Team Ben or JP?

I hate to admit that I've been sucked into SO much reality television lately!  Yes, I watch 'The Bachelorette'... among 753 other stupid reality shows.  Tonight the season finale is on, and I can't wait!  So, who are you rooting for?  Ben or JP?  I'm kind of Team Ben, but I'm thinking Ashley is Team JP.  Guess we'll find out tonight!

I can't believe it's already August!  [New month, new header! Whoop!]  I feel like the summer has slipped away, alas, what is with this heat?  Possibly the worst since 1980 I've heard?  Crazy.  For those not in Texas, it's been hitting in the triple digits in Dallas for at least 30 consecutive days now (give or take a few days).  It's disgustingly hot outside and the pool is like a community bath, it's barely enjoyable!

Hope everyone is having a great summer regardless of the crazy heat, and wherever you are.

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New blog song: 'Love Vigilantes' by Iron & Wine
& my recommended summer tunes: the album 'Torches' by Foster the People.
[Delicious music!]

What happened to July?

It's almost August already?   Poop.  August means school... and it's closer to the end of summer... and I don't like it.  ;)

Today at work, I've just been doing, well, nothing.  Browsing the web... here are some piecings of today's internet adventure.

Instead of staying in the break-room for our lunch, a couple of us decided to pack up and eat in the courtyard.  It was breezy and cool in the shade, and it was great to get out of the office, even if it was for only a half hour.

Nothing really to update on, been a little boring lately!

Lastly, scattered-thunderstorms... please don't decide to visit on my days off from work anymore!  k thanks!

Thrifty Tuesdays + Smiling 101

This week :: Thrifty vs. the Not-So-Thrifty -- Similar items, better prices!  (See, I can be thrifty.)

Left :: Neiman Marcus, Fendi 'Peekaboo Tote' for $2,250
Right :: Target, the 'Hollywood Intuition Patent Tote' for $22.99

:  :  :  :  :  :  :  :  :  :  :  :

For those Twilightaholics out there (besides myself - DUH!) the Eclipse soundtrack is available for purchase TODAY.  I'll be making that purchase once I'm at home later and so should you & you can do that here.

On a completely different note, I recently starting doing the "Hip Hop Abs" workout DVD program.  One week down.  I've done the first workout video part called 'Fat Burning Cardio' almost 10 times now and I'm kinda irritated.  The videos are instructed by Shaun Thompson, he's awesome, but there is a girl named Tania who is in the majority of the workouts... long story short - she smiles.... and she smiles A LOT.  Don't get me wrong, I'm all for smiling, but seriously... I don't care to see you smile while I'm suffering through it all...

(And it really does last the entire workout...blimey!)

So it got me thinking... maybe the workout would be better if I smiled... sooo, I smiled and it is better.

I'm here to attest to the power of smiling.  Smiles are contagious and smiling in a moment of irritation and/or suffering really does make it a little better.  So, smile and smile A LOT, y'all!

Happy Tuesday -- tell me about your summer plans so I can be jealous! :)

C

PS. As if I haven't already name-dropped enough in this post, head over here to see my most recent design blog-post, featuring :: The Duh Family, what a lovely bunch.

Here & There

I want to be here (read on)...

...instead of here (at work):

Where are you right now and where would you rather be at the moment?

I'm looking for deals to Las Vegas for 4th of July weekend, if you see/hear of anything, let me know!  I've never been and I want to visit my friend Sarah while she's there student teaching.  SO, help a sista out!

Also, I posted the invite I designed for Claire's 11th b-day.  See it here.

This time next week...

I sit here at work (JOY!)... surfing blogs, checking email, fixing my photo-design blog as best I can, listening to my Pandora radio station, basically doing anything to pass the time...

I'm super bored.

(If that wasn't clear.)

Tidbit: If you don't know much about Pandora. It's awesome. You start with a song name or a band/artist you like and it plays all tunes that are similar in that genre.

So I'm sitting here... time is passing oh-so-slowly, and 'Paradise City' comes on by Guns N' Roses setting me at ease that this time next week, I'll be sitting here again...

