Life is Good

First off, normally I'd be doing an "It's Okay Thursday" but everything is going pretty well in my life right now, I don't have much that is just okay.

Secondly, today makes THREE WEEKS since my jaw surgery! Which means only three more weeks to go until FOOD! And I'm feeling good, I only use the pain meds at night (after a long day of talking, smiling, and laughing, it makes my jaw a little sore.) Also, my grandma sent me another get well card, that makes five from just her. She's the best :)And Allison visited last night, it was great to catch-up with her. I miss my Beans family, post about them to come later.

Now, to get to the point. Some of you may have noticed I usually end my posts with life is good and I figured I'd explain why I do it. My Aunt Kim, my dad's sister, passed away two years ago (5/23/10) at the young age of 48. She had stage four lung cancer. Well, even with lung cancer she still had a positive outlook on life, and was all about life is good. The clothing brand (http://www.lifeisgood.com/), the phrase, just everything. It's a great phrase, because life really is good.

On my Aunt's would-be 50th birthday I got the phrase tattooed on my left shoulder blade. Followed by one of my grandma's hearts (because she draws hearts on everything.) Here's a picture of it after it was done::

It still had the protective layer over it when this photo was taken. I need to get an updated picture because it looks even better now.. if I do say so myself.

Anyways, that's the story behind it...


life is good

Very Pinteresting

This past week I've been even more addicted to Pinterest than usual. It's all the down time I have, I need something to occupy my time.. other than just watching movies, and reading books.

So here are my top pins::

    

one- Wine Glass Holder! This is so creative, I can't believe it took someone until 2012 to figure it out. And so easy to install yourself, just drill a little hole and create a little slit to slide it in place. easy peasy!

two- It isn't worth having. Seriously though, it's not worth it.

three- DIY t-shirt to tank. So simple! I just tried this last night and it worked pretty well. I'm definitely doing it again! love it! Which completes #34 on my 101 list: Make something from Pinterest -check!





 

four- Be yourself! It's the best person you can be.

five- Sandlot! It's my favorite movie of all time, and one of my favorite sayings. I just love this!





well, those are my top picks..

life is good

Book Club

Okay, so I'm not actually in a book club, but I do enjoy reading a good book. I just finished reading The Rescue by Nicholas Sparks, and it was awesome! I definitely recommend this book to any gal.. not really a book guys would like though, it's for chicks.

Anyways, here's the description from Nicholas' website, http://www.nicholassparks.com/books/the-rescue

When confronted by raging fires or deadly accidents, volunteer fireman Taylor McAden feels compelled to take terrifying risks to save lives. But there is one leap of faith Taylor can’t bring himself to make: he can’t fall in love. For all his adult years, Taylor has sought out women who need to be rescued, women he leaves as soon as their crisis is over and the relationship starts to become truly intimate. When a raging storm hits his small Southern town, single mother Denise Holton’s car skids off the road. The young mom is with her four-year-old son Kyle, a boy with severe learning disabilities and for whom she has sacrificed everything. Taylor McAden finds her unconscious and bleeding, but does not find Kyle. When Denise wakes, the chilling truth becomes clear to both of them: Kyle is gone. During the search for Kyle, the connection between Taylor and Denise takes root. Taylor doesn’t know that this rescue will be different from all the others, demanding far more than raw physical courage. It will lead him to the possibility of his own rescue from a life lived without love and will require him to open doors to his past that were slammed shut by pain. This rescue will dare him to live life to the fullest by daring to love.

It was a really great book, I was a little uneasy about how it would end at first but it was perfect. And for whatever reason I kept referring to Taylor as Tyler.. I think because Taylor can also be a girls name it kinda threw me off. But, if you're looking for a good book, this is an easy read. I give it an A-.

Movie Tuesday

Movie review time, again.

Hanna:: Horrible. Do not watch this movie, seriously. It is not worth wasting your time. It was the weirdest movie I think I have ever seen, and it didn't even have a good story line. There was nothing to it. The movie barely made sense, and was hard to follow. I did not like it at all.. my mom didn't like it either. My rating, F. A big fat F.

Puss in Boots:: Super cute. It was funny, and cute. It had comedy aimed for the adults, but still a good movie for kids too. There were many references to nursery rhymes, very clever. I'd watch it again. My rating, B. If you have children, or even if you don't, give it a view. I guarantee you'll laugh.

Two more letters crossed off #7 of my 101 list. H, and P - check! 

