Well, Hell

Remember how I previously mentioned that I got rid of approximately 4 bridesmaid dresses?

Well, while reading the recent updates of the Casey Anthony trial, I saw an advertisement on the side of the screen for a site called NewlyMaid. It stated that I could trade in my old bridesmaid dresses for a new little black dress.

::Facepalm::

Seriously.... HUNDREDS of dollars I could have traded in, here.

It's so simple, too. You request a mailer for your dress, package it and drop it off at any FedEx location. They send it for you, and once it is received they give you a credit that you can use towards a new black dress. Plus, these dresses? Totally acceptable for work, daytime, and nighttime. I'm suddenly so bummed pissed that I totally just gave away four perfectly good dresses. However, I think I have at least one at my mom's house... so I can help her declutter and totally profit from it. Win!

I mostly just really want to try this out.

I'll have two more bridesmaid dresses this year, but at least I know that I can send those in and get a new LBD for my birthday next February.

Weekend Wrap-Up

Such a totally cliche title, and not that any of you *totally* care about my weekend, but you know....

Friday night Matt and I had a cute little date night at my apartment. He woke up and thought "I'm gonna get a car today", so we did some errand-running in his new car, and then came home with some pizza and watched a movie.

We watched the new Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader, because we've been watching the series and hadn't seen this one yet. I was less than riveted by the movie, and Matt spent much of the evening Google-ing things to do with/to his car, so he obviously wasn't too super thrilled with it, either. But I finished it and didn't hate it. I however, am desperately searching for something to replace the Harry Potter series once the last movie occurs next month, so I seek to be highly entertained by anything fantasy-like that I can find.

Next I will start watching the Game of Thrones series on HBO On Demand.... as soon as I get a decent way through the book. Just so that the important parts of the book aren't ruined for me, but I'm still entertained by the show. (This has been my strategy with the True Blood series, and so far, it's been successful.)

(Side note: have you noticed how good awesome I've become with these embedded Amazon links?)

Saturday was Miss Rachel's baby shower in Austin, so I woke up early to catch up on the Casey Anthony trial while getting ready for the drive. Lucky for me Judge Perry sent the jury home early and I was able to get ready for her and Molly's big day without too many distractions (This is coming from the girl who reads her Kindle while straight ironing her hair.)

I took the diaper cake and headed to Cedar Park for the much anticipated party. Rachel's friend Jenny did a fantastic job organizing the party, had tons of great food set out for the guests, an adorable cake for the party, and enough presents for one guest (totally not me) to exclaim "All this stuff is enough to make me want to have a kid!".

All in all, Miss Molly made a fantastic haul even while still in utero, and Rachel is an adorable mommy-to-be who even though she *claims* she is crankier than usual, I couldn't tell at all. For everything she's gone through to bring Molly to planet earth safe and sound, she makes it look easy, and for that I admire her. I know I for sure couldn't have done it with half the grace she has... I would totally have been a whiny bitch.I can't wait to meet the little spawn. <3

Myself, Miss Rachel, and Miss Sarah

On Sunday I made mini red velvet cupcakes with a white chocolate infused cream cheese icing for the premiere of True Blood season 4. I also made full size ones with the leftover batter, but really, the mini ones are like bite-sized bits of heaven and I ended up trashing a bunch of them because they're so damn tempting. 

We bummed around for some of the afternoon, then stopped at Staples so I could print copies of my resume and transcripts for a job interview this week (Friday at 10, y'all... keep those fingers crossed!) then met my parents, sister and future brother in law for a belated Father's Day dinner. We headed home afterwards to watch the season premiere of my favorite show, thereby wrapping up a fun little weekend. Which was sort of a glimpse of what life will be like once we officially live together in less than two weeks. (Squee!!)

This morning I totally had a moment of panic in which the 12 boxes I have packed of mostly books and art supplies is not nearly the dent I thought it was, and I need to start cleaning out stuff and packing boxes like, ASAP. 

