Mary Margaret's Blog

The Princess and the Pea

2011-06-08T06:34:00.001-07:00

Yes, I am the single mother to a princess Chihuahua... One pillow was not enough cushion for this little diva!

Sorry, personal blog!

2010-12-10T07:37:00.001-08:00

Ok, I really seem to have abandoned my blogging here. But I promise to be better over the Christmas break and fill you in on my past semester.

Anyways, I wanted to share with you that I've actually been blogging for the University of Arkansas Graduate School. It's really great for prospective graduate students, or if you're interested in taking a peek at what graduate school is like for me.

I invite you all to read it by clicking here.

Thanks, and see y'all soon!

Cuddle Cup!

2010-08-31T20:18:00.000-07:00

OK, so last night, I made Miley her FIRST cuddle cup! Let me explain...

Cuddle cups or snuggle sacks are these cute little sleeping bags for little dogs. It's basically their own, cute little blanket sack to burrow in. So adorable! And of course, my little princess had to have one. However, they are quite pricey, and I could never find colors that were exactly what Miley wanted. I solved this by finding a pattern for one at Hobby Lobby! Although, on a side note, they have tons of patterns for some of the weirdest things like a bib for people in walkers...

Anyways, Mom and I went to the new JoAnn store to get fabric for Miley's cuddle cup. I swear, the people who work in fabric there are idiots. But despite the flood of mediocrity in their staff, I found a really cute printed fleece for Miley's cuddle cup. It took practically no time to make, and turned out really well. Check it out below!

Miley's Cuddle Cup (check out the cute 70's pattern!)

Miley saying "Thanks, Ma! I love it! I never wanna get out except to run into your loving, giving arms..."

Chase & Kimberly's Wedding

2010-08-31T19:34:00.001-07:00

This past weekend was Trase's brother, Chase's wedding. IT WAS SO MUCH FUN! We went to the rehearsal dinner on Friday night. We went to the church (Chapel on the Creeks) for the practice of the ceremony, then off to P.F. Chang's for dinner. Wow, were we spoiled! They had ordered so many different dishes. I know I sound like a crazy fatty right now, but it was so exciting because I always order the same thing (lettuce wraps, buddah's feast, or general chang's chicken) so it was really fun to be able to try out some other dishes that I had never ordered before. We had what felt like 20 different appetizers and entrees, then the staff through in all different kinds of desserts because they had messed up the reservation. On top of that, there was also cake. It was so pretty! It looked like a little pink present (everyone knows the best things in life are pink). Also, Kimberly & Chase were so sweet and gave me a little gift even though I wasn't technically in the wedding party (just dating a member of it, lol). I got a flask blinged out in a leopard print design! Really cute and sassy--I love it! Trase got a set of cuff links and dress socks for the wedding--they were grey with hot pink polka dots. Isn't that adorable? Manly. I mean, manly (but mostly adorable).

The ceremony was on Saturday and was so pretty. The best part was seeing Trase all dressed up--he looked so cute! I mean, handsome. Handsome. I know guys hate being "cute" (even though he was...). As soon as Chase & Kimberly Cunningham (aw!) ran out, everyone threw hot pink rose petals as they ran into the limo. Isn't that so glamourous? I wish that would happen to me whenever I left anywhere, not just my wedding ceremony. Although, I'd want glitter thrown in as well, and maybe a dove release. I wonder who I need to get in touch with to arrange this....

Anyways, we left Chapel on the Creeks to go to the reception at the Fayetteville Town Center. OMG it was so chic! They had the main ballroom sectioned off so that we walked into a mini-lounge area. It was all lit with hot pink lighting, there were people walking around serving appetizers, and there were these white leather settees with hot pink silk pillows on them (the colors were hot pink & silver). Our names were written on these cute little card circles and on the back our table number written with a little jewel on there (I love bling!).

Then we walked into the ball room and it was so cool. It was like a really chic jazz lounge or someplace expensive. There was a dance floor in the center with a pink light gobo saying "Kimberly & Chase" surrounded by huge dining tables with silver table cloths and hot pink napkins. There were also like loose diamonds over the table (not real diamonds of course because that'd be ridiculous, but it was pretty). And then there was an ice sculpture where you'd put your glass underneath and then the bar tender could pour your champagne THROUGH it! It was really cool. After we ate dinner & had wedding cake, Trase and I danced ALL night! It was so much fun! We hadn't danced really since the night we first hung out because he felt forced to since I dragged him to the drag queen show on the false pretense that it was not gay night. Although, it did work. :) Anyways, below are some pictures of our weekend!

Rehearsal Dinner Cake. It was red velvet.

Kimberly & Chase (and the cake) at the rehearsal dinner

Our table. Check out the white chairs for Kim and Chase--just like a king and queen!

The Wedding Cake from Shelby Lynn's (featured on Food Network!)

The diamonds & my champagne

Trase and Me

The dance floor stayed packed!

Trase and his brother, Justin. The Cunningham men fancy themselves comedians

Trase doesn't like to smile in photos....

Trase and me at the dinner table

Trase spinning his mom around the dance floor

Trase, Chase, Kimberly, Edmund (their dad), and Justin

Me and Trase's mom, Vanessa. A new Mary Kay consultant, too!

Chase, Kim, and Trase. Say that five times and fast!

Me and the newlyweds!

Tale as Old as Time...

2010-07-31T23:19:00.000-07:00

Me & Victoria

Me & Trase

Ok, so yes, I've practically abandoned my poor bloggy-poo here. :( But no fear! I fully intend to digitize my journal from Ghana on here at some point. I think that's before or after I finish knitting that scarf I started 4 years ago... Anyhow, I do have intentions of making my travels in Africa known. Just not now.

