (or ten). I ended up going to a dinky, local private college. I feel like I got an education, just feel kind of jipped too, because I felt like I was already smarter than 75% of the people in my classes. So, of course, I passed everything (with the exception of one class, which I aced the 2nd time with a different teacher). It took me 3 years to graduate with two 2-year degrees.

Anyways, my point is/was that I basically take all that for granted everyday. I guess a lot of us do, too, since we're so used to being able to go to school & get an education, and then decide on college or technical school or military or nothing afterwards.

So many people in other places don't have that luxury. So I'm thankful that I did, and do. I'm thankful that even though a lot of stuff is wrong with our country (including college, but that's a whole different post), that our childhood education is generally pretty decent. There are a lot of things that need changing, within the education system, but hey, at least we're (for the most part) making sure children go to school and are getting an education, even if they just learn to read, spell and do basic math, I feel like they've gotten enough to be thankful for.

XOXO

Day 12

2011-11-12T08:00:00.000-08:00

12. Grandparents

Sometimes I forget that I am extremly lucky to even have met and had this many years with my grandparents. Even luckier to have multiple sets (once again, thank you re-marriage) lol.

Thankful to get to see my grandpa at least once a week, thankful to take him shopping and hear his rambling stories.

Thankful to see my grandma at least once a month, stopping at her house and of course always eating yummy food. Knowing I have her full support and love, even though she's biologically not my grandma, but treats me the same as the rest of the kids.

Thankful for my nana, who calls me drunk at least once a month. Drunk grandparents are the funniest. She supports my business, wears tie dyes I made her, and this year even has bought a few Christmas gifts from me for other people.

I realize a lot of people don't have their grandparents around, or they do, but not for long. I'm 24 and all of mine are still going strong. I guess I lucked into that beings as my mom and dad were both under 18 when I was born. Sometimes I take it for granted so today I have called and talked to all of them, made sure I told them I loved them, and even stopped to give my grandpa a hug and a pack of cigarettes :)

Day 13

2011-11-11T12:10:00.000-08:00

13. Self Control

Okay, so this one might sound a little weird at first, but it makes sense for me.

I live in a small town. Really small. Like less than 10,000 people.

No WalMart, no movie theatre.
The only places we have to shop -- 2 small grocery stores (overpriced), CVS & 2 dollar stores.

So what do people do for fun?

Basically they snort pills, shoot up heroin, or drink.

You will never see me do any of the above.

(okay, I lied, I drink on occassion)

I've watched so many good people fall victim to addiction, just because they have no self control. And I pride myself sooo much for standing above it, because I could just as easily wind up in the same position, if I just got bored and decided to "party" all the time.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not perfect. You've all seen my posts about pot, which I do partake of on a regular basis, I won't apologize for that. I personally believe it is a plant that is best used in a medicinal manner. I don't need anxiety medicine because of this plant. I've also experimented (safely) with a variety of hallucigenics over the years. I'm always responsible and always safe when I do anything like that.

I'm just thankful that I've been one of the only people in my graduating class to not end up jail, the hospital, or just a junkie due to drugs. I'm the only one of my old group of friends who doesn't have a drug problem. (I'm also the only one without a kid, scary isn't it, that so many drug addicts are raising innocent children).

Day 11

2011-11-11T11:46:00.000-08:00

11. Hooping

So basically, 4 years ago, I fell in love with hooping.

Not only does it look cool, it's fun, it's good for you, and you look hot while you're doing it.

All wins.

I'm thankful for hooping because it opened my eyes to a whole new world of people.

I've met so many good people and friends because of a plastic circle!

My confidence is higher, although I'm still nowhere near performance level.

Not to mention making hoops.

I love making jewelry,

but making hoops seems to just complete me & my business.

Last but not least, I don't think I'd have started following, commenting, or emailing many of you ladies without hooping being part of my life. I think I started following Camille because she had a hoop in her button. Angie & I were swap partners and became even closer friends when she started her hooping journey. I've also provided hoops to a few other blogging ladies across the US and it just makes me smile..

It really is a never-ending circle!

11*11*11

Happy World Hoop Day

PS] cross your fingers friends, we're playing the mega millions tonight, hopefully we win!

Day 11

2011-11-10T12:04:00.000-08:00

11. Books.

Yep, I love reading. I love books. I love my Kindle.

I love escaping to a different world.

I'm thankful for books because on days like today, when I want to just retreat under my blanket, not talk, not move, and not do anything aside from read, there are books for me.

I'm thankful for a retreat from reality.
& I'm especially thankful for vampire books & dystopian books.
Nothing can seem to take me away from reality quite like they can.

Hopefully my mood will clear up by tomorrow.
Tonight we go hang out with J's sister & her husband,
and then to my mom's so he can meet Jax and so I can spend more time with him =]

XoXo

Stress*

2011-11-10T08:26:00.000-08:00

Okay so here's the deal ~ I'm freakin out.

Vacation starts in 22 days -- that is, 3 weeks, 1 day.

I just did math on my paycheck and realized that I am essentially going to be fucked (for lack of better term).

My dad also informed me that when he goes to Vegas between Christmas & New Year's, that we may just be shut down, and I will not be working (or getting paid obviously).

Make that my 2nd week of no pay in December.
So basically... I'm going to have no way to pay my bills.

Also cuts out trying to see Bassnectar the weekend after Thanksgiving.
Someone suggested getting a small loan from my bank, but I really don't want to do that.

There is nothing that makes me less uneasy than $0 in the bank.
And ladies, that day is coming quick at me.

I had my sales all figured out for the whole month but I think next week and the week after are going to have to be huge blow outs, because my sales last week were amazing, although looking back I realized that 50% of my sales were my friend's stuff that I stock for them, so I only made like $6 total off that. Ugh. This week, I haven't sold anything. I even had my 500 giveaway and gave away a hoop, a $10 store credit, and a ring or earrings, so I'm going to be losing out on that money and shipping. I'm really just freaked.

So anyways, the rest of the month, I have a sale for you guys, my followers & blog friends...
$24 for a collapsible hoop shipped
$20 for mini twin hoops shipped
20% off any jewelry item, free shipping
custom orders will all come with free gift, free shipping
$12 children's tutus (any colors/Disney Princess style/holiday themed) shipped
$18 adult tutus (any color or theme) shipped

haleyrenaexx@yahoo.com
email me if you're interested in taking advantage.
& don't feel bad if you aren't, i always feel like I'm begging for sales when I post on the blog about the shop, but I'm really not, just opening up another avenue for anyone who may stumble upon the blog or happen to follow and not know about my shop.

I'm just gonna spend the rest of the day tryin to keep my head up. =]

PS....

2011-11-09T10:15:00.000-08:00

This perfect, beautiful little specimen finally made his way out around 7 last night...

And my sister, after over 12 hours of labor, still managed to have good hair! ;)

He looks just like she did at birth. Down to his blonde little curls, which you can't see, his clear blue eyes, and his super chubby cheeks! She is positively glowing and happy and I am so happy for her. She is going to be an amazing mommy.

Welcome Jax to the familia

XoXo

Day 9

2011-11-09T10:03:00.000-08:00

9. Music

If you've been following for any amount of time you've probably figured out by now that music is pretty damn important to me.

Aside from rent, bills, groceries & gas, I would venture a guess to say we spend the most money on live music above anything else. & I like it perfectly fine that way.

What better way to enjoy your evening is there, aside from listening to someone make music, right there on a stage (or just the floor) right in front of you?! If you ask me, there is no comparison to anything else. Good music, good people, good friends. The music I listen to, yeah, there's always an asshole or two in the crowd, but I trust most of those people who I have never met, with my stuff. I've met some pretty good friends at shows. Most of my "nights you'll never forget" involve live music, alcohol and/or other chemicals, and great friends. Oh and dancing, lots of dancing.

I am just thankful for some sort of connection to music that always can make me feel better. If I'm in any kind of mood, there is a soundtrack for that mood... And chances are I have a song on my mp3 player that will match my mood. If I miss my stepdad and want to hear him and see his smile, I turn on some Skynard. If I want to get loud and crazy, I turn on Snoop Dogg (from the 90s) or some other song that most likely involves the words "shake that ass" "hoes" or is by Ke$ha. If I want to reminisce or am in a pissy mood it goes right to Taking Back Sunday, Brand New or countless other emo bands I used to listen to constantly. There's always something.

I can't imagine being deaf. I can't imagine living in a world with no music. Or a world like in "Matched" by Allie Condy, where they only have 100 songs (100 poems, 100 stores, etc). 100 songs is not and would never be enough. How do you narrow down the millions of songs out there to just 100?! You can't... well I know I couldn't, that's for sure.

Lastly, J makes music. I don't mention that much on here... but he does. And his drive for it just attracts me so much more. He will work and work until it's perfect. And I love when he plays the songs for me when they're done (or almost done) and the pride on his face... it just makes me smile so big.

I'm so thankful for being able to hear music. I'm so thankful that music exists to save my soul on the bad days, and even to make me happy on the good ones. I think almost anyone can agree with me, that without music, life would be pretty damn empty.

Day 8

2011-11-08T06:57:00.000-08:00

8. NEW BABIESSSS....

And why am I thankful for new babies?!

Because today (3 short days after due date), my sister is in the hospital having my nephew!

My phone rang at 6 on the dot, it was my mom saying it was time, they were at the hospital and could I please bring a camera because she forgot hers! hahahaha.

So I got ready and drove it over, got to talk to my sister for a few minutes after her epidural, and then headed out to vote & come to work. Now it's almost 10 and still no news, she was about halfway there when I left and the doctor was coming in to break her water. I'm just patiently (ha!) awaiting the text with a picture. I'll be headed back to the hospital after work to get to meet him, and give my mom a break so she can go take a shower & vote.

*I'm thankful that he's finally going to be here.

*I'm thankful that my sister is strong enough to do this on her own, after everything his dad has already put her through, he texted her yesterday to tell him that he has a new girlfriend and he won't be here for the birth, and that it doesn't bother him if he's not involved "with the kid". Oh and to inform her that "the kid" doesn't need his last name. You better bet I'll attack him next time I see him.

*I'm thankful that we have enough family, love & hopefully [money] to raise the kid without him.

*Last but not least, thankful they finished his nursery over the weekend, so when he comes home Thursday or Friday, he will have a nice little comfy beautiful baby room to sleep in :)

XoXo

Day 7 :)

2011-11-07T10:25:00.000-08:00

7. OUR CRUISE

It's finally coming! And damn, it is going to be so appreciated by the time we drive to Florida, sleep in a hotel, and climb our happy asses onto that ship!

The view of our room..
Yes, we got one of the smallest (and cheapest) rooms on the ship, since we don't plan on spending much time there aside from sleeping, gettin busy & getting ready for adventures. The two beds come together to make one bed, so at least we get that ;) lol

The poooool!
This is one of the most exciting parts for me...
Just look at that sucker, it looks amazing.
From reading reviews, there usually aren't many kids onboard, and for that I am thankful.
I wanna play! =]

This is one of the many (!!!!!) nightclubs/bars on the ship.
Definitely looks like a fun place to hang out.
J will be turning 21 only 2 days after we return home, but he got a nifty little form that his mom & dad both have to fill out, therefore he is allowed to drink when we're off of US waters!

Everyday it gets closer (25 days til we leave Ohio) and we both get more excited. I've started borrowing clothes from people because I didn't find much on sale at the end of the season. We have to get J a few polo shirts, because all he has are band tees and work shirts. lol. Everytime his sister & BIL come over, we just end up talking about the cruise & getting excited together. L (sister) and I are already planning a spa day for one of our down days at sea, maybe a seaweed wrap ;)

I just know that after this shitty year I've had, I need a break and this is going to be the perfect thing for it. We get to suffer through 25 more days of both of us saying "I'm bored.." or "I wish there was something free/cheap/close by to do today.." which has been our mantra for about a week now. We are spending NO MONEY until the cruise (other than bills, groceries & gas), which means no movie rentals, no shows, no shopping... basically, be bored. But that's okay because in 25 days, we're officially on vacation & damn it's gonna feel great!!!!

Day 6

2011-11-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

6: My Pets/Kids

Sooo... I may possibly be a crazy pet lady (not a big fan of cats)

Over the years, since I've been with J mostly, we've had quite the menagarie,
2 rats, 3 guinea pigs, 8 mice, 4 ferrets (2 we still have), 2 dogs (counting my mom's) 2 or 3 different lizards, and our tortoise.

Right now, we're down to Ruca, the 2 weasels & the tortoise.

I'm thankful for them because sometimes I feel like they're the only creatures of unconditional, 24/7 love. When I feed the weasums they just look at me like "hi mommy"... they love to play and they're definitely crazy little fuckers! The tortoise, well he's kind of boring, but I still love him and am thankful we have him. He's also the only reptile we've had for longer than a few months. My favorite thing is how excited he gets when you throw some dandelions in his terrarium (his favorite snack).

Most of all, I'm thankful for my little bundle of doggie joy. Ever since the minute we decided to start looking for a dog, I never knew that I could love an animal as much as I love her. So yes, she's a pain in the ass, we spend wayy too much on vet bills, medicine, chicken-free food, treats & toys, she is bad quite often, she pees when she gets excited, and she still hasn't fully grasped pooping outside 100% of the time... but for some reason nothing on this planet makes me happier. J and I treat her like a little princess and I am so grateful we ended up with her. She was free, we drove an hour to get her and she was totally not what we were expecting, but we took her anyways... and it's been a love love relationship ever since.

So thankful for all of them!

Day 5

2011-11-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

5. Ability to Change

So thankful for having the ability to change if needed.
I've been putting myself through a lot of small changes lately, and it's really made me feel alot better about myself.

Eating healthier on a daily basis
More water & juice, less everything else
Working on my craft until I want to stop, even if I'm not done
Making dinner as much as possible, no fast food
Staying on budget -- no matter what fun stuff is coming around
Trying to be friendlier to people, even if they're not friendly to me
*Although yesterday I did make a bitchy comment to another blogger, which I've never done before. Oh well, I'm over being blown off. & I don't regret it.

Day 4

2011-11-04T07:15:00.000-07:00

Love

As cliche as it sounds, I am super thankful for love. There's so many different kinds of love, but they all make me feel so good.

It's no secret that I went through a rough patch a few months back. It seems like maybe I lost sight of what love I had right in front of me, and took it for granted. I won't ever be making that mistake again. I'm grateful for the second chance at love that I've been given.

I'm thankful for being able to fall asleep next to him everynight, some nights in his arms (depends on comfort lol). I'm thankful for being called "baby" and the warmth he provides me. I'm thankful that we can co-exist, trying to make each other happy, just because we fell in love. I'm thankful for the past 6 years with him, through all the ups and downs.

I'm thankful for the love of my family, sometimes I forget that I'm lucky enough to have a mom and sister that tell me they love me whenever we say goodbye. I have enough siblings & sibling-in-laws to fill a room, and most of them have as much love for me as I have for them. I have a multitude of family and we all love in different ways, but the love is most definitely there, through thick and thin. Through break-ups, family fueds, cancer, open heart surgery, custody battles, holiday drama, financial problems, surprise pregnancies; through every little thing, I always know I have a lot of people to fall back on, people who love me.

