May 25, 2013

When Did I Get Memorial Day Off?

While I do get Memorial Day off (not paid, mind you) I don't believe I have anything in the way of plans. No one has actually invited me to do anything, and I can't blame them. I think I have a pool of 4 people I talk to in Chicago, and that number slowly whittles down. So it's another lonely day off for me. But, there is hope!

By hope I meant I'm going to sleep the whole day. What? You thought that was going to end some other way? Have you read my blog before? Anyway, the week has been difficult and slow so I can't imagine spending my day off doing anything else but recharging. I might watch some movies or shows, but that's about it.

In other news, I just scheduled a showing at my job on my day off! Yup, so bored, I'd rather work Monday, not like I'm getting paid for it...

May 23, 2013

When Did I Apply For An Apartment?

Okay, so I haven't applied just yet, but I do know everything I need to so I can apply. I want to do it by next weekend, because everyone is telling me there is a waiting list for 1 Bedroom apartments (of course). I really would like to know in advance (like at least 2 months) where I will be living in Florida, and planning for the space I will have. Lately I've been getting home and falling asleep (my bad) and I haven't been able to update James on that plan, so hopefully tonight I can.
Giving you that "Beauty Stare Down".
ALSO, after work today I am doing my nails THEN going home and recoloring my hair blond. So today is going to be busy all the way through. Waiting for Saturday and then my (lonely) 2 day weekend. Wish me luck everyone!

May 22, 2013

When Did I Get Lazy On My Blog?

Sorry about abandoning you guess since my Wedding Anniversary, but I've been really tired and have been grabbing all the sleep I can get. I went out last night with Michelle and in our classic "Woman-Child" fashion, we spent all our quarters on little vending machine animals. I brought mine to work today and placed them in my Jade Plant. I think they are cozy.
Leaks the lizard, Beaks the platypus, and Cheeks the turtle.
We "supposedly" have a luncheon this Friday for work, so I need to color my hair tonight, and get my nails done tomorrow after work. Need to get all beautified if I'm going to represent my property with my Manager. Wish me luck!

May 18, 2013

When Did I Get Married Again?

One year ago I made the very smart decision of marrying James, and shackling him to a life of dealing with my weirdness. I haven't regretted a moment of it.
Adela M. & James M. about to say "I do."
Just look how cute we are! I know a year in the grand scheme of the universe isn't a big deal at all, but in the short life we are all given, a year feels like a lifetime, and I don't know anyone else I'd rather be stuck with share my days with. I love you honey!

May 16, 2013

When Did I Start Dreading Laundry?

Laundry isn't a lot of fun, I think we can all agree on that. I used to gripe all the time about doing it when I lived in Florida, but I had no idea what I was talking about. Now I live in Chicago, and I know what really hating laundry feels like.

ORLANDO:

  1. Separate laundry.
  2. Walk 20 steps to Laundry Room by your kitchen.
  3. Throw in a load and sit in the living room watching TV.
  4. Throw load into dryer. Sit in living room again.
  5. Take clean cloths 20 steps back to bedroom.
  6. Repeat.
CHICAGO:
  1. Separate laundry. Stuff into 3 or 4 laundry bags.
  2. Struggle to take 3 or 4 laundry bags down 3 flights of stairs.
  3. Load everything into the car, and drive to laundromat.
  4. Fight for limited parking at laundromat.
  5. Fight for limited washers/dryers in laundromat.
  6. Fight for EXTREMELY limited washers/dryers in laundromat.
  7. During the whole ordeal, sit in a hot building with 10 loud kids running around.
  8. Pack clean cloths into laundry bags.
  9. Drive home.
  10. Take laundry up 3 flights of stairs.
You can imagine my IMMENSE joy having to do this every 2 weeks now that James is in Florida. I'm not ashamed my husband does the laundry while I work, I think it's fair. So now I have to go with my parents to do it, and that is a new layer of suck...

I miss in-unit laundry almost as much as my husband.

May 14, 2013

When Did I Start Wanting Collectibles?

