High Five for Friday ...

05.24.2013

This was a pretty boring week. Just working, working out, and watching TV. Here are a few highlights.

1. Fun weekend! This past weekend I visited a friend, bought a new dress, went to the baseball game, went out for drinks, and celebrated my niece's 6th birthday. The pictures from my weekend can be found here.

2. I surprised A outside of her gymnastics class and we went to lunch. That kid gets cuter every day. Love her! Again I didn't have a mask, so I do not have a picture of her to share this week. 


3. Rental car for vacation was reserved this week! One step closer to relaxation!

4. Jess bought new Nike's. I am totally jealous! Of course the only other colors available are grey and orange. :( She always finds the best stuff first. 

Nike Flex Run 2013 

5. I wore dresses to work twice this week. Go me and my self-confidence! 

J. Crew Factory

What exciting things happened in your world this week? I want to know ... Post below. I am nosey like that. 

H54F with Lauren Elizabeth

Just a little randomness ...

05.21.2013

Since I don't have anything interesting to share, I thought sharing some silly questions and my answers would be funny if not entertaining.

1.You have ten dollars and need to buy snacks at a gas station, what do you buy?
Nachos with chili and cheese, cherry Slurpee, peanut m&ms, and gummy life savers

2. If you were reincarnated as a sea creature, what would you want to be?
Dolphin. 

3. Who is your favorite redhead?
Gingers kind of scare me. (That's why I dye my strawberry blonde hair!)

4. What do you order when you are at IHOP?
Chocolate Chip pancakes.

5. Last book you read?
You'll Never Blue Ball in this Town Again - Heather McDonald

6. Describe your mood.
Calm. So far the day has not been too stressful.

7. Describe the last time you were injured?
Does a blister count? I don't think I have really had an injury lately. 
8. Of all your friends, who would you want to be stuck in a well with?
Jess. That would be the funniest traumatic experience of my life. 

9. Rock concert or symphony?
Rock concert.

10. What is the wallpaper of your cell phone?
B and A's Easter picture. 

11. Favorite soda?
Pepsi, but I will never turn down a Dr. Pepper.

12. What type of shirt are you wearing?
A light blue and navy polka dot baby doll top with a pink sweater. I pretty much love polka dots. 

13. If you could only use one form of transportation:
A luxury car with a driver. 

14. Most recent movie you have watched in theater?
Django. 

15. Name an actor/actress/singer you have had the hots for.
My husband John Travolta (prior to his weird haircut phase) and my boyfriend Bradley Cooper. I am sure there are many more but I don't want to seem greedy! 

16. What is your favorite kind of cake?
Yellow with butter cream.

17. What did you have for dinner last night?
Burger King cheeseburger. 
18. Look to your left, what do you see?
Andrew's empty desk. Shh...Don't tell him, but I miss him. 

19. Do you untie your shoes when you take them off?
Chucks and my workout tennis shoes - No
20. Favorite toy as a child?
Cabbage Patch Kids and Barbies.

21. Do you buy your own groceries?
Ummm yes...I don't have a housekeeper.

22. Do you think people talk about you behind your back?
Yes, they probably do. But I can honestly say I don't really care anymore. 

23. When’s the last time you had gummy worms?
I can't even begin to remember. 

24. What’s your favorite fruit?
Strawberries or grapes.

25. Do you have a picture of yourself doing a cartwheel?
No.

26. Do you like running long distances?
No. I run like a freak and my boobs are too big. That is so funny for me to say!

27. Have you ever ate snow?
Yes.

28. What color are your bedsheets?
Burgundy.

29. Whats your favorite flower?
Sterling roses and lilies.


31. Do you listen to classical music?
Not usually.

32. What is the first TV theme song that pops in your head?
Saved by the Bell.

33. Do you watch SpongeBob?!
Not on purpose.

34. What temperature is it outside right now?
63 degrees. It looks like it might rain. 
35. Do people consider you smart?
Hell no. 