...in my very own paradise. INSTEAD of at work, thank you vacation time...

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!
Photo? Compliments of last year's trip.
And if you're feeling extra kind, please pray the thunderstorms away from my 5-day oasis... per Weather.com, t-storms all week. Ay-yi-yi. On an optimistic note, it's still going to be great to get away (from work, mainly).

Other update: Class is over for the semester! It's a bittersweet feeling.

Also, I'm available for photo AND design booking. Need an invitation or logo designed? Time to re-do family portraits? Still need graduation portraits done? Reach me here. Sorry, for the on-going plug.

If I can, I'll make a post from our 2nd Annual Padre Excursion... especially if it rains, I'll need something to do.

Hope you're all well... and who's ready for the weather to figure out it's time to be summer already?

C

eclectic

Sorry, I've been out of touch for a while.

Mini-updates & some of my ramblings:

+ Still self promoting? Always. Sorry if it's a bother, but I gotta get jumpin' on the bandwagon! Click me.

+ Defeated: stomach flu

+ Undefeated & unrelated to the stomach flu I had a month ago: the worst hacking cough I've ever had... ever :/

+ Countdowns/looking-forward-to's: South Padre 2010 - 30 days and Eclipse the movie - 74 days, anyone catching a midnight showing? You know I am!! (:

+ Class? About 3-ish weeks left of my class... ready to be done with this class (but loving it still!)

+ Final book project: after 30ish hours working on this book project and I'm DONE! See front cover pictured below. If you want to see the actual pages, lemme know, the book will be delivered in the next 3 weeks or so! I'm excited.

+ Currently reading: The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks... haven't seen the movie yet though. lol I didn't want to at first, but I changed my mind.

+ Currently doing: bloggin', petting lap cat Puddy, watching Two Weeks Notice

+ Sadness: American Idol spoiler alert if you have missed some episodes / don't read on... I CAN'T BELIEVE ANDREW GARCIA GOT VOTED OFF. Devastation... seriously America? TIM URBAN... aka zero talent, however, what Ryan Seacrest called him: Tirban = Tim Urban combined... that was FUNNY! :)

Here's the cover of my book as promised.

It's a collection of my pictures I've taken throughout this semester. We had the option of creating a book with at least 15 chosen images OR 15 images mounted on matte board. I chose a book. The creative process was completely up to us. I renamed it about 5 times... but finally decided on "eclectic:" because of the how random the pictures were and how "eclectic" my style of music is. It's pages of pictures and music lyrics from some of my favorite songs & artists, all photos by me!

Not much else. Sorry it's been so long, don't wanna disappoint! :) Hope everyone is well and dandy!

Adventure: Cupcake

Wellllll, for my Valentine's gift to my true loves, my family, I decided to go get them a dozen Sprinkles cupcakes. Drove to Preston & Northwest Highway to get there, got a little turned around, but so far so good. Having never had them myself I decided this would be the perfect treat for all of us... I got to Sprinkles, uhhhh, the line was out the door and WRAPPED AROUND THE BUILDING. I love my family, but I don't love them enough to stand in that line (ok, I do, but I'm lazy -- shocker).

My surprise was ruined.

I headed back north on Preston and was stumped as to what I could now get them, but as I'm sitting at the light at Preston and Royal, I glance to my right and find my solution, the cutest little bakery named 'Nothing Bundt Cakes'. (Punny, right? Ha!) At this point, anything cake-y would have sufficed. So I walk in, greeted by the cutest girl in the cutest little apron. She showed me what they had to offer and immediately I was sold.

In honor of V-Day, I got the red velvet.

LET ME TELL YOU -- best bundt cake ever.

Love me some good cake & I really love me some good cake packaging. Definitely worth a visit, I got a big one, but they sell little tiny ones about two inches big, I think they were called "Bundtzies".

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO ALL!