So today, my dream (well, one of them) came true. Yes, this is in fact the second life dream of mine to come true that involved a musical performance in the past year. First, Andy Williams's Christmas Show. Today? Beauty and the Beast! I've been DYING to see it since I was little and today my dream came true at the Walton Arts Center! And it was??????? FABOOSH! Words cannot describe my happiness! But an image of my happiness is pretty much summed up in a bowl full of glitter.... In fact, the show was so funny, so wonderful, so fantastic, that I'm going again Thursday night.

A funny anecdote about the live production of Beauty and the Beast and my father. Yes, there is actually a story connecting the two. When I was young, I had seen a wonderful news piece on some watered-down news show like Good Morning America or the Today Show highlighting the new live production of Beauty and the Beast. Already a theatre freak, I knew I HAD to see this show. Disney made it for me! right?

So Dad went to a business meeting a few weeks later, to leave me at home hoping that the wildflower I found in the field was perhaps enchanted, and practicing my waltz while being careful to mind the imaginary (and oddly) upright lion-creature/cursed prince. So, I get a call from Daddy, normal enough. I asked how his business meeting was going and he said "Ah, not bad. Had some free time. Went to dinner. Saw Beauty and the Beast. It was good." (my dad doesn't always talk like Tonto, but in this memory, he did...) In so many words, I was an angry 10 year old! My Daddy saw MY show! MY Beauty and the Beast! Mine, MINE, MINE! (ok, so obviously I stink at sharing, but I was upset!) Fortunately, I was a fat kid, so my unhappiness was easily replaced by the joy of a foot-long cheese coney from Sonic. But still, I was upset about this and held a (slight) grudge. However, today, my Daddy did in fact take me to see my show, so he is redeemed. :) Thank you Daddy! I love you!

This Past Semester

2010-05-10T22:16:00.001-07:00

Ok, so those of you that I spoke to this past spring semester know that it was a toughie for me! I love grad school and I love history, but I never cease to be challenged by both. I honestly have never worked so hard at school in my entire life! But it felt good to put 200% into something. Anyways, here's a few photo highlights of the past semester...

Celebrated Miley's First Easter.

Here she is by my Easter basket

And her Easter dress was a birthday present to her from her Aunt Sissy! Thank you!

Celebrated Miley's First Birthday

Here she is opening presents

and eating her birthday biscuit

I attended & presented at my very first conference, the Texas A&M Graduate History Conference

Here I am with Dr. Betty Unterburger. The conference was held in her honor. I wish I had been smart enough to suck in in the photo! :( Unfortunately, they don't teach that in history...

I met Martin Luther King III (MLK's son)

Cleanin' up!

2010-05-05T14:52:00.000-07:00

Ok, even the blog isn't safe from my spring cleaning! I will be updating from the past semester this next week, so the blog will see lots of updates! Even Miley is put on her cleaning kerchief to help...

Happy 30th Birthday, Jennifer!

2010-01-16T11:48:00.000-08:00

Happy Happy Birthday to my sister JENNIFER HUI! Here are some pics displaying her innate fabulousity.

(And Jenn--I figured you would not mind me posting your age because you don't look it! And I'm still waiting for when people say I will enjoy this, but I think you do now. Love you!)

Assuming responsibility at an early age (Jennifer, far left, me, middle, Alex, far right)

Photo Du Jour

2010-01-14T21:26:00.000-08:00

Her new outfit

Today I went in to Sugarbear's, Miley's favorite store. Thankfully, she had to stay at home because I had other errands to run; whenever I take her there with me, we're there for a good 2 hours trying on clothes, modeling (Miley--not me), and talking. We just love that store and the owners and staff!

But anyways, today I gave in to my shopping bug and bought Miley a new collar and leash, and a little t-shirt for Valentine's Day. Tomorrow Miley goes to the beauty shop for the first time and she needed a presentable collar. This is mostly because I have to make sure she has her tags on her, because she's getting groomed at the vets office--kinda like how you always need to look your best when you're sent to the principal's office.

This is what she did when I said, "Model!"

Congratulations!

2009-12-30T22:37:00.000-08:00

WARNING: This is a romantic blog post, so before you read, put on some silk pajamas, Barry White music, and pour a glass of--well whatever's sexy to you. Maybe it's champagne, maybe it's a Yoohoo. Anyways, you get the idea...

I would just like to set the world in a romantic feeling because yesterday my parent's celebrated their 31st wedding anniversary. Yes, they got married at age 9. :)

But seriously, it was their 31st wedding anniversary and I would just like to dedicate a blog post to the cause of supporting their amazing marriage. Unfortunately, Daddy wasn't feeling his best so the family plans of dinner & movie got moved to the a movie at home, but Victoria and I took the opportunity to see New Moon (this was my 2nd time). Hey, it was the last night we could see it and poor little Victoria hadn't seen it yet, and it was a romantic movie, so technically I was celebrating in spirit.

So now that you're in your romantic mood, here are some photos of my parents for you.

Photo Du Jour

2009-12-29T21:44:00.001-08:00

This is why you don't hand your boyfriend your camera and say, "Can you take pictures of the party?" This is what you will get: physical evidence of your love affair with chicken wings.

Cathy

2009-12-27T20:36:00.000-08:00

It's official. I've hit rock bottom. Just call me Cathy Comic Strip.

Let me share in detail how I spent my evening. I ran home to my dog like a mad woman after spending the afternoon with Victoria. Not because I was sick of Victoria or anything, but poor Miley had missed me all afternoon. I just know it.

