An angel with moxie
This family is faced with an epic battle. I’m inspired by their story and at a loss for words. Please read about their pleight, spread the word, send positive thoughs and prayers their way, and make a donation to ease the financial burden if you are so inclined. Emily’s got a lot of fight in her, I pray that she and her family make it through this obstacle and come out the other side strong, happy and blessed.
As promised, here are photos of my new little nephew. Aren’t his little cheekies just oh so squishable! This is Harrison hanging out with me on his very first day in this world. 
And you know you want to see a close-up!
Deep in slumber. He would kick around from time to time like he was having puppy dreams and make me giggle. He’s a very pleasant little guy and I love him so! Can you tell?
Alright, enough with the googooing over little ones. How was everyone’s weekend? Mine was superb in that B actually had some free time, so he came out of his engineering cave and hung out with me for most of the day on Sunday. It was lovely. Nothing too exciting - just lunch at Bojangle’s and a couple of errands to Golfsmith (booo-ring!) and Barnes & Noble, then on the couch with a friend watching NCAA bball. Sadly, the bookstore was a bust. I had a coupon for 40% of any cd’s in the store to use, but I couldn’t find anything. I had just downloaded the Sara Murielles album from itunes the day before I got the damn discount offer. Murphy’s law, I tell ya. What are you guys listening to that I should check out so this NEVER happens to me again. I hate passing up a great offer but don’t want to spend unnecessarily. I do that enough at Starbucks!
On a closing note, I’d like to send a little shout out to the UNC men’s basketball team. ‘Atta boy Heels! I’m a wee bit tired of hearing about Psycho T, but I’m so pleased to see you headed to the final four again this year I’ll deal with the hype. Sorry I haven’t been watching games or following you much for a while, but you make me proud to wear Carolina blue.
He’s here! My oldest dearest friend Amy had a sweet little boy this morning and I shall commence to snuggle and coo tonight when I meet the little guy. Expect photographic evidence of the adorableness forthwith! I’m so damn giddy right now! Gah! Baby cheecks are in my future!
In the spirit of Easter candy and Spring and happiness blooming, I brighten your day with the following little gem:
It’s a peep show! Get it? Aaaaahahahah! I love the little bills hangin out on the bunnies’ buns and how the yellow peeps look like little fat bald men.
Happy Easter! (and um…hopefully my readers have enough of a sense of humor that they won’t rail me for posting “peep strippers” as an Easter celebration. It’s not blasphemy, it’s homor! Teeheehee!)
Thing the first: Crappy mornings are the pits!
This morning my husband woke me up to the fabulous news that I had a flat tire. To add insult to injury, he also had to remove a switch in the living room because it popped and shot blue sparks at him when he tried to turn a light on so the mongrels could see during their morning potty break. Poor guy - he was still exhausted from the long night of group meetings, library research, and various other homeworky type things and had to deal with this crap all before 7:30am. Blah! It seems a mystery piece of scrap metal worked its way into my driver’s side rear tire and I was ridin’ low this morning. She’s all patched and reinflated at the moment, but Merchant’s Tire is the last place I felt like being at 8am. At least they got me in and out in about a half hour, were relatively friendly and it wasn’t too expensive. I even made it into work in time.
Thing the second: New jobs rock!
Speaking of work, I neglected to inform you guys that I’ve got a new job! I’m doing the same thing I was doing before and working for the same company, but I’m now Assistant Property Manager at a different property with a kick ass boss who’s a lot of fun to work with. So much so, in fact, that we’ve gone out for drinks after work and were planning on walking together this week. I’m stoked. Working in a positive, encouraging environment is exactly what I needed. It was time for a change and I made it happen! I’m so much less stressed for it! Added bunus: the older lady that lives across the hall from the office cooks for us occasionally - I am currently enjoying a salad and “country pie.” Life is good!
Thing the third: Do the right thing!