I'm thankful for the love of friends. Being in the isolated town I'm in, sometimes I forget that I have met and made friends who are spread far and wide. I might not see them everyday, and some of them [[YOU ALL]] I may have never "really met", but I feel love through Facespace, emails, texts, and packages in the mail. I have met people at a show once, and become FB friends, and now know so much about each other. I sold a girl a hoop in August 2010, and now we have successfully met up enough times at shows that I have a welcome place on her couch just as she has a welcome place on mine. I have a friend who I met on Myspace, who owns a shop, who traveled from Wisconsin to come meet me, to share the love of creation that we both have, and who I now consider a sister.

Overall, I have an abundance of love in my life. And maybe that's because I'm a happy person. Maybe it's because I always spread my love out, that I get so much back in return. No matter what the reason, or how it happened ~ I'm truthfully thankful that I am surrounded by love from all angles. So many people aren't that lucky.... And I am grateful that I am lucky enough to live the life I do!

Day 3

2011-11-03T07:07:00.000-07:00

3. My Job...

As much as I complain about my job, I have to admit, I'm pretty lucky.
First of all, a lot of people my age don't even HAVE a job, let alone one where they get every weekend and night off work.
I'm a salary employee, I have time to blog & read blogs AT work, and overall, I really like what I do. I like talking to my customers, I like filing paperwork, I like billing, I like the whole process.
I honestly feel more comfortable running this business than I would working for anyone else, ever.

And also, how can we forget my other job, aka my passion?!
Creating things that other people will use, wear & love!
Seriously don't think it can get any better than what I do. Yes, it's hectic to work my "real" job 45 hours a week, then make sure all orders are done in a timely manner. Sometimes I deal with real jerks, people who custom order something then don't want to pay for it.. Or people who complain once they get the item that is exactly as they ordered it. Those are few and far between, though, and my happy customers completely outweigh the picky few!

My dream is to take it on the road someday, hopefully within the next 2 years. We'll see how it all pans out, I guess I have to depend on the economy and the state of the country by then, too.

XoXo

Thirty Days of THANKFUL!

2011-11-02T06:36:00.000-07:00

I've been seeing a lot of people post 30 Days of Thanks on their Facespace, but I figured it'd be funner on the blog! So today I'll do 2, and the rest of the month I'll do one each day!

1. FRIENDS..
Yes, yesterday I was whining about how I have no friends and feel alone a lot, but in reality I am very blessed to have the friends I do have. I've grown a lot in the past few years and I think that meant leaving some people behind, I've finally come to terms with it. I still have one of the best friends you could ask for, even though we live two completely different lives! My 3 sisters are all great friends, and then I have all my guy friends too! Maybe you don't need an entire tribe as long as you have a few good ones! Maybe that's growing up! =]

2. CURRENT NICE WEATHER..
As you may have seen me mention once or two hundred times, I HATE THE COLD! Yesterday was in the mid-60s and sunny, and today is looking to be even a bit warmer! I'm going to take advantage by cleaning out my car one last time before winter, maybe even washing it! And on the bright side of things, I keep telling myself that I'll be gone for a week in December, in the sunshine, so maybe this winter will go quick for me! Either way, I can't wait to clean out my car in the sun this evening and then HOOP outside!!!

WHAT ARE YOUUUUU THANKFUL FOR TODAY?!

Indian Summer

2011-11-01T12:08:00.000-07:00

I have become a little obsessed with stones.
I wish I had such a beautiful variety but mostly all you can find/get around here are amethysts and some odd & end stones that aren't very beautiful.
I don't know much about their healing properties & don't know how much I believe in them, but I do feel a certain calm when I'm wearing my amethyst cluster.
Who knows?

Close up view of a stone.
Now how can you not call that beauty?

Indian Summer Tree of Life

----------------------------------

It's beautiful out today... and I'm at work (of course) for another hour and 40 minutes. After work, I'm going to go clean my car out, then home to work on more jewelry. My sales have already helped a little bit, so I am looking forward to the rest of the month. Hopefully things go over well! lol.

J works the late shift AGAIN, but that's the only other late shift this week. I haven't minded staying up a little later lately and making dinner so that we can eat together at 10:30 when he gets home. Also Sunday night and last night I woke up around 1:30 and couldn't go back to sleep. So instead of laying in bed alone, we have been watching cartoons together and cuddling. It's nice.

If you've noticed, I haven't been talking much about friends lately on here. Basically because I feel like I have none... Well, I do have BFF, but she is always working and busy with her kid & husband, not that I can blame her. I wish we lived closer, 45 minute drive to see her just sucks and means we only hang out once a month. I've tried making new friends, but really there is NO ONE my age around here who isn't a junky or doesn't have kids. And for some reason because I don't have kids, people with kids don't wanna hang out. Neverending vicious cycle? I'm ready to start convincing J to pick a place to move, any place... and go. It's just like there's nothing much here to lose, and if we go somewhere else, maybe we could settle closer to a good music scene too.

Last but not least (or actually least) is anyone else sick of hearing about Kardashian shit 24/7? Okay, the bitch got married on TV, in a 2 part series & made millions off of it. He proposed on TV, after knowing each other barely at all... PUBLICITY! That is all!

This Is Halloween*

2011-10-31T11:29:00.002-07:00

All weekend I wore my Nightmare Before Christmas clothes, as I told J, because it's Halloween season, DUH! He told me I shouldn't only wear the stuff on Halloween, since I have so much of it. Oh wellllll!

Today I'm working... til 5... and he's working 2-10.... and it's our six year anniversary! Really seems like a lot longer sometimes, but then again seems like just yesterday we hung out for the first time. So we will be having dinner when he gets off, a little cuddle time & a little sexy time before bed. I love that man, and I'm so glad that things seem to have gotten back on track... Actually not the same track, a totally different track, and I can tell we're both so much happier on this track.

Today I'm offering 20% off anything in stock in my store. Knotty Craft Kreations on Facebook... because right now I'm hesitant to list on etsy due to all the upcoming sales/promotions I have coming up for November... I think I am going to end up listing all jewelry & extensions tonight, one collapsible hoop & if/when it sells I'll figure out what to do from there. =] Tomorrow the big holiday sale will begin and hopefully it'll be enough to make up for what I'm cutting myself short of this coming month.

Explanation of cutting funds short = I've been thinking and since I'm on salary I was a little worried about missing an entire paycheck while we're on our cruise. So being the brains I am, I asked my dad what he thought about me cutting a day out of every week's pay the next 5 weeks, and he said good idea. So all was well, til I emailed Payroll woman and she told me that would take my paychecks down $200... URGH. No biggie because this way we'll be able to pay our rent on time in December, but I HATE BEING CUT SHORT. I'm on a budget and I like to stick to the budget... however with short paychecks, Christmas, the rest of our spending money for cruise, not to mention whatever else pops up between now & then, I might just go nuts. I'm just going to hope for the best and that the holiday sale works it's magic.

And without further ado.... a whole 7 hours before the rest of the world finds out.... My November sales in their entirety... [[on Facebook I am only going to unveil one week's sale at a time]] If you all don't mind, you should let me know what you think of the sales... are they good enough!? !!!! THANKS!!!!

Week One (Nov 1-6)
-All earrings, $5 shipped
-Buy anything over $15, get 50% off 2nd item
-All custom orders come with free gift!

Week Two (Nov 7-13)
-Add matching tutu to kid's hoop for $10
-Mini twins (2 color) $20 shipped
-Collapsibles (2-3 color) $28 shipped

Week Three (Nov 14-20)
-All custom orders come with free gift!
-All collapsibles & mini twins come with free hemp handles!
-All kid's hoops, buy one, get one 50% off

Week Four (Nov 21-28)
-Newborn & Kid Tutus $10
-Buy one, get one 50% off on ALL hoops
-Buy one, get one 50% off on ALL pre-made jewelry

ALL MONTH LONG
-Spend over $20, get free Hooping Bear decal while supplies last
-Matching bracelet for $4 with any necklace order (pre-made or custom)
-Matching earrings for $4 with any necklace order (pre-made or custom)
-Grab bag option ~ $20 gets you three pieces of hemp jewelry (one necklace, specify anklet/bracelet, specify earrings or ring)

Ghosts of Halloweens Past...

2011-10-28T12:51:00.000-07:00

Halloween 2009
For some reason not many pictures, but I was Mad Hatter & my eyelashes were FABULOUS!

Quite possibly the best make up ever...
Aside from Angie's make up today that is.
And wow, I only had one lip ring! hah.

Wizard of Oz group, plus 2 scragglers (Scream Guy & Prisoner)

Me & my very first hooooop!

The Wiz & the Scarecrow, whoda thunkit?!
We are a mighty hot couple, if you ask me!

I just realized the peace sign must have been my go-to pose that night (Halloween 2008)! Our group was SO fab! We even had the Wizard & both Good Witch & Bad Witch! What more can you ask for? That straw, however, was nasty. I was blitzed and apparently having the TIME of my life!

* * * *

Last year I was a fairy for one party (I looked like a fatass, NO pictures), and an eskimo at another (which wasn't fun, again NO pictures). This year I'm nothin. J will be a gangsta monkey tonight... I'm sad I'm missin out, but hey, I don't even have a costume, let alone enough money to go to NYC this weekend... well not like he did either, but that's it, we're cut off from shows after this... Well except we wanna see Keller Williams in 2 weeks... and uh, maybe Bassnectar the weekend before the cruise. But isn't a live music addiction so much better than a drug addiction?!

So as of now, I have to buy Christmas presents ASAP for my mom, my dad, my stepmom, J, all 3 sisters, and brother. Possibly brother's girlfriend & her son, not sure what the status is on including them on Christmas this year. lol. Oh and brand new nephew, granted he comes before Christmas (hah!). J is getting Vibram's 5 fingers, I even sneakily measured his foot after he put his foot to my face to "compare sizes" and I was like hmm I wonder how long your foot IS? I'm smart & sneaky! And I also sent in a request for an estimate on a new flatbill with embroidery, one of a kind.. we'll see how much that costs before I decide if he's getting it. Clothes for all 3 sisters, I think, and then no idea about my mom, dad, brother, girlfriend, nephew or step-nephew (? no better idea on what to call him!). There are far too many bills and not enough money this paycheck (I got paid 16 hours ago and have less than half my check left, and 2 weeks left to live on it)... So I am crossing my fingers that my holiday sales go through the roof. they better, damnit. Still got about $250 each to contribute to cruise spending $$$ fund, but that will be taken care of no problem, I just want it to hurry and be here!

FIVE WEEKS TO GO!!!!

2011-10-27T12:20:00.000-07:00

All I have lately are snippets and bullet points. I'm lame, I'm sorry!

J leaves tonight late for NYC. I'm bummed I can't go, but I can't, so I'm just trying to not be bummed. Plans for the weekend = working on inventory & new ideas. Why must I always come up with new ideas?! But they're so fun looking & I want to play! lol. Bachelorette party Saturday night, then coming home and crossing my fingers that J is there waiting for me! The friends he is going with are notorious for sleeping alllll day and the show's Friday, so I'm guessing they won't be home til late Saturday. Unless of course their hotel has early check out hours, which would be nice. Monday is our 6 year anniversary... we haven't really talked about it at all, but I'm assuming it's still our anniversary, Halloween romance! No wonder I love Nightmare before Christmas so much!

My sister still isn't any closer to having baby... Well obviously she's closer time-wise but her cervix is not cooperating. lol. I'm getting anxious to meet & hold my first real nephew! [[I have a nephew & 2 neices from my bitch sister who I don't see and actually have only met the oldest neice, way back when I was in 10th grade]] Every single time I see her she is bigger and more miserable, but she's off work now til the baby comes, so I have been seeing her often! =]

That's all I got! I got nothin else! Love & hugs to all of you, hope your day wasn't as rainy as mine is!

Getting There*

2011-10-25T09:15:00.001-07:00

My last few days have basically been spent trying to be organized for my big holiday sale... I took pictures of most of my pendants & uploaded them, for custom orders. I think what I'm going to try to do is have a certain sale each week, that way everything will have it's little moment to shine, and then the last week, have a percentage off of everything that's left! I've been decluttering, and putting things in piles to gift to bloggers and IRL friends. I really just need to stop shopping until everything I have is used in jewelry, I'm slowly but surely getting there!

I've got a huge box and a few garbage bags full of clothes to donate to Goodwill or the food pantry's little closet (where people can get stuff for free). I was trying to re-sell some of the nicer things, but obviously everything good has been bought, so I'm done trying to store it all until some rainy day. I will never ever be a size 0, 1 or 3 again, and it's time to face that! haha. I however am in a size 7 for the first time in 2 years, it's even a bit snug, so all my size 5 & 7's will stay, along with any M or L shirts. I even fit into a size small Nirvana shirt from high school last week. And got a compliment on it. I don't have a scale, so I have no idea how much weight I have lost, but I am going to continue to drink water like a camel, do 3-4 miles on the elliptical at lunch daily, and eat healthier. I think I might start 4 days a week on The Shred again in November too... we'll see.

Sooo... the weekend.... Friday I had a great friend date! We ate and talked and ate and got Starbucks and talked some more. That's what I call perfect. I really love her & I'm glad her hubby took the boy so that we could have some one on one girl time, it doesn't happen much anymore! Went home afterwards and got a lot of hoops made, packaged and ready for mailing. Saturday, it was the perfect weather, so we got ready and headed to Cedar Point for a fun day.... Only everyone else had the same idea so we only got to ride one ride, and got to go into one haunted house (which kinda sucked), but we still had a good time. It was nice to walk around, holding hands, smiling & laughing, I missed that. Then we came home early because all the ride & haunted attraction lines were 3+ hours long, and it's not worth it. Sunday was spent grocery & household shopping, cleaning, and watching movies together. I loved that he had all weekend off, and it's happening again this weekend ~ yay!

Still no swap package, I've pretty much given up. If you're a swap holder, I wouldn't allow anyone by the blog name of "Oh, Fuck It" to join, because apparently she has no manners, can't respond to emails, can't get a package out in a timely manner and then won't respond after she's almost 2 weeks late. I was playing nice, but seriously you can post blog posts but can't type back a yes or no response to an email. Pathetic. I hope you're enjoying all the badass stuff I got for you. Especially that cup, it was the shit! =] Luckily the hosts are awesome & 2 of my bestest bloggy buddies, so they're taking care of me (even though they don't have to).

BTW ~ if any of you are a size small or extra small in tops, 0, 1, 3 in pants, and are looking for some clothing, let me know, I'd rather gift it to people I know will appreciate it. I have lotsa different styles.. Just comment with sizes & I'll email you some pictures, if nothing else you can pay me $5 to ship it =]

Updation

2011-10-21T12:25:00.000-07:00

Tonight = Pinkberry & chinese or mexican with my BFF! We finally got a Pinkberry semi-nearby and I'm stoked. Love me some froyo.

Tomorrow = Sleeping in and cuddling. Maybe Cedar Point (we live 20 min away, why not?). J has both weekend days off so we gotta do something (this weekend and next!).

Swapoween = Still no response in emails, still no package. I'm not one to bitch (ha! who am I kidding?) but seriously, where do people learn their manners from?! I might be done with swaps, sick of getting short end of the stick! and no, I havent always gotten the short end of the stick, I've had some great swap partners ~ Angie, Beth, Camille & a few more... but I've also had 2 partners who flaked completely & 2 with shitty packages, and now one with no responses & a super late package. Just annoying!

Life = Spent last night cleaning the ferret cage, laundry, dishes, and then making chicken tacos (mm!). Waited for J to get home (damn you late shift), and then we watched Jersey Shore. I fell asleep and then we realized the reunion was on right afterwards, which never happens on MTV, so I tried to stay awake ~ did not work! I told J to come tuck me in and he said no just stay on the couch then we can go to bed together. I really love him.