Memorial Day Weekend

Saturday, May 26, was the Pepper Planting Party. The first step to growing hot banana peppers; end of July and through August the peppers will be ready to pick and pack. There are so many peppers that the Kukura's (the family with the garden) have parties so all their friends and family help them plant, pick, and pack the peppers. We usually plant 200+ pepper plants. It's tough work, but well worth it in the end -the peppers are DELISH! They're sweet, with a kick afterwards. perfect!

Sunday, May 27, was Nolan's 1st birthday party. Family friends of ours little baby. He's such a cutie, and so is his cousin, Thomas. Tommy will turn one in about 4 months. It was nice to see the family again, they're really great people. Malone was nice enough to pick me up and take me, since my parents went earlier. But all the smiling/talking/laughing really took a toll on my jaw.. thank God for medicine. Everyone was so sweet though, asking how I am doing.. literally, everyone asked. I'm so blessed to have so many people who care.

Monday, May 28, Memorial Day! First, I'd like to thank all of our service men and women for making this beautiful day possible, God Bless.

Now, every Memorial Day family friends of ours, the Lebers, have a pool party. This year wasn't any different. All day lying pool side with great friends, family, food, and a Mike's Hard or two. perfection. A little, okay A LOT, of sun with an in-ground pool, accompanied with a water slide, super nice. Here's some photos::

 

see what I mean?! And what a beautiful day we had, upwards of 90 degrees, and with the water at a warm 85 degrees it was a perfect refresher in the heat. Also, this completes #30 of my 101 list: spend an entire day outside - check! And again, props to our Troops for making it possible to relax poolside all day.

A great weekend all around :)

life is good

The Vow

First, I'd like to share that I'm up to 5 followers!! yahooo!!! Thanks to Pamela over at http://pjgraves51.blogspot.com AND http://sewmuchclass.blogspot.com y'all should check them out! :)

I also watched the movie The Vow. It was really good, especially because it was inspired by true events. Although there was a few things I would have done differently if I was the producer.  

*spoiler alert* Like at the very end when their regular coffee shop is closed, so she suggests going to the place they usually went to if the coffee shop was closed, and Channing asks if she remembered -well, she says no and that she's been talking with a friend and learning. Which is fine and all, but I wish she would have remembered something, anything. Just one thing. And that would have been the perfect thing. Now, I get that the real life couple this happened to never remembered anything, and it mimics their story, but still. 

And I got frustrated myself during the movie. Rachael McAdam's character was bugging me, making me frustrated. She wouldn't listen to Channing at all. About anything. Okay, I understand that you have no recollection of him what-so-ever, but he was trying, and I just feel like her character didn't try at all. 

So, I give The Vow a B. Could have been a little better. 

But of course, that's just my opinion. I'd still recommend watching it. And it's another new movie for my 101 list!




life is good

Five for Fri, 3.

It's Friday, but it's not just Friday, it's the Friday of Memorial Day Weekend. For a lot of you that means an extra day of no work.. so to all of you with no work I say, Slainte (which means cheers in Gaelic), let's celebrate with a for High Five for Friday!

my five favs

one:

yoo-hoo! I mean, who doesn't love yoo-hoo? 

my mom was kind enough to buy me some :) 

two:

Steak & Shake run with Ashley and Erin.

Mocha Milkshake, yumm! 

three:

 Hershey Bars.

breaking off little pieces and letting it melt in my mouth.

credit given to Mrs. Fellows for giving me that tip, and providing the Hershey's.

four:

Campbell's Chicken and Stars.

my dinner last night, some soup spiced up with a little Tabasco.

a good break from smoothies, and protein shakes.

five:

The Internet.

without the internet, I'd be dying. literally.

I found a website that suggested 'food' for people on liquid diets.. and I cannot wait to try them.. hopefully with more choices I'll feel satisfied. 

life is good

OK Thurs, 2.

It's okay that it's Thursday! Linking up with Amber @ Brunch with Amber and Neely @ A Complete Waste of Makeup

it's okay...

