Yes I am!!! You can hit me if you want to. Or punish me, by not reading my blog. But I do have some legitimate excuses. I knew that last week and this week were going to be rough. So I sat down and typed up a bunch of blog posts. Then I put them on auto-post. Well, it didn't work. In fact, I don't know where the 14 blogs went. I will post them to their correct dates sometime this weekend. Good thing I have them saved as word documents. Or who knows what I would do!
These past 2 weeks...have been filled with final exams, clinicals, presentations, teaching, traveling, being sick, and working. My plate has been a little full! But I'm trying to keep it together. I got sick last Wednesday, and I'm still not feeling good. I'm mean, I'm doing tons better than Thursday. But still only at 70%. Last Thursday, I spent the entire day in bed. Pretty much from Wednesday night until Friday around noon, I was sick in bed. I slept almost 24 hours straight! It was almost too much for me to deal with.
But life is returning to "normal." Or as "normal" as you can get in the middle of the holiday season! I'm still feeling like Scrooge or the Grinch. You can pick whichever one you would like. I haven't decorated. Or baked. Or wrapped presents. I have done most of my shopping. But that is the end of my holiday preparation. I just don't know what's wrong with me this year. I need to get it together. Christmas is in days!!!
In 30 minutes or so, I will be heading to my parents' house. 3-4 hours from here. Today is their company party. And I agreed to help them get ready for it. I need to do some baking. And all of that fun stuff!!! Then Saturday, I head home. I have to work until December 23rd. Not too bad! I should be happy to have Christmas Eve through December 27th off.
I'm also counting the days until I get to see my oldest brother. In fact, I've switched a few days at work. So that I can go see him on January 4th. He will be moving back to our hometown. My parents and I are really excited! My parents are actually going to go visit him this weekend. They are going to start moving his things home.
And in case you were wondering. I did do my drawing for my giveaway. I left the giveaway open until December 10th. That morning I went to Random.org and put in 86 numbers. I can't believe I got 86 comments! The lucky number was #9. Kind of ironic. But very fun! I contacted Anna Marie and sent out her scarf on Saturday. I hope she has received it by now! I should probably check in with her. Have a wonderful weekend!
Ciao!
XOXO
♥Lola
Friday, December 18, 2009
Social Darling Frock Giveaway
I'm just in love with this dress! Another one of Kathleen's amazing creations!!!
The colors are beautiful! Along with the scalloped edges. They really sell the dress for me!
I honestly have been looking for dresses in blue or green. And this is such a beautiful dress. I'm going to enter the giveaway. I think you should too! Hurry up and head over to the Grosgrain blog.
Ciao!
XOXO
♥Lola
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Craft Fairs Galore
I can't believe it is already morning! I feel like I just got into bed. But we are on our way to a VIP event. I think my boss is losing his mind! Wanting us to perform this early in the morning, on very little sleep. No wonder the guys are drinking gallon-sized cups of coffee. Too bad I don't like coffee.
But I talked to my mom last night. Between gigs. Guess what? We ended up getting tables at both craft fairs! No lie! The band is performing until late tonight. The we leave in the middle of the night. Heading home. We are flying, if the weather cooperates with us. Then, I'm going to have to drive 3 hours. To my hometown. Because our church called late yesterday afternoon. They had a cancellation. We will do the church craft fair after all. From 8AM to 4PM! I hope I can stay awake!
Then a week from today, we are doing the other craft fair, at a local elementary school. I'm excited about that one. It will be something very different for us. We got 2 spaces. And I had already been planning that trip home.
After we get done here in Sin City, I will be very busy! I have finals this week. And lots of traveling for my internship. And now, we have 2 craft fairs! It should be fun though. I love to meet new people. And new craft people at that! If you are not doing anything, you should come by.
Ciao!
XOXO
♥Lola
Friday, December 4, 2009
A Wild Day
I don't even know what time it is. Or where to begin! We have been working hard. I haven't slept in over 24 hours! We've had so many events to go to. I've changed, well I don't remember how many times. But it's been a lot!
This morning, we went to the lighting of the Christmas tree. It was freezing! Since when is Las Vegas this cold? But it was one of those events we had to go to. In the end we had a lot of fun! And I have a feeling, had we had to stay another 30 minutes, I might have left with a boyfriend. I was that cold! I told the guys, if they could find me a guy, to keep me warm, well he could be my boyfriend. I was only joking, but they thought it was hilarious!
All day we have been on the go. And all day long, I have had my trusty bodyguard following me. He cracks me up! He really does. But I finally got him to talk to me. I offered him some coffee and a donut. I think it made his day. :) I'm telling you, it was freezing! My necklace, at one point, was stuck to my skin. Hello! It was that cold!
