What's For Dinner?

I hate to cook…and feel completely horrible about it. I will vacuum until my arms hurt. I will do laundry until there is nothing left to wash. I clean toilets until they sparkle. But I loathe the thought of cooking a meal. It’s almost embarrassing.

Every now and then (okay…rarely) I do get the urge to spend hours in the kitchen slaving to make the perfect meal. But 9.99995 times out of 10 I cringe just thinking about preparing food. If it were up to me, I would just eat cereal every night. But alas, I am a married woman. And I am married to a man that loves food and cooking, but this time of year he has anything but time to do what he loves. Last weekend he pointed out to me that I used to always have dinner waiting for him when he got home from work. True. When we first moved into our house, it was sort of a nesting thing – cooking dinner for my new husband in my new house. It was fun. But that thrill is gone.

What is not gone is my husbands need for food. Well, mine also for that matter. So, tonight…I will sort through the cow (literally almost a whole butchered cow) in the freezer and fix something. Hamburger Helper, honey? What about Maid Rites? I know…spaghetti. That is easy. Is it obvious that I am feeling guilty?

I'm a People Watcher

I think it’s in my genes. I know that my dad does it – people watch. And the view from my office is outstanding. It is definitely one of the best places to see the finest Terre Haute has to offer. People are funny. What they do and what they wear in public – oh my!

Like I said, I see it all from my office. It amazing what people will do when they think no one is paying attention - scratch their butts, pass gas, pick their noses. And it’s not a specific type; no stereotypical person that does these things. I’ve seen drug reps, dressed up in their expensive suits and almost too short skirts sneak a pick when they think no one is looking. My favorite is watching a couple very quietly argue back and forth as to not make a scene. What they don’t know is that I am observing from afar, laughing on the inside.

I try not to criticize or laugh. But really…a 60 year old man with a blue beard? And a white woman with corn rolls – how could I not quietly giggle ? Forget People of Wal-Mart. I could start People of (my place of employment). Over the past 7 months I have witnessed hot pink reindeer PJ pants, 2 different colored flip flops while there was snow on the ground, and a woman wearing a t-shirt that was so long I questioned on whether or not she was wearing pants, shorts…anything underneath?

Don’t judge me for harmlessly spying others. I do those things too. I’m sure you do too. I know there was a time or two that I could have found myself on People of Wal-Mart. Wearing slippers to school and PJ’s to Bowlin’s in the morning comes to mind. Reminiscent to an episode of Modern Family, I once politely said nothing to Matt and let him go out in a pair of 1990’s Nike windpants that were skin tight around the ankles...and everywhere else. I chuckled and tried my hardest not to judge. Plus, I didn't want to hurt his feelings. Luckily, his sister told him that he looked like a fool so I didn’t have to.

Today I come to the realization that I should carry a camera at all times. As my Grandma (and probably a million other people) used to say - it takes all kinds.

Yogurt. Plain and Simple.

I can't it get out of my head. That new commercial. Have you seen it? The narration for the FAGE Greek Yogurt is to say the least - incredible.

Plain was the same as it ever was the same

Plainly plain...

Samely same...

But then...someone lit the flame

Plain rode away on lion's mane

Where plain met fruits with strangely names

Such wonderful things they did contain

A shot of life to a hungry vein

The captive beast who broke the chain

And there upon that fruited plane,

Is where plain became what plain became

So much more than more than plain

Plain will never be the same

I already love yogurt. Watching this commercial makes me feel as if by eating this particular brand I could do anything. Run 100 miles...sure. Swim the Atlantic...why not. End hunger, cure the ill...I'm just getting started. But that's the point of marketing right? I'm not the type of person to usually fall for such clever schemes, but they got me this time. I'm not ashamed. I've watched it over and over again and am still in awe. It is extraordinary.

I can't it get out of my head. That new commercial. Have you seen it? Click here.

Vacation

Vacation – retreat, escape, holiday. Whatever word you choose…everyone needs one. Tomorrow I will begin mine. For the last week I have been counting the hours until I will sail my worries away. As I write this there are 22 hours, 58 minutes, and 40 seconds until we set sail for Mexico.

Life is stressful. You need a break. Even if you think you don’t – you do. We live our lives for only a short time. Enjoy it while you can. You are not getting any younger. Just take time to just relax and unwind from the every day.

I plan on napping every single day. I plan on eating all the food I want and not worrying about what I look like in my bathing suit. I will find peace in just doing absolutely nothing.

What will you do?

Etsy Betsy...That's Me.

Etsy...I’m obsessied. I could (sometimes do) spend hours and hours just browsing at photographs, purses, jewelry, dog clothes, home décor, pillows that look like boobs…all handmade or vintage. Just call me Etsy Betsy.