• that my best friend moved away.
• that I can't eat food.
• that I 'ate' rice yesterday, even if it kinda hurt a little.. it was worth it.
• that it's only been 2 weeks post-op even though it feels like its been wayyy longer.
• that I'm still taking my medicine here and there.
• that don't have any money flow right now because I can't work.
• to still buy a few things even though I don't have any income.
• that I've only lost 10 pounds still even though I haven't been eating anything, and only drinking smoothies/protein shakes. 
• that only my right side of my face/jaw hurts me, and I find that odd.
• to still watch Food Network even though I can't eat.
• to feel upset when my mom makes a dinner I love.
• to constantly want food, and think about it, and talk about it.
• that I only have three followers.
• that I literally do nothing all day.

well, there ya have it.. IT'S OKAY.

life is good

Very Pintresting

I'm still learning the ways of the blog world, but Wednesday seems to be a Pinterest day. So here are my top pins from the past week..

one:

pinned HERE

 Grilled Vegetable Pasta Salad with Parmesan Dressing

I haven't tried this yet, but once I can eat food again I'm definitely making this. It looks delish!

two:

pinned HERE

  I seriously love this quote. a lot.

three:

pinned HERE

 Just let God, and trust in Him.

four:

pinned HERE

 BLT Linguine
Again, I haven't made this yet, but it looks damn good.

five:

pinned HERE

  Love the color, and love Nike.

life is good

4,500+ Miles

Yesterday was a fun, but hard day. I went to Steak & Shake with two of my best friends, Erin and Ashley. I ordered the Mocha Milkshake -which was delish- but it was sooo thick, too thick for a little gal who just got jaw surgery. It took me a good five minutes before it was melted enough for me to drink.. I don't have good suction right now, and I even used two straws! 


Afterwards, we came back to my house and played Disney Adventures on the xbox 360 Kinect.. yes, I'll allow you to make fun of us, three 22 year olds playing a Disney game.. and yes, it's my Disney game. In fact, Erin got it for me for Christmas. Anyways, we played that for a bit and then... then came the hard part of the day. Because up until that point it was a blassttt. 


Then.. it came time to say goodbye. Goodbye to my best friend Ashley. And not just a I'll call you tomorrow and we'll hang out later this week goodbye, this was a maybe I'll get to see you at Christmas time goodbye. Ya see, Ashley is moving to HAWAII... and let me remind you, I live in Ohio. I googled it, and it's 4,500+ miles away (to her city at least). And it costs roughly $750-850 to fly there.. which for a poor college student that chunk of change is hard to come by. So there won't be a visitation anytime soon. 


I met Ashley freshman year of High School, and we've been friends ever since. Sure, I did think she was weird at first, and we joke about that all the time, but then we played softball together and became good friends fairly quickly. That's 8 years. Eight. For eight years my best friend was only a phone call, or 10 minute drive away from me.. now she's a 12 hour flight and $800 away.. and there's an ocean in the way, too. 

Now, I've been trying to be strong about this.. for Ashley's sake. Because I know she'll have it way harder. A new place to live, where she only knows her fiance. No job, no friends (yet), no family, nothing. All I can do is hope and pray for the best for her. I hope she finds a good job, I hope she meets some new friends, and I hope she never forgets or falls out of touch with myself, or Erin. 

Ashley and I in 2008...

...and in 2011

 
I came across a few quotes that I'd like to share with y'all...

Goodbyes are not forever. Goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean I'll miss you, until we meet again! ~Author Unknown

 My friends remind me by their very steadfastness, that truth, beauty, and goodness exist in the world, and that no matter what, there are and always will be people loving people through thick and thin.

<3 life is good

Music Monday

Music Monday just fits, both are M's, and well, I don't really know what else to post right now.
So here are my a few of my favorite songs right now...

I'm currently addicted to...

Pontoon - Little Big Town

Fly Over States - Jason Aldean

and of course the list wouldn't be complete without..

Call Me Maybe - Carly Rae Jepsen
I could have posted the music video, but I love this video of all these Disney/Nickelodeon kiddies

Anyways, I'm obsessed with these three songs right now. Check them out, they're good!!

life is good

Tomato Soup and The Sitter

I branched out, instead of making another smoothie, or drinking a Boost or Nutriment, I made good ole Campbell's Tomato Soup. Of course, I can't use a spoon yet, so I drank it through a straw. It felt good to have a different taste in my mouth.. and my stomach must be shrinking because I couldn't even finish the can, in fact, I wasn't even close! So I'll probably finish it for lunch today. But I wanted to share because even though I just drank it through a straw, and there was no real breakthroughs made, it still felt good, to "eat" food.