36. How many piercings do you have?
Ears-3
Belly button
Nose

37. Are you signed on AIM?
Nope.

38. Have you ever tried gluing your fingers together?
No.

39. How do you feel about your family?
Over all we are in a good place. The family that I talk to anyway. 

40. Do you have an iPod?
Yes.

41. What time do you go to bed?
When my eyes shut.

42. What CD is currently in your CD player?
Katy Perry. A would love to cruise in my car right now!

43. What movie do you know every line to?
Steal Magnolia's and I am starting to know all the lines in 'What's your number'. 

44. What is your favorite salad dressing?
Red French on the side at a restaurant or Orange French at home. 

45. What did you get for Christmas this year?
Ornaments, earrings, candle, and wine stemless wine glasses.

47. Do you like hugs?
Not really. I really do not like to be touched.  

48. Last time you had butterflies in your stomach?
Almost 7 years ago.

49. What is the way people most often mispronounce any part of your name?
If you can not pronounce Brandi you are slow.

50. Last person you hugged?
B. He wouldn't go to sleep without one last hug. Melts my heart!

Weekend Wrap-Up ...

05.20.2013

This was the busiest weekend I have had in a long time!

Saturday -
I visited with my friend Maggie, her husband, daughters L and V. V is the newest addition to their family. And absolutely adorable. L is so smart, funny and a great big sister. I can't wait to visit again. :)

Jess and I went to the Cardinals game. Unfortunately, we lost 6-4 to the Brewers in the 10th inning. But it was fun hanging out with Jess.

View from our seats. 

After the game, we went to a local pizza place for a friend of a friend's birthday. Here are a few pictures.

 Tony had a front row seat for the fight that broke out amongst some drunk girls.

 My beer is bigger than Tony's tiny beer. 

 Malibu and Diet anyone? 

I do not remember what was so funny, but I couldn't stop laughing. 

Sunday - 

My niece M turned SIX! I can't believe she is six years old already. M had a great day swimming and flying kites with her brother N. Someone needs to teach my brother how to grill though. Burnt hot dogs are nasty! 

 I normally would only post pictures of my nieces and nephews in masks for safety reasons. 

However, this picture is of 6 month old M. She doesn't look like this anymore. 

I forgot to bring masks, so unfortunately I will not post any of the party pictures other than the table scape. Do you think she likes princesses?!

I hope your weekend was as fun as mine!

High Five for Friday ...

05.17.2013

1. Bring the Heat ... My friend Tony recently bought a house and invited all his people over for a party. I had the best time.

Tony and I

 

2. I wore a dress! And felt GREAT in it! I have lost 2lbs. No where near my goal, but it is a start. I can see a change in myself ... physically and mentally. I am a lot happier.

This is the  Old Navy dress I wore.

 

3. Great talks. Much needed talks.

4. Team Outing! Service Engagement was treated to a Cards game.

Unfortunately we lost 5-2. :(

 

5. Beautiful Earrings! I ordered these gorgeous earrings this week for a wedding.

May Earrings - The Dotted Poppy

 

Anything exciting or awesome happen in your world this week. I want to know ... Post below. I am nosy like that.

H54F with Lauren Elizabeth





 







Tuna Salad Recipe ...

05.14.2013

I thought I would share a yummy summer recipe with my readers.

Tuna Salad

 

2-3 cups Medium Shell Noodles

6 cups water

dash of salt

2 can Albacore White Tuna in water

4-5 heaping teaspoons of Mayo (I use Miracle Whip)

3 heaping teaspoons of Pickle Relish

Ritz Crackers

 

Bring water to a rolling boil. Add salt and noodles. Continue to boil as directed on the noodle package.

While noodles are boiling; drain tuna. Break up tuna with a fork in a medium bowl. Add mayo and relish. Mix well.

Drain noodles and pour into medium bowl. Mix well.

Serve with Ritz crackers.

Refrigerate leftovers.

 

If you are like me, summer is not the time to have the oven on! This is a go to for me. It is great the first night as it is a little warm. I like to put it on the crackers like a "dip". The next day it is even better! It is cold and the flavor is great!

