Happy Birthday to Me!

Yes, I've totally been out of blogging... I might get back into it... just using a site with limitations doesn't make it very fun!  Plus, idk, I just haven't been in the mood to blog as much recently.  I guess we got in spurts of doing it a lot and not doing it a lot... this is a non-writing spurt!

But I just had to stop on in for a very special day... MY BIRTHDAY!  In all honesty I wasn't super excited about my birthday this year.  I think it was a combination of what happened last year and just an overall reflection on life.  But I will say that whatever that anti-birthday funk I was in has been totally and completely lifted.

It all started last Thursday when my amazing step-sister took me to see Hunger Games.  As you might recall, I read the books and loved them.  I was soo super excited to see the movie and we did at a midnight showing at West Olive theater.  Of course most of the people there were in high school, but the movie was amazing and you should all go out and see it!  She also got me an adorable salt and pepper shaker kit of a ladybug and leaf... I can't wait to put it in my (someday) kitchen!

Then on Saturday I went shopping with my grandma, mom and sister.  We go every year.  As you may recall from past years I've gotten dresses and this year was no acception.  Let's see if blogger will let me post pics...

Okay the pictures won't load - but I'll include links, does that count for something?

This dress is polka dotted with ruffles and a cool bright belt - I'm so excited to wear it!

I can't wait to go out in this one.  That bright color and cute style will be so much fun!

I am wearing this dress as we speak.  I'm loving the pockets and pattern and high waisted belt - swoon.

Finally, potentially my favorite from this day is this one.  I just love how it's dressed up but casual and super flattering... I'm in love.  I actually wore this dress on Saturday night.

Speaking of Saturday night... my friends are the absolute sweetest and threw me a surprise party with all my friends and family.  It was so touching to have them do that.  I really can't express it.  It meant so much and it was perfect.  I had a wonderful time and it was good seeing some people I haven't seen in awhile.  It really meant the world to me - so thank you friends for organizing it - I am so lucky to have everyone in my life.  I felt so loved and cherished.

On Sunday evening my mom took me, Keith, Lindsey, and Sarah to dinner of my choosing.  I wanted to go to City Diner and get the best French Toast in the whole wide world. (seriously, if you like french toast and haven't tried theirs you're missing out!)  After dinner (or breakfast in my case) we went to Ted Drewes for some ice cream.  It was the perfect little evening.

Today... my actual birthday... has been pretty great as well.  I woke up to find a gift on the table that included the sweetest card from my mom.  I'm serious it totally made me tear up.  My gift was this little guy...

I finally have a working digital camera again... I'm so excited to start using him I can't stand it!  (That's the Canon Powershot ELPH 300 HS if anyone cares)

My birthday celebrations will wrap up with a celebration with my dad's side of the family sometime this weekend AND the St. Louis Blue's game tonight which I'm totally stoked about.  I am seeing it with a boy, but that's really all I'm going to say about that for now.

All-in-all it has been a wonderful birthday this year... thanks for anyone who participated in any of it.  It means the world to me.

What have I been up to?

I'm thinking it might just be easier to do a recap post of some things that have been happening in the last month or so...

In the beginning of February I took another art class with my mom and her friend Jen.  This is the same place I have blogged about before - the South Broadway Art Project.  This time we took a class where we used paper pulp to create Mardi Gras inspired masks.  (of course you didn't have to make Mardi Gras masks, but that's the colors had to choose from.)  In this class we make paper using the screens and then used that paper to create masks.  You can use the paper pulp kind of like play-dough and make really cool stuff.  The teacher person had these awesome busts she made they were really cool.  Anyway, here is my mask.

Then, that next week  I had a primary care doctor's appointment.  I've been scheduling a lot of appointments recently b/c this whole situation just seemed like a good time to take care of myself.  So I headed there.  I actually made this appointment months ago, and I kinda used it in my head as a way to really gauge my overall sadness with the potential it could be something more... like depression.  Luckily, I have been feeling much better in that regard so, I'm pretty confident when I say I'm not depression, just have some sadness that is to be expecting going through a situation like this.  I did have to get a blood test which we all know is not my favorite... but don't worry - I survived!!

