Kansas City!

Last week I got to visit Benji in KC. His team, the Amarillo Sox, was playing the KC T-Bones. We had a blast together. The T-Bones put us up in an awesome hotel downtown, we rented a Dodge Challenger, and had delicious ribs at Jack Stack's BBQ. We also made a trip to the WWI Museum, the KC Zoo, and caught a movie at one of those theaters full of recliners, full menus, and servers. 

The weather, on the other hand, was not awesome. It was at least 100 degrees everyday, and I think I showered a minimum of 4x a day. Heat aside, we had a good time.

Waiting for Summer

I'm sitting here in the kitchen trying to work on a paper due Tuesday. I have been working on this paper all semester, and right now, I am so over it. It's at about 20 pages and I have to add 10 more. And, I have to rewrite the first 20 to respond to my professors comments and corrections. I really can't seem to stay focused on it for more than 15-20 minutes before I open a new tab to potterybarn.com or website that is more interesting than this paper.

Speaking of websites, I discovered my two, new favorite sites! My sister, Becca, told me about weheartit.com. It's a site that lets you click on pictures from other sites and it will save them all to one page on their site. So, it is perfect for DIYers like me who are always finding inspiration online for new projects. I love it. The other website, it younghouselove.com. I LOVE this website. It's a site by a young, married couple who seem to spend all their time doing projects and decorating their house--my kind of people! Seriously, though, they have instructions (complete with photos) on how to do nearly any project around the home. They also have a tab all about their wedding which was adorable and done completely by them. The even designed and printed off the invitations themselves! I told you they are my kind of people!

Benji and I have been getting ready to do our backyard! So far, our yard has been nothing but partly grown in grass and a random grill. We finally got approved for a fence, and lucky for us, our neighbors on each side started putting in their own fences about two hours before we got approved. so, now all we have to do is put in the front part! So exciting. I have been drawing up landscaping ideas in my spare time. And my not so spare time. The conversation set I want to order is temporarily out of stock. It's killing me because I am the most impatient person when it comes to projects. I want to order it now so I can get started on picking out plants and accessories, but I am going to have to wait. I hope it comes in soon. Especially since I will have to wait at least another 2 weeks after it's ordered for it to ship here.

I'll try to collect photos of the transformation process to give you a full before and after once we are done.

The Office

A last minute, fifteen-page paper and packing for a 10 day trip to South America did this to our office:

Messy floor....

All my crap ready to be put in my bag

This is what our desk looks like.

I think the paper is coming on the trip, unfortunately.

Spring Break

I went to the first class meeting associated with my Galapagos Islands spring break trip last night (PP495), and I could not be more excited about it! I am really looking forward to exploring all the animals and seeing the volcanoes. If I were to chose a trip for spring break, I probably would have picked something in Europe (even though I've been there 3 times already because I am obsessed with it) so I am glad the availability of spring break trips worth 3 credit hours were limited to just two--one of which I had already been on so it was not an option. I really had no choice of where to go. When I was looking for trips I found nothing that fit into the spring break time frame and offered three credits. I found a ton worth 1 credit, but I had to get 3 to graduate. Right before I found this trip, I was getting so desperate I was willing to go anywhere--except for maybe Juarez or Kandahar. But, really, I was willing to go anywhere in the world, if I could just get three credits...and then, alas! I found a professor at State who had been on a trip to Belize last year for 3 credits. Though he had no trip posted anywhere, I emailed him to see if he was planning something (this was last year in the spring). Sure enough, he was! Lucky for me, he had this trip in mind. I am so excited because it is not something I would have picked. I would have probably never made a trip of my own accord to see these fascinating islands brought into existence through volcanic eruption beneath the sea...and now that I have learned a little bit about them, I know how much I would have been missing out on. In 1978, the Galápagos Islands were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in recognition of their “outstanding value to humanity." There are so many animals who reside in peace and have remained relatively untouched by human development. This has given these animals a sense of fearlessness. According to my professor, you can walk right up to them and touch them...and they are totally okay with it. He even said sea lions will swim right between your legs! Coming from the San Francisco Bay Area, that sounds crazy to me! and really scary to be honest. Nonetheless, I am super excited to see them closeup...especially the babies!

how adorable!

Apparently, penguins from the Antarctica even live in the Galapagos. Scientists claim at one time a huge piece of an iceburg cracked (full of penguins), and it floated all the way to the islands. The Humboldt Current keeps a steady flow of sardines flowing from the icy south up and over to the islands to feed these little guys.

Last summer, scientists found a new species, and the place they found it was on Wolf Volcano on Isabela island in the Galapagos Islands. It is so weird to me that we are still discovering species. Anyway, it was a pink iguana and the only place in the world that it lives is on that volcano. Maybe we will see it. That would be cool.
I'm really looking forward to taking pictures out there--as well as totally nervous about breaking my camera. Hopefully, only the former will happen.
Here is a map for anyone wondering where these islands are. They are right off the coast of Ecuador--about 600 miles out.

