funny stuff :D

Soo, I thought of sharing this with Jonathan right away, but then I thought.. hey! why don't I share the funny with everyone! :D I got these from http://icanhascheezburger.com/ :D

Scottish Games

LOOOOVE These things! We got tuckered out there watching collie dogs herd sheep; burly dudes throwing sticks, and balls, and... anything that can be thrown, was. We also watched the "Wicked Tinkers" play their Scottish/Irish music and dance on top of tables in their kilts and... stuff. 

We also went to UC Davis and walked around their Arbedidedurudum... At least, that's how I said it. It was spelled "Arboretum"... I think.

We went and did that with one of C's buddy's from work. Pretty nice way to get to know him and just chill. :D

But.... we're exhausted!!!

I did make C some apple squares to see if he'd like them for our "wedding cake" and he really did! Event he ones I made!!!!!!!!!! which is epic! So!!!!

HOPEFULLY my mom can make them??? [only like 3 sheets] If my g-ma S is planning on coming [pah pah pah lease!] then hopefully she can make them. B/c even though my mom makes them awesomely!! It is my g-ma S's recipe and I haven't eaten her batch in a long long long time!!!

Okay... SleeeeeEEEEeeeepy time!

Feminists are insane

Thanks for fighting for the right to vote... but enough's enough already. You need to be reigned in.

Am I Selfish?

Scenario:

I tell C I want something.

C denies.

C now wants that thing.

C gets.

I still don't.

Can I feel angry and not bad for feeling angry?

Shut up and go [or dont] -- why I think marijuana should be legalized

Within every family, there's loads of conflict at every turn. Whether it's "so and so did/said this to/about me" or "I can't be in the same room as this person. EVER!" there are problems. It can be part of your own family, or extended. Most people enjoy b*tching about their in-laws, exes, second cousin 6 times removed [whatever].

With that premise in mind [and I really didn't want to post anything like this, but I figured my blog, where hardly anyone goes to, was a better place to get this off my chest than a FB status update], when it comes to family functions and get togethers [i.e. reunions, weddings, holidays, birthdays, etc], sit down, shut up, smoke a joint, and enjoy yourself!!

Since my wedding is coming up, I'll use it as an example. I wish I could invite the world to enjoy my wedding. I have been working super-hard [off & on] in order to pull of a decent event that flows great with decorations, music and activities so everyone there will enjoy themselves for the entire weekend. I don't think I have pulled out the, "it's my wedding, I'll do it how I want" card. Maybe once. Maybe. But Most of the time I let the discouraging things people say pass, or I cry. Of course, that's not to say I compromised; because I'm still the same ol' stubborn b*tch I've been since puberty. :D

But I can't let everything slide by. I want everyone I hold close to my heart to be at C's and my wedding. In other words [please read slowly and enunciate everything]: you will probably run into someone you don't particularly care about or flat out despise. Kapish? Who are you to say who I should allow to be there? C & I have gone through my list dozens of times to make sure I don't invite excessively. Every single person we invite are people I would rather starve for a month than not include them in the fun.

And that's essentially what we'd be doing. C and I are paying for the wedding ourselves. Yes, we have help [to be mentioned in full *hopefully* in the program--but EVERYONE will know somehow], but it's minor help compared to the total cost. Comprende? I have been putting in massive overtime [my work schedule: 5:15am-2:30pm without lunch or breaks] to be able to afford just the basics. C's been working just as hard, though he doesn't get the o/t pay.

So, when the time comes around that you get an invite and you want to know if "so and so" is going, call me, text me or e-mail me to ask. Then you can decide whether or not you can be an adult and breathe the same air as that person for 1 weekend. I'm not asking you to forgive and forget. Far from it, because I know how it feels to be so passionate about something that causes you moral grief. What I am asking is that you just don't cause a scene. The VERY last thing I want is drama on a day where my #1 person is proclaiming their love for me forever and ever, and I for him. Unless it involves bees. Because I will create my own drama if they are around.

