10 people, dead or alive, I would invite to dinner. With menu.

Ok, here we go! You know, I have been so excited and waiting for this one! But I haven't had a chance to get it done. Too much going on to give it the attention it deserves! 

1. Elvis - Because he is Elvis and he should be invited to everything, every time! 

2. Zooey Deschanel - When they make a movie of my life, I want her to play me. So I might as well try to get in good with her now. 

3. Neil Patrick Harris - Because he is legan-waitforit-dary! Plus he might break out into song at any moment. 

4. Kevin James - I think he is beyond hilarious. I love everything he does, outside of King of Queens.

5. Jason Bateman - Just cant go wrong there. 

6. Phil Keoghan - Get some tips for the Amazing Race. Plus, who would have cooler stories??

7. Mitch Hedberg - If you don't know who he is, google him. He was a hilarious stand up comic.

8. Heidi Newfield - I'd love to know what she was thinking leaving Trick Pony! (sob) 

~I am trying really hard to come up with more, I don't want to wimp out and say anyone I know, I'm counting them as obviouses. I really need some more women...~

9. This guy, from the Brothers Winn I don't know anything about him but he has a whole bunch of what you ought to know videos on youtube, they are quite entertaining. 

After much (not very much) thought I have picked the lucky final guest at our awesome dinner party. I really needed another female but I wasn't sure who to include. Having youtube up made me think of someone who would probably add to the night...

10. Jenna Marbles. I cannot tell you why but for some reason I really love Jenna Marbles. She is beyond insane and she is crude, which I don't usually like. But for whatever reason, I get a kick out of her. Although, I could do without the baby talk to her dogs...

I've been figuring out who for so long that I haven't given a thought to the menu. So I'm just going to have it catered. HA!

 

Something you miss

I miss people. There are some people from my past that I really miss. They were big in my life at some point and now they are not. And while I understand it, I do miss them. Some people disappoint you greatly in life and sometimes you have to make a decision about them. Are they worth keeping in your life? Are they adding or taking away from your happiness and your well being? Sometimes its not even your choice, life takes people out of your life. Its funny, writing this I am thinking about a lot of different people but one is kinda odd. There was a girl I knew in elementary school, I couldn't tell you what grade it was. But she was my friend. She lived on my street, at the other end. And she was weird. I was weird too. And I rarely made friends but she and I became friends. I remember her taking me to church with her one day. I wish I could remember what kind of church it was but I believe that was the one and only time I was ever happy in church. She had these church dollars that she had been saving up for their church store and she bought me a toy while we were there. I cant remember her name and she only lived there for a little while but I miss her.

I also miss working. I love being a stay at home mom and I know how hard Brandon works to allow me to do that. I just also miss work. I miss having somewhere to be that isn't about my kids. And I don't mean that harshly or snotty, work was just always really my identity. Now my identity is so wrapped up in my kids that sometimes I forget who I am. 

And right now I miss Brandon. He is so far away working so hard to support our little family. He is a great man and I love him. I wish he didn't have to go do things like this but I love that he will. I know its hard on him, as well as me and the kids, but he does it for good reasons. He takes such good care of us all. 

A problem you have or have had

I am determined to finish this challenge. It has taken me much more then 30 days though. I was doing really great then we went to Mexico then Brandon left and it just seems hard to fit it in now. Dang it.

So, a problem I have. Lemme count the ways... I have it narrowed down to 2. Do I go serious or petty? Maybe I will just let you know them both. I owe you after being so bad finishing this challenge, right?

My serious one is awkwardness. I don't know what is wrong with me. I get around people and I lose brain function. I have been called shy so many times and lemme tell you, that isn't my problem. If I have something to say I will say it. (Ask the karate dad.) No issues. My problem is more that my mind will not come up with a single thing to say. I will sit there awkwardly and try to come up with something and it just doesn't happen. Then I get more awkward because I have made it awkward and I cant figure out how to fix it. Its not an intimidation thing, I'm not worried what someone is going to think about what I say. I am just missing a function that works for social situations. I can get up in front of a whole group of people and give a whole schpeel, its not a problem for me. Because you work it out ahead of time. Hell, I sold Slumber Parties and I was really good at it. I could tell you everything about every item and why you needed it and so many cool things. But I couldn't talk to you about anything normal, my idiot brain would just freeze right up. I'm awesome professionally. Personally, I suck. 