Work = I've been mostly working on custom orders. After Pinkberry & dinner, I'm going to work on some customs & then try to take & post pictures I've been wanting to take for about a month now. I am thinking instead of de-stashing, I might just post certain pendants for customs in a price category ($5, $10, $15) and then de-stash after Christmas. I am selling my sewing machine for sure, and giving my fabric to a friend, so there's a bit of stuff gone.

Play = The show Wednesday was great, it made me feel like a hangover yesterday even though I didn't drink, smoke or ingest a drop of any mind altering substance. I think it's cuz I stayed up for 22 hours. J is hitting a show tonight while I'm having BFF time, then I think that might be it til the cruise. I honestly hope not cuz I wanna see Keller Williams next month when he's in town! Hopeful for Cedar Point tomorrow, but if we don't go tomorrow, we're going next weekend, so that's a plus! We haven't been since 4th of July 2008, and it's right near us, PLUS it's Halloweekends, so it's a trip we need to make!

Shopping = I got a new feather clip from Jamie in the mail yesterday, going to wear it tonight! This is the 4th or 5th thing I've gotten from her & let me tell you, this chick's stuff is legit. I love it all! Check out her etsy shop and of course her blog! Also got my cowboy boots I talked about awhile ago. Wore them to a funeral last week and a bridal shower over the weekend, tons of compliments both times. I think Im gonna wear em tonight with skinnies & a Grateful Dead long sleeve tee, I hope it looks as cute as it does in my head! Other than that, I'm in the market for some nice black shoes, leggings for winter, and shirts in a smaller size. I am getting smaller, the boobs aren't, but I'd like a shirt that is a little tighter instead of loose (I'm enjoying the weight loss for sure & trying to keep up healthy habits!).

Other than those areas of life, not much to say. I'm gonna try my DAMNEDEST to get a package in the mail tomorrow for Miss Camille, Miss Angie & Miss Jamie, check your mailboxes ladies... actually your inboxes, if I get em sent, I'll give you tracking! =]

Anatomy of a Perfect Night.

2011-10-20T12:08:00.000-07:00

It was actually a very imperfect night, but maybe that's what made it all the better? Hmmm.

Our party grew from 3 people to 5 people, so we loaded into the car and headed up after work :) It was raining cats & dogs the whole way there, I kept hydro-planing and sliding, but we got there in one piece! We thought we were too late for Mongolian, so we grabbed Jimmy John's and headed into the venue ~ which was our mistake! After getting in we found out that there was over an hour until the first opener even started (who we wanted to miss!), and on top of that under 21 wouldn't be re-admitted (which is J for another 2 months, ugh). So we had loooots of time to kill, and it was boring time indeed. lol.

But, finally, after 2+ hours, we got to see who we came for....

EOTO

The equipment..

Seriously sweeeeet how much electronics they fit on that stage. lol

EOTO is comprised of 2 middle age men.
Their music is fantastic.

As J would say "it'd be sweet for him to be my dad".
lol.

They rocked it from 11:30-2, LONG show... really long.
By the last 20 minutes, J & I were both ready to go, we even stopped dancing.
I got a t shirt, he got a signed poster for our wall of posters,
and we all headed on our merry way after they finished their last song which was
No Diggity, originally by Blackstreet. They did a fab dub-mix & I took a short video but Idk how to imbed here, sooo... yeah!

We got home around 4, ate another meal cuz we were STARVING, then next thing I knew, J was shaking me awake from the couch, so we could go to the bedroom. I took a half day today, then went to pick up my birth certificate so I can finish my paperwork for the cruise, got a quick (fast food -- BLECH) lunch, and now I'm almost done with my day at work. :)

For some reason, our electric was off for a few hours (like our whole street), so I'm nervous to go home and see how cold our house is. J had to go to work too, so I'm not sure HOW LONG it was off. I'm really not sure if our heat is electric or gas (how pathetic am I?), but I don't want the tortoise to be freezing or Ruca!

And with that, I'm out!
I'm hopeful to be back tomorrow with a swap package post, we'll seeeeee!

XoXo

Woah Where'd I Go?

2011-10-19T08:36:00.000-07:00

Here I am :) I feel like it hasn't been almost a week since I posted, whooops!!

Finally got to rent Zookeeper & Horrible Bosses, loved them both =]

J is all healed (for the most part) and pretty much back to normal (aside from some difficulty in the good lovin department, hahah).

Heading to Cleveland to see EOTO tonight. I accidently put J's name in the will call section, so the past 3 days I've been emailing this obscure ticket company because according to their site they "don't use phones because it has to be in writing, so email only for customer service"... ARGH. Anyways, he found out today he doesn't have to work early tomorrow, so he gets to join us, woo hoo!

As soon as my Swapoween package shows, I'll have a post linked up for it. I'm gettin antsy to see what I got! =]

We got a little pamphlet and our luggage tags from the cruise company on Monday! I was soooo giddy! J is starting to get more excited, less worried, too, which is great! Tomorrow I go get my birth certificate and that should be the end of the paperwork ordeal!

We've been slow at work this week, for the first time in months! It feels grrrreaaat!

When I get paid next Thursday I will be ordering J's Christmas gift, since no one else I buy for will tell me what they want yet I might as well start with his. I'm excited to give them to him, he's getting some Vibram 5 Fingers shoes for next season =] And possibly a handgun, not sure on that one yet =]

My sister's cervix is opened a bit, she's being told she's done with work, and the due date hasn't changed. I will have a new nephew in about 2 weeks... AHH =]

That's all in my exciting world today, hope everyone's enjoying their lovely fall week.

2011-10-14T12:22:00.001-07:00

I've been saying "dirty little bastard(s)" about everything all day. I think I inherited this phrase from my Papa who says it ALL.THE.TIME!

J's procedure went normally yesterday, from what they told him. He did have a staph infection, but not MRSA, thankfully! We went to the funeral home last night and he started bleeding a lot, so we had to rush out.

We have watched SO MANY MOVIES this week that watching a TV show feels like a commerical, haha! We watched Fast Five, Transformers 3, The Tourist, Wrecked, Scream 4, I Am Number 4, and probably at least 5 that I can't remember... and now that J is okay enough to laugh, we are going to rent Zookeeper and Horrible Bosses tonight.

Tomorrow I am going to clean, clean, clean, then I'm going to BAKE! I found a recipe for some pumpkin spice cupcakes that I realllyyy want to try. I am addicted to all things pumpkin & all things cupcake, so it better be yummy!

HAVE A GOOD WEEKEND Y'ALL! =]

2011-10-13T07:59:00.000-07:00

Glad to hear such good feedback on the new simple jewelry idea! I've been shopping around for some smaller charms, but probably won't start that until I sell/de-clutter the rest of my shop supplies!

I just signed into etsy for the first time in a looong time (no sales since August), and realized all my stuff had run out of time. Oh nice, I wonder why they don't email you and say hey, your stuff is about to disappear unless you relist it? It all works out in the end, though, I've been toying with the idea of listing stuff for my crafty friends, since I already have a pretty big customer base. So I'm going to try to take photos this weekend and get things organized! So look forward to some new additions in the way of headbands, feather extension clips, backpacks, hoop bags, and possibly some crochet hats! =]

J got cut open and stuffed with gauze this morning. They gave him some pain medicine, which I'm thankful for... He looks like an old man when he tries to walk or get up. I've been waiting on him because it seriously is the most pain I have ever seen him in. They gave him 3 more days off work, so he doesn't have to go back til Monday now.

I am going to run errands after work tomorrow and get everything necessary to deep clean the house. It's been needing done for awhile and I'm just going to attack it while we have nothing better to do. For some reason our bathroom has been producing mildew on things like overnight... it's disgusting to even admit.. but our shower curtain now has mildew on it, our tub grows it on the bottom unless you wipe it down with a towel afterwards, our toilet lid grows mildew when you leave it shut, it's just disgusting. It has never happened before until about the last week. I am going to ask the landlord about it. We have no ventilation fan in there, it's an old house, but maybe she can suggest something or get something installed for us. Until then I'm going to be doing everything I can to keep it clean 24/7 and mildew free.

I apologized to my mom last night... Right, we can't even be mad at each other for 24 hours. She said sorry too, which is a pretty big thing for her. lol.

I haven't mentioned it on the blog, but it's been a crazy week for myself and my group of friends. On Friday night, one of our very closest friends came home to find his mom dead in a murder-suicide by her husband (she was leaving him). It's probably the worst thing you can imagine, and we've all been trying to be here for him as much as possible. His sister (another good friend) just had her 2nd baby a few weeks ago, and all I can think about is how her new baby will never know his grandma, all because someone couldn't handle being left. Tonight we go to the funeral home, and as always, it's the same place where my step-dad's funeral was. I just hate walking through those doors, but I need to show my support for their family right now.

Other than that, life is life. I finally got my late swap package in the mail yesterday afternoon (sorry!) and am planning to package up goodies that I have been neglecting to send to a few of you ladies and have them in the mail this weekend! Then everyone can have some good mail Monday or Tuesday! :)

IM ALIVE....

2011-10-12T12:13:00.000-07:00

I DIE. I have been toying with the idea of a peacock feather on the leg or foot...
And this kinda cemented it.

Also toying with the idea of more simplistic jewelry options for my customers who don't wear hemp. Simple, dainty stuff like shown above. What do you think?

www.operationbeautiful.com
go there, feel pretty.

I'm sure most of you have seen the melted crayon art throughout the blogosphere,
this picture reminds me of that & i think I'm going to attempt my own version at some point in the near future.

In Other News....

The past few days have been crazy. J came down with some weird lump, a super high fever, tons of sweating, and overall pain. We spent a few hours trying to figure out what was going on, while scary words such as cancer and biopsy were thrown out. Come to find out, it's an infected abcess growth. They gave him some medicines, tomorrow he goes to get it cut open and tested for MRSA. Hopefully it heals quick, I've been feeling so bad for him, since Saturday he hasn't moved much at all, and the doctor gave him 3 days off work... He is going insane with boredom. We've been renting tons of movies. lol.

I've been trying to really sell things that I've been holding onto lately. I think I'm going to part with my LED hoop, my sewing machine, and some of my supplies that I keep around for "that thing I wanna do" someday, but never do. I might post a craft supply sell out here on the blog, since so many of you ladies are crafters too. I just need to clear some junk outta my life!

I finally found some sparkle nail polish worth the price tag. Not 100% sure of the name, but it's OPI and the display had The Muppets on it. I got the multi-color one to try out, love love love it, and am going to stop back and get the all green & all blue versions. I am a nail polish addict & I love sparkle.

Also bought some glow nail polish... and am not a happy camper about it. The only way you see any glow is if you hold it about 2 inches away from a light bulb, and then it glows for about 2 minutes. Not worth the $10 I paid. Worst part, my friend was supposed to give me a mani, they wanted $20 since it was special polish, but she double booked, so I just bought a bottle for $10... if I would have paid double that for a mani I would not have been very happy ~ at all! (ps, mani/pedis are not a normal thing for me, I just wanted to splurge, kinda glad it didn't work out!)

My mother and I are not on very good terms right now. My life was turned upside down the past 2 months and I think it took it's toll on everyone around me. I drained myself planning and paying for my sister's baby shower and definitely neglected other portions of my life. I'm planning on getting her a card & telling her sorry, hopefully she reciprocates my apology, because sometimes it seems like the ones you love the most can be the ones to say the most hurtful things to you.

Does anyone have any book suggestions? I love reading about vampires, witches, faeries, anything otherworldly, dystopian fiction, a good brainless chick-lit, and pretty much anything that will expand my knowledge.

Last but not least, due to the abcess and no one willing to take his ticket, J and I are missing a show we've been looking forward to this weekend. I sold both our tickets to another couple, but I'm still sad about it! Next Wednesday I have another show to look forward to, so I am just gonna focus on that! Sad not to see my favorite Rootwire pham this weekend though. =[

Have a good one lovelies!

Stand(or)Fall

2011-10-06T11:41:00.000-07:00

I don't often talk about my feelings about politics, our government, the craziness that is our world right now.... Because opinions get so strong, people get so heated, and offense is often taken... But now, I'm going to speak my piece.

First off, if you're not living under a rock, you know about Occupy Wall Street, which has been going on for about 3 weeks now... and just hit mainstream media within the past week. I've been following the whole time, and waiting for the news media to take things and run. I heard one newscaster say "oh these are the people who followed the Dead... but aren't they dead now?"... Seriously, these are not just hippies, and even if it was --- why does that matter? Because our lifestyle is different apparently we don't deserve respect and fairness?!

The way I see it/feel it, is this --- I'm 24... my entire childhood/teenage years we were told, coached, over & over that no matter what if you go to school, you can do whatever you want to do. We were shown the riches that people can make by going to college and choosing your field. That all changed when the recession hit. Now, most of us are lucky if we can even find a position in our field. Most of us are paying off student loans for degrees that are doing nothing other than collecting dust on our shelves or walls or even in boxes packed up somewhere. Don't we have a right to be unhappy about the hand we were dealt? Because after all, it's going to be US and our children who have to pay back all this debt... who will be paying the price for what our politicians, leaders & business people are doing to our country. I just don't think that's right.

And neither do 99% of the rest of us....
It's no secret that people are struggling right now.
Almost everyone I know is struggling in some shape or form,
even if they're too proud to admit it.

The crowd is mostly comprised of young people (in their 20s), but as the days go on, a wide variety of people have joined in. People's eyes are opening... There isn't one big demand, people just want some kind of accountability to come from somewhere. Our country bailed out so many businesses who were in peril. And now we're back where we were before.

25% of youth are unemployed
16-17% are under employed
we need affordable schooling
we need jobs
people need to be able to keep their homes

Our country is in a desperate time, and people need to take desperate measures.

If you don't know about the movement, please educate yourself on it.
Even if it doesn't effect you, it's current events, it's huge, it's spreading through our states like wild fire, and why not know something...
Official Site
Wikipedia
Blogger Point of View

Throughout Ohio, Occupy Dayton, Toledo & Cleveland have all been organized.
People are camped.
The word is spreading.
People are standing for something.
It's nice to be able to stand for something.

So tell me ~
What do you think..?
Where you live, are people occupying?
How do you feel being a 20 something living in this world?

Keepin It Real*

2011-10-04T11:21:00.000-07:00

lately all I do is dream & daydream about places I've never been, and maybe people I've never met. all I know is I need something to change.
i am suddenly jealous of things i never thought/knew i wanted...
and im suddenly fearful of what to do with myself.

why cant i just get the courage to quit everything im doing and start over
somewhere else, where no one knows me...
why cant i just sell everything and go away, where i dont have to answer the questions that people always ask.

apparently i have bad days just as much as i have good days.
and this bird you cannot change,....

Monday Again...

2011-10-03T07:11:00.000-07:00

No matter what, the Mondays keep on comin!
The only good thing about Mondays is reading Post Secret from Sunday. lol

Oh so, my adapter never came, but I got my old one to work. I filed a claim on ebay, I guess that's what I get for trying to take the cheap way out. (jerks) Here's a bunch of pictures from the past.... few months lol.

Ruca girl in her beautiful Dead bolt bandana by one of my friends.
It matches my festie pockets =]

My new hair (which is much redder in person)
& my amethyst cluster that I bought myself for my birthday.
It's gorgeous & my favorite piece of jewelry.

J & I at a show this summer =]
He looks so different (but good) without dreads!