There's a few options for you now:

1. surround yourself with people you enjoy there so you can have a fun time without drama,
2. smoke some pot to relax [sorry, no alcohol for the haters, I will assign lookouts]--ask and you shall receive,
3. be kicked out. I will not stand for your intolerable actions, no matter how justified you think they are at the time. save it for your dime, not mine,
4. don't come. Send a card saying you're sorry you can't make it. I don't need reasons.

This stands for Justin and Saranade's wedding too. Don't taint their fun. Because believe you me, I will kick you out if you want to throw your hatred around on their day.

*breath in* *breath out*

Next... I ask that you don't make anyone but ME feel bad for something to do with MY wedding. C has the final word, and he won't hesitate to take away your invite if it's making me miserable.

Thanks!

RAIN!

Rain down here is really weird. I've probably posted about it a couple times, but I'm just soooOO not used to it's... ness. I don't even know what word I want to use!

Background--Seattle... if it rains, it rains just about everywhere. HOWEVER! If it's not raining somewhere, it usually tapers off from raining to not raining. [heavy showers, medium showers, then sprinkles--as you move from town to town]. In Suck-town, it rains hard, there's hardly any sprinkling. And when you try to drive away from it.. it doesn't taper so you're ready for either way, it either stops or starts.

The reason why I'm bringing this up, is because it was raining today and as I was driving home I kept going through the start/stop-ness and it was blinding and weird.

[**sidenote** as I'm writing about rain, Eternal from Evanescence comes on my Pandora station --Apocalyptica Station to be exact.. and there's a part in the middle where it's storming thunder and pouring rain... totally weird *cue twilight music*]

It's times like today when I wish I had my new camera. When dark clouds were right next to clear blue skies [instead of the constant gray cloud over Washington]. How cool would that potentially be to capture if I got it right.


Oh! BTW, we did get our tax money back, but we're waiting for my health insurance to re-instate [long story, I'll post later maybe] before we spend the money on a new camera. If it's not re-instated... buh-bye wedding! I'd rather a baby be the reason for not being able to go through with the wedding than insurance/bank/amber screw ups. And I'm too young for a baby. I need more selfish Amber/C time before I can devote my whole being to something else.

I also have a meeting [C's coming along] next Saturday to meet with a lady from The Art Institute of Sacramento [or more affectionately called: Suckramento ;)]. She's going to give us a tour, talk to us about my options I have there. C wanted me to get into web design and the lady also suggested Graphic Design. So, we'll see!!!

More posts on my book blog :D


I have a whole 6 followers!! yay! Well.. One's me.. But I wanted to see what it looked like for others :D RESEARCH I tell yah!

Weekend Recap-- 139 days left

So the whole point of the weekend was to do absolutely nothing and relax. But for that as our goal... a lot of stuff happened. Maybe "happened" isn't the right word... Or maybe there isn't 1 word to describe it all.

Saturday:

• I read Moon Craving by Lucy Monroe... in less than a day.
• Saw Kick-Ass in theaters with one of C's friends from work.
• I wrote in one of my books
• Did a character outline for the main guy [the girl was already done]
• Pre-organized my book reviews [I'll hopefully post pictures of just how insane I went]

Sunday:

• Read 1/2 of another book.
• Updated BOOks In ChAIns blog with some widgets... just a couple.
• Wrote a few book reviews to be posted this week on BOOks In ChAIns.
• Played Frisbee with a couple of C's friends.
• Found out that C's allergic to the grass down here.
• Also found out that those stupid fly-like bugs that like to hang around our bathroom sink, are probably gnats... if that's how it's spelt. I've never had to worry about them before :(. I thought that was just an east coast thing. So now I have to figure out how to get rid of them.
• Did laundry
• Washed AND dried C's phone through the laundry.
• cried because I did that. C took the fault for it since he put his un-emptied shorts in the hamper.
• Wrote some more in my book
• Went to bed at 8:30
• Out by 8:35.