I made spaghetti. By myself. For... myself. Did a business phone call (this was productive) but then it was back to being Cathy. I watched figure skating. If it weren't laughable enough already that I was watching figure skating already, get this--I had recorded it from earlier. Finally? I made cupcakes. For? Myself. Followed by prompt listography for my "New Year, New Me" in celebration of 2010.

Needless to say, I wrote this with a self-less agenda. I really wanted to make all my readers feel just that much more popular than me. Yes, yes, that's it.

Miley's Separation Anxiety...

2009-12-16T10:57:00.000-08:00

Ok, so 90% of the time, Miley never makes a sound. She is the definition of lap dog: she sits on my lap all the time, only wants to cuddle and sleep. It's precious! But she does get hyper--when I come home! I never leave her for more than 2 hours, but I put her in her kennel (which we call her "spa" since she doesn't like kennel), and then when I go home, she goes psycho for about 5 minutes, then is back to her lap dog self. I had to document this crazy behavior, so here it is...

My date with Mr. Christmas

2009-12-16T10:31:00.000-08:00

Ok, so for years I have tortured my family (specifically Alex since our rooms were connected) by listening to Andy Williams's Christmas album on repeat--even when it wasn't winter. It has been on the bucket list to see his Christmas show in Branson, and this year, Mom made it happen!

It was awesome--we stayed at Big Cedar Lodge, home away from home. Although, personally I wouldn't decorate my home with so much taxidermy. We checked in, freshened up, then like any other red blooded woman in Branson, attacked the outlet malls. We made a mad dash to Nike where I picked up my first pair of athletic shoes in 7 years. But seriously, when you only wear them to the gym, it's hard to reason with yourself to get a new pair every year like I'm supposed to.

Then we went into Coach. Seriously, it was a risk entering that store. Women were going mad--handbags flying everywhere, grabby hands grabbing all kinds of nick knacks... I hardly remember it it was such a blur. After emerging from there, and in a leather-goods daze, I stumbled upon the BCBG store. I had no idea Branson had one--I would've visited more often! Mom and I handled the situation like the shopping pros we are: in about 15 minutes, I tried on 5 cocktail dresses, made one purchase, and we proceeded the evening to Moon River Grill.

Moon River Grill is Andy's (we're on a first name basis) restaurant that he opened next to his theater. Mom had called the receptionist earlier that week and they said we couldn't book reservations before 7 (the show was at 7), but if we came by 5 we should be OK. Well it was full when we arrived, but we made reservations for after the show, and walked into the theater.

Well it was plenty entertaining for the 2 hour wait: a gift shop, concession stand, several photos on the walls, and geriatrics galore. It was highly-concentrated Andy time as well: Andy's music on repeat, his face everywhere you looked, his Navajo rug collection lined the walls, and--well, you get the idea.

When the show started it was awesome! Our seats were perfect--first row center on the mezzanine. His voice has not aged a bit--Mom was even looking closely with binoculars for a slip-up. It was just great! Then we ran over to the restaurant, and I wiggled to the front to grab our reservations, and dinner was awesome too! We both had the filet mignon. MMM!

The next morning, we had brunch at Big Cedar's Worman House, which is divine! Mimosa's aplenty! My good friend Kelsey joined us and it was so great to see her! We became close in the drama department at the U of A, and now she's working the showbiz life in wardrobe at Shoji Tabuchi's Theatre. We grilled her on the ins and outs of the Branson circuit.

All in all, it was a fantastic weekend and my dream has been fulfilled!

Andy's Theatre from "The Strip"

Andy Williams!!!

Mr. Christmas & Me

Standing by the "Moon River"

Moon River

Tree in Big Cedar's Registration

It's Santa!

Big Cedar really goes all out!

The Truman House at Big Cedar

She's just bein Miley!

2009-12-10T07:43:00.001-08:00

So many have heard, but for those who haven't, last week I adopted an adorable chihuahua, and named her Miley. But first... Let me give you the FULL story. You, uh, might want to grab some popcorn and tissues. It's long and moving!

For the past two and a half years, I've had a corn snake named Killa. Killa is a gorgeous creamsicle snake, which means he's albino with orange coloring and really cool red eyes. I just love that little monster so much! Well, unfortunately my lease at my apartment wouldn't let me keep him here. He's considered "exotic." Anyways, my parents let me keep him at their house, and I'd go over a couple times in the week to play with him and feed him. Fortunately, this was a good plan because snakes are pretty much loners anyways. Well, my parents are moving on in their lives and would like to start showing their house soon, and having a 2.5 foot snake upstairs in a terrarium apparently doesn't scream "make this your new home!" So I needed to find a new place for Killa.

Luckily, the owner of The Reptile Museum, Jo Lusk, was kind enough to be able to take Killa in where he can live happily with other snakes and reptiles and help kids learn about herpetology (the study of snakes.) So Friday after Thanksgiving, Victoria and I made a painful trip to the Reptile Museum and I cried all the way home. I'm so sad I can't keep Killa anymore, but it really is a great place for him, and that's what matters.

So having to move Killer was really a watershed event for me--I had never felt so petless! I am a bonafide animal lover and former member of Peta, so I felt very lonely. I have wanted a dog for years, but because it's so expensive, I had waited. Well I just couldn't hold it in any longer. I needed to share my happy home with a dog! I looked on the Fayetteville Animal Shelter website and found a cute male chihuahua named Franky. He was precious! Not only by adopting would I be giving a needy pet a home, but $60 covered the adoption fee, initial vaccines, rabies shot, and neuter/spay. Well I went in the animal shelter on Monday after Thanksgiving and Franky had already found another happy home. I was a little sad, but happy he found an owner.