 

 

"Final farewell" ...

05.13.2013

Tonight was a great evening to take a walk around the lake and have wonderful conversations with my lil sis, Shannon. Shannon is taking the leap into married bliss in September and moving to Indiana where her fiancée currently resides.  This is one of the last times we will see each other before she leaves on her new life journey.

The lake at Sunset

Although I am happy for where her life is taking her, I can't say that I won't miss her. It is sad to think that soon she will only be a phone call away, but there will not be dinners at Panera and 54th Street Grill or walks around the lake. 

Good luck with all the final details of your wedding Shannon and Matt! 

Weekend Wrap-Up ...

05.12.2013

These are Tony's Bring the Heat housewarming and birthday party pictures in no particular order ...

 25 (Richie), never caught his name, and Jason

 Andrew - Cool as ever

 Charles and I (Hi Charles! - He follows my blog now)

 Charles praying I start to understand the card game. - I eventually did, then they stopped playing.

 Awful drunk pic of myself and Chris. (You might know him from previous blog posts as Mikey from The Goonies)

 Holly and Jason

 Jason and I

 Jason, Charles, and never caught his name

 Tony's present - It's coasters I made. Here's how to make them

 Jason took this pic of me. Not totally hating it.

 Allie and Sam - He made the best chocolate chip cookies like EVER!

 This is prior to my drinking adventure.

 Tony and Andrew - Yes his shirt does say "Lettuce Turnip the Beet"

 Sushi Sam and I

 Tony and I

 The night winding down.

Holly and I (My expression is weird to say the very least)

 

I did not get a single picture of my new friend Nick. I love him and his fiance! They are awesome guys and I wish them a lifetime of happiness! NOH8!!!

 

Today is Mother's Day. Happy Mother's Day to all the mom's reading my blog. You are all special ladies that deserve a day devoted to you. A special Mother's Day wish to Doreen and Jess. Doreen without you I wouldn't have a "mom". You are simply amazing. Jess you make motherhood look so easy. B and A are the luckiest kids in the world to have you. I love you both with all that I am. 

Mother's Day ...

05.11.2013

Mother's Day is tomorrow. My least least favorite day of the year for two reasons.

Reason one - My mother.
My mother and I never had a close relationship that I can recall. She never played with me as a child. Which is particularly sad, since I was an only child for seven years, we didn't spend a lot of time with family with kids close to my age, and our neighbors didn't really have kids my age. I spend a lot of time playing barbies and dolls by myself. This later caused one of my aunts to say I was retarded because I talked to myself. As a preteen, my mother did not shop with me or act like the other moms. My mother spent her time on the phone with her friends, gossiping about co-workers. Maybe that is why I gossip so much.  My mother did not make dress shopping for dances and graduation a memorable experience. She would rush through and make the experience totally suck for me. My mother is the most selfish person I have ever met. And I fear I will become her.

I do have a few stand out memories. Once we went to Long Horn for dinner then to see Friday Night Lights. I don't remember much of our conversation, but it was nice to have her alone. Without her cell attached to her ear. Another time, I was involved in a physical altercation with my ex-boyfriends mom (I know real redneck shit!) and she took me to the police station to file a police report.

A few years ago, my parents divorced. Long over due! I haven't spoken to my mother since about six months prior to her walking about on my dad. She gave no warning. One day she was there, then the next she text my dad and said she was never coming back. While my dad packed her things for charity, he found the final notice of foreclosure. She hide for months that she had not paid the mortgage. It took me thousands of dollars to clear my dads possessions from that house, put them in storage, find him housing, move his things to the new place, and help him get settled. I felt maybe still do feel betrayed.

Reason two - I am not a mother. Not for lack of trying
Around the time my mother walked out on my dad, I found out I have Poly cystic Ovary Syndrome. Learn more here. I have always wanted to be a mom and I finding out it will take medicines and possible fertility treatments to conceive was heart breaking. This was one of the worst days of my life. My gynecologist refused to help in anyway other than Metformin because his religious believes were to be married before you conceive a child. Thanks for the judgement ASSHOLE!