Then I got to work and thought to myself "Dude, you've got two weeks and a few days off to sort that out... just chill for a bit."

So I squashed the "I need to do something to prepare for this move" itch and called Time Warner Cable to schedule an appointment to set up our cable and was thoroughly surprised by the awesome service I got. We pay $30 to our apartment complex for basic cable a month, but anything above that needs to be sorted out through TWC themselves. I was able to get the following package:

Digital TV package for 2 TVs

1 DVR

HBO

Free Showtime for 1 year (which allows me to watch Dexter when season six starts!)

High Speed Internet + Power Booster

HD channels

..... all for $77.50 a month. After taxes and fees. I seriously felt like I was making money off this deal. (Then I later remembered she removed the basic cable charge from my bill, so it's actually like paying $107.50 a month) Right now I pay about $120/month for my AT&T services, so I'm still happy. 

That's about it for the mundane and typical right now. Apologies for the lack of anything substantial or witty. 

<3

Would you like butter on your popcorn?

As promised, a movie list. :)

True Blood: Season 3


I know it isn't a "movie" per se, but it's 12 hours of viewing pleasure, so it gets included. I linked this in to the previous post, so it's only fair that I put it here. The entire True Blood franchise is fantastic, and while season 3 lagged a little, I still thoroughly enjoyed it. Season 4 starts on June 26 (Sunday!), so you only have a couple of days to catch up on it. Pick your team carefully, Bill or Eric.






The Millennium Trilogy


I read these books a year ago and couldn't put them down. Since then I've recommended them to a whole bunch of people, and made others watch the movie. My awesome boyfriend made the whole trilogy of the movies a "surprise present" for me while I was going crazy during comp exams, and now he's going to have to watch them with me. Which isn't a punishment... it's a whole bunch of awesomeness. These are the Swedish versions, with dubbing (that doesn't suck) and subtitles if you wish. The American version of the film is scheduled for release in December of this year.






Limitless


I haven't actually seen this movie yet, and it isn't released until July, but it looked like a good idea. In case you missed the previews, Limitless is about a special little pill that no, doesn't help with erectile dysfunction, but actually helps you access ALL the parts of your brain. Since you know, the average human being only utilizes 10-12% of their brain.





Greek: The Complete Series


While I don't even know if they make the complete series on DVD or Blu-ray yet, I do know that Netflix carries it on their On Demand program. Which is how I watched it. I didn't rush Greek while I was in college, and this series basically allowed me to live vicariously through the pleasant moments of the Greek system while also solidifying that I in no way regret remaining an "independent" throughout my academic career. I became addicted to this show while conveniently studying for my comprehensive exam last semester. I passed AND finished the series.... win-win.




 The Collector


Again, another movie I haven't actually *seen*, but I do own. I heard good things about this movie, and as I'm at a complete lack for any good horror movies coming out this summer, and I'd hate to recommend Saw 7, because it was awful, I'll go with a movie I haven't seen, but others thought was good. Because horror movies are so hit and miss, and this way, I can't be held accountable for it if you hate it.






Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1


Because you need to prepare for Part 2.










Bridesmaids


I was lucky enough to be able to see a screening of this movie a week before it opened, and it was absolutely hilarious. A female version of The Hangover in a way, the whole cast was perfectly casted, and I loved the characters of each one. Plus, if you've ever been a bridesmaid, then you can relate to this movie. If you've been a bridesmaid as many times as I have this year, then you'll understand why watching one woman ruin another's wedding is just a teeny tiny bit hilarious.






Alright, so go buy something. Or rent it. Or stream it. I don't care how you watch it, but get caught up with the times. And let me know if there's anything you'd recommend to me.

<3

Ribbons, bows, and tiny baby toes

Miss Rachel (whose blog you can read here), a close friend of mine from my Baylor days is having her much anticipated baby shower tomorrow, and I made her a diaper cake for it. This being my first ever diaper cake, I had a lot of learning to do, but was overall happy with the final turnout.