I talked to Anna Marie and Joe earlier. Joe is a little sad to be missing all of this. Especially since we are going to the rodeo later. But I know he would be miserable, had he come with us. Miss Emma Grace is definitely a reason to stay home! Anna Marie also told me that we got quite a bit of snow back home. I just knew it would happen! We would get snow when I left! They said we got 2". And everything just stopped. I guess there was no school. And for the most part, the region is barely able to function. We don't get much snow. This is a HUGE deal back home!
Tonight we are playing 2 shows! It's so exciting. I have had a really good time. This time around, Sin City has been really fun. Usually, we don't get to do much. But our gigs and appearances were very different than normal. We all are enjoying that. I am just sad, I haven't got a single glimpse of the NASCAR action!!! What can you do?
I should get going. I am supposed to be in hair and makeup in 30 minutes. And I still have to go try on my dresses for tonight. Fingers crossed that they fit! This morning we had a hard time finding a dress to fit me. Apparently, I lost weight. I still don't know where! But my clothes are a little big this week. :)
Ciao!
XOXO
♥Lola
This morning, we went to the lighting of the Christmas tree. It was freezing! Since when is Las Vegas this cold? But it was one of those events we had to go to. In the end we had a lot of fun! And I have a feeling, had we had to stay another 30 minutes, I might have left with a boyfriend. I was that cold! I told the guys, if they could find me a guy, to keep me warm, well he could be my boyfriend. I was only joking, but they thought it was hilarious!
All day we have been on the go. And all day long, I have had my trusty bodyguard following me. He cracks me up! He really does. But I finally got him to talk to me. I offered him some coffee and a donut. I think it made his day. :) I'm telling you, it was freezing! My necklace, at one point, was stuck to my skin. Hello! It was that cold!
I talked to Anna Marie and Joe earlier. Joe is a little sad to be missing all of this. Especially since we are going to the rodeo later. But I know he would be miserable, had he come with us. Miss Emma Grace is definitely a reason to stay home! Anna Marie also told me that we got quite a bit of snow back home. I just knew it would happen! We would get snow when I left! They said we got 2". And everything just stopped. I guess there was no school. And for the most part, the region is barely able to function. We don't get much snow. This is a HUGE deal back home!
Tonight we are playing 2 shows! It's so exciting. I have had a really good time. This time around, Sin City has been really fun. Usually, we don't get to do much. But our gigs and appearances were very different than normal. We all are enjoying that. I am just sad, I haven't got a single glimpse of the NASCAR action!!! What can you do?
I should get going. I am supposed to be in hair and makeup in 30 minutes. And I still have to go try on my dresses for tonight. Fingers crossed that they fit! This morning we had a hard time finding a dress to fit me. Apparently, I lost weight. I still don't know where! But my clothes are a little big this week. :)
Ciao!
XOXO
♥Lola
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Happy Anniversary!
Today is my parents' 21st wedding anniversary! It doesn't sound like much to some people. But I think it is a HUGE accomplishment. Especially for 2 people that got married because their daughter asked them to. I was 5 years old, and didn't understand why we didn't all have the same last name. We all lived together. How come our names were different?
My parents came around, and decided to get married. Both of my parents had been married previously. Maybe that was their hesitation to saying "I do" for the second time. I'm not sure. But they got married. On the day of our city's "Christmas Parade." My mom and I got stuck in traffic on the way. The best man, maid of honor, and ring bearer were with us. We were over 90 minutes late! But we eventually made it.
I was a huge part of the wedding. I helped me aunt pick out decorations, cake flavors, and flowers. I helped my mom pick out the colors. I was the flower girl. And the one that refused to practice the night before the wedding. But at 5 years old, I convinced my parents to take the plunge. It was a family affair. Not only did they marry each other. But they committed us, the 3 of us, to being a family. Legally bound.
Over the years, we have all hit our rough patches. There have been more than most "normal people" encounter. It tends to happen in blended families. Especially when there are 9 kids, and all their families to add in. We also had a growing business that seemed to hold more weight, than all of us put together. It definitely has demanded more time, than any person in our family has! There were times when I never thought my parents would make it to their next anniversary. But somehow, they pulled through.
21 years ago, I was 5. I wore a teal dress and cried when my parents exchanged rings. I might not have fully understood what it meant. But in my heart, I knew we were a family. We had always loved each other. But that day meant a lot. Every year, I am so proud of them. They have made it this far. We have made it this far. A second marriage, it tends to be more than just a commitment to one another. Especially in our case. I have always felt like I was an equal in the family. We have a very different family dynamic than most. This day to me, is not only their anniversary. But the celebration of our family!
Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad! I hope you have a 1000 more!