My first experience with this amazing website was awe inspiring. Very quickly I fell in love. The girly “shop ’til I drop” side of me loves the hunt…the chase for something that I really, really want, but more than likely do not need. The creative side of me is astonished at the vast talent of many of the sellers. I am admittedly a little jealous. I am creative, but lately lack the motivation to create anything. Either way, Etsy has my full attention. It’s my favorite thing at the moment.

Almost immediately after our introduction I made my first purchase. After careful consideration I chose a puzzle that spelled out my niece’s name – Aubrey. It was perfectly purple and a great choice for a 1st birthday gift. The planner in me placed the order more than two months before the party. The seller stated that she was very busy with other orders, but to let her know when I needed it so that I would have it in time. It arrived in time, but barely. If it hadn’t been so stinkin’ cute, I would have been really upset. So my first purchase experience wasn’t the greatest. But did I let that stop me? Heck no.

My next two purchases were a tissue box cover and an iPod cover. I know, I know…a little cheesy, right? But both of them are something that I have wanted for quite awhile. I am mad for patterns so my choices were very clear; a brown vintagy floral print for the tissue cover to match the living room and a preppy blue and green plaid cover my iPod to match my purse. I’ve had compliments on both.

Purchases number three and four were necklaces; a locket with a key and an owl. I carefully chose them out of the hundreds upon hundreds of necklaces of these types. My only oversight…they were being shipped from the Philippines. It took almost a month for the tiny package to get to me, but it well worth the wait. They are awesome.
Of my most recent purchases one has not arrived yet. With vacation on my mind I bought a tote bag/huge purse and a wristlet to take with me. I have convinced myself that are more practical to take than the purse that is worth a third of my pay check. Plus, I am purse/bag/tote/wallet obsessied too so these will just add to my collection. Like I said before, I love patterns so these choices were clear also. Below is the wristlet. It arrived on Friday. I love it! The tote is a modern print of apples and pears. I am anxiously awaiting it's arrival.

Just when I thought I had uncovered everything Etsy had to offer, I discovered something else. To me, it's the best part of the entire website. I am an avid list maker. And Etsy's Treasury feature provides me the outlet to be creative while making a (sort of) list of items the shop are selling. I know what your thinking? Matt said the same thing...what is the point? The point is...well...I don't know the exact point. All I know is that it is fun. Check out my Treasury lists. I spend more than time than I'd like to admit daydreaming of my next compilation, secretly obsessing on what I will showcase next. If money grew on trees in my front yard, I would purchase everything on these lists.

If you haven't already, you should definitely explore Etsy and it's hundreds (maybe even thousands) of shops. You never know...some day you made need a shrunken head or a car decal of a recent Charlie Sheen quote. But more than likely you'll choose something like beautiful photograph or a fabulous pair of earrings. Happy browsing!

Girls...Teenage Girls

Last night I came across something rather amusing. As I was rummaging though a storage box of “Ang’s Stuff” as it is labeled I found more than one hundred notes dated from 1992 to 1997. So, as I was walking on the treadmill I read these hilarious pieces of history.

I came to this conclusion:

Girls…teenage girls are…so horribly mean, but at the same time would do anything for their best friends. They think of nothing other than boys. They are naïve with a pinch of rebelliousness. They are immature and get their feeling hurt easily. You’ll see clearly that I was one of those girls.

Although most if it cannot be repeated (shame on us) I thought it would be quite fun to share some of it with you. I will try to keep this as anonymous as possible; no names, just initials. What fun would it be to not know who wrote what? Get ready to laugh until you cry.

-“At the beginning of the note he told me not to have a cow and start thinking he likes me. As if I care if that fag likes me.” (To AMF from MTJ)

-“Dear Patty, Angela honest to God got a 100 on the science test.” (To my mom from AAA)

-“Did you hear? My mom sold Niki to this lady in Texas. Now she lives there, isn’t that great!” (To MLD from AMF)

-“Did you see Angela today? She actually fixed her hair.” (To MLD from MTJ)

-Friends may come; friends may go, but one thing I know is true. That I am lucky to have a best friend and that best friend is you.” (To AMF from KMC)

-“He loves me because he’s told me more than once to my face.” (To AMF from ?)