It's kind of safe to say I'm obsessed with Harley Quinn. Everything from her personality, costume, back story, and bad love choices really interests me. This past month I went to C2E2 and bought 2 new figures of her, one being limited edition and numbered.
Black and Red seems to be a reoccurring theme. 
So for the moment I have 3 Harley Quinn figures, but I really want more. Like, a huge glass case full of them. I want to get lots of art also commissioned to have original drawings of her. I'm even considering the comic collecting, which seems a tad tedious to me, but it would round out my collection. 

Another thing to consider purchasing is the Injustice: Gods Among Us video game, considering she does have a good chunk of relevance in it. As well as going back and buying the Arkham video game collection (Asylum and City) since she is in those two.

I also am very excited because I want to get a Harley Quinn tattoo with James getting The Joker one to match. I definitely want it as my 2rd wedding anniversary gift.

Is there a comic book character, or any personality (TV, Books, Movies) that you are pretty caught up in? Do you have collectibles? Would you get a tattoo of them?

May 13, 2013

When Did I Make A Cribs Episode?

Okay, that's a little misleading. No, I didn't direct, nor stared, in an episode of Cribs (MTV). However, I'd like to think my male leopard gecko is having that feeling right now.
WELCOME TO THIS EPISODE OF LIZ-CRIBS!
 "Ey, yo, dis is Kakushi, y'all can call me King Kaku! Lemme take you inside mah crib. Take yo shoes off doh. I just had my crib re-done, lemme give you a walk though. Front and center I got my rock pool and conch shell, case I wanna summon my homeboy Mermaid Man. Then there's my custom made new-age rock wall, showing my courage to tha ladies. The bathroom hidden from view, cuz ain't nobody wanna look at dat. Speaking of food, the chow corner's here, sprinkle all dem worms with calcium. My spirit animal is the dragon, so I have a statue of it, which has a romantic bridge to my master suite. Look at that plush ass carpet!"
CRAFTSMANSHIP!
Private entrance to bring in the honeys.
The answer is yes, I did have too much fun with that, and no I have no dignity left.

May 11, 2013

When Did I Rejoice For Fridays?

Fridays are not the end of my work week, Saturdays are. So usually there lacks the "TGIF" quality. However, yesterday was a bit of an oddity as I actually had FUN things to do on a Friday, and I even stayed out til **drumroll** 10:30 PM! I'm a rebel.

Ordered my Pineapple Coconut pancakes at work!
The Babycakes Inspired Gourmet Pancakes Truck came to work, and in my opinion, I ate the best pancakes of my life. They had some cool flavors like Cinnamon Bun, and some odd ones like Shrimp & Crab. The owner was very nice, and I hope to eat at this food truck again.
Ruth, Michelle, and Me at a Hibachi Grill.
After work, Michelle and I met up with our co-worker Ruth. We went to a Hibachi Grill and got dinner AND a show. To be honest, we were enough of a show to begin with but the cook was cool too. I caught a broccoli he tossed at me with my "twins". I'm classy.
BAKERS SQUARE PEACH PIE!
Ah, the simple comforts of after dinner pie. Bakers Square is the go to restaurant for this, and peach is always my go to slice. Would've ordered it warm, but I totally forgot.

May 10, 2013

When Did I Start Using LinkedIn?

So I've been working in my current company for **drum-roll** 3 years now! But as you know, I'm moving by the end of the year. This means the ever dreaded job hunt is afoot!

I've had my LinkedIn Account for a while now, kept it updated and what not, and now I'm finally going to be able to use the darn thing. I know that I've been raving about becoming a baker, which is still my dream, but I know the field I am in well enough to excel beyond many others. I'm comfortable with the position, and I feel I am doing an overall great job. I figure, why leave the field?

Also, the Orlando/Oviedo/Winter Springs area is high in rental communities, which is ideal for the kind of work I do. I used to live in a Concord community, loved it, and want to work/live in that sort of place.

How about you? Do you use LinkedIn? Is it helpful when you've looked for a job? What field are you in as opposed to what you are dreaming of being in? Interested in your responses.