10 random thoughts running thru my mind:

1. I love the rain, yet, I miss the sun. Solid blanket, white clouds aren't very picturesque.

2. I don't want to be at work anymore right now.

3. I LOVE my new camera; Go visit my new site: http://www.cl-photodesign.blogspot.com/, I hope to post new stuff as often as possible. Sorry, self promoting... ain't no shame.

4. I love my family and friends, like, A LOT.

5. I wish Rudy was still alive; I miss him.

6. I want to learn how to speak Italian; I want to move to the Tuscan countryside.

7. I wish it were May 17th, so I could be sitting on the beach in Padre for Matt & I's '2nd Annual Padre Excursion'. Roughly, 101 days away.

8. I want to go to Haiti and help with the earthquak relief, with Anderson Cooper, please.

9. I want you to download "Boy With A Coin" by Iron & Wine and be obsessed with me or turn on your speaker and listen here.

10. I really want to go to the Dallas World Aquarium, and soon!

Now post your 10 random thoughts! Entertain me during my last hour & a half at work.

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

How amazing is the fall season? It's beautiful, and I love it! The trees are so picturesque... sure wish I had that SLR camera now! All in due time! :)

For the first time in three years I was here in Dallas for Thanksgiving... and I had to freaking WORK?!! Blimey, I know! lol so, this Sunday we're having my family's Thanksgiving instead and the missionaries are coming. I'm excited... mostly for the food (and of course, to spend time with the famdamily)! AND for the first time in the last two years, I didn't go Black Friday shopping, I feel kind of empty not having spent money on $2 movies and board-games at Walmart, like I dud the last two years in Pocatello with Sarah & her family. It's been a little weird spending Thanksgiving with my family this year, I know that's odd. lol

Now that they've already been sent out, I don't feel bad posting this, these are the wedding invites I did for miss Aly! :) It was fun doing them; being that it's the profession I have chosen, I guess that's good thing!

Well, not much else to update on! It's been a fun week seeing old friends coming home from school and such. I've missed them greatly! Here's a few pictures to distract you because I'm running out of things to say:

Being awesome at Alex's casa! :)

...Smatt and I, after the group "Lobo" event... the La Bo... the DEN!

I think it's funny the foreground (Matt & I) are blurry, but our friends in the back are perfectly clear, 30 feet away! lol PS-Matt's face in this, PRICELESS!

Aaanyways, current song obsession: ALL CHRISTMAS MUSIC, thank you, 103.7 KVIL for playing Christmas music REALLY early this year! I loooove it! :)

Ok bye now!

Sing-a-long Time

Why do I always blog when I should be sleeping?

Anyways, I gotta be quick, the bed is calling my name... but I wanted to share this song I've recently fallen in love with... it's by the one and only John Mayer. Enjoy below & it is the song currently playing if you turn on your speakers. I love the feeling good music gives you. A mini-vacation, if you will.

The Heart of Life; by John Mayer

I hate to see you cry
Lying there in that position
There's things you need to hear
So turn off your tears and listen

Pain throws you heart to the ground
Love turns the whole thing around
No, it won't all go the way, it should
But I know the heart of life is good

You know it's nothing new
Bad news never had good timing
Then the circle of your friends
Will defend the silver lining

Pain throws your heart to the ground
Love turns the whole thing around
No, it won't all go the way, it should
But I know the heart of life is good

Pain throws your heart to the ground
Love turns the whole thing around
Fear is a friend who's misunderstood
But I know the heart of life is good
I know it's good.

---> Happy Wednesday to everyone! :)

Austin City Limits

This past weekend, I went to Austin to visit a couple of my friends, and to see some of Austin – well, as much site seeing as you can do in less than 48 hours! I went to see my friends Darien and Christine. It was great seeing them, but it was SO hot outside! Swam at Barton Springs and drove by Lake Travis. Lake Travis had the BLUEST water I’ve ever seen in a lake! It was beautiful, sad to say I couldn’t get a picture of it. Guess I’ll have to go back one day! Here is a picture of Darien and I:


Sad to hear about Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, Ed Mcmahon, and Billy Mayes. REALLY sad that Michael’s death totally overshadowed Farrah’s. Anyways, as soon as I heard the news of Michael’s death, I popped in my MJ’s greatest hits cd… and I’ve been listening since. What’s your favorite Michael Jackson song? I think right now, I’d have to say Rock With You is my favorite.
Anyways... I'm praying it's just my allergies, but I've developed a cough, scratchy throat and body aches overnight. I tell you because I know you wanted to know.
This Thursday marks the first day I start saving for my digital SLR camera I've been wanting. Haven't picked one out quite yet, but I will be picking one out any day now!
I hope everyone has a happy 4th of July! I'll be working, making triple time since it's a holiday! :) Wooo-hoo! Ok, people, until next time!

Yeawr of the Wabbit

I was born in the year of Rabbit, 1987.  My sister was also born in the year of the rabbit... just 12 years later, 1999.  The rabbit is the 4th animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese Zodiac system.  I just googled "1987 year of the rabbit", and clicked on one site that gave me my 'life' synopsis, I thought it suited me.

"People born in the Year of the Rabbit are articulate, talented, and ambitious. They are virtuous, reserved, and have excellent taste. Rabbit people are admired, trusted, and are often financially lucky. They are fond of gossip but are tactful and generally kind. Rabbit people seldom lose their temper. They are clever at business and being conscientious, never back out of a contract. They would make good gamblers for they have the uncanny gift of choosing the right thing. However, they seldom gamble, as they are conservative and wise. They are most compatible with those born in the years of the Sheep, Pig, and Dog."

I thought that description suited me well, but I'll let you guys know when I become "financially lucky".  Hopefully soon!  I like the part that says I'm "fond of gossip but are tactful and generally kind".  It made me laugh a little... I do tend to be fond of gossip, I just can't help myself.

If you want to know what Chinese Zodiac animal-year you are, click here.  Look towards the center under the Zodiac (circle) chart with the small list of animals and start clicking until you find your birth year OR you can just google it.  It's very common. ;)  Wikipedia has proven to have a lot of information on it, too, if you're curious.  I'm not really sure why I care so much about this.... I just liked how it described me.

Happy Lazy Sunday!  Siesta time!

April updates:

From time to time I find it necessary to blog on my ‘Myspace’ usually about things I’ve been frustrated with lately, but my last blog was about how happy I am right now! I love life, I wouldn’t change one thing about it. Even when I’ve been weak and made poor choices, I still just can’t bring myself to feel any bit of regret. My trials are there to build me up and help me learn life-lessons and without them, well I’d be really boring, but I feel like without them I’d be lost. Ok, enough of the “deep” stuff.

Here’s a little update on my life right now.

Recently I booked a trip to the beach! It’s going to be maaahvelous! Don’t plan on reaching me between May 17th and May 21st because I’ll be laying on the beach from morning til dusk EVERYDAY and not worrying about anything. And I cannot wait! I’m going with one of my good friends Matt, from high school. He’s like a brother, some may say sister. ;) So mark your calendars with between those dates, Caiti will be in SOUTH PADRE, TX! 33 days! Here we are:

On March 31st I had the most amazing opportunity to go see one of my favorite musical artists, the famous Ms. BRITNEY SPEARS! It was really an unforgettable experience. She gave a great performance. Britney is back, y’all! I know all you parents are cringing… but she really is a talented girl. Troubled? Yes, but who isn’t a little troubled from time to time? Here’s a couple pictures:


Speaking of concerts, I was at work yesterday and my friend Phillip… ‘Phil’ called me while I was at work. That’s a rare thing, so I answered. He gave me some of the greatest news ever – MUSE, my favorite band, is coming to Dallas, Texas on October 12th at the NEW Cowboy’s stadium. The one unfortunate thing is that they’re not the main performer; they’re the opening act for U2… a band that only ranks mediocre in my books. The only reason I think we’re even floating the idea of shelling out the “Benjamin Franklins” is because Muse is a European originating band and a concert in the United States is rare. I’m pretty much excited. Check out some of their music down below if you’re interested… it’s an acquired taste, but they’re addicting once you listen to the words and learn to embrace their awesome-ness! Enjoy. (:

Not much else going on. These are just the shallow activities I’m enjoying in my life right now and I’m loving it! Everyone have an amazing week!