My mom and I also watched the movie The Sitter, with Jonah Hill. It was hilarious! It actually hurt to watch the movie because it hurts to laugh, but I fought through it, and it was worth it. I only give it a B+ because, even though it really wasn't that long, it kinda felt like it dragged a bit.. maybe it's just because my jaw was hurting, I don't know. But it's another letter down on my 101 goal, S -check!

Super Smoothie

Since I had to get jaw surgery, I was browsing Pinterest for a bunch of cool/good smoothie, protein shakes, and juices, that I could drink post-op. I came across the "Super Smoothie" and just tried it, let me tell you -IT IS DELICIOUS! If you want a good, healthy smoothie definitely give this one a try.

Here's how::

You can make this smoothie a few different ways, but the 'base' is the same for each one.

The Base: 3 cups of milk or yogurt (I used milk)

2 bananas

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 cup honey (I only added about a 1/4 cup, or so)

very simple!

You can also add in extra ingredients for more flavor. I added in peanut butter.

Extras: 1 cup peanut butter

or

1/2 can frozen orange juice

or

1 cup strawberries

or

a little touch of lemon juice

Like I said, I added a big heaping spoonful of peanut butter, and it is sooo good. I also added ice into my glass afterwards, it doesn't call for ice but I wanted it a little colder than it was. My dad then added ice into the blender to mix his ice in and it was just as good. Whatever you like! 

If you had some protein powder I'm sure you could also add a scoop or two of that and it would still be scrumptious -and healthier too.  I didn't think about it until later, so I didn't add any in, but next time I'm definitely trying it that way.

life is good

 

More 101

I started stacking a bunch of old clothes in my closet, and I finally took them all out and bagged it up to donate. Which completes number 45: Donate old clothes -check!

Along with completing that 101 goal, I also was able to start working on number 9: Clean out my closet.. still working on it, but I at least got it started.

And I watched another movie, In Time, number 7: Watch a movie I haven't seen yet for all 26 letters of the alphabet. Letter I is now completed.. but still have 24 letters to go! In Time had a cool concept, it's the movie with Justin Timberlake, and Amanda Seyfried. They live in the future where time is your life, you live until you're 25 years old and then are given one more year to live unless you can get more time. Which is a different perspective, it's almost as if their 'time' is our 'money', the more money we have the better we live. But, and maybe its just because the whole concept of life in the movie, it was not believable at all. Like not at all. I like the kinds of movies that I can relate to, or that are so well done no matter what it's about it feels real. So I rate In Time just an average C. Could have been better.

On a different, more random note, I need to start reading again. I have a bunch of books to be read, and I'm in the middle-ish of two books. I think I'll continue with one of them tonight, if I have time, if not tomorrow for sure. 

Anyways, both Erin and Ashley stopped by today to visit with me while I'm stuck at home. And my Uncle Mike, Aunt Gina, and cousins Ben, and Hayley, are coming by tonight for a visit. I really do have the best family. Well that's all for now!


life is good

Five for Fri, 2.

It's Friday, and although it doesn't really mean much to me now because I'm not working and I'm off school, it's still Friday. So here's my 2nd High Five for Friday, I'm linking up with Lauren From my Grey Desk.

my five favs

1- my family, and friends

This week has been pretty intense while healing from jaw surgery but my family and friends were there every step of the way. All my close friends visited me, and more family are to visit tonight. They've given me so much support and for that I am soo thankful.

2- Jaw Surgery

okay so it's not my "favorite" thing, but I needed to get it done and now it's overrrr! Well, at least the actual surgery is, still working on the healing process. For three years I knew I needed the surgery, and I finally was able to get it. yayy!

3- Gatorade, apple juice, Boost

ahhh, the joys of a liquid diet. These three drinks are what got me through this week. I wasn't in the mood to drink anything, but I could always get these down. 

4- Well Wishes

I received soo many cards from soo many people.. and flowers too! I've never felt more loved. I'm soo blessed! Here's a photo of all the cards...

 

5- Red Solo Cup Wine Glass

my new favorite glass.. it's a red solo cup secured to a fancy wine glass stem stand thing.. here's a picture...

 this is what it looks like. My friends Erin/Ashley got it for me. Apparently they sell them at Hallmark, of all places. hahah I think it's hilarious!

well, there ya have it. My top five favorite things from this past week.

 

life is good <3

I'M BACK!

yesssss, finally! Today has been the best day post-op, and I know it'll just keep getting better and better! I actually feel like myself again. I'm drinking more liquids, and don't need to use ice anymore. Oh and I put my contacts back in, yahooo! 