Never wash a cotton comforter unless you want it to become a lumpy mess! My lovely Nautica comforter was marred with Stella pee last week. We sadly discovered the cold wetness as we were about to crawl into bed. Grr! I had just had the damn thing cleaned too! I took it to the drycleaners to have it de-peed and when I got it back, it had not been drycleaned, but laundered. What used to be a sleek, luxuriously soft comforter now felt like it had been stuffed with polyfill and cotton balls! Then I flipped it over and noticed black smudges along its soft cream underbelly. Bah! The professionals ruined my expensive comforter! I pouted, showed Brian the damage, sniffled, and began researching the price of a replacement. I hate complaining, but I stated my case, the manager showed the comforter to the owner, and they’re going to cut me a check for the replacement. I’m anxious to get home and place the order though because the style I have isn’t made anymore, so there are limited replacements out there. I love it when people can admit they made a mistake and make the effort to make things right. I will probably go back to this particular drycleaner because of the way they handled the situation, but I’ll be sure to be more specific next time as to what needs to be done!
I’m off to finish my home made vittles. Happy Hump Day! Hope your morning was better than mine!
I detest spam and I thank my lucky stars that spam filters were invented so I don’t have to change my email address left and right to avoid the mass offenders. That said, as I was clearing out my junk mail the filter had caught, I noticed one of the “senders” listed as Mayja Paine. Kudos to this particular spammer. If you have to solicit my very clearly non-penised self with promises of satisfying the ladies with new girth, do it with a sense of humor!
the first warm days of spring when the sun kisses your cheeks and suddenly the world is a beautiful place and anything is possible. I love newborn baby cries and sweet toddler hugs that fall onto you and hold on for dear life. I love the clacking of my heels as I walk and feeling like a grown-up. I love belly laughs that bring tears to my eyes and watching sappy movies that make me sniffle. I love the smell of a wood fire and feeling the warmth of the flames licking my back. I love pulling on a cozy sweater after a long humid summer. I love completing a sewing project and basking in the fact that I created something someone might enjoy. I love folding laundry and tidying up things to fulfill the organization junkie in me. I love driving, windowns down, on a warm evening when the perfect throw back song comes on the radio and sets the mood for the night. I love gerbera daisies and palm trees. I love Christmas and birthdays and getting a little extra cash to splurge on the things I long for but would never spring for otherwise. I love interior design and diy magazines. I love vintage jewelry and imagining the stories it could tell. I love buying office supplies and pretty handwriting. I love chocolate and pasta and sausage bread. I love old houses and historic districts, and would love to restore a home myself someday. I love feeling proud of myself and accomplishing things. I love celebrity gossip and peach tea and falling in love. I love rocking chairs on deep front porches, thunderstorms, and the crashing of ocean waves. I love the color pink, lace, ruffles, and most things feminine and girly. I love looking a decade younger than my am, being a mere 5′3″ and being a DD cup. I love getting lost in a good book, befriending the characters, and the slight sadness I feel when I finish reading. I love music and how the purfect song can make me lay on the floor, close my eyes, and take every note in. I love holding hands, entwined pasts, and easy conversation. I love buttered toast and instant gratification. I love Gilmore Girls, strong family bonds, and witty banter. I love polka dots, an excellent filet that’s cooked masterfully between medium rare and medium, and candlelight. I love the perfect shade of shimmery blue/red on my toes and breaking out the flip flops on warm days. I love peeking in pottery barn kids or the baby section at target and imagining the future. I love writing on white boards. I love unexpected emails and hand written notes on cute stationary. I love goofiness and not giving a damn what other people think and the days when that’s possible. I love slobbery puppy kisses and unconditional love. I love climbing trees and reliving the freedom of childhood. I love stars - both geometrically and in the sky. I love cheese. I love high heels and purses and chunky bead necklaces. I love filing up my my planner and lazy blockbuster nights by myself on the couch. I love friendship and trust. I love planning for the future and the grand uncertainty of it all.
**Inspired by Jenny over at She Likes Purple. Check out her love list or make one of your own. There’s just one catch: You can’t include a single person you know. This is all about who you are and what you love.
What inspired you to start a blog?