With no other small dogs there (they have to be under 15 lbs at my apt), I decided to go on to Springdale Animal Shelter. My mom came with me, and it was really sad there! Horribly understaffed, and it's so sad to see all these orphan doggies and kitties. Well, we headed back to the "Kitten and Puppy" room, and it was all kittens, but we turned the corner and there in a cage was the sweetest, saddest little face I had ever seen! I kept looking but made Mom stand right in front of her because I knew she would be scooped up soon if I didn't take her home. Well I just couldn't stand it any longer--I had to hold this puppy! When we took her out of the cage, she was like a ragdoll-chihuahua and just laid her head right on my shoulder, as if saying "I've waited for you for so long!" it was so sweet. I had found my doggie!

So I filled out the paperwork right then, and the next day was able to pick her up from the vet after she had been spayed.

The rest is history and now Miley and I are best friends. She had no trouble adjusting to her new home, and is living quite the pampered life. Check out this article on NPR that Alex directed me to. Chihuahuas are becoming increasingly dominant in animal shelters, so help a dog find a home for Christmas and adopt!

Me and Killa

Killa in all his glory

Miley at the shelter :(

Miley in her "Rock Star" tee

Girls night! Miley and I in our pajamas :)

TMJ: (Lord) Take My Jaw!

2009-11-10T19:47:00.000-08:00

Ok, so once again, I've been a bad blogger! So just spank me and try to keep me from enjoying it! Just kidding. OK so a life update:

* Grad school is hard. I know--no duh! But it's kind of a shocker for me since I thought I'd just naturally become accustomed to more work and higher standards. But no, not natural. I manifest my stress physically, which means decrease in appetite (good for the figure) and I've begun to grind my teeth at night. This however, has become a costly bad habit! I noticed that my face hurt really bad where my jaw connects. It began to get worse and worse until I constantly had migraines and one night I couldn't even open my mouth because it was so tense! Well, I was scared to tell anyone since I thought it might mean I needed braces again, but I finally broke down and whined to Mom. She promptly instructed me to call the dentist, which I did, and I went in for a consultation.

At the consultation I learned I'm also a clencher--but on the jaw, don't worry, my posterior is relaxed! Then I got fitted for an occlusal splint. I thought it'd be the simple top & bottom molds, but oh no. That was just the beginning! They put all these devices to take a mold of my mouth when my jaw is separated and such. They even "caulked" my mouth with mold gel! I was also handed a sheet that instructs me how to handle my TMJ--temporomandibular joint disorder. I'm supposed to say several times to myself, "lips together teeth apart." You might not know this, but the jaw is supposed to "dangle" from your face. Charming, huh? I'm not done yet. When I yawn I have to "cup my chin with a closed fist." Here's a pic demonstrating:

"Oh I'm sooooo sleepy! Feel Like I might be tired!"

"I should place a closed fist on my chin and yawn"

Needless to say it was long and expensive.

Over the past month, I've been at the dentist's office almost every week to get the splint adjusted and such. I've gotten to know the staff pretty well. The pain has eased, but on top of the hefty bill, I also got dealt a huge social stigma: world's most embarrassing mouth piece! Here's a picture of me wearing my new splint. I have to wear it every night. Mom said it's practically a chastity belt it makes me look so funny!

You want me to put that where?!

Ta da!

Organizing

2009-10-04T18:01:00.001-07:00

So I'm generally a pretty neat person, but I guess my pantry had gotten away from me lately. :( Well, today I just couldn't stand it anymore and finally reorganized. Here are some pictures below. And let me just answer a few questions I know everyone is thinking. 1) Yes, this is the most interesting thing in my life to blog about, and 2) No, I'm not preparing for hibernation, I really keep this much food in my pantry. :-/

Before

After

My New Obsession!

2009-09-26T14:01:00.000-07:00

Ok, so many of you know that I love Miley Cyrus. And why not? She's a little bit country, a little bit rock and roll, and it's really cool that she's a Christian-- lot of people don't realize that at the end of every show she says "God bless." That's really cool! Well, I was so excited when I heard she was launching a clothing at Wal-Mart, which I also love, with my FAVORITE designer, Max Azria! His clothes fit so perfectly; he knows a woman's body!

Well, I was a little skeptical because it was geared for the majority of her fan base which, needless to point out, I'm outside of that age bracket! But it's so cute, affordable, and really nicely made for the quality. So yes people, I now clothing shop at Wal-Mart! Unabashedly! Here are some of the pieces I've already bought--everything's under $20! So go out and get some, you'll love it! Or click here to buy Miley & Max

Bikes, Blues, and BBQ

2009-09-25T21:39:00.001-07:00

It's that time of year... Bikes, Blues, and BBQ have invaded Fayetteville once again. Trase had never been to the festival, so Wednesday, the first night, we went down to Dickson St to check it out at about 5pm. Well, it was already soooooo crowded; we had to park so far away! But I didn't feel scared at all because the bikers didn't want to bother us because luckily Trase looks really scary! I mean, like a club-bouncer scary, not Marilyn Manson scary. But he's a teddy bear inside! (it's probably a good thing he doesn't read my blog because he'd get me for saying these things, haha!)