Saying Goodbye

My sister has been here in NC staying with us since January 7th. She is flying home to San Francisco on Thursday, and I am so sad to see her go! She got here two days before my spring semester started, and with work everyday I'm not in class, I feel like I we haven't got to do as much as I'd hoped. It was still so fun seeing her everyday! For the past 6 years, I've only got to see her 1-3 times a year so this was a nice treat.

Best of luck on this new chapter, Tee! We love you!
Me & Tee (and our mom) on Thanksgiving

Can't My Paper Just Write Itself?

I wish it would. It is funny because lately I've found an interest in random books, history, poems, etc....you know, things one would most likely have to read in college. Well, the funny part is that I've been thinking to myself, "Man, if only I had more time, I would totally read (insert said book)"...but then I think, "Wait, this is the same kind of stuff I am assigned to read...so maybe I can just try to enjoy my homework!" But, nope.

I'm not sure why this semester is completely miserable, but for some reason I am just over it. I am counting down the remaining weeks. I think it might be so terrible because all of my classes this semester are NOT interesting. At All. Could be why....now back to that paper.

The Nile Perch

I am busy writing a paper for my sociology class: Current Social Problems (totally uplifting course, I know). After about an hour of research with little information to show for my efforts, I adopted a negative attitude toward writing this paper. UGH. Right? Well, now I am reading about these kids in Tanzania...and by kids, I mean about 10-17 years old...most of them orphans with nothing at all to eat--orphans whose parents fell victim to the AIDS epidemic. They have literally nowhere to sleep and nothing at all to eat; these kids sniff melted plastic to sleep soundly through the night on the streets. This isn't the story of a few homeless kids...this is the reality for thousands and thousands of people in Tanzania. It is a serious problem heavily impacted by the non-stop spreading of AIDS. It is unbelievable. It completely breaks my heart.
36% of the population in Tanzania is living way below the country's established poverty line--which I can only assume is way lower than our established poverty line.

I am thankful I have to write this paper...thankful that writing this paper is my biggest worry at the moment. I'm lucky to live where I live and to be in school. I'm thankful I have the opportunity to write papers. Sometimes it is so easy to forget everything we have. It is easy to take things for granted...so easy to think of opportunities as burdens.

If you haven't seen it, you should watch this movie

Busy, Busy, Busy!

It is has been so busy around here lately! I decided to give up facebook for the week. It seems like when I get on facebook, next thing I know it has been an hour. So, since I have a TON of school work to catch up on & three exams coming up, I decided not to let myself get on at all. Hopefully, I'll be able to get caught up with all my school stuff.

Benji is leaving tomorrow night to fly down to Florida for a workout/tryout with the Tampa Bay Rays. We'll see how that goes. He'll be down there Wednesday and is flying home Thursday morning. Wish him luck!

In other news, my older brother proposed to his gf, Felicia, in Greece a couple weeks ago. I am SO excited. We all totally love her. You can see her ring in this picture on her left hand!

Their wedding is planned for June 25th.

I am loving all these summer weddings in California--keep 'em coming! Maybe another cousin will get married in the summer in 2012 (or a sister!, lol).

Our little niece is growing! Brighton gained 4 ounces last week! She was supposed to gain at least two, so she is doing good! I'm pretty sure she eats all the time. Every time I see her, she is either sleeping or eating.



Back to the books!

Labor Day & Fantasy Football

Here are some pictures for Benji's fantasy football draft/cookout

This is Nick with his HUGE draft board....omg

Megan came over! 3 days past her due date!!!!

Aaron playing corn-hole with David, Weston and Adam

Hurricanes corn-hole boards! I'm sure Aaron wanted to keep them since he is obsessed with the Hurricanes (Carolina's NHL team)

Weston & Adam

Me & Miss Brittany

Time to Grill!

Benji made it safely home! He drove 22 hours with only a 15 minute nap...not sure how he does that. Anyway, he got home last night around 9pm. Of course, I was still at work, but I got home around 9:50 pm so it wasn't too bad.

Benji is playing fantasy football this fall (along with every other guy in the world, I'm sure), and his draft is tomorrow. He wanted to have a little cookout before their draft so we went to Lowe's today and got a grill!Here is Benji trying to tie it down in his dad's truck


He finally got it secure!! At least enough to make it across the street and around one corner to our house



And there it is at its new home!

Breaking Bread

So, there's this program at NC State called Breaking Bread. It is facilitated through the Office of International Services, a department created to aid international students during their time at NC State. The Breaking Bread program is designed to give international students the chance to experience a meal inside an American home. Both the international students and the hosts have to apply, and then the school creates the matches! I signed up this summer (as soon as I found out about the program) and was notified today of my two matches!! I am SO excited! What should I make??