My other problem, and to me this is a HUGE problem! My stupid straight straight straight eyelashes!! UGH! I can not do ANYTHING to curl them. Makes me sick. I spend so much time with stupid eyelash curlers. They do so little but the little bit it helps actually seems worth it. I've had my eyelashes permed to try to help and it just did nothing. The night before my wedding I laid there, with this horrible awful spray on tan, and just thought I don't care what else happens, just let my eyelashes CURL! Of course it didn't happen. 

$1,000,000 to spend

If I had a million dollars, what would I do with it? In really real life, I would pay off the house and then stash it away for college for my kids and other life things. I mean, really a million dollars isn't SO much money.

But for the sake of this blog I am going to write as though I have to spend it or lose it. 

I would still start with paying off the house. I dream of living mortgage free. It would be the biggest payoff long term. Having that much extra each month would be amazing. 

Next I would buy a big ass boat. I really like boats. I would also have to get Brandon a truck to pull it with. A big ass truck, obviously. =)

I would go to Italy. I really want to go to Italy. 

I would buy a vacation house somewhere. Brandon and I are always discussing where our first vacation house is going to be. It will be on a beach somewhere. I'm pretty sure I wont be able to pay it off with everything else I'm buying but pay a chunk toward it then make payments. With no house payment, its totally do-able.

I would also make a big donation. It would take some soul searching to decide where. I know Make-A-Wish would get a good check. Have to figure out where else to send it. I want my imaginary money to go somewhere that helps and doesn't get used up in 'administration'. I love Make-A-Wish because you can SEE that they are doing so much good.

So thats it I guess. I feel like it is still a weak list even though its imaginary. I'm a simple girl, I suppose.  

A person that fascinates me

Alright, I'm a few days behind. In part because things have been hectic and I needed to catch up. Also in part because I have zero idea what to write. 

I am stumped. Seriously. I just wrote a whole stupid post and deleted it because it was so NOT fascinating. I've had tough days but this one is throwing me. 

I don't know!!  So I suck today. I am not doing it. I thought about just skipping it and pretending I forgot but I'll be honest. I'm just not going to do it! Take that! 

My favorite movie and what its about.

This is a good one! I love movies. I love lots and lots of movies. And while my fav book list is pretty dark my movie list tends to be really goofy. I love a silly movie. I honestly don't think I have a favorite. I could go on forever about how many are my favorites. So I'm just going to pick one. The one I picked to put here really isn't a movie, its a web thingy. I don't even know. Its only 45 minutes long. But since I am wearing a tee shirt from it right now, I'm rolling with it. (cuz I'm cool like that...)

Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog.

I don't know what it is about this show but I ADORE it. Neil Patrick Harris, Nathan Fillion and Felicia Day. I love them all. I will watch every one of them in anything they are in and they are all together here. And they all go together quite nicely.

So... The show was written and made during the writers strike awhile back by Joss Whedon (who I am a huge nerd for). It is about Dr. Horrible, played by NPH. He is this lovable villain who has 2 main goals. Join the Evil League of Evil and get the girl. The girl is Penny, Felicia Day, a sweet adorable girl who volunteers for the homeless shelter. Dr. Horrible obviously needs a hero to foil his attempts to take over the world. His nemesis is Captain Hammer, corporate tool. Played by Nathan Fillion. (if your wondering, his fists are NOT the hammer...) Our house is divided on Captain Hammer. I personally LOVE him. (the tee shirt I am wearing right now has him on it and its my fav tee shirt I own.)  

Did I mention the singing?? They totally sing ALL the time! How much cooler could it get??

Like I said, the show is not very long so I cant say very much about it or I will give it all away. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it! Its on netflix and youtube. Its a big hit with my whole family. Chelsea especially enjoys it. She wants to watch it all the time AND asks to listen to the soundtrack. She knows all the songs and can sit and recite the movie to you. Its pretty rockin' adorable! 