Later that week I went to happy hour with a couple of friends on Main Street in St. Charles.  I've never really went out on Main Street and it was a lot of fun.  I did end up feeling kind of sick by the end of the night, but I honestly had a really good time going to happy hour and extending it to a bit of dancing at a club-like place.

Later that weekend I had some lunch with a couple of high school friends.  It's always nice to catch up with them.  We get together a few times a year.

That following week I had a fasting cholesterol test... my cholesterol has read high again... the first time it did was a couple of years ago, so they wanted me to have a fasting test.  Of course I freaked about it, and ended up getting there and it was only a finger prick test... haha... all that freaking for something so simple!  That test showed my bad cholesterol still high, but I'm just supposed to diet and exercise, so it must not be that out of control!

That Friday night I went out with Susan for a random night out.  We went to 1904 Beerhouse (one of my faves) and then over to the tin can.  It was just a nice night out.

Saturday, the 18th, I went to my first ever Mardi Gras.  You would think living here in St. Louis I would have been before now, but that just wasn't the case.  Liz invited me, so I went with her and had a pretty good time.  I'm glad I finally got to experience what it was all about!

The last weekend of February was one of the annual events I look forward to each year - VA Trivia Night.  While we didn't win like we did two and three years ago, we did come in third place - not too bad if I do say so myself.  We had a ton of food and I made this super yummy dessert - it's like a peanut butter Captain Crunch rice kripie treat.  So yummy, although next time I'll either increase the marshmallows or decrease the cereal.

Last weekend I had some drinks with Liz and Ken at an old 'hot spot'.  I enjoyed being back in familiar territory.  But of course we were all super tired, so we ended up calling it a nice fairly early, haha.  That Saturday we had a awesome family dinner at Charlie Gitto's at Harrah's Casino.  My aunt took us out on some credits she earned since she gambles there a lot.  It was a really nice meal and it was nice having everyone there together.  After dinner we hung out at my cousin's new apartment and played some  Mario Party on the 64 - nostalgic!

Last Monday, the 5th, I had three... yes THREE cavities filled... ouch!  My mouth was super numb and that was totally strange.  I don't know what it is with me - I freak out at all medical procedures but when it comes to getting three shots in the mouth it's nothing!  I'm happy to have those buggers filled, but my jaw was so sore for a week later.  I have a totally wonky jaw and it makes times when I have to keep my mouth open for long periods of time really rough and annoying.

Finally, that brings us to this past weekend... Friday we celebrated my mom's birthday.  We took her to the Fountain on Locust... it's so yummy.  They have this special ice cream from the only dairy that ages it... SO GOOD.  Afterwards we played board games.  On Saturday during the day I went shopping with my mom, aunts and grandma for her birthday, that was a really nice day.  Saturday night I went with Liz and Ken to a bar in Valley Park it was a blast.  I had a really good time and enjoyed that bar a lot.   I think we'll be headed back there soon.

That pretty much catches you up with my life.  I know there are things I missed... and maybe a thing or two I omitted... but overall it was a good time had by all!

I'm alive!

Well, I'm going to try to type this post as the internet seems to be letting me actually post!

So where have I been?  It's been ages since I posted... and I'm going to tell you why!

Well, my laptop is broken.  I mean, it still works, but the power cord was all jacked up, and then about a month or so the tip of the power cord broke off... hmm.  So then I was able to get my hands on a new power cord, but the new one is all straight and and doesn't hit the spot it needs to since the internal part of the power thing is so jacked up.  So the new power cord doesn't charge my laptop... boo whoo whoo

Now, normally I would just blog at work.  Well, my Internet Explorer is not up to date - which I can't upgrade it and it won't load blogger properly, so that was not an option.  Could I blog on my iPhone or borrow my mom's computer to write posts (like I've been doing to do homework) sure, but I just haven't.

I've missed the blogosphere... so here I'm back and ready to start posting again.  I've missed you!

A Couple of Small Things = A Big Step Forward

I haven't really written about the divorce in awhile.  I haven't really needed or wanted to... but here's a small update in case you are interested.

There were some things that I wasn't sure how I was going to handle... actually there are still some things I don't know what I'm going to do - like my wedding ring or wedding photos and stuff... but that's not what this post is about.