My monster backpack wearing J's flatbill =]

This is from the way home from DC last week!
We were like OH DAMN GOTTA TAKE A PICTURE!

Girls Gone Wild bus chicks..
their mothers must be so proud.

Our hotel bed in DC...
Seriously could have stayed in that thing forever...
Not one or two, but FIVE feather pillows ~ my absolute favorite!
*notice our dirty clothes everywhere, we are the type of people who take our clothes off & drop them wherever we're standing. often leading to a house with lots of dirty socks everywhereee. lol

Bassnectar

We walked to the back for a stage shot, and got one with this beautiful stilt dancer!!

* * * * *

My weekend was fine, the baby shower turned out perfect, she got all she needed & more. I'll post some pictures of the decor, cake, etc later on this week!

After the shower, a friend & I went to one of her friend's Pure Romance party. These things just crack me up! It's crazy how much girls will share about their sex lives in front of complete strangers. I knew no one in the room but heard about soooo many things that I'd be embarassed to talk about. One thing I did realize ~ my sex life is pretty damn good compared to a lot of people my age apparently. Got some new bedroom stuff, no toys, that's not really my thing! And some Coochu Shave Cream, ever since I got my first bottle like 6 months ago I won't use anything else. My legs have never been smoother & softer!

My friend had a benefit concert after, and it was cold & rainy. I went anyways, for 2 bands, ruined my shoes & probably my jeans, and headed home to snuggle and go to sleep! She was collecting coats & other winter paraphenelia to donate to the needy around our area. Apparently she got a whole truckload = SUCCESS!!!! I love having some friends who are as ambitious and ungreedy as I am.

* * * * *

My little plea for donations has apparently caught at least one person's eye. Someone donated $20 over the weekend. The whole Go Fund Me website was kind of just a joke thing J and I decided to give a try in case it actually worked. I mean, shit, there's people on there who have been given $500-thousands of dollars for stupid stuff (ie: get me to burning man, buy me an ipad, help me move across the country), which obviously our reasonings for raising money aren't life or death (some are heartbreaking), but if someone is willing to donate a dollar or $20, I'm happy because it means someone, somewhere supports our joint dream... or even has the same dreams & understands where we're comin from. No trips are on the horizon for me, J is going to NYC this month with some of our friends for a show, but I can't afford it & my aunt's bachelorette party is the same weekend so yeah. The next one is our cruise, which I am just patiently waiting for!

Hope you all are having good Mondays =]

Wide Eyed Smilin Hits the Road?

2011-09-29T10:15:00.000-07:00

Okay so I keep having these dreams... in these dreams we're traveling together, seeing places we've never seen and having the time of our lives. What's holding us back? Well... jobs and money. So I have been toying with a few ideas of how to make money. I was thinking maybe just make a bunch of jewelry for $1 each and seeing how that goes. Or asking for donations. Or a million other "maybes"..... But do you guys have any ideas?! If we could sell our possessions and find a way to do this, my blog would totally become a travel blog. I'm going to start buying a Mega Millions ticket every week. It never hurts to try. For now, if you want to donate $1, here's a button. I'm not asking for any of my friends to give me money, seriously, but I'm going to direct people here via various other outlets. lol. So if you clicked a link and ended up here, I'll take $1.... and hey, maybe if it works, I'll be on the road in a few months, visiting you guys!

http://www.gofundme.com/HaleyJoshRuca

[L]istful..

2011-09-28T07:26:00.000-07:00

I am going absolutely insane knowing that my camera is filling up with pictures & I have even more pictures that will need to be taken in the next few days & my stupid adapter still isn't here. Not to mention the one I already own is just *poof* gone in thin air!

Took Ruca to the vet this morning, after she woke me up over 10 times last night itching so bad the bed was shaking... She always has season-change allergies, but I figured maybe she needed a cortisone shot. J took her to the vet and we find out she has fleas (huh?! we just bathed her the other day and I checked her cuz of her itchiness), another (or the same) ear infection, and her normal allergies. Seriously. Apparently it was our normal vet's partner and he showed J how to clean her ears... guess what!? Our normal effing vet showed us the wrong way in July when we took her, so apparently she's been living with an infection that entire time and we didn't know it. I feel like a horrible mother! So now she has itch relief medicine, flea/tick/heartworm for 6 months, more ear medicine & has to go back in 12 days for a check up. Under $200, so I'd say a mini success!

On top of that vet money, I just dropped $110 on ferret supplies. 20 lbs litter, 40 lbs food, 10 lbs bedding, 32 oz stuff that makes their pee/poop not smell as bad... should last at least 3 months of keeping them fed, clean, & not smelly! =]

Since announcing my hoop sale I've gotten sooo many orders. I'm starting to work on them this evening, I missed hoop making, it's been a bit of a lag lately!

Also getting my hair did after work. Fall color to come, if my adapter comes tonight I'll do a huge picture post soon! If not, I'll just use crappy cell technology to show you my new hair tomorrow =] I think I might add some long bangs for the first time in eons!

Tomorrow will be 3 years since my stepdad has been gone. I have been extremely good this year about not being super depressed. I think the shock and despair have finally worn off and I know that life is going to move on, full steam ahead. Just wish he could be here to meet his first grandchild next month.

Speaking of that first grandchild, this baby shower is giving me premature grey hair. Not really, but I feel like it will before the week is over! All that's left now is to buy the food, drinks & then decorate Saturday morning. I just want it to all go smoothly & be over so I can get on with my life. lol.

I've been organizing & planning my live music schedule for October & oh boy, I cannot wait! This coming weekend my friend is having a small benefit show with all-night music, then I'm taking 2 weeks off, on the 15th seeing Papadosio in Columbus, the 18th seeing EOTO in Cleveland, and then hopefully squeezing something in for a Halloween show too! Yay =]

Sunday, I'm starting (again) shopping for the cruise! Clearance sales have begun and I'd love to have lotsa cute stuff for the week we're gone. Also, I've lost about 10 lbs, so it's time for a size down in jeans. What what!?

What's all the HOOPla?!

2011-09-27T12:23:00.000-07:00

First things first, I'm about to talk about a sale on hoops!
I know most of my readers who hoop have already gotten a hoop from me,
but this is another avenue for me to promote, so promoting I am :)

Trinity Hoop
This hoop is a new style I'm working on (and is now for sale)
As pictured above you can see it is one hoop that breaks down into two mini hoops.
Right now, I'm offering them for $34 shipped, so it's a pretty good introduction price :)

* * *
Other Shippable Options...

Twin mini hoops! These are for hand hooping mainly, although I do have some friends who can do body work with them as well!
You get 2 matching or non-matching handhoops for $15 local, $22 shipped!
The lower ones pictured were for a friend, they're her "night & day" hoops!

As always, we have the collapsible travel hoop, which a few of you guys have bought, traded, or won from me! If you want a hoop with water in it, this is how I ship them, when you uncollapse it you can add water & tape it shut for a permanent hoop! Or you can keep it as a collapsible travel hoop and take it anywhere ~ even on airplanes ~ with you!
These are $30 shipped, which is a $6 savings.

This is a tribal style hoop, which I can do on any of my options.
Most people buy the swirled hoops, but these are also very eye catching, and get a LOT of compliments! They tend to look more like a fire hoop, but as a regular hoop!
These are also $30 when shipped collapsible style!
The one pictured above has glow tape, which of course is an additional cost!

As always, my stuff is available via Facebook or Etsy.
I haven't been listing things on Etsy until people ask for a reserved order because the fees are driving me insane! If you'd be so kind to direct people my way who may be interested, I'd totally appreciate it!

*Oh and STILL no card adapter for the camera. I am not a happy camper. My camera is full of pictures & inventory that I'd really like to upload. Only I would have a Sony which apparently takes a weird not-SD card, so you can't just plug it into the laptop. KILL ME NOW!

BASS head.

2011-09-26T07:28:00.001-07:00

I ended my last post with... "if all goes as planned".... Well hello, that should have told you something!

It didn't go as planned, but it went 10000 times better! We had a perfect weekend!

Hit the road by 9 on Saturday, after dropping the pupster to my sister to babysit. We ended up at our hotel around 3:30-4, perfect timing. Our hotel was classy -- we did not fit in, but hey, I don't care, it was great! Our room had a super comfy bed with lotsa feather pillows, a couch & coffee table, a desk, a flat screen that was bigger than ours at home (WTF?!), a spiffy bathroom & a perfect little area to do my hair & make up. I heard tell the hotel also had a 24 hour gym, a big pool & jacuzzi, and yummy room service ~ however, we didn't take advantage of any of that. lol.

After getting cute & hanging out for a few, we hit the road to go see some stuff before the show. However, traffic didn't want that to happen! We got to park at the venue about an hour before the show, so we walked around a bit, scavenged for some food, and heard some loud Latin music from the festival going on across the street. We kinda cut into the super long line, so we got to go in pretty quickly when the doors opened.

The place was HUGE, but it really felt like a high school dance, because it was a gym floor. lol. The first DJ wasn't that great, just some chick spinning other people's music with no real additions. Big Gigantic was amaaaazing, we danced continuously for their entire set! I didn't realize how much a saxophone really adds to musical talent. Then next was Z-Trip, another DJ, who really reminded us of Girl Talk from Hookahville. We danced but I wasn't that into him... although he did mix up some Snoop Dogg, Tupac & Bone Thugs, which is always a pleasing kind of music for me! But Bassnectar just KILLED IT!!!!! To start, there was a drum line outside while we were waiting in line... Well right before Bassnectar came on, they started playing inside, with a line of rage sticks... Marching in/around the crowd, it was pretty sweet! Then, when they were done he dropped right into some heavy ass beats and just rocked for 2 hours I think. By the end of the set my legs & back were killing me, but I was just having SO MUCH FUN dancing. We were starving, so we headed back towards the hotel in hopes of finding something open ~ the only thing was a McD's, so we got some food.... didn't eat til we got back to the hotel OMG nastiest food ever! So we went to bed still starving. lol.

After a short night's sleep, we woke up and started getting ready for the drive home. After the horrible traffic the day before we decided not to try to get back to DC and sight-see... that we would stop if we saw anything cool on the drive home. Honestly, though, we were both on zombie level of operation, so we didn't really care one way or another. We stopped at a Bob Evans after about an hour on the road, and feasted, but then we just drove continuously, except for dinner time. It was a nice drive; lots of beautiful scenery, great conversation, and those moments when you're just quiet and holding hands and life seems perfect. I love moments like that.

The driving really just woke up my travel bug again. There's nothing I love more than just setting out for somewhere I've never been before ~ armed with a GPS, someone I love accompanying me, and of course a camera. I want to see every inch of the earth (well except the ocean, it kinda scares me)... Every mountain, river, forests, just... we have all these beautiful places that occur naturally in the wild, and so many people just never worry about going to see and experience themselves. I don't want to be someone who just sees things on paper and in pictures... Things are so much more beautiful in the real world, looking at them in wonder and loving it. I think I just need to get with the program and try to travel as soon as possible. For right now, I can't afford to go anywhere/do anything until after the cruise is over (can't complain, though, that cruise is going to make me so happy!)

Oh and still no camera adapter, so still no pictures. Rest assured, though, we got them! Pictures from the road, pictures of the show, and pictures of the classy hotel room. lol.

My week is bound to be busy. Tonight my mom is having a football watching party... lame! But the baby shower is in just a few days (Saturday), so my phone has been blowing up with RSVPs and I still have some last minute stuff to do & buy. I just hope it all goes off without a hitch! The cakes are ordered (yes, cakes... we have too many people coming for just one cake ~ ugh), the food assignments are delegated, the decorations are here, the hall is paid for & the presents from people who can't make it have already been rolling in. And she was worried people wouldn't show!

After the shower, I am heading to a friend's event, possibly setting up shop... If not setting up, I will be enjoying all night music with good people & good vibes. Can't complain about that, can I!?!

Until next time (hopefully tomorrow I can grace you all with lotsa pictures)!

& Party Everyday...

2011-09-23T07:36:00.000-07:00

I am so ready...

My plan is that tonight I will disengage myself from email, Facebook & Blogger...

Sometimes I am almost sick of my smart phone. Why did I make the decision to have technology in my face 24/7. With Facebook's new set up, I am bombarded with notifications... so I already shut off that feature. I just want to spend the weekend alone with J and try to have some fun. I feel like it's not too much to ask, but my mood today matches the weather ~ cloudy, rainy & no sun... And I just want to get through the next 6 hours of work and be off for the weekend. I am trying to push myself out of this funk that landed on me last night, so rainbows & butterflies it is!!!! I will be happy.

Tomorrow by this time, we will be halfway to our destination, so that's a bright spot to look forward to. Before then, I have to work 6 more hours, go get my glow in the dark manicure, shop for something raver to wear, clean out my car, pack my bag & wait for J to get off work.

This week is normally a great week for me, because hello, new TV! Unfortunately I just can't get myself into anything. I've been reading a lot and DVR'ing all my shows, but I have no attention span whatsoever. I need to watch Law & Order SVU, Parenthood, Grey's, Secret Circle, 90210 & The Lying Game... all from this week. I guess I should probably sit down at some point Sunday night and start the list or my DVR will be full before I know it.

I hope all you lovely ladies have a great weekend, I hope my weekend is great too.

Swapoween!

2011-09-22T08:48:00.000-07:00

Wellll, by now you've probably seen posts about Miss Angie & Beth's new swap ~ SWapOWEEN!

I'm pretty stoked, Halloween is my favorite holiday, and this year I don't have any big plans, so this will be my excitement =]

*Go check it out! All you have to do is be an active blogger & follow both ladies, but why wouldn't you want to?! They're awesome!
XoXo

Post #2?!?!

2011-09-21T08:20:00.001-07:00

Sooo....
Remember yesterday how I said cross your fingers cuz I was hoping for good news to come my way? Welllll, it did! Saturday morning, J and I will be hitting the road to go seeeeeee....

BASSNECTAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(Big Gigantic, Z-Trip & DJ Laura)

At this venue (DC Armory)....
Which holds 10,000 people ~ oh my!

In Washington, DC!!!!!!!

* * * *

It's probably not the wisest, money-wise. But I'm taking the plunge here. I was watching Teen Mom, and Caitlyn & Tyler went to a B&B and ski lessons, because she wanted things to be different.... so I figured why not!?

I had plans with a friend to head to Southern Ohio Saturday and catch a one day festival. On Monday she told me she couldn't make it, so he offered to accompany me. Then we started researching other stuff going on that weekend and found this show. For the same ticket price & exact same hotel price, we can stay at a nicer hotel & enjoy a city that I've never gotten the chance to visit! So we spend a bit more gas money, a bit more drive time, and get to experience a fucking amazing show! I am so stoked! Not to mention we'll be getting lots of alone time, and enjoying a night in a veryyyy spiffy hotel! I think I need to buy a new outfit!

So now that it's all settled, booked & paid for,
I just get to wait!!

Tonight, having dinner with J & Ruca after work,
Tomorrow, working & finishing baby shower stuff,
Friday, working & watching Charlie Sheen roast with my good friend since she works 2nd shift and I never see her anymore!!!!

Saturday, leaving at the crack of dawn!

*Anyways, if all goes according to plan, we'll be in DC 6 hours before the show.
If any of you have been there ~ WHAT SHOULD WE DO?!
I'm not really a monument person, but if you think there's one I should see, let me know!

Favorite Colors Swap Loot*

2011-09-21T07:12:00.000-07:00

So after a [long] delay, my adapter still isn't here, so I caved & took crappy cell pictures so I could link up my post!