Its not about making money, its about taking money. Destroying the status quo because the status is not quo. The world is a mess and I just need to rule it.

5 celebrities I find attractive

Mark Paul Gosselaar. Helloooo Zack Morris! 

Zac Efron. Yes he is younger then me.
I have come to terms with it. But he got me
with 17 again. Something about him playing
a young Mathew Perry.

Leo Dicaprio. Mmmm! The movie I have seen
most in the theaters, to this day, is Titanic.
I think it was watching Blood Diamonds that
I realized Jack had grown up. And he did a fine job of it!

Joseph-Gordon Levitt. 

My list would, of course, not be complete
without Zach Braff!

Anyone else notice that the name Zach comes up a lot in this post?? Guess which one my kid is named after...

How have I changed in the last 2 years

Ok, I'm back from vacation and I'm back to my bloggity blog challenge. Today is how I have changed in the last 2 years.

I'm not sure where to go with this. I don't think I have hardly changed at all in the last 2 years. 

The thing I think of first is friendships. I don't have some of the friends I used to have anymore. I have some I didn't have before. Some I don't know how I lived without. La Dayna and I have become really close in the last couple of years. I cant imagine not having her in my life now. She is pretty fantasticly awesome. 

I'm not sure what else I have. I've turned 30 but that wasn't a big deal. I don't feel like it changed me. 

I sleep better. I think because I have to go to bed earlier to get up to get Zach to school. I'm not a morning person at all, I haven't ever been in my life. But if I want school to be important for my kids it has to be important to me so up I get!

I've become a vegetarian. Well, I have gone back to being a vegetarian. I'm much more focused on it then I was before though. I am informed and really know why I'm doing it now. And I'm not embarrassed about now, its a choice I made for me. Before I always felt like I had to explain myself and I felt like the weirdo. Now I try not to make it a big deal, I just carry on. Usually I don't even think about it. 

I cant think of anything else. I know for the next week I'm going to think of things that I should have put here but didn't. 

One of my favorite shows

So, how much can you say about a tv show? I see a weak blog post in our futures.... ohhhh....

One of my favorite TV shows is....

Scrubs!  Its so dang funny. Its been my favorite for longer then I can remember. I can turn just about anything into a Scrubs reference. I quote it a lot. I know the lines from most episodes. I used to watch it every night after the kids went to bed but they moved it from 10 to 11 and its hard to justify staying up until midnight for reruns. 

This used to be my ringtone.

How important I think education is

This is funny. Because my views are so split. For me, I never thought education was the slightest bit important. I hated school, I hated being there, I hated the classes. I hated it. I never saw any importance for myself. I tried taking different college courses but I never stuck with them. I couldn't see it going anywhere. I guess not knowing what I wanted to do when I grew up made me never have any drive for my education. I wish I thought it was important for me but just cant seem to find the reason. Even now.

Now for my kids, its a whole different story. I think it is wildly important for them. We base everything around their schooling. Even their extra curriculars I have school in the back of my mind. 'if he learns basketball now, he will be good at it and make the team in high school and will have to keep his grades up to stay on the team and he will have built in friends so he wont feel like an outcast like I did so he will be happy to walk into the school doors!' Same with Chelsea and dance. Or any of the other things they like. Anything that will help them want to be there. That is a big part. So far they are both amazing. They love school, they have lots of friends, they look forward to going. I think it is amazing and everything I hope for. I hope they keep it up. 

I have much higher hopes for my kids then I ever had for myself. I want them to have an idea of who they want to be in the world and to have the means to be it. 