That was it... We wanted to relax this weekend because C's been really stressed out lately at work, and I didn't want to bombard him with plans. Of course, no wedding plans got done. I wanted to:

• Call a DJ.
• Email and officiant.
• Go to Mens Warehouse.
• Text a groomsman for an answer.
• Email the clutch making lady.
• Talk for hours with BFF to discuss wedding options/plans so she can point me in any direction and make me not crazy anymore.

Buuuut,  none of that got done. I'm a horrible bride. lol.

Today's goals:

• Post "It's Monday, What Are You Reading?" Meme on BOOks In ChAIns. find it here.
• Go to Verizon to get C a new phone.
• Go to Sam's Club to get food & fill up my gas tank.
• Work out [our schedule is Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Sunday].
• Find out how to get rid of gnats.
• Find out if C's grass allergy can be... prevented?

... Do you know how to get rid of gnats or prevent grass allergies from coming out?

boo [140 days]

I saw Kick-Ass last night.. I think I'll have to re-watch it to really enjoy it. There was a lot to take in. :D

I've spent all day updating my book blog with reviews for this next week. Hopefully it'll tide me over for long enough to read new ones, and review old reads.

Other than that... I'm sooooooOOOOooo bored! Maybe I'll work on my book today.. yeah.. that sounds good. Sorry for the lame-o post..

Losing my edge [and 144 days left]

I went to the dentist's again today to get my crown re-done. They all know me by name now. Let me rephrase that... They all know me by just my first name now. They don't even have to use my last name to each other when they're talking about me. Or "patient in room 8" etc. Just Amber. 

But the weirdest part of all of it is that my doctor says I'm "sweet" all the time. She always says "oh, your bf is so lucky to get a sweet girl like you." I want to laugh and say: "Yeah? Remind him of that please." Then I started thinking... have gotten more submissive lately? Maybe it's more of being reserved than it is submissive. I'll still bark at you if you are an idiot, or you need a good yellin' at. But I'm not constantly down every one's throats anymore.

One theory I've been able to come up with after pondering about this for several hours is this:

I stopped buying into the whole "I'm a woman, I can do it all!" thing. Because, as cool as that sounds, it's not true. Just like saying a man can do it all. It's impossible. The reason why we have the two is because one gives and takes love while the other controls when it goes wrong. Don't get me wrong here either, two men, I think are pretty capable of covering just about all of both parts. On the other hand, two women can't. I'm sorry. Bitchz-be-crazy. [Yes, there are exceptions, and congratulations if you are, but I'll bet the majority of women/women can't]. Anyway! another conversation for a different day.

So I stopped buying into the "powerful woman" thing and started enjoying [and seeing the benefits] of being the "strong supporter" woman. And in doing that, I'm a lot less angry, Mr. Monthly isn't so emotional [still painful], I'm kinder to everyone [especially C]. I'm happier. And when I'm happier, C's happier. So, if I have to take a step out of the spotlight and let C take over, then hell, I'll do it if it means I don't have to stress.

Because stress for me = crazy. Stress for C = hold inside, fume internally, fix it, move on.

Alright, that's my 2 cents for the day... Don't worry! I'm still the red-headed step child that loves to shock and stands up for herself and others.... I'm just... "sweeter" when I do it :D

Memory Lane

I have separation anxiety. Or a form of it. I really don't want to part with things that have meaning in my life. Even if it's the most.... idiotic thing in the universe. I have movie tickets from when C&I saw it in 2004... Like I said... it's idiotic. Thinking about it now, I realize how dumb I'm being. But when it comes time to actually throw it away... I can't. I'd rather sleep with it every night than toss it. I still have notes from my very first boyfriend in 7th grade!!! That's at least... 12 years old.

Welllll... I took a big step today. I didn't throw them away [hell no!]... I deleted voice mails dating as far back as 2005. That's right. I held on to voice mails for 5 years. One's from C that I can remember exactly how they made me feel when I listened to them the first time. I deleted 6 or so of them, and kept another 6 or so. They all weren't from C of course.