Over the course of a few weeks I've taken three steps in what I feel like is the healing process.  Once I completed the last of these three it just dawned on me that I felt like I took a pretty big step forward.

1. I can't remember if I did this first or the next thing first, but honestly it doesn't matter much.  I went through my phone and deleted all of the pictures of him.  I was just sick of them getting in the way of other pictures I wanted to view.  I did keep the pictures of the dogs for the time being as it's something I'm not sure how I want to handle (add it to the list!)
2. I went through my Facebook page and removed all of those pictures too.  I also untagged myself or removed from page any pictures of us together.  This was a pretty time consuming feat... but it felt surprisingly refreshing to have that done. (another thing on this list - how to handle past blog posts
3. Finally, I changed the background picture on my phone.  Ever since I got this phone (August 2009) I have had the same background picture of a Imos heart shaped pizza.  This really didn't sadden me when I looked at the phone - b/c I heart shaped pizza is a happy thing - plus I would get comments on it and I thought it was cool.  But it's time to get rid of that too.  So now it is a picture of the World Series Game I attended with my sister.

These probably sound silly... and might sound like I'm trying to delete him from my life... and I guess in a way that's exactly what I'm doing... but it's more than that.  He was a big, important part of my life... a big part... and I don't know how you handle something like this which is why I've waited 5 months to make these changes... the truth is it's just a step in the moving on process.  Just because I deleted pictures doesn't mean I'm deleting my memory... but it's nice to not have to see that stuff all the time.  Like have things that will sting when I see them.  I did this with a level head and not out of spite or anger... and I'm happy about that.

In the end I feel like I'm a big step forward and that truly, honestly feels wonderful!

Fourth time

I am mentioned this before, and I wanted to get a little update on my situation.  You might remember this post from roughly a year ago.  It will give you the full background.

What I'm here to day is that it hasn't gone away yet!  Monday I went in for my fourth colposcopy and cervical biopsy.  You would think by this point I would be getting use to the procedure and not freak out like I do... but you would be wrong... very wrong.  I still get all faint and freak out.  This time in the middle of the procedure I was feeling really bad.  Like really sick like I was going to throw up or something... turns out I wasn't breathing... um that might help things!  And it totally did.  Before I knew it she was saying I was all done.  She took two samples and I only felt the first one.  So it really wasn't that bad - but still... I'm awful with these procedures.

So what's the result?  Well, my biopsy came back clear so I'll be back in the office in 6 months.  But this time she said it is up to be what I want to do.  I could elect to have the laser surgery if I wanted.  That should fix the problem.  But I don't know if I want to have a procedure I don't need.  What I've decided for now is that I'm just going to wait.  I'm going to compile a list of questions and try to get a reading on what I should do or what she thinks would be best.  B/c I really don't know and everyone I've asked doesn't seem to know either.

I know there could be come complications with the surgery - pre-term labor or miscarriages... but my doctor thinks that the risk might not be as great as they once thought... since those things also happen to people who don't have the procedure.  She said the studies are very mixed... so who knows.

All I know is that I'll be back in the office in six months and we'll go from there.

Pineapple Upside-Down Cupcakes

A week ago my dad invited us to a trivia night that supported the YMCA by his place.  The 'theme' of the night was luau... there was suppose to be a table decorating contest, although none of us really stepped up to do that one!

Either way, I thought it would be fun to make a luau themed dish.  I decided to make pineapple upside-down cupcakes.  I found the recipe on Pinterest - but you can find the original here.  As it says in this recipe - "...these cupcakes offer a delicious introduction to baking. Whether they're cutting up ingredients with a plastic knife, arranging the fruit in the bottom of each cup, or mixing the batter, beginning bakers get plenty of chances to pitch in."  Now, I know they are probably referring to children by saying an introduction to baking, it's an easy way to know that this recipe isn't going to be waaay difficult.  And it really really wasn't.

At first, I thought it was really weird... I had to get a cupcake pan out and put a pad of butter (not melted) and a half a tablespoon of brown sugar in each spot.  This seemed really strange, but I did it anyway and placed it in the oven and viola - the topping was made. 