There are 2 reasons I started blogging. The first is that I have a terrible memory. I can’t even remember what I did for my birthday last year. The hope is that chronicling my life online will help me remember things a little better, take things a day at a time, and be more accountable for the things I say I’ll do. The second reason I started blogging was to become part of the amazing community I’ve witnessed among bloggers – the sisterhood that can be found online. I realize what we post on our blogs is only a tiny peek into our lives, but it’s nice to follow someone’s life and have them follow yours. Technology is an amazing thing, and I’ve witnessed friendships forged via the internet. I hope to be a part of that someday. I already feel a kinship to the lovely ladies that read my not-so-fabulously written posts regularly. Hi ladies! You rock!
Where did the title “Crooked Halo” come from?
I look like a sweet, innocent little girl and I’m easy to pick on…but the older I’ve gotten, the more comfortable in my skin I’ve become. I’m still an easy target, but I’ve become increasingly more capable to hold my own! (Something my mother is very proud ofJ). About 4 years ago, I was having my bridal portraits taken by a couple of amazing photographers who happened to be a husband and wife team. I had a great rapport with the photographers and we joked while I posed and smiled and tried not to get grass stains on my pretty designer gown. I can’t remember what he said, but the male photographer made some sort of joke and I quickly reciprocated. His wife looked at me, a young, sweet 24-year-old in a pure white dress, and told me I had a crooked halo. I think the phrase suits me to a tee, and I’ve adored it ever since.
When did you start making purses/bags? Who taught you how to sew?
I started sewing around 2 years ago. A good friend of mine had a “purse party,” where we got to pick out fabric, a purse design, and then had a bag custom-made. I signed up to have my own party, and then started thinking about just how much I was paying for something I could probably make myself! My mom got me a sewing machine for Christmas in 2005 and I taught myself how to use it. I now make purses, wallets and other crafty items under the name Crooked Halo Designs.
What are your two degrees in?
I went to UNC Chapel Hill and graduated in 2002 with 2 B.A.s – Spanish and Interpersonal/Organizational Communications.
What is your dream job? If possible, would you ever blog for a living?
I would love to do something rewarding. As a child, I wanted to be a singer, and actress, and a pediatric oncologist. I also had aspirations of working with autistic people (after watching Rain Man of course!). In college, I toyed with the idea of studying audiology and speech pathology. I took a couple linguistics classes (including a Spanish phonetics class!) and loved the subjects. Sadly, I had slacked off too much in my first year or two of college to have the GPA necessary for grad school in such a competitive field. FYI, I made Dean’s List my entire senior year – I wasn’t a complete slacker! I still don’t know exactly what I want to be when I grow up, but I think very few people know what they want out of life. As I get older, my interest change, I develop new strengths. If we’re being completely honest though, I’d give up my salaried job in a heartbeat to be a stay at home mom.
As for blogging for a living, I would do it in a heartbeat, but I’m no Heather Armstrong. I am not sure I’m eloquent enough for someone to pay me to write.
I, too, am nearing thirty. I think everyone has a list of accomplishments that they hope to have checked off by their thirtieth birthday. Focusing on your resolution to live for the present, what things have you accomplished/checked off already?
I’ve never really had a laundry list of things I hoped to accomplish by 30. I have traveled a fair amount, though nowhere near as much as I hope to. I’ve married a wonderful, hard working man. I’m working on living a healthier lifestyle, but haven’t gotten to that exercize thing yet. Bah! Overall, I’d say my biggest accomplishment is that I’m happy with who I am. I’m still awkward at times, and I still have the nasty habit of comparing myself to others, but I like who I’ve become. I’m more assertive, more independant, and I look forward to knowing myself more as the years pass. Who we are is anything but stagnant - getting to know who you are is a lifelong, beautiful process and I’m learning to enjoy the ride.
You’re a self-proclaimed “procrastinator.” What are you currently putting off?
Answering this question.
10 minutes later… I’m putting off these things (in no particular order):
What is your favorite “$100 word”?
My favorite lately is probably the word trollop. I don’t think we use the word trollop nearly enough these days – and it sounds so much nicer than calling someone a skanky ho!
Answer your own question: What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?