My favorite color is [lime green]
My partner was [the lovely Beth]

Since I already took photos when it came, but can't upload them yet,
I took some other ones this morning, so missing from the loot is:
1 cute pair of green/white striped boyshorts [yay!]
1 bottle of lime nail art paint =]
& 1 roll of neon duct tape =]

*Not to mention the cute ribbon & notes that were accompanying each little trinket!

Without further ado;

A bright green light!
A picture frame!
A pair of soft comfy socks (wearing them right now!)!

A handmade cup coozy!
A sweet little dish with tea!
Green jell-o!
A healthy Superfood bar!
A handmade bracelet (which I've been wearing quite often!)
& A cutesy little fabric flower clip!

Last, but not least;;
A pack of green sticky notes!
A pencil holder!
A darling little journal for when inspiration strikes!
Window paint (woooo!)!
And a roll of labels!

* * * * *
Beth's color was [teal] and I had a bit of difficulty shopping for her, but I found quite a bit that she loved! You can check out her loot here.

Have a great day!

Going with the Flow ~

2011-09-20T08:34:00.001-07:00

Apparently today Blogger doesn't want me to upload pictures, so eff you Blogger!!!

My whole "going with the flow" philosophy has been working great for me. I have 10x less anxiety and I just take things as they come. I'm OCD about planning (hey, it's the Virgo in me!), and always like to have a plan. But sometimes you can't have a plan, and I'm okay with that too!

*Speaking of plans, I really need to buy a 2012 planner, however, cannot afford $50 Erin Condren planners that everyone & their mom in the blog world has. ---> Color me jealous, cuz they're badass! But who spends that much on a planner?! lol.

Another thing!!! Do any of you readers (or anyone you know) make custom tags? Back in July, I talked to a person who came highly recommended about doing some custom price tags. We worked everything out, she made a prototype for me, and she set up an etsy listing. I told her I was going out of town but would pay as soon as I got back.... well by the time I got back, she had taken her etsy to vacation mode, and since then hasn't answered any emails. I know, stuff happens, believe me, but I feel like a quick email could have been sent. Anyways, I'd like some made still, and I'd like them within the next month or so. I was planning on putting a picture up for reference, but since Blogger won't let me upload, I can't do that! If you or someone you know does this, send me a link if you will so I can contact them! =]

Keep your fingers crossed for me. I don't wanna jinx myself yet, but depending on how things align for me, I might be looking forward to an extremely exciting weekend ahead! I should know for sure by tomorrow, so I'll keep you all updated! =]

I've been reading Helter Skelter, about the Charles Manson murders, for the past 2 weeks. It usually doesn't take me that long to read, but this book was around 600 pages! Written by the prosecutor in the trial, it was extremely informative, and as someone who isn't even really into that sort of read, I really enjoyed it! Yesterday morning, I started Elixir by Hilary Duff (yes, Lizzie McGuire! hah!), and finished it last night. It annoyed me because the story basically followed EXACTLY the same story as another series I recently read, which is completely slipping my mind. Girl meets mysterious boy, falls in love, finds out he is basically living forever due to a fountain of youth type drink, doomed relationships over the years because of people who hate him/her, and blah blah blah. I finished it last night, but don't think I'll be reading the second book.

My new Kindle will be coming today, since my first one died a quick death for absolutely no reason. They were cool about it, overnighting me a new one, and it'll already be loaded with all my e-books, and connected to my Amazon account; they guy said all I have to do is turn it on and I'm ready to go! YAY, because the day before it broke, I bought a new book I haven't had a chance to even start reading! Not to mention there's a new Ellen Hopkins book out, who I absolutely ADORE! And if things go as planned, I should have lots of travel time to read this weekend =]

Alright ladies, have a great Monday & be sure to let me know if you have someone who can assist me with the price tags! =]

Argh!

2011-09-19T05:53:00.000-07:00

*It's "Talk like a Pirate" day =]

*argh is pretty much the only Pirate-ism I know ;)

Who promises pictures when they have a camera that is not working correctly? That's me! I ordered the cord & adapter I need, so I should be in working order with pictures by the end of the week! It should ship today!

I had a fun weekend.

I lost a lot of sleep, made up for it with good times with good people.

I was freeeezing Saturday and headed home super early!

I feel like I'm living in slow motion sometimes, then it seems to fast forward & I'm not sure where that leaves me...

In Bullets;;

2011-09-16T08:40:00.000-07:00

Last night, I left work and headed to the venue for this weekend, met up with J and 2 of our guy friends. We cleaned up some glass & nails that were on the ground, then they gave me the grand tour.

J is setting up my booth for me today while I'm at work (so I'll have a bomb ass spot), in exchange for me letting him take my car to Detroit tonight for a rave. I'm skipping the rave & hitting up the pre-party for the festival. My cousin's band is playing (and I'm skipping their next show), so I'm gonna have fun tonight =]

I'm no longer worried about anything in my life. I'm doing things as they come and having no regrets about anything. I feel a lot better and I'm only day 2 of this mindset.

I am loving my mailbox this week! I've gotten a friendship bracelet from Camille, a beautiful drawing by Angie, and a box full of lime green from Beth. The problem? My camera won't charge! FML.

The baby shower has been coming along wonderfully! The only downside? Her baby daddy has become a complete asshole, 100% different from when they started dating. He has refused to help whatsoever this entire time, and is now refusing to help buy anything for the nursery or the baby himself. He says she will get child support and until then she can leave him alone. I told her I think if that's the case he has made his decision known and shouldn't be called when she goes into labor. I'm a bitch, but I cannot stand to see my sister in that pain. Oh and on top of that, his mom offered me a check to help pay for the shower 3 weeks ago... and it has yet to appear in front of me. I guess I won't depend on it.

Other than that, I'm ready for the weekend to begin. 5 hours & counting....

Still Breathing

2011-09-14T10:54:00.000-07:00

I'm still here, just don't have much motivation to write. My life has basically consisted of coming, going, and being confused in the middle. I am officially a single woman for the first time since I was 18. Things are hard, but they're only hard when I'm alone. Custody has been awarded to me, and I still have been letting him take her during the day. I am leaving my ferrets with him ~ my sister is pregnant and can't be around them, and I think they'll hinder me finding a place. It breaks my heart. He says he's confused, that his brain feels cloudy, and that he hates knowing that when I cry it's his fault (and I say good, that's how you should feel, cuz it is your fault). Yesterday he told me he wants us both to keep saving for spending money on the cruise, and that he not only wants to go, he wants to go with me. I hate to keep myself hoping, but I really do hope that a little time apart can fix us. I'm not going to sit around and be miserable until December though, that's too much. I really am fine, until I am alone and have time to think and be sad.

This weekend, I'm vending a local fest that my friends throw, so that'll be fun :) I spent the entire weekend last weekend working on jewelry, since my stock had dwindled considerably over summer. Hopefully I make some cash flow, and I'll get to see lots of my friend's bands play, so that's always a plus! Plus I'll be out of the house!

My swap package from Beth came on Tuesday and I looveeed it! Right now I have to get the pictures from my camera to the computer, but my post will be up before the week's end! I loved everything in it, even wearing part of it right now!

Other than that, life has been boring. I'm just counting the days til the weekend. Oh and tonight going to pick up a lovely piece of jewelry I bought myself for my birthday, I'll try to post pictures tomorrow, it's gorgeous! And stopping to visit J's sister, since we need to talk about the cruise & she misses me... Ahhh... if only I could fast forward to November and just be done with this month, I always feel like "Wake Me Up When September Ends" should be my theme song every year.

Today I...

2011-09-07T09:02:00.000-07:00

Am a little bit stronger.

Haven't cried.

Am finishing up Beth's swap package!

Made plans for 2 weeks from now, for another mini fest.

Am ordering a cheap pair of cowboy boots from here (i've been searching for months!)

Woke up with my puppy in bed with me, then had a good morning with her before work.

Ate breakfast for the first time in 2 weeks.

--------------------------------------------------

I think I am going to make it out okay... I feel much more clear headed today than I have in 2 weeks. If he doesn't want to be with me, I'm fine with that. I will pack my things, I will move out, and eventually I will move on. I just want to be okay. It scares me how easily I slipped back into my patterns of disordered thinking. I hadn't been at that point for quite some time (years), and I instantly stopped eating or caring about eating. I can't do that to myself again... so I have made an effort to at least eat one small thing every mealtime. For the first few days I had thoughts of self-harm, without following through. I knew I was wrong for thinking about it, but I feel strong for preventing myself from doing it. Now is time for me to do things I want to do, have fun with my friends, and just hope we end up together. But if we don't, we don't. I think no matter what he'll always be a part of my life. I can't think of one good or bad or normal thing that has happened to me in over 5 years where he isn't part of the memory... so that has to be good for something.

Thanks all you lovely ladies who have given me words of support. You've helped more than my friends in the real world have.. it means a lot to me. Love.

What I've Been Up To....

2011-09-06T06:01:00.000-07:00

I really just have been avoiding writing because my head cannot focus on anything other than my depression right now... but I had an alright weekend, even if it ended up badly.

Friday, I worked all day and then made some hoops for the first time in awhile. I realized how much I had missed doing it, so my week this week is going to be focused on building my stock back up. When J got off work, I went over to our place with our puppy and we had a sleepover, which was nice..

Saturday, spent the entire morning being lazy with J and the pup... until he had to go to work until 2. We made plans to rent movies when he got off and order pizza, so I spent the rest of the day shopping with my sister and awaiting the night, because I felt things were going extremely well between us. We rented Limitless and got some pizza, and both realllyyy loved the movie...

Sunday, woke up and cleaned up a bit, then we started talking... and I discovered that once again he feels we need more space.. I was basically just a mess because it had felt like things were going perfectly. So I told him at that point that I would leave him alone for an entire week (next Monday) and that we could talk then. No talking, no texting, no hanging out, I just can't keep doing it and then being let down.

So that was fine... he agreed to it and even said he thought it was a good idea because he didn't know how he'd feel after being without me for a week. I am secretly hoping that he feels like an asshole after a few days and misses me, but I can't expect that with the way things are going.

He texted yesterday to get the dog and spend the night with her. I didn't really want to let him, but I took her over there, dropped her off and said bye. No long drawn out goodbye, no I love you, no hugs or kisses -- I neeeed to be strong. And then I was alright... watched 2 movies with my sister and mom, and then went to bed. But I woke up this morning in a dark house, alone in bed.. when usually my dog would be there with me. And I just started crying. Is it wrong of me to think that since he is the one leaving me that I should be able to have my dog whenever I want and not worry about him missing her?!

I haven't texted him or anything, but I am supposed to go pick her up at 5, and I'm just going to try to compose myself. I'm fine with him taking her while I'm at work or busy during the day, but in the 2+ years we've had her, she sleeps with me/us every single night... and the fact that I've been sleeping with him every single night for over 3 years and now he's taking himself away is bad enough, but I really just can't let him take our dog too.

.........

Yesterday I hung out with my best friend, sister and a few randoms all day. A lot of my friends seem to have gone AWOL in the past 2 weeks of my misery.... and it really opened my eyes because I am always, always, always here for people when they need me. Apparently the same can't be said for those people when the tables are turned. I'll remember it next time!

Got most of the invitations done for the baby shower (each one is handmade, and I am inviting about 150-175 people total), and now just have to work on the decorations. I'm not handmaking all of them, but I'd like to have a good quantity of quality stuff to decorate the room with. Her ex's mom called me the other day and told me there is a check in the mail for her contribution in planning (which was totally unexpected and appreciated x100)! I've already spent well over $200 and we're not even into the food side of things yet. Scary. But her check will help, hopefully it'll be here today so I can get some other things I need ordered. We're getting down to the nitty gritty, with 3.5 weeks to go.

And the best news of all ~ I'm drastically losing weight!
I guess it's not exactly good news since the reasoning is that I am too upset to eat half the time, and then when I do eat it immediately comes out one end or another. This is why I hate having digestive issues, everytime I get stressed at anytime in my life, I instantly start being sick 24/7.

I wish I just wasn't sick and upset all the time.... I am supposed to be a happy go lucky person, and right now I just feel like a shell of myself.

Welcome to the Jungle...

2011-08-31T06:26:00.000-07:00

So, I'm planning a baby shower.... a jungle themed shower.... for 150+ people.

Ideas.....

Diaper cake.... So cute!

Small cake option 1

Small cake option 2
(I'd use better animals, those look like a 1st grader colored them)

A basic over-all of the colors/theme I'm goin for.

I'm not very good at this whole kind of thing, so tonight I'm going to take my sister & mom shopping to buy supplies for the invitations, and price the decorations and whatnot.

* ~ * ~* ~ * ~ * ~ *

Last night was alright...
The talking portion went well, he got me my favorite Ben & Jerry's (Red Velvet Cake), but I forgot it... so I ended up running back over to grab that and my Kindle, and we hung out some more. Things are becoming a lot less awkward and overall I think I'm doing better with myself when I'm alone.
Headed back to my mom's house, where I spent the rest of the night watching Pretty Little Liars, eating ice cream, and cuddling up in a big warm blanket. Went to bed pretty early, which ended up being a good thing, because around 2 I woke up and got sick, then again around 3, and again every hour until I woke up for the day at 7. I think I either ate something bad or am just getting sick. Had toast for breakfast, and so far, so good, so I'm hoping I'm okay. J has told me I need to go buy a pregnancy test. Reminder ~ I have a Mirena, but I have been having some weird stuff going on lately, so I'll be doing that tonight... It would be my luck to be in the small percentage of people it fails on, so cross your fingers lol.

Thanks to all you lovelies who have commented and given me your support. It truly has helped, in a time when most of my friends are apparently just non-existant in the real world, at least I know I have a group of people somewhere who are there for me.

Brains...

2011-08-30T08:35:00.000-07:00

The very beginning....
Approximately 5 years and 10 months ago,
our first date.

* * * * *

Last night after work, I went "home" and started packing up my clothing and other necessities. I didn't anticipate how much it was going to suck. I folded clothes (and cried), I packed up hoop making supplies (and cried), I folded his clothes and stacked them up (and cried). I packed up the dog's food, dish, toys & then got her on her leash (and cried). He carried my stuff out to the car, then put his arms around me, kissed my forehead, kissed me (and I cried). I spent the night on my mom's couch, reading, while my sister & mom were both sick (they went out for tacos -- apparently bad tacos), we watched Secret Life & The Lying Game. Then it was time for bed, and my mom let me have hers (she prefers the couch, since she has been sleeping alone for almost 3 years now). My brain wouldn't shut off... I texted him goodnight, he texted me goodnight... And off to sleep I went.

....Until 2:40 AM when our dog-ter woke me up... She kept going to the door. She was looking for him. Then she would nudge me and bark. I texted him, she misses you, she keeps whining and barking. And he told me he had just gotten home from a concert with his friends, he didn't really have fun, but that he misses us too. Then another goodnight text. Goodnight texts do not compare to goodnight hugs or goodnight kisses. I am not really a fan. Then I wake up this morning and realize my work shoes are at "our house", and I cannot work in flip flops. So I go to the house, let myself in and find him sleeping on the couch.... I tell him, hey I just needed my shoes, I'm going to work, bye... He says, bye, I love you, and motions for a kiss. My heart cannot keep breaking like this. However, I am not one to turn down an offered kiss, so I give him one, and walk out the door.