Anyways, I was DYING for some carny food. I have been eating very healthy since March, and I wanted just a little treat. Well, I got a chicken pita, which I thought was a relatively better choice. I could only eat half of it! :( And what I really wanted--a fried candy bar--wasn't there! I haven't had one in 3 years. I'm very upset about this! Trase had a corn dog. I was whining about my fried candy bar not being there, so we decided to share a funnel cake. We were only able to eat about 1/4 of it, and I really thought I was going to start crying walking back to the car because I felt so full and gross. It's really true that once you start eating healthy, junk food has lost it's edge on you! But after I got home and relaxed a bit, I felt a lot better. But I really think the pictures say it all.

Before: "Trase, help! It's heavy!"

"Ugh, I think I should've gotten Kettle Corn..."

Clarification

2009-09-25T21:37:00.000-07:00

I saw this bumper sticker the other day that really irked me! It said, "I love my country, but fear it's government." HELLO?! Your country is the way it is today BECAUSE of it's government! We have a WONDERFUL country and WONDERFUL government system. I enjoy my freedoms too much to complain about the system.

Ahh, I feel better already...

Top 10 of Autumn

2009-09-22T21:09:00.000-07:00

Ok, so today officially marks the official beginning of Autumn. Fall is my favorite season, therefore, I took it upon myself in a David Letterman style to offer my Top 10 list of what makes fall so great.

10. Fall Premiere week on network television

9. Craft Fairs + Bikes Blue and BBQ= accessible carny food

8. An Oprah book club selection, blanket, and hot tea is best in fall

7. Razorback football games

6. Boot Season!

5. Pumpkin Bread

4. Pumpkin Pie

3. Heck, pumpkin anything!

2. Leaves candles from Slatkin & Co

1. View of Old Main in the Fall

Birthday!

2009-09-11T13:31:00.000-07:00

Chavon and me + her sweet gift basket!

The celebration crowd at Wine Cellar--Trase was a little left out being the only boy...

Jodie and me

I'm obviously excited that my Drama bud, Emily came!

Me and Kelsey--Another drama bud from college! She's in Branson now, I miss her!

Trase and I eating dinner at Powerhouse

I think my birthday made Trase sleepy.... haha!

Thanks to all those who wished me a happy birthday last week. I had a wonderful time! I'm currently waiting for Amazon.com to bring me my new camera (thanks for the bday present Mom and Daddy) so hopefully then I will have better pictures to take. But here are a few from the celebration!

Mary Kay Seminar

2009-07-28T14:25:00.001-07:00

Awards Night--My pose is popular!

Magic Area Awards

Close up

Chavon and Me at closing ceremony

Shine On! (the theme for this year's Seminar)

Grace Adeoye Queen of Unite Sales on Awards Night

Awards Night Opening Performance

Me on Awards Night

Gloria Mayfield Banks and Me at the Magic Area Awards

Red Jacket is the next goal!

Pink Cadillac!

I realized too late that my camera's time stamp was on with the WRONG date! :(

The National Directors dancing out at Magical Moments breakfast!

Ok, so I just got back from Mary Kay Seminar and all I've got to say is one word: "WOWZA!" It was so amazing. It was my very first year at Seminar (our annual convention) since August 9th will be my one year anniversary of joining the business. The Seminar is 4 days long, and repeated five times according to division (I'm in the Emerald Division, but the other divisions are Ruby, Pearl, Diamond, and Sapphire). The company is so HUGE! I was amazed at how many women were there for my seminar, which was thousands, but then to think that they put this on five times?!

On Tuesday, the night before it began, Jennifer (my first recruit and sister!) arrived in Dallas and at the Hyatt. We got settled and ready for the busy week!

Wednesday, Day 0, we kicked it off with the Magical Moments breakfast put on by our National Director Gloria Mayfield Banks. Gloria is the Elite Executive National for the Emerald division which is HUGE and her area (composed of directors who each manage a unit made up of consultants--that's me) is called the Magic Area. The breakfast was awesome because it was Michael Jackson themed. I love him!

After breakfast we registered and visited the expo. The expo had all of the new products coming out for Fall/Holiday quarter (which we all received a full size preview of each!) as well as the Mary Kay cars--the Chevy Malibu, Toyota Camry, Chevy Equinox, and of course the pimpin' Pink Cadillacs! I took my picture a couple times in those!

Then we toured the Mary Kay Museum which had many Mary Kay products throughout the years as well as honored the National Directors and showed many of Mary Kay Ash's dresses and gifts she received around the world and the history of the company. I love history! Then we saw her office and it was so cute!

That evening we had a pajama party for our unit--the SOS unit under Chavon Howard-Sharkey and it was so fun! Although I won't post pictures--I hate thinking that I had a picture of me taken in my PAJAMAS! :(

Day 1 was very busy as well. Started out with a general meeting in the Dallas Convention Center Arena (which was like a stadium) and FILLED with Mary Kay National Directors, Directors, Consultants, and spouses. We heard speeches from the National Directors and even saw my National Gloria Mayfield Banks be presented with an award for achieving over $6 MILLION in COMMISSIONS! That's not including profit--just commission she earned from the company! Wow! During the general sessions they broke it up with random give-aways that included Mary Kay Pink iPod Nanos, Fossil watches, jewelry sets, hand bags, and designer zebra printed sunglasses! That evening we had our Magic Area Awards which recognized the achievements of all the top selling directors and consultants in our area! That's some major dough being hustled right there, ladies! Then we had a dance floor and DJ, but I was too pooped so I retired to my room.