Doc visit update:: BOTH my plastic surgeon doctor, and my orthodontist are very pleased with the results so far. Everything looks good, and healthy, and recovering well. Oh, and yes, my orthodontist drove out to CLE Clinic to see the results. My surgeon walks in the room and says "I have a surprise guest for you, come on in" and in walks my ortho. it was quite amusing, considering I really strongly dislike my ortho. (long story.) So my mom and I were laughing later about that. It was nice of him to at least care enough to check in though, but still.. not what I would call a surprise. Anyways, after the doc took a look he ordered for some x-rays, so I did those too, now I keep healing and report back in about two weeks. I'm allowed to use a straw now (well in a few days technically, but I started today, it's easier), and I just have two big rubber bands holding my jaw together, I'll get those off and use other bands at my next appt. It'll be a long road to recovery, but I know it'll go smooth, I already feel great and it's only been ONE WEEK! :)

What else do I have going on.... well, I ordered my bridesmaid dress today, so thats a big check mark. Oh, and Mothers Day went good, at least my mom loved her gift -since we're going on a family vacation to Las Vegas this summer me/Randy got her a massage at the Mirage Hotel & Casino. It was also my parents 25th Anniversary yesterday, so for that me/Randy got them tickets to see Michael Stanley when he comes to CLE on May 28. They're excited about that, too! Brian got them a new, bigger TV for our bar in the basement, we really needed that the old one was sooo tiny.

Also, today is my best friend Ashley's birthday, the big 22 today. Only thing that sucks is that because of the surgery I cannot help her celebrate tonight, and shes moving to Hawaii on Tuesday!!! All the way from Ohio, to Hawaii. Thats approx 4,500 miles away. but I'm happy as long as she's happy.


life is good.

Minus 10

Before I continue from my last post Pre-Op, here's another update..I GOT ANOTHER FOLLOWER!!!! YAHOOO!! Thank you to The Coffeehouse for being my third follower, if you're looking for a sweeeet blog to follow check out hers (or there's always mine too! lol)

Anyways, Jaw Surgery - 6 days in, the swelling is really decreasing.. hooray! And, it got a little easier to drink my clear liquids because of the reduced swelling. Which I'm ecstatic about! OH, and I'm down 10 pounds!! shedding for the wedding! (not mine, my older brothers.) Showering is getting easier and easier everytime too.. but I cannot wait to put my contacts back in - I'll probs put them back in tomorrow, or Friday.

The support from all my friends/family has been wonderful!

I got...

three white roses from the Malone Family

lovely bouquet from my Uncle Rod and Aunt Rhona

A beautiful butterfly basket from Aunt Betty and Uncle John

and, real pretty flowers from Mrs. Fellows

life is good

Post-Op

Today is by far my best day yet, and I hope each day I feel significantly better. I had double jaw surgery on Thursday, May 10, just a mere 5 days ago. The pain is tolerable now, I only need a little meds here and there, I JUST WISH THE SWELLING WOULD GO AWAY. Which it is getting waayy better but it makes it so hard to do anything, like drink a few liquids. I'm going back for my one-week apt this Thursday, May 17, and Ive heard good things about that check-up, like you can actually brush your teeth and the tight wiring comes off, and things like that. soo we'll see how it goes.

Anyways it was a 10 HOUR surgery. 10 hours. 10. and I guess I was under for a total of 12 hours. geeeezz la weeezz. but all this pain will be worth it in the end. I just keep telling myself that. Encouragement from my family/friends of course is helping too!! Here's a few things I'd like to share with ya'll...

first.

A Teddy Bear! 

 A little glass teddy bear from Miss Mary Malone. She's the sweetest.

second.

A Card from Gram (make that 2)

Well, first off, this is the second card I received from my Gram. Yes, I got two from her on two separate days. This one was just tooo funny! 

inside it states: tackle it one day at a time

it made me laugh, or at least let out a little air.

..I'll add more things later, just not up for it at the moment.. 

"The Last Supper"

Tonight I had my very last meal... for 6 weeks at least. I was going to go to Hooley House, but they were so packed from a trivia night they do every Wednesday, so instead we went to Quaker Steak & Lube. I really wanted a good burger for my last meal, and thats exactly what I got! I ordered the Philly Burger, it came topped with sauteed onions and mushrooms, provolone cheese, lettuce, and tomato. It sure hit the spot.
 