It doesn't actually lean like that, I'm just a bad photographer. And it was my phone camera.. cut me some slack.

Anyways, a few people have asked me how I made the diaper cake, even though I'd rather them just pay me to make them one, I figure I learned how to do it through my internet skills... and I know other people have far more advanced internet skills than I, so here you are. A step-by-step (ish):



Diapers (duh)

I used roughly 80 size 1 diapers for Rachel's cake. I'll explain the how-tos later.










Rubber bands, assorted sizes


I got mine at the dollar store. It just made more sense that way.

But if you want to buy anything you see on my site from Amazon, then by all means.... click my links. :-)







Styrofoam base


If you don't already know, I hate LOATHE styrofoam. Once you've spent 4 hours picking it out of a creekbed, you'll hate it too. But for this sort of thing it's a necessity. Just recycle it, ok Miss Rachel?








Wrapping paper


I (unfortunately) didn't find this cute pink paisley print, but you need wrapping paper. Your choice.









Ribbon


This ribbon is TONS cheaper than the ribbon I bought at Michael's, but at least I got mine on a discount. However, I will be purchasing ribbon off Amazon soon. Using my own links.

Back to the topic: You need ribbon. Customize it how you wish. Be it for boy/girl, nursery colors, etc. Be creative.





Mini Glue Gun


If you're crafty, it's sort of a must-have.











How-To:

• First, roll the diapers from bottom to top. Use a rubberband around the middle of the diaper to hold it together. (For each diaper. Which means you'll do this 80 times (ish). Turn on the TV, it makes it go faster.)

• Bind four diapers together with a rubberband to form a center base around which to build the bottom layer. Pay attention to orient each diaper the same way. If you don't want the Sesame Street characters showing the outside world, then face these inward. 

• For the bottom layer of the cake, you'll use three more rounds of diapers around the center base. To make it more sturdy, use a rubber band around each ring. (Which is why you get assorted sizes. See, I think of everything)

• Repeat this process for each layer of the cake, but using one less ring of diapers. Your top tier (which is wrapped in green on this cake) will solely consist of the four-pack center base. You're a smart cookie, if you can't figure this out, call me and I'll happily make one for you. 

• Decorate as desired. In order to cover the rubberbands around each diaper, I chose to use individual bows on this cake. You can, obviously, do this in many, many different ways. Imagination, y'all.

• I used flowers which I bought at the craft store (and used wire cutters to cut the blooms off of) to adorn the cake and make it look more cake-y and less crap-y. I've seen others which decorate the cake with baby supplies like pacifiers and baby powder, bibs, etc... but I thought that looked tacky. Again, this is very much an imagination based kind of project. It pieces together however you want it. 

• Wrap the styrofoam base with your wrapping paper. Duh. 

I couldn't figure out one solid way to affix all four layers to each other, so they're simply traveling in layers and I will put them together at the party (it's my first one, be nice!). 

(Author's note: Rachel... I *may* have gotten hot glue on *some* of the diapers with ribbon on them. All this really means is that Molly will have a cute little bow on her booty. But I know you're smart enough to figure it out. Or just throw the damn diaper away.)

Summer Reading List

This weekend I boxed up all my books except for the few I really want to read and have high hopes of starting (or finishing) before the big move on July 9. And since everyone does Summer Reading Lists, I don't see why I should be left out of the bunch. Seeing as how I can't control myself in Half Price Books, or Barnes and Noble, and the Amazon suggestions nearly breaks my budget every single month.


 A Game of Thrones, by George R.R. Martin

Some of you may know that HBO recently started a new series based on this book series, and based on how successful True Blood was, I went ahead and got these books with a gift card at BN I received for graduation. I started the first one recently, and am totally intrigued by it. It's one of those slightly intimidating series, though. The books are quite large, have small print and very thin pages, but from what I've read of the reviews... they're absolutely worth it.