Day 2 was filled with classes divided by experience. Since Jennifer and I are both in our first year of business and not directors, we were in the classes together. I'm glad I have trouble focusing, because I dragged Jennifer with me to the front and center of the room (which was about as big Barn Hill Arena)! Since I knew I could only focus front & center, it worked out well because when we were surprised with the honor of Gloria coming to speak to our class, she saw me on the front row and winked! We're already tight because I met her in June at the Cadillac Workshop in Little Rock that Sissy (Aunt Sandra) went to with me and talk to her all the time on the phone. :) That evening we had the Emerald Division awards which was like going to the Country Music Awards! I'm serious, I had never seen something so huge and amazing! It opened up with a performance by a group called Friends of Tyme. It was like Cirque Du Soleil! It was incredible and soooooo professional and polished! They had dancers hanging from tissue dangling from the ceiling and all kinds of things! This group also performed Taylor Swift's "Love Story" with a coach coming out and whisking off the "Romeo & Juliet" of the performance, then they sang "Jai Ho" from Slumdog Millionare. Then Jasmine Murry from American Idol performed "Single Ladies" and the winner of 2008's So You Think You Can Dance performed a Michael Jackson montage and "Freeze" by T-Pain. The most amazing performance was the finale where Friends of Tyme performed Britney Spear's "Circus"! They had pyro, stilt-walkers, more tissue-dangling dancers, and everything! The show had a running theme of making dreams come true and a Fairy Godmother and Tinkerbell ran around the audience and a camera crew filmed them--just like on TV awards shows!--and they gave out $1,000 cash, Disney World Vacation, Dolce & Gabana watches, Juicy Couture purse, and $500 Macy's Shopping Cards! Can you believe that?! I was in shock! This is aside from seeing all the fantastic, hard working, dreaming directors & consultants that were awarded diamonds, jewelry, and the top earning directors won a trip to Rome & Florence! It was so inspiring--I want that trip sooooooo bad!

Day 4 was closing session and filled with a fashion show and more speeches.

All in all, it was a great trip and I cannot wait to have a successful year and return next July!

Oklahoma is over...

2009-07-20T09:42:00.000-07:00

Me and Brian Yandell (Curly)

Sarah Jane (Laurie) and Me

I know what y'all are all thinking, "Damnit! I can't believe I missed seeing Mary Margaret in Oklahoma! I've heard rave reviews!" well, don't worry. I'll post pics later. And yes, you should feel sorry that you missed such wonderful entertainment--they just don't make actors these days like they used to.

Anyways, thought I'd share what made me feel a lot better today as well as help clean the Aqua Net off of me. In your palms, before you shower, drop 4 drops of tea tree oil and 6 drops of peppermint oil. Rub palms together and massage into your scalp. This helps to rejuvenate the hair as well as soothe the mind. I let this sit on my head for about 15 minutes. This is a great time to catch up on the DVR while you wait. Then get a hot, hot, hot shower. The hot steam will feel tingly on your refreshened scalp and feel so good! Then wash and condition your hair, and thank me later.

Oklahoma!

2009-07-01T14:10:00.000-07:00

Please come see me as Gigglin' Gertie in the Arts Center of the Ozark's Oklahoma! Performances July 10-12, 16-19. For tickets, click here!

FREE TOTE GIVEAWAY!

2009-06-12T12:06:00.001-07:00

Ladies, summer is here! And Mary Kay has got it goin on! The Mary Kay Tropical Pineapple Set is perfect for summer. For $30 it includes a Tropical Pineapple sugar scrub, body lotion, and rollerball scent, all in a matching zip-up bag. This is perfect for making hands, body, and feet (pineapple pedicures, anyone?) soft and tropically-scented for summer! And when you purchase one from me by JUNE 15, your name is entered into a drawing for a free matching tote--perfect for pool side and summer road trips! To order, go to my website to get your hands on this fabulous set and enter my drawing. Every set purchased equals one entry!

Camping! In my friend's front yard...

2009-05-31T19:10:00.000-07:00

I was so nervous getting out!

This picture makes us look like real pros here--

Like a modern day Tiger Lilly and...her friend? I can't think of a parallel for Trase

This weekend, I went camping at one of my friend's parent's house. I know you're thinking, "Ugh, weird!" and I'm here to tell you, "Yes, yes, you're right."

Well, Trase's roommate and my friend from the drama department, Jordan, invited a bunch of us (all drama members except Trase) over to his parents house in Perry to camp. You see, his grandfather used to run a camp called Timberlake, and now his family lives on what was the campsite. And it's pretty cool, it has a lake, a pool, a hot tub, and lots of land.

Trase and I left early to stop by his mother's house in Atkins on the way. We talked with her for about an hour, and I brought her muffins that I had made. I was really nervous because I hadn't tried one yet, and I was afraid they would be gross, but she had one, and she's still alive, so that's great.

Then we got to Jordan's house, and it was just what it sounded like: camping in his parent's yard. Everyone was at the pool, but he heard them before we saw them. Drama people are, well, very dramatic. We swam, and then we hung out on the dock, and Trase and I got into a canoe, but I was scared, so our ride was only about 2 minutes long. We ate most of the time. Jordan's parents made us a bunch of food! His grandma made brownies (no worries, these were vitamin THC-free), and his parents had a huge fryer and made fish (that the boys had caught earlier), french fries, and his dad fried hot dogs. He had seen it on the Food Network, but it was kind of gross, so he vowed never to do that again. But luckily we had some yum-yum hot dogs that Trase and I roasted by the camp fire. And I think I ate about a million marshmallows. The heat and sleep depravation was getting to us, and we tried roasting all kinds of things. Trase roasted an oatmeal cream pie, but said it wasn't that different from an unroasted one. I was so tired from staying up late the night before to see "Up"--we went at 11:40PM, so I was the first one to go to bed. And I gotta say, I am not really the camping kind of gal. Well, if I do go again this summer, I'm buying one of those air conditioning units for the tent, because that thing was like an oven! I took off the rain fly so I could have some ventilation, but then dew came in on me at about 6, so that didn't work. But every time I had been camping in the fall I enjoyed it, so maybe that's just my season. Other than that, we had a pretty good time, and nobody got hurt or killed, so that's good.