May 9, 2013

When Did I Lose All My Energy?

Yesterday I took the day off in exchange for working Monday. Honestly I spent the whole day sleeping. You'd think at 20 I'd be bursting with energy and calling all my friends to go out to a party or whatever it is young people do now, but no, I slept. And I loved it.


My life's new motto.
So moving to Florida is slowly approaching, and as you can imagine, I'm stoked. Even more so when you consider I'm a Harry Potter freak, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is there. I got some really cool news via my Florida friends. 

  1. The park will be adding Diagon Alley, which is located in London. I'm presuming this will be a modern London built in Universal Studios. A restaurant is planned.
  2. There will be a connection between Islands of Adventure and Universal via the Hogwarts Express. We'll see how they handle pricing since they are 2 parks.
  3. There will be a Gringotts Bank attraction. No word what kind, likely a coaster.


Looks like I'll be packing my Slytherin Robes, Scarf, and wand (real wooden carved wand made to match my Pottermore wand) which was gifted to me by my BFFI (Best Friend For Infinity) Drew. 
DO YOU EVEN LEVIOSA?!
No word yet if I can rent an apartment within The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, but believe you me, I'll be first in line!

May 8, 2013

When Did I Ever Feel So Grateful?

Today my husband, James, started his first day at work. He left his parent's house at 7:30 am, and returned at about 9:00 pm. I can't even tell you how amazed, proud, and grateful I am for having him as a husband. 

He's always been wiling to do anything for me, and I sometimes can't help but feel I don't deserve his love and devotion. Somehow, he seems to think the love I have for him is enough motivation, even though I think I'm more dead weight than anything else. So, I'm going to stick to thanking my lucky stars he decided to marry me.


So without further ado, here is a poem for my husband:


This life was bleak
under my sky
as I simply let
the time pass by.
You showed me
and taught me
how to really
love myself.

I never knew
til I knew you
what good loving
could really do.
Then suddenly
I loved you too.
It all made sense.

Now my life is better spent.

When Did I Start Pushing Products?

I don't like being peddled to. I don't like the "hard sells". In general, I like to be trusted to make my own decisions about a product and then I will either buy it or forget it.

So, let's start this way: Many years ago I started reading an online comic called "Least I Could Do". It's funny as all hell, in a more adult way, and I've been reading ever since. I visited the creators a few times at conventions in my area as well. Great set of guys.

Last fall, the writer of that online comic launched a project on Kickstarter called "The Bear". It was a funny, true, and beautiful account of being a new father. My husband ordered a copy, and true enough it was well worth every penny.


Now, the next volume of "The Bear" is on Kickstarter. I'm obviously going to order this volume, but I want other people to see just how great these books are. I don't have a child (yet) but even I immensely enjoyed readying "The Bear", and look forward to the next one. Check out their page, watch the video, and make your own conclusions. 

Hopefully, I'm not totally deluded thinking you'll like this.

May 7, 2013

When Did I Start Wishing For A Bakeware Shopping Spree?

Let me level with you. I love baking. I love the process. I love the presentation. I love the eating. So it's no surprise I've posted before that I want to be a baker and do a baked good delivery type service. Well, I took some time last night to look at a couple of my favorite Bakeware sites online, and I wanted to buy EVERYTHING!

Batter Dispenser!
Silicon Cupcake Molds
Mini Pie Molds
Cup Shaped Cake Molds

Those are my top for things I want to buy right now. All of them are from Chicago Metallic. They have lots of other stuff too like pizza pans and measuring cups. I'm looking forward to stocking my kitchen when I move into my apartment. There is nothing like the smell of freshly baked goods when you're in your own place.

May 6, 2013

When Did I Start Interior Decorating?


So I was a little bored and decided to pick out the colors I'd like to see in my apartment. I love all of them, and can already see different pieces in my head. Of course there is forever to go until I move, but these are colors I'd what no matter when or where I'd move.

I wanted the bedroom to have more neutral romantic earth tones, then transition to the bathroom and have more vibrant earth tones. I was going for a beach paradise in the living room where we will have our entertainment and office space. Then the kitchen/dining area I wanted a feel of warmth and calm, so my inspiration was Arizona sunsets.