I deleted 1 from my cousin telling me she was engaged. Another from an old friend [and coincidentally, C's ex g/f--it's how we met] saying her baby was born [not C's... of course]. The rest were from C. Thing's like "Thanks for taking me back to the dorms." YIKES!! The dorms!! That feels like forever ago.

I did keep ones where he was overly sweet and/or cute, like "Hey, it's your boyfriend, do what I say... uhh, call me back?" [my voice mail at the time was: "Hey, it's amber, do what the chick says"]. I kept all the ones from Jason while he was overseas. I kept one from Sammy saying "Hey Mom, this is.. I mean, hey Amber, this is your little daughter, I mean, your sister amber... I mean, your sister Samantha...." And of my baby cousin Brandon saying "Amber, Amber, Amber, I love you. I love you." while he was in San Diego one summer and I was missing him something fierce.

See what I mean? I save stupid things that have sentimental value. And though I understand the concept of sentimental value, when I look at it subjectively I think... why am I such a girl? Then when I go to do something about it... I remember... Hey! I am a girl. That's why.

Anyway... do you keep extra memorabilia around when you know there's absolutely no good use for it in any situation? And you still can't bring yourself to get rid of it?

Agreement

C started watching Avatar [The Last Airbender] this weekend as a time filler. I thought he would like it, but it took The Last Airbender movie previews to get him into it. How do I know about it? I grew up with boys, that's how.

Where was I going with this? Oh! C and I started thinking back to our awesome cartoons we grew up with, like: Recess, Rugrats, Hey Arnold! etc. Okaaay, maybe some of those were when we were in middle-high school areas, but when they're good, they're good.

So, we decided that when we get babies [b/c we're not having them... we're buying them from the grocery store] then we would make sure they don't watch those freaky weird kinds of cartoons or kids shows. Like Teletubbies?? Wtf? Or those guys that sing and dance. Weird. If we have to, we'll buy all seasons of those FANTASTIC cartoons we enjoyed watching [since we'll be watching too] as a kid, and play those for Sunday morning cartoon rituals.

**side note... I never got to do the Sunday morning cartoons. I did do it every day after school though, so I guess I didn't miss much**

That's just one way we decided to "culture" our kids... I'm pretty sure we're dorks.

North Star Wedding Fair 4/10/10

C & I went to North Star Resort on Saturday to experience their Wedding Fair. We got to taste their food options, see a few rooms, look at different centerpiece and linen options. Talk to a DJ... who I'm hoping we'll call. And C got to taste a cake he'll never have. ;D

I was really happy that they had a DJ there, especially that one. Because he was not the typical flashy guy you run into in that business [they scare me]. And his price was awesome [even C said it was better than he was expecting]. He was pretty young in comparison to others I've seen, and he said he shows up a whole 2 hours before the ceremony... I don't think I'll even show up a whole 2 hours before!! I doubt C would even be getting ready until an hour before, maybe. Probably 45 minutes.

Anyway, it was really neat to go back there and remember why we loved the location to begin with. Our only friends down here went with us to be the support. And wow, what a support they were. Well, mainly the female. The guy didn't have to do anything but make conversation with C. I was nervous to do anything and she pretty much took care of it all. haha. I think I was guarding myself from the freak out that was bound to take place had I done all the things for myself. Or I was lazy... That seems to be the case lately.

So, we decided on the Menu, and we're still trying to decide what linens. Brown for sure.... maybe with yellow napkins?? I'd love to do the orange they had, but it would clash with my colors. Or maybe I should do green? This is the sort of thing I didn't want to worry about at all. Because I don't really care what people spill their food on, but if it's wrong, it will definitely look it. I wonder if we could just say no to table cloth and just have brown napkins. I guess that's what I'll have to ask my coordinator when she gets back. She wasn't at the Fair, but it was okay, because I didn't really have any questions for her. Then.


Menu!