* * * *

Tonight, we have to meet and discuss bills. Bills are all in my name, bills are all paid by me (with both our money)... He doesn't know what to do with bills. So tonight I get to go over, show him the budget, and the new adjusted budget (which includes a lot less of, or none of my money -- 2 scenarios). My thoughts are this -- if we're really going to try to make this work, then I shouldn't withdraw all of my money from the situation, I shouldn't make him go broke trying to make ends meet, right? I am going to cancel "my" cable channels -- HBO, Showtime & Starz (I can watch Weeds, The Big C, and True Blood at my mom's). My thoughts are that since this is temporary, I plan to be back in that house by the beginning of November (as much as I want to meet my nephew, I refuse to live in a house with a squealing newborn). That gives us 2 months to work through issues and if 2 months isn't enough then maybe we shouldn't stay together.

*Sorry for anyone who doesn't want to read this. I have no one/nowhere else to vent. Everyone in my life has absolutely no understanding on where I'm coming from. My friends are all the queens of shit relationships, so their advice is to find someone new (as if that works for them all the hundreds of times they try!) and to do it as soon as possible. If I lose a follower or two, sorry, but this is my blog, and right now my life is completely consumed no matter how much I don't want it to be.

2011-08-29T06:49:00.000-07:00

What's been goin on???
.....

I'm 24 now, as of yesterday.

Had a pretty sweet weekend, despite a lot of storms in my life.

Friday, I stayed home with J and we watched TV and snuggled and talked.

Saturday, we laid in bed all morning like old days, and talked more.

Saturday evening my good friend had a little get together for me (all girls, woo!) and that was nice. Drank a little but didn't catch a buzz at all (boo!)

Yesterday, slept in with J til ONE!!!!!! Woo hoo! Mind you, I woke up early and did some laundry, but then went back to bed :)

We went to see Planet of the Apes, and I about balled my eyes out. I knew there was going to be animal testing, and had prepared myself, but wasn't prepared for the extent of the cruelty shown in the movie. (I was under the impression that the testing portion would be a small part at the beginning, not all the way through.)

In the evening, I headed to my mom's house, where we grilled out, and celebrated myself, my best friend & another good family friend's birthdays. Sooooo much good food, and then to top things off, my sister made each of us our own cakes, PLUS, bff's mom made us a cheesecake. So basically we were spoiled.

All three of us, notice, those 2 are both pregnant right now, I'm the only one left.
Oh and my little bro in the background being a silly kid as usual ;)

We stopped at Borders after the movie (I know, I'm outta order here), and I bought myself 4 books. Two random chick-lit books, Nic Sheff's "We All Fall Down", and "My Booky Wook 2" (only bought 2 because it was 60% off, and I knew I wouldn't find it cheaper) So today I got on Amazon and bought My Booky Wook so that I can read both!

Ended the weekend at home, in our bed, watching Jersey Shore, things couldn't be any better than that ;)

* * * * * *

So while this post may make it seem like things are figured out, we're still just trying to figure everything out. Tonight after work, I'm going to go home and pack up the stuff I need/use the most to take to my mom's house with me, where I'll be staying for the next month or so. After the past few days, I have 150% faith that we will make things work. So we are just going to take a break, take things slow, turn it down a notch... Spend time getting to know each other again, go on dates, hang out, but not live together. We've been living together for 2.5 years at this point, but J was only 18 when he moved in, so I understand needing some time. We're renewing our lease, I'm keeping most of my stuff there, because I can't afford storage and have nowhere to put it at my mom's house. The cruise can't be cancelled, or else we'd lose about $500... and we can't justify that at this point, so my fingers are just crossed that we do work things out, and that we will be able to go. So if you'd all do me a favor and cross your fingers for me too, that'd be amazing!

Have a great Monday & a great week! :)

Favorite Colors*

2011-08-26T06:36:00.000-07:00

Heyyyy alll....

I just signed up for another amazing Mamarazzi swap!
She is one of the best hosts out there (maybe the best),
and I'm always happy to be able to join in .

The last time I joined, I met super amazing Miss Angie,
who has since become one of my favorites in the world (blogging & real life included)!

Anyways, click the picture, check her out & follow her blog!
She's the perfect mix of meme's, giveaways, personal posts, funny & mom blogger!
Can't wait to find out who my partner is this time
& go shopping!!!

PS ~ my favorite color is GREEN...
What's yours?!

XoXo

Emotional Blank.

2011-08-25T08:16:00.000-07:00

I think it's time for me to take a little break...
I don't know if it'll be a few days, a week, a month...
I don't think I could go longer than a week though.

I will still read, I just can't weigh down the world with my sadness by putting it into words.
I've never been so full with sadness.
After spending 3 days thinking things were going to work out,
I was rudely awakened this morning when I found out that it wasn't...
At least not right now.

We both need to go out on our own paths and figure out if we're really what we want for each other.
I believe in my heart that we are perfect for one another and if he tries to date other people, I think he will see that too.

My time is going to be spent focusing on me.
My business, my life, my problems.
I need to get right with myself and then I'll see what happens.
I refuse to fall apart...
I have to hold it together.

Hope Floats...

2011-08-24T06:17:00.000-07:00

"Love is fragile, and we're not always the best caretakers.
We just muddle through and do the best we can.
And hope this fragile thing survives against all odds."
~Nicholas Sparks, The Last Song

Dropped.

2011-08-23T06:57:00.000-07:00

I feel like someone just took my world, picked it up & shook it, then dropped it. And I was left there, wondering what I was supposed to do next...

I think J and I are done... I don't know, even typing that out I don't believe it. I've spent the last 6 years of my life with him and I'm supposed to just feel like it's over with one sentence?

Then to make matters worse, I asked him for one last hug... and then he ended up sleeping together with me all night, holding me.... And then this morning I told him I wanted to talk before work, so I'm not sitting here wondering all day.. And he told me he felt like I didn't love him anymore, and that if I did, I wasn't good at showing it. I was floored. He said the way I am acting now he believes I love him... and he loves me. And I asked what if he missed me, and he said he will always miss me, and always love me.

Then I go to leave for work, after crying for another hour, and he says goodbye, I love you, and kisses me. I asked if he wanted me to get groceries after work, since we had no food. He didn't know. We have 1 month left in our lease, which I was planning to renew, but we need to talk tonight and decide what the best course of action is. If he doesn't want to be with me, I don't want him to be with me. But he acts like he does.... so just cross your fingers for me.

[ps] the blog is on invite only for now.
a few ladies i couldn't figure their email out, so if anyone asks you, please tell them to email me [haleyrenaexx@yahoo.com]

& wish me luck....

So We Meet Again...

2011-08-22T07:31:00.000-07:00

Monday, oh Monday.... Back to work... Blech!

My weekend was probably one of the best "at home" weekends I've had in quite a long time!

Friday, got home, got cute and headed to a local club to catch a bunch of my friends & my cousins bands playing. It was a greaaaat night, I drank a little bit (which isn't normal for me) and had a really ADD buzz goin on! We headed home around 2 and all passed out around my house together lol.

Saturday, was lazy all morning, and then picked up my sister & headed to my friend's son's birthday party :) We got him a mixed bag full of stuff, and he opened it first, fell immediately in love with his Toy Story dinosaur flashlight that roared, and didn't want to open anything else! His parents even got him a guitar, but it didn't rate over the flashlight ;) Same thing happened last year, when we got him a Big Wheels motorcycle. What can I say? My presents rock! Afterwards, I made some dinner for J and I, and we spent the evening relaxing around the house!

Sunday, I woke up and went to see my middle sister before she left for college (sad!). After that, I went home and cleaned my heart out alllll day! Also did about 8 loads of laundry. I'd been slacking, with the weekends out of town our house was getting pretty neglected. All that's left to finish now is organizing my craft room, which basically looks like tulle, beads, hemp, hoop tape & random clothes have exploded in there... Ugh. Took my Papa shopping, then made a nice steak dinner for when J got home from work :) After that I finished reading Baby Proof by Emily Giffin, and then started Secret Society by Tom Dolby. I have recently been in love with Giffin's work, and I could NOT put down Secret Society. I read 300 pages of it last night, only a few more chapters to go! I passed out while J was showering, with the book on my chest. (Oh I reverted back to reading all the paperback books I had bought before the Kindle, about 8 to go before I can use my Kindle again!)

* * * * *

I'm working on building my inventory back up in the Etsy shop, I'm down to 2 items. I debuted some stuff on my Facebook but it has already been being bought! Can't complain! :) I am looking to really expand over the fall & winter seasons, hopefully get some new customers & keep my regulars coming back for more!

Picture Vomit.

2011-08-19T12:07:00.000-07:00

Life has been nothing to write about the past few days,
I'M BORED!!!!
Have a show to check out tonight, was supposed to vend but blah,
everything that could've went wrong yesterday did...
And now I'm just going to go & have fun!

Here are some of my favorite pictures...

Have a great weekend!

My Papa and I.
I take him shopping once a week and he's the best grandparent I have! :)

A few years ago...
I love windblown pictures :)

RW2011...
Artists making art.

RW2011
The.woods.

I am getting this for my sister's baby...
How can one resist things like this?!
I can't!

Rootwire, Part 1

2011-08-16T12:45:00.001-07:00

Alright, I've borrowed some pictures from friends on FB, as well as B.Hockensmith Photography to show a bit of what I experienced at RW2011. BHP's photos are watermarked as such. So far he only has Thursday day/night and Friday day pictures up, so more will be coming! PLEASE check out his photography! He is amazing, and I am always in awe of the festival pictures he posts.

Vendors row ~ my hoops were for sale somewhere in the middle :)

Beautiful signs reminding people to respect our environment.

This was the man-made nest that I wanted to hang out in,
Never got my chance :(

More handmade bits of goodness
"every inhale is a fresh beginning...
every exhale is letting go"

RAGE! Dance tent during Papadosio Thursday night

This was the view towards the main stage/vending/food,
from near the dance tent.
BEAUTY.

I was in love with this painting all weekend.
You can check out her work here.

Installation art on the hill ~
lots of beautiful paintings on cubes, awesome during the day, lit up at night.

Saturday night, during Dosio ~
Lifting of the sky lanterns...

This is just a small portion of what went up,
I've been trying to find a better picture of them in the sky,
since my camera SUCKS!

I will hopefully continue with part 2 tomorrow or the next day,
I've been spending my time outside of work creating more beautiful jewelry to sell!
Tonight, I'm cooking some dinner for my mom, sister, brother, J and I. :)

Love.

Big, Fat FAIL!

2011-08-15T08:42:00.000-07:00

Well.... at least in blogging! I still haven't had a chance to upload or resize my pictures from Country Concert, Big Up, Rootwire, and a few other things. So maybe sometime in the next few weeks I'll just do a photo dump! Life has been crazy & chaotic, but in a GOOD way!

Friday I spent the evening with my good friend who was in a motorcycle accident a couple weeks ago! She was kid free, and we just spent the evening talking and watching chick flicks. J had went to a concert with his friend, and I didn't want to stay home being lonely! It was nice to catch up!

Saturday was the perfect day! I slept in til a whopping 8AM, then I got started on laundry & dishes. I took my grandpa grocery shopping and we took a little car ride out in the country ~ it was a beautiful day! Then spent the afternoon hanging out with J and a few of the guys, until I had to head out and have lunch with my grandma at a family reunion on her husband's side! Then I picked my sister up from work, and we headed to my BFF's house to have girl time! Her husband even kept their son, so it truly was girl time, for the first time in a looong time! We went to the mall, then BDs Mongolian BBQ, which is a pretty cool place to eat ~ basically a buffet with raw meat, noodles & veggies, you mix up what you want, then they grill it for you :) I loveee it because I get to eat lots of shrimp, my favorite! :)

After girl time, we headed home, and I waited for J to get off work, with one of my drunk friends :) After he got home at 11, we headed over to my little brother's 22nd birthday party, which was pretty interesting. lol. Beer pong & loud music & silly drunk girls. How could anyone think that was fun. My favorite part of the night was when he told me "I really don't like parties like this anymore, I just want the music turned down and the girls to shut up. I must be growing up"... Awww. I walked home around 2, and ended up getting stuck by a train (we are surrounded in my town), then it started raining. Luckily one of my bro's friends drove up and gave me a ride! I let J stay and party with the boys, I just wasn't drinking so I couldn't handle much more. lol.

Sunday was pretty fun too! I slept in til 10:45 ~ HALLELUJAH! Mind you, I didn't go to bed until after 3, but sleeping in is a success period! I got some more household chores done, and then picked up my sister from work so we could shop for tie dye supplies. Spent the rest of the afternoon tie dying onesies for her baby & some friends. I made some dinner and then spent the rest of the evening on the couch, with cramps! BOO!

* * * * * *

My week is going to consist of work, hemp work (I have a gig Friday, and I have like zero inventory right now), family dinner at MY house tomorrow (means I need to clean off the table tonight so we can have dinner & then smoke a hookah), then Friday's gig. Saturday if I have enough inventory, I'll be doing the market and possibly a double date with one of my close friends & her new guy! I hope my week goes as quick as my day so far has been going. Halfway over & I feel like I just got here!

Woot~Woot!

Slacker.

2011-08-11T13:49:00.001-07:00

Yes, I am a major slacker. One post this week (two if you count this pointlessness).

I promise ~ pictures are coming, of the entire summer. I have heartburn like sooo bad, it hasn't happened for months and now I feel like I may throw up my heart onto my desk. I hope it goes away... if not, I'll take a magic pill before dinner. I'm making steak stir fry. Be still my heart!

This weekend I'm gonna take things easy, fill my life with cleaning my house, building my inventory, and Saturday my sisterrr and I are going to have lunch & talk time with my best best best friend, haven't seen her since the day after she lost the baby in June, and I miss her too much. Whenever we do lunch we just talk and talk and talk, they keep bringing us more drinks patiently, or else impatiently ~ wanting us to leave. But we tip well. lol.

So until tomorrow, goodbye, and sorry for being a slacker. I'm just trying to transition back to the real world, where everyone doesn't smile & say hi... where there isn't 24/7 music... where people don't know what dub step or hooping or quiet peacefulness means... and it sucks.

EPIC.

2011-08-09T07:06:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I basically had the most amazing weekend everrrr... like I knew I would :)

The bad part ~ my camera apparently has some sort of malfunction going on, so 75% of my pictures disappeared from the memory card. No idea how I can fix it, or why it happened. So I guess maybe it's time for a new camera. Urgh. I am going to work on borrowing other people's pictures the next few days so I can show you guys how amazing it was.

Thursday
I tried to sleep in, which I shoulda known wasn't happening!
We got all packed and ready to go, and hit the road a little behind schedule, with plans to stop and get food & anything else we needed on the way. Once we got there, we stopped to get searched, and then my car wouldn't start back up. Yep, the battery was dead-dead, like I needed a new one. So we just pushed my car to a parking spot & decided to worry about it later! They told us the back woods had already filled, so we got to camp closer to our car, in a little clearing, which was actually perfect! We got all set up, and then caught some shows at the main stage & dance tent. Also took a quick stroll through the art section and saw the NEST!!!! :) I hit bed early, like 2, and slept like a rock!

Friday

Friday morning, the sun was HOT!!!!
We got breakfast, and hung out in the shade for a few hours... then we sat on a trail selling treats with our friend who came with us. Friday was just a hothothot day, but we dealt with it. As soon as the sun went down, we got ready for night, and ended up at the stage for most of the night. Got to see quite a few great bands, and then headed to the dance tent, and spent the rest of the night dancing... dancing, dancing, dancing. My legs hurt. lol. For once in a lifetime, J was ready for bed before me, at 4, but I went with him anyways cuz I knew I needed some sleep!