~~ Today Brandon and I were talking about college savings accounts for the kids and he said 'we really don't need one for Chelsea. She is obviously going to get a debate scholarship!' Made me giggle. ~~

Your biggest regret in life

Regrets. They are funny things aren't they? And somehow they have become taboo to have. We seem to live in a society that refuses to accept regrets at all. If you ask almost anyone what their regrets are in life they will all tell you the same thing, 'my choices made me who I am, if I changed anything it would change my life now'. Ok, yes that is true. But here is the thing, I'm not a fairy godmother, I don't even KNOW any fairy godmothers. I'm not offering to change your past for you. Why is it so hard to look at our lives honestly and say 'yeah I screwed up back then' They say hindsight is 20/20 but it seems pretty blind to me. Over the summer I got into watching a Canadian show called Being Erica (or something like that) and its about a woman who gets to go back and change her regrets without it changing her current life. It made me think about what I would change given the same chance. When I said something about it on facebook, there was a big reaction. Saying you have regrets, no matter how small, makes people think you are saying you are unhappy now. I don't know why that has to be the case. 

My BIGGEST regret in life is not traveling when I had the chance. I've always wanted to see the world. I was given luggage as a graduation gift because it was my plan, its all I was passionate about. I wanted to go everywhere. And I could have. I planted myself in a job that gave me flight benefits. But I didn't utilize them. I even knew at the time that one day I would regret it. But there was always a reason. I didn't have anyone to travel with, I didn't have the money, I didn't have the money... (yeah I know I said it twice but I said it a lot more then) But now I think, I could have traveled cheap, I could have gone alone or invited ANYONE to go with me. They were cop-outs. And now the opportunity is gone and I never answered when it knocked. I truly regret not seeing more of the world when I could have. Luckily, I still think I can some day. I hope to have flight benefits again one day and when I see the world, I may still have to do it cheap but I wont have to worry about going alone! 

A book I could read over and over again

Well, I love to read. And I am forgetful. So I read a lot of books and I reread a lot of books and they are like new to me!

My favorites though, in no particular order...

A Walk to Remember. The first Nicholas Sparks book I read. A really long time ago, before he was so popular and before all of his books started being the same. I adore this book. Its sweet and sappy and sad. If you have seen the movie but not read the book then I suggest the book. It is very different, for one thing its set in the 50s. 

The Time Traveler's Wife. My sister in law gave me this book at my bridal shower. Its not one I probably would have read otherwise. But it is amazing and magical. I love the way it is written. The words sound like a poem to me. My copy is very obviously well read. I also have it on audio book just because I love the sound of the words so much. 

Wicked. I love fairy tales but even more I love fairy tale remakes. I love hearing them from a different point of view. Gregory Maguire has other books along the same lines but Wicked has always been my favorite. I adore Elphaba, she is so much more then the Wicked Witch. Its also quite haunting, there are a few parts that have really stuck with me which is pretty rare. 

The Book Thief. My #1 book that I think every person should read. It will tear your heart out. It is narrated by Death and he is telling a story set in Germany about Germans in WWII. Once again, another point of view and it is unexpectedly touching. If you haven't read it, DO! I'm going to go read it again right now.

Atonement. The first time I read this one, I got it from the library. I got about 3/4 of the way through it and then there were pages missing. I was so invested in the characters by then that I was devastated. All of their copies were out and I would have to wait to finish it. I just couldn't stand it. I went and bought it right then. And I have never regretted it. Its also set during WWII (it really is my favorite background in a story) and its  tells a story of a young girl who mistakes a situation and changes many lives really quickly. Its hard to explain without giving too much away. Its a great book too.

Ok, I could go on and on forever. Books are my real love. But I am going to stop here so I don't seem like a crazy person. 

Highs and lows of the last year

I have not been looking forward to this one. I do not want to revisit my lows.

Lets start with HIGHS. 

First thing that comes to mind...

Winning the Urban Challenge with La Dayna. We worked our tails off for that race. We put a lot of energy into it. When they announced the winners and we didn't get 2nd or 3rd I truly believed we just didn't quite make it. Winning first place was unexpected. I am still so proud of us for that. It wasn't easy but we came out on top. After so much energy into it, it was hard when it was over. I felt a bit empty. Now it is coming up again soon and I am getting excited for it! Did I mention we leave in 6 days for our grand prize trip?? A week in Akumal Mexico! Wooo!