Appetizer [yes, we sort of did chose this because of the name... but it was the only one we liked all of the food that was offered in it]


Pu Pu Platter [reminds me of A Bugs Life where the flies ask for the "Poo Poo Platter" hehehe]
-Pork Potstickers [mmmmmm]
-Vegetarian Egg Rolls [mmmmm]
-Shrimp Purses[aka, pot of gold... I think? the girl friend liked it]
-Lettuce wraps filled with Chicken, Mushrooms and Water Chestnuts [for the healthier people]
-Ponzu & Sweet Thai Chili Dipping Sauce [didn't actually try, but you don't really need the dipping sauce to begin with]


Individual [possibilities.. may not happen]
-Bacon Wrapped Dates
-Shrimp Cocktail w/Spicy Remoulade [C's dad would enjoy it]
-and something else that C's mom would enjoy.. I marked it down somewhere


Dinner: Family Style Meal: 

Served on platters at table:

-Traditional Caesar Salad
-Chef's Choice Seasonal Salad
-Grilled Bavette Steak with Mushroom Ragout
-Baked Filet Petrale Sole Stuffed with Dungeness Crab with Lemon Garlic Creme Sauce [mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, my first stab at crab, and it was delicious]
-Seasonal Vegetables and Parsley Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
Served with fresh baked bread.


Best part?? It's the cheapest option. And it's more of what we wanted. We didn't really care much about what was being served as we did on how it was served. We didn't want a buffet. Nothing against the style, but we just don't like the standing in line, carrying food back through tables. It just didn't feel right with us. And plated is expensive, and tedious to keep track of who wants what. I don't know about everyone else, but I eat by mood. I don't really know what I'll be hungry for until I show up and am ready to eat. I think I will probably be craving the crab pretty bad by the time we get to eat it, so I'm not too worried.


I was nervous about the content after we decided how we wanted it served. I don't eat steak and I don't eat seafood. So the bread was going to be the best part on the menu for me. But, in a brave attempt to find something, I tried the crab [never having eaten it before in my life] and it was absolutely divine. I refuse to eat the meat out of its shell like a barbarian, but if someone fed me just the meat, I wouldn't mind eating it again. The other option we could have done was to get the Family Style Meal Plus... but that was $10+ each person for chicken, vegetables, and crackers.


So, what I'm trying to say is that if I, the second pickiest person that I know when it comes to eating and trying new foods [first being one of the people who came with us], can try it, and LOVE it, than anyone can. There's the steak if you can't for other reasons [I won't eat that, but that's only because I don't swallow steak... it's physically impossible for me]. Or the appetizers for Vegetarians. So, I'm not going to worry about it. We made our decision. We're going to tell our coordinator, and that will be that. Dust off the hands of any possible bad feelings for those that don't want to eat it. I'm sorry, but I can't worry about it! Or I'll cry. haha. I wish I was joking.

AWESOMENESS!

I love this :D. 

Freaaak Ouuut! -- 5 months left...

Soooo, as many of my wedding website reminders have decided to enlighten me on today... I have 5 months left. 5 months!!!!

5 months to:

• Find a DJ,
• Find an Officiant,
• Pick out Tuxes,
• Get the Bridesmaid dresses rolling,
• Contact and get the clutches made,
• Get my dress fitted [schedule it first!!],
• Book our room for the weekend,
• Find out if there's a free premarital counseling place... Craig refuses to pay for that,
• Send Save-the-Dates [Or as Craig likes to refer it as: Save-the-Last-Date.. hahaha],
• Rehearsal Dinner,
• Day After Brunch,
• Invitations [doing myself, so it's a big project],
• Bridal Shower [good thing I'm not dealing with that, but I still worry!!!],
• Marriage License,
• Menu,
• Buy Craig's ring,
• Bridesmaid accessories,
• Bride accessories,
• Figure out what b/c I need to go on,
• Gifts for awesome helpers,
• Special Songs play list,
• Find something to get rid of awesome acne [though, I don't expect anything to work, like always],
• Out of Town Guest bags [which will be, like, everyone],
• Ceremony Programs,
• Keep Track of RSVPs,
• Get my guest-book made [you'll see what I mean],
• Get a picture on canvas [another, you'll see what I mean],
• Get official "change your name" documents,
• Find Something new, blue, and borrowed... I have something old. Does it count if I wont' be wearing it until the end of the ceremony?,
• Make a timeline for people who have to be somewhere at a certain time,
• Figure out if we want to do a receiving line or visit tables...,