Then you place in the fruit.  One thing I would do differently next time is really push the fruit into the sugar topping more.  Some of my cupcakes you couldn't see the pineapple.  Then you make the batter, place it on top and bake away.

Then you take them out.  The recipe says to let the pan cool for 5 minutes before flipping, although my mom said that she would flip way sooner.  I ended up waiting between 3-4 minutes.  Most all of the topping stayed on the cupcakes, however some of it stuck in the pan.  So flipping sooner may be a good idea.

Here's a look at the final product.

There were quite the hit!  I really like pineapple upside-down cake, and what's nice about these cupcakes is they are already individualized.  Which means you get that bit of crust around the edges that makes it that much more delicious!

How did we do at trivia?  Well... we got 5th out of 22 teams.  It was a lot of fun!  I always enjoy trivia nights, especially with this group of people.  There were a couple of categories that were pretty difficult, including a sports one (Who know some many MLS soccer teams thee are??)

So overall - this recipe is a complete success - I would totally recommend it and will hopefully make it again!

Confluence

I am so behind with writing posts... not sure why...

Anyway... a few weekends ago my mom and I decided to go on a little day adventure to some places we've never been.

Here in St. Louis the bald eagles will come down this way in the winter time.  Well, it hasn't been that cold this year so the eagles haven't come as far south... however they still do eagle days and have places where you can view bald eagles.  So we started off our day at the Old Chain of Rocks bridge.

Here I am walking toward the river from the Illinois side... it felt very wintery with the snow still on the bridge.

Here I am looking out of some binoculars... just pretend this is when we saw the three bald eagles - two in a tree and one flying around... this is not when we saw them,  but what kind of story would that be?  Those little buildings in the river are old water intakes for drinking water.

After we walked the full length of the bridge we left and headed to our next destination - the Lewis and Clark Historical Site at Camp Dubois.  This is where the Lewis and Clark exhibition gathered before they started.  They got to know all the members and waited until it was time to start the Journey.  Some might call this the official starting place... but most people think it's St. Charles...

After that, we went to the Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower.  This is a brand new tower that have some observation decks to view the river, including the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers.  It was SUPER windy up on the tower... which in January makes for a pretty cold day!  But it was nice getting this view.

After this, we went to The National Great Rivers Museum.  This museum talks about the rivers and things about the river.  It was a nice museum, but we didn't spend a lot of time at it.  They also have the Locks and Dams nearby, but it was windy and cold so we didn't head out there... by this time we had seen a lot of the the river and bare trees and wind and no eagles, haha.  It was a nice museum though, totally free, and lots of hands on activities for the kids, including getting to park a barge (I would have liked to try but all those dang kids were hogging it, haha)

Then we finally headed the actual confluence point at Edward 'Ted' and Pat Jones Confluence Point State Park.  I have been wanting to go to this park for a long time, but I always remember when it's smack in the middle of flood season.  And when it's flood season, the park is closed.  I can totally see why after visiting.  First you turn down this gravel road and drive for what seems like quite awhile in farm land area.  Finally you get to the park and have to walk the quarter mile trail to get to the actual point.  It was truly amazing.

The trail takes you along side the Missouri river.  It was incredible to imagine the Lewis and Clark expedition going up stream on the Missouri river... the current is pretty strong and the river is quite wide.  Both rivers are really pretty up that way.  Then we get to the clearing and can see where the rivers meet.  There are some points were you can stand - kind of like what I've seen at 4-corners, although I've never been there.

Here's the Missouri river on the right side of the picture and the Mississippi on the left.

In this picture above you can kinda notice that the rivers are two different colors.  Here's a fun fact: The Mississippi is not the muddy river.  It only becomes muddy when it combines with the Missouri.  So the Missouri is the muddy river.  So when you hear about the Muddy Mississippi - well, its really the Missouri.

And just to prove that mom was here too...

I'm so happy I finally made it up to this park... it was just really neat and very cool.  After the park we went back over to Alton and had lunch at Chubbies... which is essentially Fast Eddies, but with more food selection.  It was pretty tasty.  We finished the day by driving home and getting some frozen yogurt.

It was a wonderful day and I am so happy to do it with my mom.  I highly recommend all of these places.