Dead Reckoning, by Charlaine Harris

The newest addition in the Sookie Stackhouse series, which I read in a weekend at the beach was, as all Charlaine Harris books are, worth the wait. If you haven't read this series yet, then I insist you must, as it's a fun getaway and a quick enjoyable read. Plus, True Blood is based on it, and really, if you've seen any of the male leads for that show, you know it's got to be good.








Percy Jackson and the Olympians, by Rick Riordan

I'm a little bit behind on this series, but seeing as how I don't spend any time in middle schools, and I completely missed the movie due to a fling with Harry Potter, I think I can be forgiven for the delay. Each of the Percy Jackson books is a quick read, since they're through and through "young adult" books. In fact, they can be found in the kids section at Barnes and Noble. But, they're the newest spin-off from the J.K Rowling using the ever successful structure of "we're the 3 best friends" of the boy-boy-girl variety. Add in some Greek mythology and you've got the Percy Jackson series, which, for a day at the pool, isn't such a bad thing. If you miss Harry Potter books like I do, then you'll find some appreciation for this series.




Crave, by J.R. Ward

J.R. Ward is, honestly, one of my favorite authors. I suggest reading the Black Dagger Brotherhood series before you dive into the Fallen Angels series, as I only started this series as a reprieve from the former. But, the WARDen (as her fans refer to her) doesn't disappoint in the Fallen Angel series, which is still new enough for you to catch up on and get excited about the release of the third book, Envy, in August. (The first book in this series is called Covet.... see a theme?)







The Red Queen: Sex and the Evolution of Human Nature, by Matt Ridley

So, it's not fiction, and it's not real-life crime, but it appeals to my inner science dork. Matt Ridley has written other science-based books, but this is the only one of his which I currently own. And I'll spare you the notations on the works of Richard Dawkins, so that I can tout this book. I've not read it, yet, but plan to this summer. You know, which is why it's on the Summer Reading List. Which I'm sharing with you. Because I care. The Red Queen is a look at how sex has played a role in human evolution. And come on, who isn't intrigued by that?!?





The Passage, by Justin Cronin

Deemed something along the lines of the new "Salem's Lot" by reviewers, I've had this on my Kindle waiting for me to read it for a month now. (I'm easily distracted, by awesome books.) And every time I walk through a book store and see it, I am somehow compelled to touch this book and consider buying a paperback version of it. I promise, I'll read it next on the Kindle. The sequel to this highly acclaimed book comes out sometime next year, which means I now have a timeline!






So get reading, you guys, because it's good for your brain. And later I'll do a post on movies as a less eye-straining rendition of summer time-consumers.

<3

Casey Anthony and why sociopaths are NOT the new black

It's not only my summer obsession, it's America's summer obsession. Mostly due to the insane amount of coverage that Nancy Grace has brought to the topic over the last few years, particularly over the last few months. Caylee Anthony went missing for 31 days in June 2008 and no one reported her missing until July 2008. Her mom, Casey Anthony was out partying, boozing, and lying while her daughter's remains decayed in the trunk of her car and in the woods near her family home. (But you know, if you were a defense attorney for this case, you would have totally called out heresay on me about three times for that sentence. Thank you, cnn, for making me a layperson lawyer.)

Casey Anthony smiling during her capital murder case. Cause, you know, she's totally like, *such* a good liar, y'all.

Work has been slow lately. So. Terribly. Slow. And I usually listen to my iTunes or an audiobook while I'm working, so it only made logical sense that I trade in iTunes for cnn.com for the duration of this trial. I missed the OJ trial due to the fact that I was in 4th grade, so I'm making up for lost time here. (It should be noted that while following the Casey Anthony trial, I've read the Wikipedia article on the OJ trial  as well as the Goldman family's publication of If I Did It, which you can get at that Amazon link or if you're savvy enough, you can find online in pdf format for free. The internet is funding my law education.)