Next high was taking my kids to DisneyLand. I have wanted to for so long. It was really exciting to go. It was really magical!

My brothers wedding. It was emotional. I adore my brother and I am glad he found someone who makes him so happy! 

Those are the big things. There are millions other things. We have done so many fun things this year, there is no way I could list all my highs. 

As for my lows, well, I had to deal with some things from my past and had to deal with people (mostly Brandon) learning some of my deep deep secrets. It was unexpected and it knocked me into a deep dark hole for longer then I would like to admit. In the end, it may be better that it came out. It let me deal with it a little bit. But I still wish that it hadn't come out.

My views on mainstream music

I love it. I love all music. It all has a time and a place. I'm rarely in a time or place for rap but other then that I like it all. I have sirius so I can listen to a lot of different types of music. Sometime I get a bit behind. I just pulled up the 5 songs right now... 

#1 right now. Its ok, don't love it don't dislike it. If its on, I don't change the station but I don't seek it out. 

#2. I really like this song. I really like Bruno Mars a lot. 

#3. I love Katy Perry. I think she is fantastic. And I really like this song. 

#4. One of my favorites right now! I say 'I work out!' all the time. 

#5. Gives me a good feeling! =)

So there ya go. I like mainstream music. I do think its all pretty similar and I have this whole rant about how if you are different you don't get a chance anymore. If Johnny Cash or Elvis wandered in today they would be turned away. Or turned into bubble gum stuff. That makes me really sad. But that is why I make sure to listen to stuff outside the mainstream also.

By the way, I think this is the dumbest day so far. 

15 interesting things about ME!

I don't know how interesting this is really. Lets see what I can come up with.

1. I was named after Crystal Gail because my Grandpa loved her long hair.

2. I'm a bit of an adrenaline junkie. I love to do exciting things. Most exciting thing I have done is skydiving.

3. My middle name is Dawn, same as my mom and my lil girl.

4. I have driven cars, airplanes (mostly just taxiing but actually kinda flew one for about 10 seconds) and a train.

5. I'm a total movie junkie. I looooove movies.

6. The ocean is my happy place. I heart it.

7. I once had a dream that Brandon left me for a salesgirl at Dillards and woke up mad at him. He has never let me forget.

8. I will read just about any book. Its harder now with kids but I still try to read whenever possible.

9. I'm a vegetarian.

10. I'm not very interesting....

11. I have a tattoo of a crab on my foot. I really want more but its hard to justify the $$.

12. I've been a night owl my whole life and I'm trying to adjust to mornings for the first time in my life.

13. I think family vacations are ridiculously important. You spend quality time together, it helps you realize there is a whole world out there and its where so many memories are made.

14. I really enjoy cooking and baking. I like taking different things and turning them INTO something. I love to feed people.

15. I love to laugh. Saying someone is funny is the highest compliment I can give. I love love love physical comedies. If someone walks into a screen door on tv, I will laugh for 15 minutes. Or kid jokes, I'm such a nerd for them. It borders on embarrassing how funny I find it.

My earliest memory

 Today's post is my earliest memory. And I don't know. I don't really have any memories. I know thats weird but I very seriously cant remember most things. I will swear I have never been somewhere until someone shows me a picture. And not even of times long ago, it will happen for somewhere I went last year. I don't know why I cant hold a memory in my head. Its frustrating sometimes, embarrassing others. I get strange looks when I say I haven't done something and the person I am talking to says umm, yes you did, we did it together...

The best is talking to my little sister. She can remember every detail of everything. I usually end up wide eyed nodding along because I have no idea what she is talking about. I don't know how she remembers so many details. 

Brandon has theories about why its so bad, maybe they are true. Maybe they are not. Who knows. I cant leave the house without a list. I wont just forget what I need to go to the store for, I will forget what store I needed to go to. 

When I read that today was earliest memories Brandon just laughed at me and said, well, your screwed. Not very helpful but true. So once again, I am not following the guidelines of my challenge. But I am here and being honest, that counts more right?

Somewhere you would like to move or visit

Ok, my list for where I would like to visit is very extensive so I am going to stick with the move part.