Ciao!
XOXO
♥Lola
Was I...Really?
I don't know if I told you. But I'm in Las Vegas. We have a gig this week. I need to make a big payment for school. So this was a mixed blessing for me! I need the money, but this is the last week of classes.
My only concerns for the week were; to perform every night for almost a week, hoping my clothes fit, getting my homework done, trying to keep up with work, and maybe catching a glimpse of the NASCAR action. I never thought I would run into an old classmate.
After we performed last night, we went to a party that our boss was throwing for some VIPs. We get paid to mingle with them. At nearly 2AM, I was beat and took a few minutes to clear my head. And I ran into a guy that I went to high school with. I almost didn't recognize him. But he recognized me. Apparently, he had been at our show.
And I was a little shocked by what he told me. "Our ugly duckling grew up to be a pretty princess." What in the world is that supposed to mean? I have never thought I was attractive. Ever! I struggled with my crazy hair, until I met the flat iron. And my makeup skills were limited to what I had to wear for cheerleading; bright pink cheeks, red lips, and blue eyeshadow. We looked like dolls! Add in the polyester uniforms, and you got what I wore 4 days a week!
But I never thought of myself as an "Ugly Duckling." I never felt like a "Homecoming Queen," but I didn't think I was doing so badly either. Apparently I was. OK, so I found out there was a bet about me. I found out just after we graduated. That was bad enough. But really, could it get worse?
I'm short. And quiet. Some people say shy. That could be true. But I just think I am quiet, unless I am around my friends. I was a major nerd in school. I still feel like one. But I don't care anymore. That's the difference. This guy, he is still stuck in high school. Wanting to be Mr. Popular again. I'm moving forward with my life.
I think I just shocked him. Because I am singing. Performing in Las Vegas. Getting to wear cute little dresses and red soled shoes. I don't know what he is up to. But my life as a performer, it is pretty fun. Granted, it's only 1% of my life. The rest of the time, I am scrapping for money and wearing scrubs. Working a 100+ hours a week! But for a few days a year, I get to be Cinderella.
I had never been so happy to be dripping in diamonds and having a bodyguard following me. It just makes me think, I am doing something right. And even if I am still the "Ugly Duckling," at least I'm having fun! At least I'm happy with the woman that I am.
I get paid to hangout with my friends. To perform and sing. I'm staying in one of the most amazing suites Las Vegas has to offer. But I am just happy with myself right now. Take away all the glamour, the Mafia poker games, the VIP friends...and I'm still happy with me. Because I know at the end of the week, we will fly home. And life will go back to normal. I'll go back to work and school. And counting my quarters to buy a box of macaroni. But still happy to be alive and making a positive difference in our world.
I also have a great group of friends. The kind that stick right next to you. The kind that catch you right before you fall in life. Maybe I don't look like a model. Or have a boyfriend. And maybe I crochet too much. But I am making a life to be proud of. Working hard. Providing a home and food for myself. I have amazing Goddaughters to love. And at the end of the day, I have more people than most that love me just like I am.
So maybe I was a nerd in school. Maybe there was a bet on me. Maybe I was not popular. And I was the only senior that didn't make it into the senior video. Heck, I don't even talk to anyone from high school anymore. But I did accomplished a lot in high school. More than just being a cheerleader and in the top 10 of my class. And since then, I have done so much more for myself!
I have chased after my dreams. Taken time to take care of my family. I have a home. A home that is mine. Not one that I have to rent. I have made the kind of friends that feel more like family. And I am getting a college education. Debt free I might add. It has not been an easy road. But it has been my road to travel. And if being the "Ugly Duckling" that finally grew up, brought me to this very place in my life, I would never change a thing. Everything in my life has shaped the woman that sits here typing today. And I'm happy with the woman that looks back at me in the mirror. All 5'0" of me! Including my very "Italian" nose!!!
Ciao!
XOXO
♥Lola
My only concerns for the week were; to perform every night for almost a week, hoping my clothes fit, getting my homework done, trying to keep up with work, and maybe catching a glimpse of the NASCAR action. I never thought I would run into an old classmate.
After we performed last night, we went to a party that our boss was throwing for some VIPs. We get paid to mingle with them. At nearly 2AM, I was beat and took a few minutes to clear my head. And I ran into a guy that I went to high school with. I almost didn't recognize him. But he recognized me. Apparently, he had been at our show.
And I was a little shocked by what he told me. "Our ugly duckling grew up to be a pretty princess." What in the world is that supposed to mean? I have never thought I was attractive. Ever! I struggled with my crazy hair, until I met the flat iron. And my makeup skills were limited to what I had to wear for cheerleading; bright pink cheeks, red lips, and blue eyeshadow. We looked like dolls! Add in the polyester uniforms, and you got what I wore 4 days a week!