Saturday
Slept in!!!! Ahhh... until the sun shined in and woke us up! Spent another day dodging the sunlight, and as soon as evening hit, danced alllllll night! Went to bed around 4 again, and then had a funny/shocking rude awakening shortly after... J had dropped me off to bed, then later I wake up to him saying "hey dude, you can't fucking sleep in here. get the fuck out"... I'm like "HUH?!" ... WELL, one of our friends had brought a kid to the fest with him, and we showed him a really good time, and then let him pass out on our lawn chair. At some point in his stupor, he got into tent & into the bed with me (different blanket, like 2 feet away, but still!). I wasn't worried or anything, but J was like "all I knew was that if you woke up with some random dude in the bed you woulda freaked!" And he was definitely right. It was hilarious the next morning he apologized like 100 times and was so red. He was just a kid, well like 18-19, and was outta his head, so I was fine with it. But I was glad I didn't wake up to him in bed with me! lol.

Sunday

The last day (for us! the music didn't end til Sunday at midnight). I woke up at 10:30, and J was just going to bed. So I sat around with our friends/neighbors and just talked all morning. Then they hitched me a ride to Wal*Mart to buy a new battery (over $100, seriously?!). I got back & changed the battery, with an hour of headaches because I forgot there is a "hold down" bolt... basically wanted to kill someone. Then woke J up to start packing... AS SOON as we headed to vending to pick up eveyrthing that hadn't sold, it started torrentially downpouring. I mean bad wind & rain ~ people's tents were blowing away with all their stuff inside! So we hid out under my friend's canopy until it slowed down a bit, then started packing the car. We hit the road 4 hours behind schedule (thanks to the battery snafu, the rain, and J being a sleepy pants because he partied all night), so we didn't get home til close to midnight, he had to get up for work in 4 hours, and I had to get up in 6. Luckily for me, my boss is my dad, so I texted him and said I'd be an hour late, therefore I got an extra hour of snooze time! Mwa ha ha!

THAT ladies & gents, was my weekend :)
I hope all of yours was just as beautiful!

Nothin Wrong With...

2011-08-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

a little shameless self-promotion!

By now, you all know that I live, breathe, and make hoops!
What I sometimes forget to mention is that I do a lot of other crafty stuff as well.
I actually started doing just jewelry,
but added hoops when my BFF/hoop maker moved across the country last June.

*This is not a ploy to get any of you guys to buy from me, or to drum up more business.
More of a showcase of what I do, what I make & my overall style.

So for those of you who may be interested,
here's a small taste of what I do/who I am :)

Custom gemstone cluster
*hippie bling* rings
made with a wide variety of stones

Hemp & charm earrings

Fully custom, collapsible
travel hoops.
They fold down into this size, and expand into a normal hoop!

Fully custom,
decorative hoops
(this one is actually a glow hoop too!)

Pre-Made
Hemp necklace, with UV green pendant
& gobstopper accent beads,
one of my personal favorites

Pre-Made
*amber is the color of your energy*
necklace, featuring
amber agate slice w/music note,
wooden accents

Pre-Made
Black Galaxy Swirls necklace
with wooden accents

If you're interested in my work,
Please "heart" me on etsy &
"Like" me on facebook!

*Facebook fans get sneak peeks, first offers for sale, & I just started doing a "sale of the day" to get rid of some of the stuff I have had in inventory for awhile!

August Goals*

2011-08-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome, August!
My favorite month!
My birthday month!
A month of celebrations, summer & FUN!

Oh and of course, I'll tell ya my goals for the month,
which I forgot to do in July!

Start doing Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred, again.

Read at least 5 books, I'm back on the bandwagon, with 5 finished in July.

Spend more time with my best friend & a few other friends.

USE MY SEWING MACHINE!!!!

Start scouring the web for great wholesale deals, so that I can build up inventory for next summer!

Start searching for the perfect venue for hopefully the first of many Knotty Fests to come!

Sell at least 10 hoops

And perfect the 4 piece travel hoop, as well as the infinity hoop/minis.

Turn 24 and live like I'm dyin!

Short list, but August is my birthday month,
I usually just celebrate and have as much fun as I can..
Starting NOW* I'll be at my favorite festie of the year til Sunday at midnight, then heading home :)

What I'm Lovin Wednesdayyyyy

2011-08-03T11:40:00.000-07:00

One last post before I leave you all until Tuesday :)

I am basically just spending my time these past few days broiling in anticipation of this weekend.
I DIE OF HAPPY, I DIE!
I promise I will take a copious amount of pictures,
I always say I will & don't, but this festival deserves to be shown to the world!

Fire arts. I am so excited to check things out this weekend,
A girl I know online may posssibly be letting me try her fire hoop
(if I can work up the balls)
If I do, I will make J take photographic evidence for me!

THIS IS A NEST!!!!!!!!
A nest that will be set up this weekend, with a fire & lovely surroundings,
open to everyone.
I am a bird stuck in a human's body, what's not to love about a human sized nest!?

THIS DRESS ^^^^^
I would rock the shit out of this dress!

LED HOOOOOPS!
I'm hoping to sell my LED and buy a new one,
checking out a few this weekend from a troupe of local hoopers :)

Never Have I Ever, book #2 in "The Lying Game" series,
I got it yesterday when it came out, and am 57% done with it!
(Thanks to Kindle, I know that for a fact ;)) LOL

This guy makes amazing art with JUST HIS HANDS & paint!
He has all sorts of animals, and then a few other random things.
Of course, I love this peacock the mostest! =]

I hope y'all have a great rest of the week,
I have posts scheduled, so hopefully they work.

Love(xo)Love(xo)Love

Fall In LOVE With The Hoop*

2011-08-02T09:27:00.000-07:00

TODAY,
I guest post!

You can find me over at Miss Angie's,
posting about falling in love with the hoop & all things HOOPING!

If you see me, Angie, Camille, Jamie, Beth & others posting about hoops & hooping and scratch your head like *wtf*, this is a post you need to read!

*I'm still having a collapsible hoop sale in my etsy shop ~ $28 shipped, which is a STEAL, save money on the hoop & you also recieve free shipping!

& we all float on...

2011-08-01T08:37:00.000-07:00

I thiiiink that I'm gonna try to work on some scheduled posts while I'm gone Thurs-Mon again!

My weekend was fabulously mind blowing.

First off, if any of you are into dancing/electronic music, check out EOTO.
We've seen them in the past, but Saturday they blew my mind.
We danced for their entire 2 hour set, when they said "thanks have a good night"
I was pretty much in shock ~ how does 2 hours pass that quickly?!

Oh & to my hoopin girls ~ they're amazing to hoop to!
2 old dudes, makin some amazing music!

I didnt take many pictures, I plan to steal some from their Facebook as they go up :)

Thursday ~ left for NY around 5:30, got to festival at 4:30 AM yep, long drive!
Friday ~ slept til 10:30, then hung out around the place all morning/early afternoon. Lots of cool people, missed the hoop workshop I was planning on hitting, but still had fun! Ended the night in my tent because I cannot stand in the rain for music, I'm just too pissy in the rain to enjoy it. J hit the show by himself, while I slept! lol
Saturday ~ the sun woke us up super early, so we grabbed our blanket and hit the shade. J slept for about 6 hours while I read an entire book (Blood Red Road - good read!) Got to see a guy flip out entirely, be restrained by security and then flip out some more. Headed back to the tent & got ready for the evening to check out a few more bands. EOTO headlined the main stage, then we headed to the late night barn for Tipper (a DJ). I danced my balls off! Realized I was extremely exhausted after that and found out it wasn't even 3 yet. J walked me back to the tent and I promptly passed the eff out, while he went back to see the other 3 DJs.
Sunday - I woke up at 8:30 and immediately started packing, we had 10 hours on the road in front of us, so I wanted to hit the road as early as possible. We headed out at 9:30, and got home at 8:30. We hit a HUGE traffic jam, had to re-route along a different highway (lower speed limit) so it slowed us quite a bit. Got the car all unpacked, showered (ahhhh relief after 3 days without one), and then hung out with our puppy the rest of the night :)

Now I have today, tomorrow, and Wednesday to get my house in somewhat of an organized fashion (we returned to our entire kitchen smelling of rotten milk because of something in the garbage cooking in the 90* kitchen that has no A/C), clothes washed & re-packed, and then I have to make about 4 custom orders to ship out, and then some more customs to take with me this weekend... and pack all my inventory, as a friend is allowing me to set up at her booth since this festival is just fun for me!

Oh and don't forget ~ the sale is still on over on my etsy.

www.etsy.com/shop/knottycraftkreations
(or)
www.facebook.com/KCKreations
*if you don't use etsy, get at me via email or facebook, and I can send you a Paypal invoice!!!

Jamie & Beth ~ your hoops will be in the mail first thing tomorrow morning, thanks for your patience!!!!

Ready For This...

2011-07-28T11:20:00.000-07:00

Sooo, in about 2.5 hours, I will be making this drive ....

Ohio to New York....

To spend the weekend doing this...

Partying like an alien (themed costume party Saturday night)....

At this festival....

THE BIG UP 2011!!!

Surrounded by....

And on Monday ~ I'll be back to fill you all in!

Love, love, love

Hi Ho, Hi Ho

2011-07-25T09:27:00.000-07:00

For some reason the song from Snow White has been in my head since waking up this morning. Seriously, I was not in the mood to come to work, so why is my brain repeatedly singing a song about it?! LOL

Don't forget about the HOOP SALE that I'm having right now.
(ending time unknown, basically whenever I feel like ending it. lol)

I dyed my hair PINK & PURPLE... but only underneath the brown & blonde.
It looks good when I put it up, and when I keep it down.
When it's down, it just peeks out from underneath.
I used 2 different dyes, and then mixed the 2 for a middle shade too, so it turned out pretty good if I do say so myself.
It's nice to have FUN hair again!
*Notice the cute necklace that got cut off ~ from Jamie at With Love...
Beautiful, I wear it all the time!!

Friday night/Saturday we had huge storms, but it was relaxing!
I skipped the market (which is good, all my friends there said it was a bad day),
and slept in instead (mind you, that meant I was up at 9).
Then hung out with J and Ruca all morning,
made us all lunch, and then got ready for my CONCERT!!!!

I went with an old high school friend,
which was awesome, because we spent the entire ride there, dinner, and concert chatting and just catching up!
We saw TAKING BACK SUNDAY my favorite band for the past 10 years,
yes I have been in love with the same band for 10 years. lol

This was my 11th time seeing them, the last being 4.5 years ago,
so I was nervous about holding my own in a crowd full of people,
my concerts now are much more open and less crowded, less sweaty and less emo.

BUT I HAD A GREAT TIME!
We skipped the first 2 bands and hung out outside
(they sucked bigtime)
And then came back in for Thursday who we both semi-liked back in the day,
Let's just say, they've gotten worse over time. lol
He couldn't even scream anymore...
Hint ~ if you're in a "screamo" band and can't scream anymore, time to hang up your hat!

After all these years, it shocked me that this was honestly the best energy show I had ever been to.
They rocked out like the very first time I saw them, and I was impressed over & over again.
They played 2 songs I had never heard them play
(Your Own Disaster and There's No I In Team, if you're curious)!!!!
And also played Straylight Run - Existentionilism on Prom Night,
(you all know it I'm sure ~ "you would kill for this, just a little bit, sing like you think no one's listening")
because 2 of the original guys had left the band about 8 years ago & formed Straylight Run,
well they just re-joined the band, so now they're back to their original line up.

I was also nervous cuz I really don't dig their newest CD,
but they must have known that it was a night full of OLD FANS because they played every track from their first album, half of the 2nd album, a few off the 3rd and then only 2 of their new songs.

They brought the house down.
They closed with "Cute without the E" which is the first song I loved of theirs, and still rates #1 in my book.
Then we begged them back out for an encore.. which they didn't have planned,
that's when they played the 2 songs I'd never seen them play.
It honestly gives me goosebumps, it was that good...

Here we are towards the end of the show..
I was so drenched in sweat.
I totally forgot what a crushed up, mosh pit, crowd surfing concert was all about.
Look how happy we were!
(and both still are!) lol

That's how close we started out...
we ended up 2nd row.
I used to ALWAYS be front row, but I didn't wanna get crushed against the gate,
I'm too old for that!

Singing "Your Own Disaster" which is my 2nd favorite song.
I was so stoked they sang it, cuz they never ever do their slow shit,
but this is top of the line, original, old school Taking Back Sunday and I was STOKED.

* * * * *

The only thing missing was my best friend... Sadly even though she is no longer pregnant, she had some complications from the miscarriage on Friday and had to have a small procedure done. She wasn't up for going during the day, but by the time we had driven to Cleveland I think she was regretting not coming, and I sent her tons of videos & pictures afterwards... She seemed sad. I felt bad, out of the last 10 times I had gone, half of them were with her and half were with "BFF" who is pregnant and we're not on that good of terms right now as it is... =[

So that was my perfect Saturday.

Sunday was good too, lots of time spent with my grandpa, my sister, a close friend, my lover, and then time alone to read & create :)

Love you allllll <3

SUPER HOOPER SALE!!!!

2011-07-22T09:55:00.000-07:00

Today I've decided to have a BIG sale!

I'm already having 2 small sales:
Buy 1 Adult Hoop, Get Kid Hoop 50% Off
Buy 2 Adult Hoops, Get $10 off Hoop Bag

....

The big sale is more your guys speed, since I have to ship..

Get a collapsible travel hoop for
$28 SHIPPED
*US ONLY

This is a great deal, not only are you getting free shipping, you're actually saving on the hoop itself.

Contact via etsy or facebook to order :)
(or just leave me a comment, it goes to my email ;) )

Anyone who orders & is a blog friend will recieve a free gift too

heat wave

2011-07-21T13:08:00.000-07:00

Since Monday, it's been over 100*.

Now, I'm not complaining by any means, because I hate winter with a passion and would have 100* everyday if it meant no winter :)

Today, it was 98* by the time I came to work, so I knew it'd be miserable.
Luckily, the men got everything done on time and went home early.
So now I'm in my A/C office, writing a quick blog post and then I will be reading on my Kindle :)

My week has been crazy, mainly because I'm having a hoop sale and with every hoop sale comes lots & lots of orders! I can barely keep up ~ but I am :)

Found out a friend is going to let me set hoops up for sale at her booth at Rootwire (my favorite fest in 2 weeks)
Found out some friends and I are going to vend the local county fair together in 3 weeks.
Bought our tickets for NY fest next weekend, today!
Spending lotsa time with my sister (she really needs it)
And starting to plan the BABY SHOWER, because she needs to keep her mind busy and I want it to be amazing, so we might as well start 2 months ahead of time. LOL.

Anyways, hope you guys are staying cool wherever youuuu are,
Love love love

1, 2, 3, 4... things i love

2011-07-19T13:31:00.000-07:00

Nothing truer than this.
NOTHING.

Seriously, in the bookstore I sometimes want to stop people and start talking.
Would they think I am crazy?!
Probably.

Memories.
It's just funny how people change....
Three of us had matching shirts, best friends...
The only ones I still am close to are the ones who didn't match us.
heartbreaking.
(ps look at me on the right with dark hair lookin all foxy)

I found this somewhere....
I dont know where,
But I love it.
And I should probably remind myself everyday.

always, always, always be grateful.