Utah and Udaho Trip!

I'm attempting to take charge of my life a little more and more... it's really stressful. I've had everything done for me my whole life (more so than I thought) and kind of being "dropped" on my own is a little nerve racking (sp?). Anyways, along with being stressful, it's also kind of exciting. It's mostly life experiences I need to be doing on my own for future endeavors: i.e. taxes, own apartment, etc.

Anyways, last night I decided that I wasn't going to wait any longer to go pick up my car at my aunt's house in Idaho, and decided to go fairly immediately. I leave on Saturday night and will be back the following Thursday... I'll pick up my friend in Idaho and we'll make the long... LONG commute back down to Dallas again. It is such a tedious drive, but I'm hoping the weather will be decent enough (*knock on wood) that I won't just be freaking out the whole way back to Dallas! Anyways, I'm excited to see my friend Sarah and excited that we'll have fun on the mini-roadtrip.

It is SOOOO nice outside today, I wore capris, and I'm stuck slaving away at my job! But I cannot complain... I'm VERY thankful I have a job.

Did anyone watch the Oscars? I thought Kate Winslet and Penelope Cruz looked amazing and very much deserved their awards... AND it was an added bonus that everytime they showed gross Mickey Rourke in his seat, you could see Robert Pattinson RIGHT BEHIND HIM looking AMAZING -- as always! Yes, go back and check your DVR's now. :)

Just thought I'd give a little update! Not much else to say because not much else is going on, it's sad when the most exciting thing to happen in a week is the Academy Awards show, ha!

Day to look forward to in the near future: March 21st! Who knows what happens that day??? :)

Ta ta for now!

C

Unusual You by Britney Spears

Today my "blog song" is by one my favorite artists, a song definitely worthy of downloading for a small fee of only 99 cents, or by other means if you prefer... brought to you by the great Britney Spears. YES, I like her and NO, I don't care if you don't, ha! Admittedly her music isn't for everyone, but you're really missing out! Your insults about her go in one ear and out the other. And come March 31, 2009, I will be seeing her in LIVE IN CONCERT! I can't wait! She's had her bad moments, but who hasn't? I'm so glad that my yelling of "Save Britney!" aloud in public places has resulted in this marvelous come back, you can thank me in cash payments. Wow... ok, I'm done.

While on the topic of my blog song, I've decided that it's getting boring. At least for me... SO every now and then will I grace you with a new song I've been listening to on repeat.

Well, I am back in Dallas finally, BUT I am really missing my Idaho friends. I love my Dallas friends, but I don't think they really understand me sometimes, but I'm glad to be back with my family, especially little ClaireBear even thought I have barely seen her, because coming back to Dallas also entails me to go back to work... actually, I'm at work right now, oh, JOY! But I have 17 minutes until freedom.

Not much to blog about, I'm waiting for my box to arrive that I shipped home because it has my watercolor paints in there, and I want to paint!!! And I might see some friends tonight... SO eventful! :)

Well, until next time. Maybe something exciting will have happened!

♥C

PS. I am having Twilight movie withdrawls! SO, I am reading the book again, for the 3rd-ish time. It never get's old. Ok bye now!

Never Think by Rob Pattinson

Hello to whomever reads this besides myself.

Not much to say.   I'm about to leave for my trip to New York City in about 4 hours!  And I still have soooo much to do before I leave.  Instead of doing those things I am on here blogging.

I've decided as my post titles to name a song that I am currently in to.  Today's is from the Twilight soundtrack, featuring one of the actors, Robert Pattinson.

Most of the blogs I have read are from/about families or married couples, well I only have myself.  No husband and no boyfriend for now.  So with that, I'm not sure how much I'll be updating this, not too much goes on in a single person's life. :)

Anyways, I should pack, but here I am, this is me.