After a couple of years, not knowing if I would ever have a baby since the Metfomin did not work, I found a great doctor Thank you Ebony for your referral. I will always be thankful! Dr. Misty Day is amazing! My first visit she talked to me like I was a person and not a 20-something slut that wanted to get knocked up. She told me what my options were and asked for my then boyfriend to come in to talk about how we wanted to move forward. Unfortunately, Clomid did not jump start ovulation as we had hoped. And there is NOTHING sexy about an ovulation and "relations" calendar. Looking back I can see clearly when my relationship went from happily-ever-after to single living alone in a two bedroom condo.

So ... Mother's Day is not flowers, hand-made crafts, and breakfast in bed for me.

High Five for Friday ...

05.10.2013

1. Saturday Jess made popcorn and s'mores and we watched ParaNorman and Rango with B and A. I wish I would have taken a picture of how adorable they looked sitting in their tents with pillows and blankets. ADORABLE!

Instead here is a picture of the superhero life they lead.

2. Chanel had to visit the doctor due to an UTI. It cost a nice chunk of change, but she is doing so much better.

Love my baby!

3. Adorable things the tiny G's say!
Listening to A's little voice ramble in the background:
"I like Aunt Brandi, I like mommy, I like daddy, I like mamaw, I like papa, I like B"
"I see birdies. I see zombies."
"Aunt Brandi there is Mobil. We are going there."

Conversation with B about mosquitoes:
B - "The mosquitoes bit my arms"
Me - "I don't know why. You do not have any meat on your arms."
B - "Do you have meat on your arms?"
Me - "Too much meat"
B - "I have lots of meat in my brain!"

4. I made the most delicious pork chop this week. Cooking for one sometimes can be annoying, but lately I have embraced discovering what flavors I enjoy.

5. I wore shorts on Tuesday. This may not seem like a huge deal to anyone else, but I NEVER wear shorts. I feel extremely fat when I wear them. Tuesday I did not. I felt great. Wish my legs were tan, but that is irrelevant. I felt great. Thin even.

J.Crew Factory

What exciting things happened in your world this week? I want to know ... Post below. I am nosey like that.

High Five for Friday with Lauren Elizabeth

"Would you like fries with that?" ...

05.09.2013

Today I almost let myself have a Facebook argument. I hate that someone else's words can annoy me so much that I bust out the caps. The topic that threw me over the edge was the fast food strike by employees in the industry wanting more money.

I feel the $15 per hour they are asking is absurd. Their job is to flip hamburgers and drop fries. Not rocket science in the least. I personally never worked in fast food or the restaurant industry. Nothing about taking an order or preparing someone else's meal has ever been appealing to me. Instead I worked retail. The lesser of the two evils, in my opinion. I will never know what is actually like to work in a food environment, not because I have a fancy degree or a rich husband. I will never work with food because I aspire for more.

I do not have my dream job by far, but I work hard for my paycheck. I chose not to attend college for probably the same reason these strikers did not attend ... Money. I did not grow up with a silver spoon in my mouth. My parents did not start a college fund for myself or my brother at conception. I am where I am today because I work for it.

Where did my journey begin ... My first job (other than babysitting) was JC Penney when I was 17 making $6.25 per hour. I worked there for 3 years before I left to start my career with Tuesday Morning. I call it a career because I moved through the ranks pretty quickly starting as a cashier making $6.50 per hour (I took a 75 cent pay cut). A year or so later I was promoted to Assistant Store Manager making a whooping $7.50 per hour and it was only part time. About six months later I was promoted again to Full Time Assistant Store Manager training to get my own store. Can you believe I made $22K a year! I thought I was making it. Looking back how the hell did I survive! A year and a half later I ended my career with Tuesday Morning and walked into the world of Gordman's, starting out in the Home Department at $9 per hour. Three months later I was promoted to a key carrier and given a 50 cent raise. I was with Gordman's for two and a half years working my way to Office Coordinator and Trainer with an ending salary of $12 per hour.

