L is for the way you look at me........

So, my Sunday ritual is to hang out with my friend Teri, go to various craft shops in the city and then finally settling down at her kitchen table, scrapbooking and gossiping. Well, one thing I've been dying to find and decortae is a word album from BoBunny. I haven't been able to find the one I was looking for anywhere and was becoming discouraged. But, thanks to the powers that be ( and me probably asking everytime I go in there if they have it yet) Scrappin Time finally had them in. Now I have my own Love album to decorate! Ta Dah! Now, if only I could figure out exactly how I want to decorate it......

Graduation Day!

So my friends Maddie and Gabriel finally graduated high school. I feel so old now for some reason, especially when I read on the pamphlet that my favorite teachers were still there and still teaching.*sniffle* But I'm glad Nick and I went to their graduation ceremony. I'm very happy for tbe bright future they have ahead of them.

in the mouth the thumb will go

So, due to Grampa Roger, my sister has finally figured out how to put the thumb in the mouth. *sigh* But she sure is cute doing it! :)

Oprah Goes Vegan!

In honor of World Wide Vegetarian Week, I was very shocked and pleased when I learned Oprah was going Vegan for 21 days, as part of a fast of a new novel she's reading. I was so stoked! See, when I was younger, I started watching Oprah. And she just kinda became my idol. I love watching her show in the mornings and I love how she has the opportunity to influence millions. So, if she shares her struggles and successes with her fans, I'm sure it will be a trend to catch on. I love Oprah! I hope she keeps it up!

Vegetarian Week!

So I have been vegetarian again for awhile this time and its sticking pretty nicely. I have to say, it just gets easier and its been one of the best choices I've ever made for myself and my lifestyle. In honor of National Vegetarian Week, I am putting this PETA video on my blog. I watched it at work and it was just heart breaking for me to watch because I care so deeply about animals. ( Hello, I resuced a rat!) So although I won't be throwing booklets at you while you enter KFC, I just ask you be informed. Thats all. In this following video, their are 30 reasons to go veg. And now is easier than ever, with all the vegetarian options. I hope you pledge veg this year and make it stick!



Watch more videos at PETA.org

sarah's pre baby shower

So Bridgette threw Sarah a pre baby shower. Her real one is in August but Bridgette is moving so she decided to throw one last get together for us girls. She and Amanda did a great job putting it together, all I was in charge of was goody bags. We ate, opened presents and decorate t-shirts and photo frames. And we gossiped until the wee hours of the morning. Somethings will never change. :)



Athena, Amanda, Sarah, Raschelle, Bridgette

growing like a weed

So on a recent trip home, I of course saw my sister. And she is growing like a weed! She's only 3 mths old and she giggles. And now will yack your ear off. And she likes to watch television. She's going to be in for a world of hurt when I tell her CSI Las Vegas collects all their evidence wrong. I know Nick sure was. :)

Dear Mom

Dear Mom,

This is a really hard letter to write but I'm doing it anyways. This day only comes once a year and although I cried last weekend about it, I think I'm doing really good so far today. I miss you Mom, more than I think you realized. It doesn't go away, but at least now I can talk more freely about you and even want to scrapbook our photos! Only now am I wanting to celebrate holidays. Holidays just weren't the same for a long time but now it's better. And I even wanted to celebrate this one!

I'm doing really good. I'm finally getting motivated to get on the right track. Not that my track is bad, but I'm getting some choices done and out of the way. Nick and I are doing great, not that I want to run down the aisle anytime soon, but I think we are just enjoying ourselves. And that's good, because everybody goes at a different pace. But I'm trying to live my life, like you always told me to do.

And living life I am. I have wonderful friends, family and things going on right now in my life and I couldn't be happier. Well, I could if you were here, but you know what I mean. I hope I'm making you proud Mom and thank you for still being there throughout all these years. You may not physically be here, but I know you listen to me. And I know you still love me. Mom, thats the best of all. Because I love you too. :)

Love Beanbie

Bush McCain Challange

So I stole this from Jamie's blog. I love how correct and funny she is. Please take it and see if you can tell the difference between McCain and Bush. I couldn't, their both dips. :)