Car Dramz

2009-05-17T20:54:00.000-07:00

Some of you may or may not have heard about my recent car dramz, so I shall tell you now:

Wednesday night, I was just done with babysitting and ran home to freshen up before meeting my friend Kelsey to go see "Ghosts of Girlfriends Past." I was just ready to leave, when someone knocked on my door. It was my neighbors, and I had seen them moving with a Uhaul truck earlier that day and I assumed they needed me to move my car. "Ugh, not exactly...." they said, and then I said, "oh you hit it!" and I saw the damage: knocked my front bumper (I had backed into the space) right off and crunched it! A sad sight indeed, but they were so nice about the whole ordeal. I mean, let's remember people, the Golden Rule is not as prominent in people's minds and hearts as it once was, and most people nowadays would hit it and drive off. So I appreciated that they had the decency to come and tell me, and we sorted it out by exchanging information. Oh, and Kelsey was able to come pick me up and we really enjoyed the movie!

Thursday I was on the phone back and forth with their insurance company, and their representative Bob, who said his name with such a Northern strain is sounded like "Baaaaaab." So I talked to Baaaaaab all day, only to find out that their insurance policy did not cover the Uhaul truck since it was too large. So now my neighbors are paying for my car damages + a rental, and I'm really grateful that they are being so proactive about the situation and really taking care of it. It's not too often that people are considerate anymore, you know? I mean, it does suck that they hit it and everything, but I'm staying positive and glad that they are being so nice and cooperative.

So now, I'm driving my Daddy's car which is a phat upgrade from mine! I feel like such a soccer mom driving the SUV and love the camera screen when I back up--how fancy!! My dad must feel like such a pimp when he drives! Just kidding, I mean he feels successful which is good. :) And I'm waiting on Enterprise to have a freakin car available for me to pick up--I've had to wait 3 days! I guess there's a hot listing for rental cars now?

And this will be my poor car's front bumper #3. :( Bless its heart, it's going to be like Michael Jackson's nose! It's been nipped, tucked, repainted, and restructured so many darn times I don't blame it for not being able to stick to the car anymore hahaha.

2009-05-12T17:13:00.000-07:00

Me and Mom at Honors Commencement

Trase and me and Honors Commencement (and he smiled! sorta...)

Me, Korto, Chavon, and Korto's daughter

Wow, ok, so I'm going to be updating this blog a lot more since I'm done with undergraduate and I don't have too much to do this sumer.

Here's a quick update of what I've been up to lately:

About two weeks ago I went to East Meets West Spa & Salon for a fashion show with my friend, Chavon--but we didn't realize until AFTER we got there that it was for Korto Momolu who was on Project Runway! I was so excited--I mean, she's from Liberia and moved to Arkansas and then was in the final 3 for Project Runway. That's huge! And I watched that show every week, too! So we got to see some of her latest fashions as well as meet her, and--get this--she complimented me on my outfit! Wow!

Then, last Friday I officially graduated undergrad. I know, it's been a really long process, hahaha, but I made it! And Mom and Trase came to see me at my Honors Commencement where I picked up my medal and stole for graduating Cum Laude. :) I know, right?

The Real Recipient of My College Degree

2009-05-03T17:31:00.000-07:00

Dear Sugar Free Red Bull,

We've had some wonderful times together! Probably the best were when you are paired with vodka, but I won't let that affect our relationship. This is between you and me. You were there for me through all the hard times. The scenic design drafts, the costume swatches, the research papers, and the multiple choice tests... And even though most of our relationship took place at night, I am not ashamed of our after-hours relationship! I shall flaunt you proudly in the day, glad to have you in my hand!! Well, and even if I wanted to, the yellow tongue you leave behind and the giddiness cannot be masked. If it had not been for you, I would be groggy and sleepy, but you keep dreamland at bay and force me to push on until that exam time and project deadline. Also, the exclamation point thanks you as well. If it weren't for the excitedness that you command, I would not be tempted to punctuate so enthusiastically!!!! See?!! Just like this!!!! That is why you, Sugar Free Red Bull, deserve to be recognized! This Bachelors of Art is for you, you controversial energy drink!

Love,

Mary Margaret

Check this out!

2009-04-22T21:00:00.000-07:00

Mary Kay has jumped on the blog band wagon! Be sure to check out Mary Kay's new blog site by clicking here. It's also on my blog list on the side, but it has great updates and make-up tips! And as always, I'm available for free facials, parties, skin care classes, and color appointments! Check out my website to contact my by clicking here

New for Spring!

2009-04-05T20:07:00.000-07:00

Ok, so many of y'all know that I'm a Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant, but I'm just so in love with this new eyeshadow palette that I had to post it up on here! There's a limited edition "Coastal Colors" palette, and of course I bought it for myself. I was worried that the bright-green and bright-blue would look too bright for daytime, but since the colors are made to layer, with one wash on the eyelid it is very subtle and adds a nice glow. Also, if you purchase the palette (which conveniently fits into the MK compact) with a limited edition gloss and eyeliner, you get a FREE make-up bag that's super cute! Everytime I wear it I get excited about summer coming, and I know when it finally is here, I'm gonna be lookin so good! Be sure to check it out on my website by clicking here, the click on "What's New". If you like it, you can even order it right on the website! Or call/e-mail me for a personalized appointment.