Back to the trial.... it's a complete circus for those of you not yet drawn in to the mayhem. Webs of lies that make your brain spin trying to sort through them. Forensic evidence that requires hours of testimony to explain. Rock solid prosecution teams and shaky defense teams headed by shady defense attorneys. A defense opening statement filled with accusations that raise even more questions. It's so addicting.

I didn't start following the trial until about halfway through the prosecution's case, but I made it in just in time to see some testimony about skeletal remains, duct tape found on Caylee's skull and in the home, decomposition in the trunk of Casey's car, and internet searches for things like "how to make chloroform", "how to make weapons out of household items", and "neckbreaking". Then Dr. G took the stand and in the most riveting testimony ever explained why the death was a homicide, then slamming the defense attorney during cross examination. It was like a championship sports game, and it was fantastic. I sat in my office, cheering, while listening through earbuds. That was slightly embarrassing.

The defense started their testimony about a week ago, and it's all been very boring since then. Jose Baez, lead defense attorney, is a moron of astronomical proportions, who at last count had roughly three charges of contempt coming his way after this trial. And I'm not sure if he's trying to lose this case because he's realized he's in way above his head, or if he's just that narcissistic that he thinks he's doing a great job and can't tell otherwise that the entire country is mocking him.

During their opening statement, the defense claimed that Caylee's death was an accidental drowning in the family pool, and that George Anthony, the grandfather, found her and then buried her in the woods to make the death looking like a kidnapping/murder. And that Casey is such a good liar because her father and brother (George and Lee) sexually molested her while she was growing up. Which I find hard to believe, I mean, if you've been sexually abused since you were a child, wouldn't you do anything you could to get out of that house when you were 18? Instead of living there until you were 22? Don't get me wrong, that family is some sort of dysfunctional, but I don't know if I fully believe the defense statement. However, in order to back it up, then Casey will probably have to take the stand, and that will be some good watching right there.

I've watched this girl cry some alligator tears, use the same kleenex for 20 minutes, sob uncontrollably, and then have a scowl so severe it looks like she has horns. And I may not be a licensed psychotherapist, but she's a sociopath if I ever saw one.

How I really feel about what I did, y'all. Oops my bad?

Here's what I think happened: Casey met some new friends who were her age (22) that didn't have any kids, were able to go out and party, drink, and have fun. She envied this, always wanted it, and resented Caylee for it. After a fight with her mom that was the proverbial "last straw" she killed the kid, thought she could get away with a kidnapping "never found" case, and go on with her merry life. But, she's ill educated (didn't finish high school) and it all blew up in her face. Do I think she understands the full ramifications of what she's done? No. I think she's getting there as the trial proceeds, but I think she is a severe narcissist who doesn't really comprehend or understand that other people have lives and that there are those that exist outside of her. The amount of people who got drawn into this case because of her lies simply amazes me. She's absolutely, 100% guilty and I've seen nothing so far to make me think otherwise.

The prosecution. Or in other words, my new favorite TV attorneys.

<3

Summer Slump

Now that graduate school is completed, and I can officially check "Master's degree" off my list, I've come to realize a few things:

I am a habitual masochist. I am only truly happy when I'm overbooked, stressed, and exhausted. I also, apparently like the opportunity to bitch about all of these things, even though any one who has known me for more than 5 days can attest to the fact that I seek out this mess of sanity. You can insert an exasperated sigh here.

I can't handle free time. Not just free time at home, but free time at work, too. Even going back to dance classes as a kid, whenever it was free dance time, I would internally panic. Thoughts of 'What will I do?' and 'What if what I choose to do isn't as good as something I could have done if I had some time to prepare?' would float through my mind, and I would end up just standing there looking like a pint-sized moron but really I was planning what I would do the next time free dance time came around. Moving on from that aside (and maturing about 20 years), now when I have free time I do things such as: shop online, exercise excessively, drink lots of water so I don't eat, read unusual amounts of books (sometimes at one time), and watch court trials. Then I plan the "Next Big Thing" that I'll do. One week post-graduation, I was looking into entrance requirements for a PharmD program. So, basically, what this means is that I spend lots of money and entertain getting a law degree.