I feel all these colors will also make our 1 bedroom 1 bath apartment feel much more open and fresh. Can't you just see it now?

So now my next project is making out a budget for James and I for our future apartment, from the rent to utilities to pets. I like being a busy body when it suites me.

May 5, 2013

When Did I Start Going Through The Motions?

So here we are, the first day without James here at home, and I'm trying to be a good sport. I woke up at a decent time. I helped mom marinate lunch. I put away the clean dishes. I fed the dog. Everything seems normal, but there is that ebbing feeling under my skin because I know something is missing.

I did manage to sleep (pass out) last night without an issue, which was better than expected. Even with the sleep though, I feel tired and could probably curl up under the covers for a few more hours. But then my parents would worry like they tend to. "Are you feeling ok, mija?" "You can talk to me about anything, mijah." "This is just a step towards your future, mija." While I appreciate their concern and need to comfort me, it's not what I want or need. I just want to forget the fact I'm alone even for a little, which I can do when I sleep.

I've volunteered to work on my day off tomorrow, and instead take Wednesday off. There is a lot of work to do in the office, so I'd rather work 2 days this week, have a break, then work 2 and a half days. Though, I'm so used to a 2 day consecutive break, I know tomorrow will feel off. 

Today is Cinco de Mayo, and not too sure what that entails. I'm half Mexican, and I'm pretty sure it has something to do with tacos and Corona. Sadly I'm not 21, and also my small pool of friends are either in another state or busy tonight. So looks like this Cinco de Mayo will go uncelebrated,  not that it's a huge loss here.


May 3, 2013

When Did I Get So Teary?

So today is James's last day here with me in Chicago for a while. We relaxed, went and saw Iron Man 3, and had dinner at Chili's. There was a moment, right before the movie started, that I realized I'd forgotten James would be gone tomorrow. Of course, after I realized that, I got a little misty eyed. I did my best to push it away and focus on Robert Downey Jr.'s handsome mug. I worked for a while.

After dinner, we did a quick Petsmart run for Leopard Gecko chow, and now we are home. In a little bit we are going to catch up on the past few weeks of Hannibal, then hopefully not sleep until midnight. Mom and I will be taking him to the airport tomorrow at 8:00 am, and this is the second time in just 3 weeks I have to make this horribly sad drive to O'Hare and watch him walk away with a suitcase. 

I can't just focus on the sad stuff though. I'm happy he has a job waiting for him there in Florida, grateful of all his parents are doing to help us, and excited we still have a working plan for this year to get our own place. I knew 2013 was going to be filled with changes and challenges  so it's about time they get into gear.


Aren't we a pretty pair?

May 2, 2013

When Did I Need A New Game Plan?

So here is the skinny on what the new "Game Plan" is.
  1. Since the Navy denied James, he got a job with his fathers networking company. Meaning he's moving to Florida as of Saturday.
  2. I will stay up here in Chicago while working and saving money like he will be down in Florida.
  3. James will apartment hunt while down there.
  4. I will work on obtaining my National Apartment Leasing Professional (NALP) Certification through The National Apartment Association. Makes me more employable.
  5. Hopefully by September, funds and appointments are made to move into our own place. Also I'd hopefully have a job lined up.
It's a simple 5 Step plan when it comes down to it, and Step 1 begins this Saturday.Of course, I am a little down in this situation considering we spent 1 whole year trying to get into the Navy. It really is their loss, since James is so smart and dedicated. I'm also a bit sad since our 1 year wedding anniversary is on the 18th of May, and we won't be together.

But I'm still very optimistic! James has secured a job in his desired career field, which is what we wanted all along. I'll still be moving to Florida like I wanted, and better yet to Orlando where I have family and friends. So all the goals we had set for September are still on track.

I want to thank all you readers out there who have been going along for this crazy ride I call my life. Knowing you all care what happens in my day to day means a lot to me.
Yumiko and I enjoying the spring weather.