9 days til the big up
14 days til rootwire
19 days til fair vending
39 days til my birthday

Soul Survivor...

2011-07-18T07:36:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday...

Hope you all had a beautiful weekend, mine was pretty fun.
Low-key & laid back for the most part ~ which is always nice.

Friend time. Farmers Market ~ with J and Ruca for the first time.
Shopping. Bon fire w/friends.
Breakfast & shopping with sister. Floating & swimming with sister.
Family get together.
Lovely Sunday dinner with J. Watching TV in the A/C while creating.
Reading Sisterhood Everlasting and balling my eyes out.

The only downside ~ my sister is now going to be a single mother.
I could murder the little fuckface.
She is 6 months pregnant, he bought her a ring,
then he dumped her in a text message.
areyoufuckingserious!?

It did bring about some sister time which is always wanted/needed/beautiful.
I am just glad it happened now and not later after marriage/baby.
She'll be fine, she's strong ~ strong women run in the family.

My horoscope keeps telling me greatness everyday.
I am starting to believe it.
Todays:
"You may be feeling slightly paranoid about someone's motivations or about an amazing opportunity that has come or will come your way. You might find yourself thinking that it is too good to be true, and therefore there must be some catch. But just because something pure and wonderful appears seemingly out of nowhere, that doesn't mean it is meant to fool or cheat you. Something wonderful is developing in your life. It's the real thing. That doesn't mean that there aren't other things you need to look out for. But as a careful, cautious Virgo, you are sure to avoid any mishaps today. Be accepting, though, of the bliss that is about to enter your life."

Oh yah and since I'm a Virgo, that reminded me, my birthday month is coming up :)
Yes that's right, I tend to celebrate all month.
Everywhere we go will be a celebration of my birthday.
Everyday, another day closer to 30, as my boyfriend keeps lovingly pointing out to me.
(he's only 20...)

Love you allllll
To the moon & back ;)

cheers to the teenage years.

2011-07-14T12:47:00.001-07:00

[[[Pardon me while things get heavy for a minute.]]]

Did any of you have a hard time as a teen?
I know I did.
However ~ doesn't get any easier for me when I hear about teenagers committing suicide.
It scares me so much that children can do something so permanent.

I was bad. I told my mom I hated her. I snuck out the window. I drank. I smoked a few cigarettes (ew!). I rode in cars with boys before I was allowed. I told my fair share of lies. I let peers pressure me. I snuck back in. I had a boyfriend who snuck in nightly. I cut myself. I did drugs. I did things that aren't even drugs but get you high. I fought with people. I sat 30 days in a juvenile jail. I hated myself. I hated everyone else. I wanted to die. But I never did it. I never even got close.

This past week has been weird for me.
Over the weekend, a girl I knew in passing died unexpectedly.
(I was told it was an OD)
She had a daughter that was left behind.
Then the next day, a kid I went to HS with died unexpectedly.
(Alcohol related)
His friend & his mom found him.
Monday, a kid who is in J's brother's band was reported as a runaway.
All week, everywhere I go, I have seen pictures posted around town,
Begging people to call his parents or the police.
I saw his parents posting on his Facespace wall,
Begging him to come home, telling him everything is forgiven,
If he wasn't ready to come home, just call & let them know he was okay.
Today ~ they found his body, in his car.
He took his own life.

*I am so glad I said goodbye to the life I was living, and was brave enough to say hello to the next one. I am so much happier now. I haven't hurt myself in years. There have been close calls, but nothing has pushed me over the edge. I can wake up in the morning and be thankful. I can't dream of telling my mom I hate her, I can't imagine what could have made me say it in the first place. I pride myself on being ever truthful. I haven't felt cuffs around my wrists since 2 weeks before I turned 18. I have a great relationship with all of my family ~ they have all forgiven my past mistakes.

I am so thankful I never made that decision to take my life.
I am so sorrowful that everyday, other people make that decision.
And that's one mistake you can never make up for.
=[

Flow, Flow, Flow

2011-07-12T11:32:00.000-07:00

Does anyone else absolutely, positively love CCR?!

I just wanted to throw that out there into the universe!!!

* * * * *

I never found any cowboy boots, but I did end up buying a cowgirl hat over the weekend.
I have since deemed it my festie hat, and will be decorating it as such in the next few weeks.

We just decided our next festival is going to be a bit of a surprise thrown in the mix ~
We're heading to NY the 28th to enjoy The Big Up festival =]

The weekend after that we will be in southern Ohio at Rootwire for the 2nd year!
If any of you are in the area of either & wanna join ~ LET ME KNOW!!

* * * * *

I picked up an extra vending gig tomorrow night,
It's free sooooo I don't mind if I don't sell much, but I hope I do!
Also ~ live music, woot!

And I just booked my first party with kids.
I'll be doing 10 kids hoops beforehand, bringing them, each girl will get her own to keep,
I am thinking I'll make the birthday girl's a little more SPECIAL than the rest,
And then I am going to take 30-45 minutes to teach them some beginner tricks.
Cross your fingers for me!

* * * * *

Last night, I tie dyed! It was so fun!
I think because usually I wait until I have like 5 hours of work to do,
this time it was only one order for a baby shower,
I got done in like 1.5 hours and everything is soaking up, just waiting to be unwrapped, washed, dried & unveiled!

* * * * *

& so ~ a decision has been made....
By next summer we'd like to be vending full time.
We're gonna spend the winter getting ready....
If all goes well, next summer could very well be
ON THE ROAD.

* * * * *

I ordered new hoop tape today
I love buying new tapes.
I sold the hoop that I made for myself,
I couldn't find my flow in it.
Now I am officially hoop-less.
How can the hoop-maker be hoop-less?!
I have to fix this problem soon.
And I finally found the charger for my LED hoop.
It hasn't been charged since March and it finally died last time I played with it,
I'm excited to have it fully charged for NY.

* * * * *

I'm sorry if I'm boring anyone...
I just have nothing to say.

Time Marches On...

2011-07-11T12:33:00.000-07:00

Blah blah blah, I didn't really enjoy my weekend very much! Buuuut, I did get to see Darius Rucker, aka HOOTIE! And he sang not one, but TWO Hootie songs! And then closed with Prince, who is another of my weird obsessions! I'll recap the whole thing (with pictures) later this week!

It's been crazy hot, I actually have a TAN!!! This is shocking to people who may know that for the past 5-6 years I haven't gotten a tan because I don't go out in the sun that often. I even have flip flop tan lines. Eek. Weird. Today it stormed ~ a BIG one ~ and I loved it! =] I even wore shorts today to work, which is a first ever.

I've been spending all my free time making stuff, and that's what I'll be doing all week.
Vending a hippie night at a local bar on Wednesday, vending the normal Market on Saturday.
The girl who can't stop copying & competing with everything I do has announced that she is holding an event very similar to my normal event, this fall. Whatever ~ she's doing it for a good cause, but I know she's only doing it to show me up. I won't give her the pleasure of squirming.
Just gotta remember, everything she does (after I do), I still do it better!
And that's what counts! lol

The first July sale is over, and I think I may have another one towards the end of the month.
Oh and I have hoop bags for sale now.
I can tell you from my own experience, if you own more than one hoop ~ these are the way to go.
You put ALL your hoops in (well like 5-6 unless it's the HD one) and carry them over the shoulder ~ works 100x better, with less clanging around & into your legs.
A girl I know makes them for me to stock & also taking custom orders, depending on fabric availability!

Have a good Monday, ladies =]

She's Outta Here*

2011-07-06T12:32:00.000-07:00

Yep.... headin out for the rest of the week/weekend.

Are any of you guys country music fans?
I'm not....
But the next 3 days, I'll be spending my time seeing
Lady Antebellum, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Montgomery Gentry, Jason Aldean, Darius Rucker, Justin More & Steel Magnolia
all perform.
I'd be a lot more excited if I liked country music....
I don't ~ but I'm still expecting a fun weekend!

On the other hand,
my lover will be in NY state, seeing Bassnectar, Shpongle, Pretty Lights, Wiz Khalifa, Skrillex, Beats Antique, & many many many more....
So maybe I just have a slight case of jealous!
Not to mention, in the (almost) six years we've been dating, we've never spent more than 2-3 days away from each other. He left this morning, and neither of us will be home til Sunday so that's like 5ish days.
I'm sure we'll both have FUN though!

I'm getting off work in 17 minutes, I have to run to the bank, then head home & pack.
I am a notorious last minute packer, which is why I always, always, always forget something! It never fails, but it's okay! I'm just excited to get this show on the road ~ we're leaving first thing tomorrow and I think I'm gonna try to sleep on the way there, if possible!

You ladies all have a lovely weekend! I'm gonna take lotsa pictures & people watch & hopefully hand out some cards (my sisters and I are taking our hoops!) to drum up some different kinds of customers :)

Lataaaa gataaa!

Beautifully Beautiful!

2011-07-05T04:25:00.000-07:00

*Warning ~ This post is picture heavy! :) Proceed with caution ;)

I HAD THE BEST WEEKEND!!!!!
Even after Friday's sadness, I was worried about how the rest of the weekend would be effected, but it ended up being okay.

Friday, I had some drinks with friends at my house. :) Ended up going to bed slightly later than usual, but still woke up on time and headed to the market! Although I barely broke even, I had a good time. Handed out lots of cards, and met lots of new interesting people. Spent the afternoon hanging out with my friend, she needed some loving, and thanks so much to all of you who commented on her tragedy Friday. Even though I don't tell my friends about my blog, I did tell her that she had a lot of support from my online friends & customers. (I think I eventually need to come clean & go public ~ first I need to clean up the more "personal" posts about other people). Saturday was my mommy's 41st, and we celebrated with a surprise hog roast/cook out for her & a friend whose birthday was Monday. They were both surprised, which is always awesome! Spent a few hours there and then went home and hit the hay. Waking up at 6 on weekends just exhausts me! Sunday was another full day, had a cook out at my grandma's, then we all floated around her pool for hours, then when J got off, we headed to my dad's camper. We had a fiesta (YUM!) and then played flip cup! Men vs. women, and of course, we won like 5 out of 8 games! Woo hoo! The last game my dad & I were the last ones, and he yells out "IF YOU BEAT ME YOU'RE FIRED"... everyone lost it, it was hilarious. lol. I didn't beat him either because I was laughing too damn hard! Yesterday was spent sleeping, cleaning, grocery shopping & laundry.... Then I watched Nurse Jackie, Season 3 all night, and fell asleep alone while J worked the late shift!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

***After the market, my friend (the one who lost the baby) came over and hung out, with her son. We talked and talked and talked... And I gave her the gift I made her that morning. Basically a fertility necklace. It's got moonstone, rose quartz & strawberry obsidian netted in black hemp, with a black hemp necklace. I also wrapped a mother crystal for her, which is basically just a quartz stone with another stone growing out of it. She can take the netted stones off the necklace & just wear the crystal too.
*If any of you are interested in netted stones or necklaces, let me know, I only do them custom order because of the meanings, etc. I have a pretty reliable place to get nice stones from, so just let me know if you're looking for a specific stone or a specific energy & I'll let ya know what I can do!
*Just had drama with a friend who was mad I "copied" her idea.... Again, will not be selling these locally AT ALL ~ online to friends only :)

I also finally got my tape order in, so I finished up Aubrey's hoop she won in Angie's giveaway at the beginning of June! It's pink zebra, black & hot pink, and if I do say so myself! It's in the mail and should be getting to her doorstep today, tomorrow at the latest! I love love love my new post office, they're on my way to work, the prices are cheaper (dont understand that one) and they always get my customers their packages on time.

My new backless hoodie came! Some of you guys expressed interest in seeing it, so here ya go! I did my best to get every angle possible! Don't mind that I am make up free and slightly sleepy, I was excited to try it on! ;)

From the front ~ I got many compliments on the color matching my eyes.
PS ~ that's what I was goin for ;)

The back view with the hood down (covers my memorial tattoo ~ boo!)

The back view with the hood up! I actually like wearing the hood :)
Shows off my entire peacock :)

* * * *

An older picture from the beginning of June, at bike week!
This is my little cousin & I, we're super close!
I just love this picture of us, I never noticed it on my camera until this morning :)
*Notice my own netted stones, on the daily I wear either amethyst, serpentine, malachite, or carnelian. I bought myself some new stones Saturday too, they just need knotted up :)

I just had to add this because it cracks me up!!
She started whining while I was making some jewelry, I look down and notice she is completely wrapped up in a ball of hemp.... unraveled it and everything without me noticing! Her face is like "mommy why you taking a picture instead of helping me?!?!" Also notice she is surrounded by bits & pieces of rawhide bones & of course her favorite stuffed bunny, she loves killing it daily. lol.
*She rarely if ever has a bow in her hair. This was immediately after the groomer. J always always always has the bow off her within minutes of seeing it. Luckily for this picture, she has the bow in because he was still at work!

Welll....

2011-07-01T13:32:00.001-07:00

It's been a great week.
And greatness usually ends up with something bad happening.
At least for me.
You probably saw my last post.
If not, it was about my friend who was possibly miscarrying her child.
It happened.
I was on the phone when it happened.
My heart broke in half.

I really hate situations where I don't know what to say.
Like, really really a lot.
I just wanted to hug her, but she was an hour away.

And I begin my weekend on a very somber note.
=[

....

2011-07-01T11:38:00.000-07:00

If you're the praying type, please send a prayer up for my friend.

My best friend is in the hospital, possibly miscarrying her child.

She in no way deserves this,
and my heart is breaking for her.

I am waiting for another phone call....
Until then all I can do is cross my fingers and send my hope that way.
I'm just asking for a little assistance....
Because the more, the better.
Never knew my heart could ache so much for someone I never met...
I am just hoping and praying that little, tiny baby makes it.

Ugh....

*and how bad is it for me to be thinking that it should be my other friend in this situation. since she actually did something harmful to her baby & continues to do it.
not fair.

Sweet Summer;

2011-06-30T06:38:00.000-07:00

I am loving this summer & it's flying by!!!! I feel like just yesterday it was still snowing. I've been trying to make the best of every single day & so far, so good!

This week has been great!

Tuesday night we went to the drive-in! We are one of the few places left that actually has a drive-in movie theatre still, so it's pretty fun. We saw Super 8 and Hangover 2. Well I guess I should say I saw Super 8, then my eyelids! Cuz I fell asleep immediately after the end of the first movie. Apparently J fell asleep at some point too, because when we woke up, it was dark & no one else was there anymore. EMBARASSING!!!! But oh well, it was only $14 for us both. lol.

Last night I got off work early, and wanted a nap!!! Well, that didn't happen because my friend stopped by. After she left, another friend stopped by and we made dinner, then watched Teen Mom and True Blood. Wednesdays are her kid free day, so we usually just be lazy together! After she left, I read a bit and then went to bed =]

This weekend is looking to be a good time so far, too. Saturday is my mom's 41st birthday (she's young, yes lol) and her best friend's is the 4th, so some people put together a surprise hog roast thing for them, which I thought was cool. I'll be hitting that up after the Farmers Market. =]

We have parties and cookouts to hit up all weekend, and I'm even off work Monday too, so I'm pretty excited about the next week! I get to work Tuesday and Wednesday, then I'll be off Thursday and Friday to go to the Country Concert thing in central Ohio. J will be at Camp Bisco in NY, and I will be extremely jealous, but I'll survive! lol.

Other than all that jazz, I've been working on hemp, hoops, and will be dying new tie dyes on Monday! Wish me luck ;)