At 25 I switched gears and moved to the corporate world. I will forever be thankful to three people, Craig, Mary and Joyce. Craig told me about the position and even emailed Joyce to tell her about me and why I was a great candidate. Mary and Joyce interviewed me and although I do not think Joyce was impressed, Mary saw something in me. I was with this insurance company until my department was relocated to Colorado after three years of employment. Although I remain in the corporate world I moved from insurance to technology. Like I said I do not have my dream job, but I am lucky. I do not have a degree. I only have my desire to move forward and achieve more to get to the next level.

The argument that these people cannot afford college is invalid to me. As you read above, I do not have a degree. I live in a $1000 a month condo. I drive a 2009 Lexus IS 250. I pay all of my own bills. I take vacations. I buy name brand/designer clothes, shoes and handbags. No one said you need a degree to succeed. You need drive and determination to succeed.

In no way am I minimizing a college degree. My closest friends are currently working towards their master degrees. I will be the first to tell you I am J for jelly. I also will be the first to say college is important. I could be a lot further in my career if I had a degree. Or I would be in a completely different place. Who's to say.

What I will say is $15 per hour to say "Would you like to super size? Fries with that?" is ridiculous.

Weekend Wrap-Up ...

05.05.2013

So what happened this weekend? ...

Friday - Tony, dude that looks like Mikey from The Goonies, Andrew, couple of guys from work and I went to Wasabi for Tony's birthday lunch. Still not sure how I feel about sushi, but I do enjoy the atmosphere. Plus the company wasn't to bad either. 

Saturday - Afternoon with the Gallagher's! A and B watched ParaNorman and Rango in their tents while eating popcorn. Well B watched. A mostly pulled out every toy in the basement to play. It was a fun way to spend a gloomy Saturday afternoon.

Sunday - Nothing to eventful happened today. I did run to Target only wearing foundation and mascara, yogo pants and yesterday's ponytail. I looked a complete mess. I always feel like everyone is looking at me judging when I look a mess. Of course when I think I look super hot, I don't think anyone is paying attention. I really have self-esteem issues.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

High Five for Friday ...

05.03.2013

1. Play-doh with A and B was a lot of fun. And I was able to just be in the moment.
2. The St. Louis Blues are in the Playoffs! And won 2-1 last night against the LA Kings. LGB!
3. I stuck to a healthier diet this week which did not include fast food.
4. J.Crew factory gave me a surprise 30% off at checkout. Now I have two more cardis to add to my closet.
5. My Top-Sider's went with almost every outfit this week. 

Sorry this week's High Fives did not include pix or that exciting (other than play-doh!). It has been a tough one, but I am working on that.

I cannot get the linkup button to work, but linking up with Lauren for H54F today!

Anything exciting happen for you this week? I want to know ... post below. I am nosy like that!

Personal thoughts ...

05.02.2013

Over the last few months I have started thinking I need therapy. Real therapy, not a glass of wine and a great talk with a friend. I don't really ever think I was a happy person. I have moments, but sadness surrounds them all.

How did I get to be like this? ...
I did not have a horrible childhood. Well unless you count when I was seven and my parents decided I needed a brother. But overall it wasn't too bad. I went to Catholic school, went to church, was a Girl Scout, went to sleep overs, etc. I remember my childhood in pieces, I now assume that is because I have blocked out the bad.