The best gift I have ever received is my Yorkie, Rex. I had begged, pleaded, and been particularly obnoxious in regard wanting a puppy for several months leading up to Christmas. B is a saint for not knocking me out and stowing me in the apartment storage room for the puppy pleading hell I put him through. I was so sure I was NOT getting a dog for Christmas that I spitefully bought him a little bendy dog magnet for his stocking so I could say that I gave him a dog for Christmas, even if he didn’t love me enough to get me one. I know – I act like a 5 year old sometimes! Anyhow, I came home from that exact shopping trip to find a little 1.5lb fuzz ball sitting in B’s lap. My husband can keep a secret like no other! While we’ve felt like sticking Rex in the microwave from time to time because he’s so damn stubborn, I love the little mongrel. I still regularly tell Brian (4+ years later) that Rex was the best gift I’ve ever gotten.
Write a brief personal ad for your dad.
Fifty-nine-year-old gentleman seeking female companion of similar age. Ladies with the personality of a dishrag and those who are high maintenance need not apply. Must love to travel, enjoy random conversations about off-the-wall subjects, and deal well with being interrupted (as we’re bad about that in my family) during conversations. Must also like dogs, aviation, be family oriented, and receive the stamp of approval from my daughter.
What’s your favorite piece of marital advice?
Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each
other but in looking outward together in the same direction.
Antoine De Saint-Exupery
While I wasn’t given this bit of advice before marrying, I think it rings extremely true. Marriage is not all rainbows and sunshine. You don’t spend a lifetime gazing into eachother’s eyes and rolling in puppy love. Marriage is about working together, realizing you’re on the same team, and making the best life you can together. Boy has B’s time in school taught me that lesson! He barely has time to touch ass to the couch to relax these days, but we endure because we know working his butt off now will result in a better life for us in the future.
Thanks for the great interview t.w.i.t!
Neil over at Citizen of the Month is conducting The Great Interview Experiment, and I’ve signed myself up. I’ll be interviewed by Lori at t.w.i.t - keep an eye out in the next week or so. Meanwhile, head on over and sign yourself up. I need someone to interview 
There are loads of wonderful things about being 28. At this age, I’m much more confident in who I am and what I want. I’m not 100% confident, but I’ve come a long way. I’m more my own person than ever, and I’m making positive changes in my life. I work hard, I try to take care of myself, and I’m happy. I have a wonderful, loving husband who busts his ass to do well in school so that he’ll be happy with work and we’ll be more financially comfortable in the future. We’ll have all of our credit card debt paid off by the time he graduates.
The down side? This damn biological clock thing I’ve always heard about - it’s real! And mine has a super loud ticker! On Friday night, B and I went to Winston-Salem to a party for his cousin who’s leaving for Iraq next month with the Marines. At the party, I spotted a wee 3 month old baby, who was the damn cutest thing I’ve seen in ages. What’s worse? She had olive skin, brown hair - looked like she could be my child! I wanted to snuggle, coo, tuck her under my arm and take her home with me! My ovaries were crying. One of my best friends is due next month. I am so very happy for her, but I’m also immensely jealous because it’ll still be a good while before we start a family of our own…but if it was up to me? I’d be preggers now! I have belly envy, bad! There is no logical, eloquent way to explain this crazy hormonal thing going on inside me. All I can say is that I’m a woman in her late 20s that really really wants to be a mom! The worst part is that B only has a year to go after this semester and then he’ll be finished with school. Realistically, I could get off the pill and we could start trying about a year from now. But…I’m not sure if he’ll be ready by then. He wants to enjoy being out of school, having a little extra income, being free for a while. Everyone says not to worry. I have plenty of time. Well…I worry. What if it takes us 6 years to get pregnant like my parents? What if? I worry. I also picture our future children. I picture them with our oive skin, (hopefully) my shiny brown hair, B’s gorgeous eyes and long eyelashes. I can’t wait to feel my child growing inside me. I can’t wait to see B reduced to a ball of mush by an 8lb little person. I can’t wait to meet the person that’s part me and part him.
Deep Breath…
I need to remember my resolution to live for the present. I need to stop planning the future with such a rigid schedule and be happy where I am. I need to chill! Sigh.
TwitterI heard one of her songs on a TV commercial and instantly fell in love. I highly recommend this album
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