Graduate degrees do not help you get jobs. It's actually all a big lie. Upper level education is just silly. I've had more people look at me with a cocked head and ask "What are you going to do with that?" than they say "You're super qualified for all kinds of jobs, and this will jump-start your career. In fact, the Fortune 500 Pharmaceutical company I work for is hiring, and you'd be perfect.... shall I submit your resume to my boss?"
I've applied for over 25 jobs since graduating, and have only gotten 3 phone interviews. I get a TON of emails back saying that they've gone with other candidates, but that is so not helpful. In fact, last week I sent my cover letter, CV, and graduate transcripts to a company here in town at which I used to work closely with one of their lead coordinators (and who I'm still friends with), my stuff was golden (seriously), and all I got back was a "We'll keep it on file." email. Which just pissed me off because I know for a fact, they didn't even read it. I mean, come on. Read my fucking CV, y'all. I'm awesome.

So what does one do once finished with graduate school?

I have been following the Casey Anthony trial insanely. I listen to the testimonies while I'm at work (because there's nothing else to do), and read the articles while they're at recess, then watch the news shows on HLN after work and a workout. It has consumed me. I rarely watch tv, and avoid reality tv like the pervert man on the bus, but I am hopelessly addicted to this trial, and am pretty sure that I would be an awesome criminal prosecutor. But I can't handle another 3-5 years of school unless it's a PharmD program. I also looked online for CSI jobs here in town last week, and alas, there are none. None of the good jobs are ever hiring.

I've also been taking the bus to and from work when I'm at my downtown office. It's something my dad has been doing for years, and since gas prices are the equivalent of a first born child, and I do not make nearly enough money for that kind of commuting, I buy my $30 bus pass and read my book while I let someone else drive me. It's actually pretty awesome. I hate traffic anyways, and it usually puts me in a shitty mood, and reading makes me happy, so this is a win-win.

A couple of weeks ago I wore a button up shirt to work. This is normal, yes? I also have a messenger-style bag that I keep my work documents in. Also, normal. Well, when I got on the bus and sat down for the ride home, I realized within what must have been 30 seconds that my messenger bag had pulled open a very important button right in the middle of my chest. So, for about 15 seconds after I took my messenger bag off, the man across the aisle from me got a very revealing view of my cleavage. And apparently, he appreciated it. (I'm not saying this from a vain way.) This man (who we now refer to as "pervert man") stared unashamedly at my chest the rest of the way home. It was like he was willing the button to open back up with his mind. And his telekinetic mind jedi powers suck, by the way. My button stayed buttoned the rest of the creepy trip home.

I see pervert man at least once a week, and he always stares at me... like I'm his new Janet Jackson of wardrobe faux pas.

We are moving in a couple weeks so I started packing last weekend. I gave about 3 bridesmaid dresses to goodwill. The one for my sister's wedding is, obviously, still in my closet, and I should be buying another one soon. Because my life IS just like 27 Dresses. And I LOVE it when people point that out to me. Especially when it's the brides I'm standing for. I also LOVE spending $150-$200 on a dress I will wear ONCE. I will not shorten it, wear it again, or turn it into a "super cute sundress". I will bitch about it (I will bitch more if it's ugly), and bitch about it being uncomfortable, I'll bitch about looking fat in it, I'll also probably bitch about the shoes, unless you let me pick them myself. (Um, I'm pretty sure I've reached my quota of weddings and bridesmaid-ing, and this most recent wedding will be the last one I participate in. I may make exceptions for very close friends (of whom I can name 2), but that's it, y'all.) I've always hated weddings, and they make me bitter, and why I'm in so many is a true reference to my revelation #1 listed above.

I'm hoping for an interview with a pharmaceutical company this week or next, for a dream job position, so keep your internet fingers crossed for me.

<3