I switched schools twice from 5th to 8th grade. NEVER do this to your introverted child. This should be on the list of child abuse. In case you were wondering why I switched schools ... My dad was the manager of the "lower hall" at the church were my brother and I attended school. One afternoon he was moving a half barrel of beer to the cooler, somehow he lost this grip and the barrel fell. To prevent his foot from being smashed or cut off he moved back, resulting in a slipped disk in his back. My dad needed surgery and was unable to work. The church told my parents "if you cannot afford the tuition then your children cannot attend this school." My parents made the hardest decision of my life ... PUBLIC SCHOOL. A Catholic school girls worst nightmare ... or at least my worst nightmare. After two years in public school, my parents enrolled my brother and I back in Catholic school. Much smaller than the original we attended. I was scared at first, but I really liked it. I made some of the best friends I had ever had. I still Facebook with a few to this day. I even followed a couple to Notre Dame High School. Too bad I didn't do any research to prepare myself for their learning structure. It really was not for me. After thousands of dollars on top of tuition for me to finish my Freshman year over the summer, my parents decided that I would start my Sophomore year in public school.  (This makes the third change in schools ... If you are keeping score) This time not only did I have to change schools ... we were moving. I grew up in South City. That was my home. Now I was moving to North County. Ugh! I met my best friend and "sister" in Advanced Child Development. She had the coolest nails and said things like "coolness" and "awesomeness". 14 years later we are closer than ever.

As a young adult I switched retail jobs a few times then finally settled in the corporate world. I am not particularly happy where I am. I didn't go to college. I should have listened when I was told "if you don't go right after high school, you will never go". Of course I was not going to listen to that and made the decision not to attend college. Money was a factor as well. My parents didn't have the money to pay the tuition and I surely didn't have any savings from my high school retail job. I guess you could say I am lucky to be in the role I am without a degree. I would like to say they are lucky to have me.

I have only seriously dated three guys in my adult life. None of which deserved me. The last one I am still trying to get over. Six years is a long time, lots of memories. A huge piece of me is scared I will never find "the one". Other pieces of me are scared I will turn into my mother. Another huge piece of me is scared I will never be a mom. I sound like I am a pie chart ... In a way I guess I am. I would be lying if I didn't say it was like a knife in the heart every time someone announces they are pregnant.

Today, I am overly sad ... depressed even. I am scared to talk to someone for the fear of defeat or what they might tell me about myself. I do want to be happy. Really happy. I want to really enjoy moments, not fear for the next low point.

Well now that I have depressed you all ... Enjoy your weekend. If your live near me ... carry an umbrella, looks like a wet one.

May is what? ...

05.01.2013

May is Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month. I found this gem out while scrolling through my Facebook feed. Maybe I am just naive, but shouldn't teen pregnancy prevention be addressed every month? When did teen pregnancy become the norm? Does it have anything to do with MTV's '16 and Pregnant' or 'Teen Mom'/'Teen Mom 2'? I never want to be the person that blames media for actions taken by an individual, but it does seem as though MTV is glorifying teen pregnancy.

How many teen moms do you know that:

1. Drives a new car weekly, monthly, yearly?
2. Can afford to go out every weekend?
3. Has the ability to go out every weekend without their child?
4. Is able to buy brand new clothes on the regular?
5. Can afford to live on their own?

None? Yeah me either. This is why I feel MTV glorifies teen pregnancy. Yes, they are paid for the cameras to follow their lives. I do agree they should be paid, but the money should have went into trusts to ensure their futures.

Okay moving on from MTV ...

I do not have any children, but I have nieces and nephews. My "sister" recently told me that as soon as A starts her period she will put her on the pill. I was floored. I do not believe that is the answer at all. One reason - You are only preventing pregnancy (if it is used correctly). What about STDs? Isn't education a better option? For me it is.  I respect my "sister", her thoughts and views, but I do not agree with her on this subject.

I hope that my relationship with my nieces (and nephews) remains open, so they will feel comfortable coming to me to talk about things like sex or anything else. I don't feel it will ever be my place to give them advice or knowledge that their parents would not want them to have, but I do want them to feel they can come to me and have a conversation without judgement.

My hope for A and M is to have a "normal" childhood and adolescence. I want to see both graduate high school, go off to college, find the love of their lives, marry then have children. Or live in a committed life of sin. I never want them to call me and say "Aunt Brandi, I am pregnant." before they are mature enough to handle the responsibility.

My niece M has a greater chance of teen pregnancy as she is a result of teen pregnancy. I just hope the struggles her mother (and father) endured have shown her how difficult being a teen mom really is.

I just hope in their teens they realize how cool it really is to be a VIRGIN.