Then, our fabulous and energetic waitress was kind enough to bring me dessert! Which was also delish!! A brownie with some ice cream and hot fudge, yummm!!

Photos courtesy of Melissa

Even the Malone family joined us for dinner, well four of them anyway. They were kind enough to bring me Mrs. Malone's famous salad (that I love), a few candy bars, a beer, a glass bear good luck charm, and flowers! They're the sweetest people. I had such a great last night before surgery, I couldn't ask for better friends and family. I received sooo many well wishes and good lucks today I truly am blessed. Thank you everyone for supporting me with this surgery :) you guys have given me confidence and for that I am grateful, I know I can get through this, easy peasy!


AND I got a new follower!! yahooo!! Thank you Jones Coffee House for the follow! :)

life is good <3

Belive and You Will Acheive

I said I would blog about all my 101 goals, so here's more that I just accomplished..

8- Write a letter to open in 10 years, check!  In 10 years when I read this letter to myself I'm sure I'm going to crack up the whole time. It's pretty funny.

85- Write a letter to open after 1001 days, check! This one was pretty basic, nothing like my 10 year letter, but I'm sure it'll still make me laugh. I'm just interested to see how things are different for me in three years and then again in ten.

88- Make a list of places I want to visit, check! This one was pretty easy. I only have a few places that I really want to go to.. this was my list:: Ireland, California, Hawaii, Grand Canyon, Mexico. I've already been to Mexico once (it was a cruise destination) but I was like 8 years old or so, and I'd like to go again someday.

well, there ya have it. A few more goals achieved.. this is easy peasy! :)



life is good.

Five for... Wednesday?

Okay so it's not Friday yet.. but since tomorrow I will not be able to post anything, and probably not Friday either.. in fact, I might be out this whole weekend for blogging.. because I'm getting jaw surgery TOMORROW, I figured why not do a High Five for Friday today. I'd do an It's Okay Thursday but I don't really have anything to write for that, my life is pretty good right now.. aside from surgery.

My Five Favs

one.

I got to see, and spend an entire day with my Gram. (I posted all about our day 2 posts ago..check it out!)

two.
 I had an awesome weekend. Celebrating Cinco de Mayo with Randy, Melissa, Mike, and Lindsey.. (I also posted about this earlier too!)


three.
 The Avengers. Great movie, its a must see! AND it was confirmed yesterday that a sequel is in progress, yahoo!!


four.
Mail. My Great Aunt Judy sent me a "thinking of you" card, letting me know that she'll be praying for me during my surgery... AND attached was $25 Outback Steakhouse gift card! So when I can eat again I can get a nice, big, meaty steak. yumm! I really do have the best family ever. 


five.
Food. Melt, Skyline, Cafe 56, and Menchies. My last few meals and each one was amazing! I tried to savor the foods as much as possible, and remember what they taste like. JUNE 21st can't come soon enough.
   

life is good

Power Songs

Although this week and past weekend were really fun (and I have my family/friends to thank for that), and although I'm really not nervous yet about surgery, I'm actually in a very strong mindset and ready to go, I've had little moments of weakness so here are some of the songs that have gotten me through those times, and not just these few weeks but other hard times as well.. they're a few of my power songs..

 1. Tough - Kellie Pickler

 

2. Fight Like A Girl - Bombshel

3. If You're Going Through Hell - Rodney Atkins

 

4. Bleed Red - Ronnie Dunn

5. Remember The Name - Fort Minor

A Day With Gram

Today I spent the whole day with my Grandma, and little brother, Brian. It was great! Gram treated us to Cafe 56 -a cool little cafe with 56 different salad options, but if salad isn't your thing they also offer soup and sandwiches. And everything is delicious and HUGE portions, definitely worth your dollar. I tried "The Gump" it was the lettuce, tomatoes, olives, cucumbers, fried shrimp, buffalo shrimp, and grilled shrimp, with a garlic red wine vinaigrette (I got it without cucumbers and olives) -IT WAS AMAZING!