http://www.bush-mccainchallenge.com/index.html?id=

Wasting My Time

So, this past week alot has really hit me. I'm going to be 23 pretty soon and I'm no where in my life I was really hoping to be by the time I was 23. Now, I never imagined I'd meet a wonderful guy and move to Las Vegas. I never imagined I'd meet more great friends who I love dearly and would let me sleep on the couch if I ever needed it. I never imagined I'd finally be a big sister from my dad. I never imagined some of the wonderful things that have happened to me in my life as of lately. But I also realized that some things I've really wanted to do I haven't done them yet. I haven't finished my degree ( gasp) I haven't lost all the weight I've wanted to use ( gasp) and I'm not as financially independent as I was hoping to be ( gasp) Don't take me wrong, I've done some great strides in my life. I just feel like I'm at a standstill for some reason. It really sucks, but I'm just lacking the motivation. Until yesterday. I sat around and thought, what motivates me? TIme. I'm always afraid of wasting time and I always ask the time. I think, I did all this but I shoild have done this. I'm a procrasinator, a time waster! So, now for motivation, I'm going to be giving myself some time lines. I hope this works better for me. First timeline, to have lost 30 more pounds by my birthday. My birthday is in August and I have alot of important things going on then. Baby showers, my birthday, high school reuniun with friend, summer trip to michigan, fall classes. My month is gonna be booked. I also would like to give myself until August to signifaicantly save up some stellar funds. This means I need to be more picky about what I spend money on and work harder with my Avon business. I know I can do it! I'm super excited, I am gonna be achieivng these goals in no time!

Liza Minelli

So about three months ago, I ventured into Petco to buy some crickets for our lizards when I saw a huge free sign on a table by the front entrance. Next to the free sign was a 10 gallon tank with a rat in it. She was cute and furry and feisty. I asked the manager why was she free and she said it was confirmed earlier that morning by the vet that the rat was blind in one eye. But she was only free if she were going to a good home. I brought her back to my club with me in a heart beat.

So this weekend I realized that it was going to be a three day weekend at my work and I brought her home with me on Thursday. And I think Nick fell in love with her because he's begging me to keep her home with us. I'm not sure if she will be staying but she sure is loveable enough. Here are some photos. ( They are kinda blurry but she was acting like she needed Prozac)

Girls Night Out!

So I am very sad to report that Bridgette is moving across the country to be with her lovebug. *sniffle* She is a busy bee getting ready, so this past Saturday night we squeezed in a Girls Night Out in Viva Las Vegas. She had never really been to the clubs before so I took her to Pure & Rain. I'm gonna miss this girl but I know she is going to have the the time of her life in Florida. Love You Bridge! <3

sTORI TELLING

Dear Tori Spelling,

Must I say, your book rocked my socks off! I was never a big fan, all the t.v movies I've seen with you in them could never hold my attention long enough and I'm just a tad bit young to remember the 90210 craze. But when I settled down to read your autobiography, I just couldn't get enough of you. :) Your book made me laugh so hard I woke Nick up when he was sleeping. It made me sneak peeks of it at stop lights. When I should have been reffing a game of pool between 11 yr olds, I was reading about your crazy roommate Pete. I loved your show on Oxygen because I tend to see so many simularities between us and now it's official. I'm a huge fan! I want to meet for lunch one day and talk about your jewelery making, your ways out of debt and your infamous daisy dress. And most of all, I just want to laugh with you.

XOXO

Athena

Big Love

This is seriously one of my favorite shows to watch. I became hooked from the word premiere. My stepmom and I watch them religiously and when I didn't have HBO I begged her to keep them on the DVR so I could catch up on them when I went home for the weekend. But speaking of Big Love, I recently noticed their On Demand now. I've been watching them and now Nick is even hooked! But, the main point for this blog is I'm so excited to say that season 3 is starting next month! :O Can you believe it? So many questions, another season to try to find the answers!

Can we say Big Love viewing parties at my house?

Back To The Drawing Board

So, as I finish up my loads of laundry for the week, ( I despise laundry) I have decided to work my little tail feather off. As you know, we only have about a good month left before all you wanna do is lounge by the pool and drink pina coladas. So, I had decided with my friend Chuckie to get healthy! We're both going to give up drinking and eating healthier and working out. This is gonna be a struggle but I'm sure with motivation I'll find my way. So tomorrow, it's off to the gym where I can walk fast with my ITouch strapped to my arm. I can do it!

It's Been A Hard Day's Night

So as you all know I sell Avon. And through the wonders of the famous 60% annual sale, I found these awesome Beatle Salt N Pepper Shakers. I couldn't believe it! As you all know, I'm absoultly in love with them. So this was such an unbelievable find!

King Putt

So, Nick and I went on a date this past Thursday night. Nick really wanted to go putt putting and I found out about this place from a coworker. It was a indoor blacklight course and of course, Mr. All State whooped me. But, I didn't mind too much at the end when I got a hole in one and he didn't! Wonders never cease to amaze......

Thunder

This is Thunder. He's my Grandpa Roger's dog. He's older, about 9, but you would never know it the way he will bring you numerous toys and demands to shake. Nick doesn't know it yet, but I'm bringing him home. :) * Aren't my chip n' dale pajamas the coolest???*

Samantha Grace

This weekend I went to Bullhead City to visit my family and friends. And I got to know my favorite new person a little better, my sister Samantha Grace. She's way too cute for words and I can't wait to take her shopping, so she can be just like her big sis. :)

I Heart Peta!