-I’m also sick of you saying I have bad breath or my hair looks funny. Have you ever even thought what yours looks like?” (To AMF from KMC)

-Last night _____ hit my boob on accident. I started to cry and he told me was sorry about 100 times. It didn’t really hurt. I just wanted to see what he’d do if I started to cry. It was so funny.” (To KKM from AMF)

-“My mom is cussing me out about my grades. I don’t even care though.” (To MLD from AMF)

-“She doesn’t know when to end a sentence. That pisses me off so bad.” (To ? from AMF)

-“Well, you pinched the shit out of my leg and all I did was take your stupid thing off your head. You’re just being a bitch.” (To AMF from MLD)

-“What’s the matter with you? As soon as you walk in the door you look at me like I’m the stupidest person in the world. And you wonder why I hit you.” (To AMF from KMC)

-“Yesterday on the internet I saw pictures of Jared Leto. Naked!! When I get my computer for Christmas we can look at pictures of any guy. So far I’ve seen Jared Leto, Simon Rex, Michael Jackson, Bobby Brown, R. Kelly, and Brad Pitt! Jared was the only naked though.” (To JDB from AMF)

-“You are so nosy. I’m gonna rip off your face!” (To AMF from KKM)

-“You can do better. Just because he has a car doesn’t mean he’s worth it.” (To AMF from MTJ)

-“You mutilated my horny toad, you totally destroyed my cotton field and, and, AND, you molested Toby.” (To AMF from KMC)

-“You scribble that out after you read this. Nevermind. But guess what that said. I scribbled it out because I don’t trust you.” (To AMF from KMC)

-This was a poem (?) written on the back of a note to AMF from KMC.

We used to have good times together, but now were drifting apart.
But who says friends can’t come together
Like a bulls eye and a dart?
Like Donatello and his art?
Like Kroger’s and Wal-Mart?
Like a butt and a fart?
Like blood and a heart?
Like cherries and a tart?
Like Lisa, Maggie, and Bart?

-Another poem written to AMF from KKM.

Do you hear what I hear?
Do you see what I see?
Do you smell what I smell?
What the ____ is that?

I spent most of the evening reading every single one of these notes. More than once I was referred to as Angela Fartverywell by KKM and banana girl by MTJ. Fartverywell, I get…Followell. But, banana girl does not ring a bell. I was threatened with “write back or else” on more than one occasion too. In the end, I laughed until I couldn’t breathe and even teared up a bit. Remember, these were written almost 2 decades ago. Great memories, great friends. I will never have any other like them. And although we are not as close as we used to be I still love you girls. You will always have a special place in my heart.

Wherever You Are

I love books. I love the way they smell. I love the way they look on the shelves in my living room. Autobiographies are my favorite. I also take pleasure a girly, love/life story now and then. Last weekend I was introduced to something a little different; a type of book that I haven’t thoroughly enjoyed in more than 25 years – a children’s book.


My sister purchased Wherever You Are: My Love Will Find You by Nancy Tillman to read to her daughter Aubrey. It may seem silly since I have no children (yet), but after reading this book I had to have one for myself. It is the most extraordinary, most sincere, loving book that I have ever had the privilege to read.


Of course, it may hold a special place in my heart because even at 31, I pretend that my mother is reading this book to me. Nine years to the day that I read this book we lost our mother to cancer. Needless to say, there were tears. This book is exactly what our mother would say to us, right now, today, if she could. If I close my eyes and concentrate hard enough I can hear her voice…”So hold your head high and don’t be afraid to march to the front of your own parade. If you’re still my small babe or you’re all the way grown, my promise to you is you’re never alone.”


I must admit, it is difficult to hold back the tears, but I cannot stop reading this book. There are no words to describe how much I miss my mother. But when I quietly recite the words over and over I feel as if she is standing behind me whispering in my ear…”So climb any mountain…climb up to the sky! My love will find you. My love can fly.”


I am by no means a book critic, but I do appreciate compassionate words that can express so splendidly such a powerful feeling…love. Even if you do not have a child to share it with, you will fall in love with the sweet words Nancy Tillman conveys so perfectly. This book will warm your heart even on the coldest of days.

An Introduction

Just breathe…my motto, if you will. It’s my sentiment towards life. I quietly repeat it to myself over and over when life is pulling my hair in one direction and I’m trying to stay calm and go the other way. This happens almost daily. I am a very anxious woman. I get aggravated at the tiniest of matters and tend to overanalyze situations that are beyond my control. Just breathe, Angela.

I don’t want this to discourage you from reading my blog. Not all of it will be about my often neurotic self and my seemingly random thoughts. My last blog, I’m 30? was about the woes (and joys) of being thirty. This time there will be no reoccurring theme. I will just write about whatever obsession, frustration, like or dislike that is consuming my mind at the time; scattered ideas and feelings.

As I stated a time or two in I’m 30? writing is very healing for me; my own personal therapist. I try to write something every day even if it’s just a to-do list. I mostly write just a sentence or two and toss it out like the leftovers that we never eat. I have rarely kept anything that I have written. If I tried hard enough though I’m sure I could dig up a poem or short story from my teenage years. And I could even probably find a paper that I had written for school, but nothing in recent years. I write to let my feelings out, to discard the sometimes overwhelming worry that plagues my mind. Then I am done, satisfied. So, consider this blog (and my last one) my not so private journal. Enjoy.