But I never thought of myself as an "Ugly Duckling." I never felt like a "Homecoming Queen," but I didn't think I was doing so badly either. Apparently I was. OK, so I found out there was a bet about me. I found out just after we graduated. That was bad enough. But really, could it get worse?
I'm short. And quiet. Some people say shy. That could be true. But I just think I am quiet, unless I am around my friends. I was a major nerd in school. I still feel like one. But I don't care anymore. That's the difference. This guy, he is still stuck in high school. Wanting to be Mr. Popular again. I'm moving forward with my life.
I think I just shocked him. Because I am singing. Performing in Las Vegas. Getting to wear cute little dresses and red soled shoes. I don't know what he is up to. But my life as a performer, it is pretty fun. Granted, it's only 1% of my life. The rest of the time, I am scrapping for money and wearing scrubs. Working a 100+ hours a week! But for a few days a year, I get to be Cinderella.
I had never been so happy to be dripping in diamonds and having a bodyguard following me. It just makes me think, I am doing something right. And even if I am still the "Ugly Duckling," at least I'm having fun! At least I'm happy with the woman that I am.
I get paid to hangout with my friends. To perform and sing. I'm staying in one of the most amazing suites Las Vegas has to offer. But I am just happy with myself right now. Take away all the glamour, the Mafia poker games, the VIP friends...and I'm still happy with me. Because I know at the end of the week, we will fly home. And life will go back to normal. I'll go back to work and school. And counting my quarters to buy a box of macaroni. But still happy to be alive and making a positive difference in our world.
I also have a great group of friends. The kind that stick right next to you. The kind that catch you right before you fall in life. Maybe I don't look like a model. Or have a boyfriend. And maybe I crochet too much. But I am making a life to be proud of. Working hard. Providing a home and food for myself. I have amazing Goddaughters to love. And at the end of the day, I have more people than most that love me just like I am.
So maybe I was a nerd in school. Maybe there was a bet on me. Maybe I was not popular. And I was the only senior that didn't make it into the senior video. Heck, I don't even talk to anyone from high school anymore. But I did accomplished a lot in high school. More than just being a cheerleader and in the top 10 of my class. And since then, I have done so much more for myself!
I have chased after my dreams. Taken time to take care of my family. I have a home. A home that is mine. Not one that I have to rent. I have made the kind of friends that feel more like family. And I am getting a college education. Debt free I might add. It has not been an easy road. But it has been my road to travel. And if being the "Ugly Duckling" that finally grew up, brought me to this very place in my life, I would never change a thing. Everything in my life has shaped the woman that sits here typing today. And I'm happy with the woman that looks back at me in the mirror. All 5'0" of me! Including my very "Italian" nose!!!
Ciao!
XOXO
♥Lola
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Giveaway Update
My friends and I all wanted to participate in the Giveaway Day at Sew, Mama, Sew! We somehow missed the deadline. But Beth is so amazing. And after I sent her an e-mail, early this morning, she added me to the list.
But I just got off the phone with Gabi. We decided that we are going to host a mini Giveaway Day and December 12th. The friends of mine that wanted to participate in the Giveaway Day, but missed the deadline, all had made an item. And they still want to give it away! If you are interested in entering one of these giveaways, come back to my blog on December 12th, and I will have the links up. Here is what we have so far:
Me: A crochet ornament set
On My craft Blog: A Holiday Kitchen Set
Gabi: An Apron
Crafty Mom: Doll Pin Cushion
Kate: Tote Bag
Sam: ?
If you would like to be added to our list, post a comment or send me an email. Don't forget to come back, so you can see these wonderful items. And you can enter to win!
Ciao!
XOXO
♥Lola
P.S. Don't forget to check out Sew, Mama, Sew! for all the links to the Giveaway Day! Good Luck!!! ♥
But I just got off the phone with Gabi. We decided that we are going to host a mini Giveaway Day and December 12th. The friends of mine that wanted to participate in the Giveaway Day, but missed the deadline, all had made an item. And they still want to give it away! If you are interested in entering one of these giveaways, come back to my blog on December 12th, and I will have the links up. Here is what we have so far:
Me: A crochet ornament set
On My craft Blog: A Holiday Kitchen Set
Gabi: An Apron
Crafty Mom: Doll Pin Cushion
Kate: Tote Bag
Sam: ?
If you would like to be added to our list, post a comment or send me an email. Don't forget to come back, so you can see these wonderful items. And you can enter to win!
Ciao!
XOXO
♥Lola
P.S. Don't forget to check out Sew, Mama, Sew! for all the links to the Giveaway Day! Good Luck!!! ♥
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