So yesterday Nick checked our mail ( we only get around to it about once a week) and I had a fancy offical looking envelope waiting for me. Oooo. So I tore into it and come to find out, it was a letter from PETA ( People for the Ethical Treatment Of Animals). It was a letter about animal abuse, a survey and a present for me. My present was address labels, with my name and a fancy looking PETA emblem on them. Now, I know their just address labels, but, they made my heart go warm and fuzzy. I've been involved with PETA for about a year now and it makes me cringe when I hear what some animals go through. And no, PETA isin't just for a bunch of tree hugging vegetarians. PETA also uncovers the dangers of PETCO and what some fashion designers let their companys do, ahem Sean " Puffy " Combs. Now, I'm not saying that I'm gonna go protest in front of KFC ( although if you read what they do you'd be disgusted) but I am all for animals rights. I suggest you go to www.peta.com before you mock me and try to argue with all this information. Anyways, I just wanted to share my cool labels with everybody! I took s pic thats kinda blurry, I didn't want a bunch of weridos knowing my addy! :)

cocoa la me

Mmmmm cocoa. I know that it's starting to get warmer lately, but when we went grocery shopping, Nick insisted on buying some hot cocoa. He didn't know that I already had some from a Christmas party with the kids. Anyways, I got creative and made it extra yummy. I put Redi Whip and Hershey Syrup to spice it up. I know, I'm a nerd, but I took a pretty picture of it for a scrapbook project. Isin't it pretty???

butterfly garden

Nick took me on a date this past week to the Las Vegas Strip. We walked around a couple casinos but I really liked the garden at the Bellagio. This was a picture into the Butterfly Garden. Nick said that all gardens in Michigan look like this in the summer. We're planning a August trip back there so I can't wait!

Umbrella

You had my heart
and we'll never be world apart
Maybe in magazines
but you'll still be my star
Baby cause in the Dark
You can see shiny Cars
And that's when you need me there
With you I'll always share
Because
When the sun shines
We’ll shine together
Told you I'll be here forever
Said I'll always be your friend
Took an oath
I'mma stick it out 'till the end
Now that it's raining more than ever
Know that we still have each other
You can stand under my Umbrella
You can stand under my Umbrella
(Ella ella eh eh eh)
Under my umbrella
(ella ella eh eh eh)
Under my umbrella
(ella ella eh eh eh)
Under my umbrella
(ella ella eh eh eh eh eh eh)
These fancy things,
will never come in between
You're part of my entity
Here for Infinity
When the war has took it's part
When the world has dealt it's cards
If the hand is hard
Together we'll mend your heart
Because ...
When the sun shines
We'll shine together
Told you I'll be here forever
Said I'll always be your friend
Took an oath
I'mma stick it out 'till the end
Now that it's raining more than ever
Know that we still have each other
You can stand under my Umbrella
You can stand under my Umbrella
(Ella ella eh eh eh)
Under my umbrella
(ella ella eh eh eh)
Under my umbrella
(ella ella eh eh eh)
Under my umbrella
(ella ella eh eh eh eh eh eh)
You can run into my Arms
It's okay don't be alarmed
(Come into Me)
(There's no distance in between our love)
So Gonna let the rain pour
I'll be all you need and more
Because ...
When the sun shines
We'll shine Together
Told you I'll be here forever
Said I'll always be your friend
Took an oath
I'mma stick it out 'till the end
Now that it's raining more than ever
Know that we still have each other
You can stand under my Umbrella
You can stand under my Umbrella
(Ella ella eh eh eh)
Under my umbrella
(ella ella eh eh eh)
Under my umbrella
(ella ella eh eh eh)
Under my umbrella
(ella ella eh eh eh eh eh eh)
It's raining (raining)
Ooo baby it's raining
baby come into me
Come into me
It's raining (raining)
Ooo baby it's raining
You can always come into me
Come into me......

viva las vegas

So last week my friend Bridgette and I went to go see a free show on the strip thanks to http://www.showticets4locals.com/. We saw Trent Carlini, the winner of The Next Big Thing, or at least I think it was some show like that. Anyways, he is a Elvis impersonator and I think was pretty good, right down to his Elvis scraves and shiny rhinestones. Of course he performs Viva Las Vegas, which I happen to like the Wayne Newton version the best. But there was a cool slideshow that went with the song, with pictures of the Rat Pack ( I love the Rat Pack) and pictures of the real elvis and pictures of what Las Vegas has become over the years. But I kinda got choked up. I can honnestly say that I love Las Vegas. I mean, we sort of have a love-hate relationship. I hate tourist, but I love doing touristy thins. I hate traffice, but I love that there is so many choices of places to go. I love it that not everybody knows your name and the city always gives your opportunities to rediscover and reinvent yourself. So, here to you Las Vegas. I love you. I know I may not always live here for the rest of my days, but baby, I'm here now. And I love you to pieces!

XOXO

Athena Valentine

sandys barbuque

Sandy had a barbuque this weekend. We had a blast. How can you not with good food, friends and coconut rum???