When I was younger, I wanted to move to every place I ever visited. My biggest one was San Diego though. Now that I am much older and slightly wiser, I am at home here. I don't have the constant desire to leave any more. I have let my roots sink in.

I heart Monterey Bay

 That said, I would still move to a beach, given the chance. Any beach at all but especially Monterey, CA. I love it there. When I am ultra-rich, my second home will be there. Its where I want my ashes scattered when I die. Its such a beautiful, wonderful place. I would love to be anywhere near the beach though. I have salt water in my veins. I crave it. I love the ocean.

The Tuscan hills, where my soul yearns to be. 

The other place I would pick up and live is Italy. Specifically Tuscany. When I was in 6th grade everyone had to write a report on a country. I picked Italy on a whim. The country I had wanted got chosen before my turn to pick, I cant even remember what country it was. So I learned about Italy, my mom even helped me make a map of Italy out of pizza for my visual display. It was awesome. I learned about Italy and I fell in love. I have been enamored ever since. I feel like its where my heart belongs.

These are the places I dream about when I dream of running away. When life starts weighing me down and I think we could start over somewhere else. Of course, it doesn't take long for me to remember I am right where I belong. But the dream is still there.   

Bullet your whole day

8 am drag myself out of bed after staying at la daynas too late and having to finish pirate cookies when i got home. Yawn.

815 am coloring fondant and making pirates to put on zachs cake. Big project that i put off too long.

10 am shower time! Ahhh.

1047 am running out the door for basketball. Late and with wet hair.

1104 am basketball game.

Noon leave basketball head to Costco.

1215 pm Costco for cake, hot dogs and chips.

1230 pm home to make hot chocolate.

1250 pm head to the park for zachs party.

1 pm PARTY TIME.

200 pm cake

230 pm pinata. I was freeeeeeeezing! Kids were leaving toys behind because their hands were so cold.

300 pm home! Change out of wet cold clothes. Get Chelsea in a warm bath. Make Zach change clothes before
opening gifts.

305 pm open Zachs gifts. He asked for animal shelter donations instead of gifts. Got $208 in cash and boxes and bags of food, treats and toys.

345 pm sitting on the couch in jammies.

415 pm discuss going to the super hero place for dinner (aka Nacho Libre)

420 pm realize its snowing and we are in pjs and don't really want to go out to dinner. Brandon says he will go pick up dinner and we can have a movie night! Yay!

500 pm still haven't decided where to get dinner from. Brandon got a new toy and is more interested in it then dinner. Silly boys.

526 pm Brandon is off getting dinner and I am reading other peoples blogs and feeling guilty that I didn't do my challenge yesterday. Going to have 2 today.

550 pm dishing up dragon diner. Yum yum!

556 pm  the great remote search

557 pm start watching Indiana Jones

608 pm pause for a happy birthday call for Zach. He is mighty popular.

633 pm Chelsea is playing with animals instead of watching the movie. Makes me smile.

851 pm Eating another pirate cookie. I really need to stop.

900 pm Writing up my post for Zachs birthday. And finishing off this one! G'night all!

Put your ipod on shuffle and post the first 10 songs.

YAY! I love it! Cant believe I missed I yesterday. Here we go!

1. Fat Bottomed Girls - Queen

2. Paris - Grace Potter & The Nocturnal (one of my very favorite songs!)

3. Single me out - Lisa Loeb

4. I'll think of a reason later - Lee Ann Womack

5. Truly Madly Deeply - Savage Garden

6. 9 to 5 - Dolly Parton

7. Jaded - Aerosmith

8. If I were a Carpenter - Johnny & June Carter Cash

9. Womanizer - Brittney Spears

10. Livin' la Vida Loca - Ricky Martin

So there ya go! My first 10 songs. Makes me smile. =D

Guilty Pleasures

A guilty pleasure is something one enjoys and considers pleasurable despite feeling guilt for enjoying it.

Yeah, I know. Fake sugar will kill me.
But at least its pretty much the worst thing I put in my body. 

Any cinnamon candy. I will make myself sick with it.