And that's all before the wedding... After the wedding, I have to:

• Get on C's insurance,
• merge our bank accounts [hopefully I can do that before hand]
• Change my name... on everything...
• Cry [I'll need it],
• Send out announcements to family & friends,
• Get our new license [We've been holding off because I didn't want to pay twice for a new license],

And probably other stuff I haven't even thought about... Or can't remember at all.

Normally writing it down helps me see how "in the clear" I am, and I'm just overreacting... But this does not help one bit. Damn. I'm not nervous about the marriage part [well, not as much as I thought I would be], but it's the planning to make it an awesome event for everyone else that's freaking me out.

Conversation

[This conversation took place while smiling and giggling :D]

C: Okay Mrs. Crazy

A: Ohhh, does that mean that your name is crazy since when I turn into a Mrs. I'll be taking your name.

C: *chuckles* yep

A: Unless you're going to take my name. You want to be an Andersen?

C: Absolutely not.

A: hahahahahahahahahahah

C: *looks at me like I'm insane* [probably right]

A: Oh, is it okay if when I do get published, I use Andersen as my last name instead of yours?

C: What, you don't want to be associated with me?

A: Something like that

C: I don't care

A: *pretending he said no* Well, I was thinking that it would be better so I can keep our personal life separate.

C: I don't care

A: *still pretending he said no* You know, like facebook, my blogs, my email, etc. That way I don't have my millions [wink, wink] stalking me

C: You don't think they'd find out, ever?

A: Yeah, but this way it'll take a while

C: I don't care

A: Can you please pretend like this is a big deal to you and hearing my logic has changed your ways?

C: Oh my goodness Amber, you're so right, so smart. Of course. That's a brilliant idea

A: *smiles* Thanks Craigbear :D

Fun stuff :D

This makes me laugh. Some YouTube people are so talented

Good Reading

I just reviewed a new book! go here to enjoy it :D. **warning--may be edgier than you expect** You can still go there to view the other books I've reviewed... I'll be updating as much as I can today.

Don't Forget!!

You may or may not know that in addition to this blog I also have 2 other blogs.

BOOks In ChAIns

That's A Wrap

(Click on the title to check them out and add them to your favorites! You can also follow me if you have gmail or blogger :D)

BOOks In ChAIns is about, well books. I review books I've read, post upcoming books I'm looking forward to. I also post some NYT bestseller books (with links!) that I most likely won't read... But, I just do that to recognize that not everyone has EXCELLENT taste in books like I do ;)>. Which by the way, my normal type is: Romance (light to raunchy), Young Adult, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy, some Self-Help (very few), and some Non-Fiction (also, very few). I may or may not put updates on my own books... I don't think so since that's more of a personal thing compared to a review blog.

That's A Wrap has my reviews on movies! This will have the same thing as books, but for movies. BUT! the content is what differs. I'm not much of a chick flick girl, so it will have Action, Comedy, Thriller, Children (yes.. i know.. guilty pleasure). I go extreme. G ratings to barely still PG-13, R, even X if you request it ;)> . And of course Unrated. I'm not a movie critic, but I think that's what makes my reviews good. I'm not going to go into the meaning of things, and whether or not the movie has a "good message" because I just believe that with some things, you shouldn't have it. Not everything needs to be a learning experience. Some things just need to... just be. I may also put some TV Shows on there too. I don't have cable, so I can review all that's available online at either their network's site or on Hulu (love Hulu!).

Don't laugh when you see that I've wasted a whole year before posting anything on either of those blogs... I've been out of the blogging world since the moving and things. But I'm BACK! hopefully ;D.