After lunch we stopped in Five Below, a dollar store type place, to do some quick and cheap shopping. We found some great deals! I got a book all about my Cleveland Indians, a shamrock car decal, sunscreen-to-go that looks like lipstick (I burn so easily on my nose/cheeks), and a bracelet that claims to help ease pain/stress, and loosen joints (usually I don't believe in these things but since I'm getting a very painful jaw surgery in TWO days I figured any ease of pain will help.) All for under $10! yahoo! My Gram also bought me a recipe book "100 smoothies and juices" she's the greatest grandma :) Brian picked up a 'drinking' helmet.. this is my Grandma wearing it::

while my Grandma got a helmet of her own (there's a Hawk living in her front yard and she's scared to mow the grass without a protective head covering)

Anyways, after Five Below we made a Menchie's run, a frozen yogurt joint. They have a chalkboard where you can leave messages so of course we left a few words...

my message

Gram's and part of Brians..

Brian's message, notice he forgot the "s" in 'was'

Overall it was a great day, and great to be out-and-about before I'm stuck in a hospital for a few days. We had many laughs, and ate some goooood food!

life is good 

Skyline, and I don't mean city buildings

This post is dedicated to my favorite food ever, Cincinnati Skyline Chili. My mom made it for dinner tonight as one of my last meal requests. Basically it's spaghetti noodles topped with a runny chili and shredded cheese. Additional toppings are onions, beans, crackers, and hot sauce. The proper way to order Skyline depends on how you like it, a 3-way is plain (noodles, chili, cheese); a 4-way would be adding either the onions or the beans; and a 5-way would be adding onions and beans. I'm a 3-way or 4-way (with onions) kinda girl.. and definitely topped off with some hot sauce! yummm!! You can eat it at a Skyline Chili restaurant (which I HIGHLY recommend trying, and add on a Cheese Coney to your order -a hot dog topped with the chili, cheese, and a bit of mustard) or make it at home. Since the closest restaurant to our home is about an hour away, we usually make it ourselves.

Here's how: cans of the chili are available for purchase in grocery stores, just boil some pasta while you heat up the chili in the microwave, grab yourself a large plate and start building! Or, if you want an even simpler way, they sell it frozen, too! Just pop it in the microwave and add some cheese after, and some hot sauce, a little stir/mix and you're good to go. Trust me, you'll love it! :)

This is what the final result looks like:: 














life is good

Melt and Movies

Thanks to my future sister-in-law I completed another 101 goal, #3: Motivate someone to do a list of their own -check! I still have a long ways to go, but I'm already feeling confident in my ability to successfully complete the list by my deadline (January 29, 2015). Along with this goal defeated, I began working on a few others. With this week being my last few days of eating (for 6 weeks) I've
 been eating like crazy! haha! Melt Bar & Grilled was one of my restaurant choices. They make awesome, and unique, grilled cheese sandwiches. Every month they do a sandwich of the month and for May they are offering a Primetime Beef Au Jus Melt -topped with sliced beef, provolone cheese, and garlic mashed potatoes, with juicy Au Jus and a creamy horseradish for dipping. IT WAS AWESOME. here's a photo::

Primetime Beef Au Jus - Melt

Melt's sandwiches are always massive and come with fresh-cut fries, and a heaping scoop of coleslaw. Enough food for 2-3 meals, and fairly priced. If you're in the Cleveland area, or passing through, I would definitely recommend stopping in at Melt for a bite to eat.

Also, I saw a new movie, The Avengers. And it was worth all $9... but I really can't believe that movies cost that much these days! I went with my little brother, Brian, my best friend, Erin, and her little brother, Marky. Everyone loved it, and it was great seeing the Malones again. If you're looking for a good movie go see Avengers, you won't be disappointed! I give it an A-

life is good.

Cinco de Drinko? Cinco de Mayo.

Hope everyone had a festive Cinco de Mayo, I know I did! I went out to Downtown Willoughby with my older brother, Randy, and his fiance, Melissa, along with two of their friends Mike and Lindsey. Needless to say, it was a great time! AND I actually took some photos, here are a few to share...

Mike and Randy doing the Johnny Malone look

Randy's loafers!

Melissa her new glass! 

Mike and Randy

 

The only thing I didn't do was try a new cocktail to work on my 101 goals, but that's okay -I have plenty of time for that. Everything about this night out was fun :)


fav tweets of the night::

• #sweetloafsbro #gayloafer @wopski43 love my broski
• I ripped a small branch off the tree and my sister-in-law ATE IT. I love her!
• "are you @papaforearms?" - @wopski43
• #YoungGoHards how ya doing
• ohemgee @papaforearms wants PapaJohns #AreYouHeatingTheOutside #IfYouTweetThisImGoingToBeatYouUp

 life is good.