My matches are two girls from China. They both like sports--one wants to learn about American football, and the other one wants to learn how to make cookies (the latter is right up my alley!). Seriously, I am really, really excited!!! Hopefully, there will be a game on so we (a.k.a not me--probably Benji or someone who knows a little more about football) can explain a bit to Qiaoyin. I know I have said it twice already, but I am SO excited!
But, really, what should I make? Any suggestions?
Leave me comments!!! I need help!

xoxo

My Little Flyer

In an attempt to make some extra money to pay for my study abroad this coming spring, I am going to see if I anyone wants to have a family picture taken this fall--you know for Christmas cards and stuff...

So I made this to spread the word around!


I really don't know what I am doing, but I think it is so fun & I'm only charging $35 so I figured someone might want to do it.

And actually, there is a gray swirly border around the little logo,
but the scanner didn't pick it up.

Galapagos Islands here I come!

In order to graduate I have to get 6 credits abroad. Instead of going somewhere for a full semester, I decided to take two shorter trips over my spring breaks. It is much more economical that way...and, I am able to stay here to complete a regular semester full of required classes (which is not always the case abroad--sometimes it's all electives!).
Last spring I went to Paris. It was so much fun--it was my second time there, and I think I enjoyed it even more than the first. If you haven't been to France, go!!
Anyway, this year I am going to take a plant pathology class with a trip to the Galapagos Islands (off the coast of Ecuador). woo-hooo!

Wish me luck as I try to make and save enough $$$ for the trip!

ugggghh

Well, folks, it looks like the Saltdogs made the playoffs and that means my husband will not be coming home tomorrow. I was so looking forward to him coming home. I even cleaned the whole house today! (lol) He mentioned that since they've made the playoffs, the absolute soonest he will be home is Friday--boo. Friday is Megan's due date so the sooner he gets here the better.

On a side note, if you haven't read Benjamin Franklin's autobiography, I recommend it. I'm currently reading it for one of my classes and have been loving it! Not something I expected at all.

Also, just in case anyone was wondering, I had to open a bottle of champagne (first time in my life) last night at work...in front of a full table. Awesome. Not to mention, the restaurant was pretty busy so the chances of me shooting the cork at someone's head or dinner plate were high. Luckily, at the last minute, my manager, Mike, saw me heading to a table with the bottle and could see the coming catastrophe. He took it upon himself to open the bottle for my table--thank you, Mike! Needless to say, I opened my first bottle today (in the safety of my home) in case anyone in the future decides to order a bottle of champagne while I'm working. I had a bottle leftover in the fridge from New Years...yeah, its been in there all year. Anyway, it was a success! No item in my home was damaged in the process.
Cheers!

Getting Ready for Fall

Fall is just around the corner, and I am already getting ready to decorate!

I found these adorable centerpiece (or anywhere decorations) online, and I wanted to share them with you because they are too cute!
I think this first one is my favorite

Megan's Baby Shower

Earlier this month, I threw a baby shower for Megan. I love crafts and thought the shower was the perfect excuse to get to do some!

First, I made the invitation. I actually only had 50, so the second set looked totally different. I wish I had a picture of those, but I don't...Anyway, I made the invitation on word. Making your own invitations is SO easy and so much fun. I'll probably never buy invitations again since making your own affords endless possibilities (well, almost endless)!
Here is the one I made for Megan's shower:

You would probably be surprised at how many clip art images are available online at microsoft's website. There are literally thousands. The other great thing about clip--which I'm not sure if everyone is aware of--is that all the images can be altered. You can change the color of any clip art image, delete parts of it you don't want, resize it, make it black and white, change the transparency, and a ton of other things. Clip is no longer what it used to be.

Secondly, I encourage everyone to download some new, fun fonts. I have about 130 special fonts...if you want any of them, let me know and I can email some to you - or direct you to where you can download them. The fonts I used on Megan's invitation are "Briemscript" for the main wording and "Monterey BT" for her name. Monterey BT is a commercial font. Adding unique fonts like this will give your invitation a commercial, more professional feel. You can print your invitations on card stock or buy blank invitations. I bought a blank set intended for weddings and used the response card as a registry information card.


We made a little sign with a sharpie and some cardboard!

I made the favors with some ribbon and pacifier charms. I found the "B" stickers at Michael's--I love that store!

The cake was pretty cute. I picked out elements from a few cakes I saw online and sent them to Tracy Melby, owner of Enchanted Moments Sweet Shop. Tracy was able to put it all together! If you have any bakery needs and live anywhere near Sanford, NC, I highly recommend her!

We had a game with 6 "mystery" baby food jars where everyone had to taste and guess which flavor each one was - we actually had two people get them all right!
Another game was guessing Megan's belly size
Many thanks to Megan's aunt Irma and her cousin Jessi for making this adorable diaper cake!