So just had to share how excited I was. Also, it helps me put off writing my paper for Russian history. Stalinist Russia is really scary!

The Moment You Never Saw Coming

2009-03-27T05:06:00.000-07:00

Ladies and gentlemen... the moment you've been waiting far too stinkin long for... Mary Margaret has just finished her first draft of her honor's thesis! (and the world gives a collective sigh of relief)

That's right bitches! I'm even so proud I felt the need to talk in third person! So now everyone can relax, loosen the belt on your pants, lean back, quit stressing over the graying of your hair, and sleep in peace knowing that the bulk of work is done. AH....

Or you can just join me in poppin 'dem bottles! Actually, if I do that, I won't be able to until later tonight because I am babysitting all day and am a very responsible babysitter. :) (no children were harmed in the writing of this thesis.)

Oh and if you feel so obliged to donate to the Poor Little Mary Margaret Has Worked Her Cute, Firm, Little Butt Off And Now Needs A Treat Fund, please contact me so that you can make your checks out correctly (ie with at least 2 zeros on the end). Or if donations are given in the form of your favorite beverage, say a bottle of Moet (oh hell, who are we kidding?) I'll happily accept Boone's Farm, I'll be glad to accept those as well.

Fast Lane= Fun Lane

2009-03-08T15:41:00.000-07:00

Last night Trase and a group of our friends and I went out to Fast Lane Entertainment in Rogers. It was awesome! I had never been there before, but it was amazing! Trase and I got there early, so we rode go karts. And I beat him! The go carts are crazy fast and a lil scary, but definitely fun! It was such a good time. Then we played games which were the best ever. It was like all of the fun games you played as a kid but ten times better--enhanced with motion simulators and plasma screens. After everyone got there, we played pirate laser tag and it was great! Girls vs. boys. The boys won, but it was still fun! Then we bowled for like an hour and you could drink too! I didn't, but it was still neat and they have all these hip hop videos on huge plasma screens at the end of the lane, so it was like a black light club with bowling. It was awesome! We ended up staying till close and I loved every second of it!

Blog Make-over!

2009-03-07T12:02:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I finally figured out how to re-do my blog! I added a background, new header (cute, right?), and a survey! I wanna know what are your plans for spring break? I will be going camping one night with the drama crew, then going to Kansas City to shop! In between, I will be doing that darned thesis. Graduating is such a pain! Now I know why Bill Gates dropped out. But anyways, enjoy the cute blog! And answer my survey!

Letter From Satan

2009-03-07T10:34:00.001-08:00

One of my friends sent this to me, and I think it is really good to make you think. Are you really praising Him every second of every day? I know after reading this, my day is taking a turn for the better.

Letter from Satan

I saw you yesterday as you began your daily chores. You awoke without kneeling to pray. As a matter of fact, you didn't even bless your meals, or pray before going to bed last night. You are so unthankful, I like that about you. I cannot tell you how glad I am that you have not changed your way of living. Fool, you are mine. Remember, you and I have been going steady for years, and I still don't love you yet. As a matter of fact, I hate you, because I hate God. He kicked me out of heaven and I'm going to use you as long as possible to pay him back. You see, fool, GOD LOVES YOU, and He has great plans in store for you. But you have yielded your life to me, and I'm going to make your life a living hell. That way, we'll be together twice. This will really hurt God. Thanks to you, I'm really showing Him who is boss in your life will all the good times we've had.

We've been watching dirty movies, cursing people out, stealing, lying, being hypocritical, fornicating, overeating, telling dirty jokes, gossiping, being judgmental, backstabbing people, disrespecting adults, and those in leadership positions, no respect for the Church, bad attitudes... surely you don't want to give all this up! Come on, fool, let's burn together forever. I've got some hot plans for us.

This is just a letter of appeciation from me to you. I'd like to say "thanks" for letting me use you for most of your foolish life. You are so gullible, I laugh at you. When you are tempted to sin, you give in. Hahaha, you make me sick. Sin is beginning to take its toll on your life. YOu look 20 years older, and now, I need new blood. So go ahead and teach some children how to sin. All you have to do is smoke, get drunk, or drink while under-age, cheat, gamble, gossip, fornicate, and live being as selfish as possible. Do all this in the presence of children and they will do it too. Kids are like that. Well, fool, I have to let you go for now. I'll be back in a couple of seconds to tempt you again. If you were smart, you would run somwhere, confess your sins, and live for God with what little bit of life you have left. It's not my nature to warn anyone, but to be your age and still sinning? It's becoming a bit ridiculous. Don't get me wrong, I still hate you. It's just that you'd make a better fool for Christ.

P.S. If you love me, you won't share this

This week...

2009-03-01T13:47:00.001-08:00

So tomorrow I start babysitting in the afternoons. I'm looking forward to it because it will be something to do, and plus, kids always say the darndest things! SO I made this picture to commemorate this week.

Make-over Meltdown!

2009-02-27T20:01:00.000-08:00

So as many of you know, I am a Mary Kay beauty consultant. I absolutely love this job! I've always LOVED make-up and skin care, so not only am I getting to play with make-up as my job, but I get to hang out with my friends!

Tonight Idra and I hosted "Make-over Meltdown", a skin care and color class with a CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN! You know its funny, I used to hate chocolate, but now, sometimes I like it! The same thing happened to me with cottage cheese and olives... but anyways, my good drama girls (majors, not drama causing) came. So Christy, Kelsey, Kim, and Rachel all got pampered and enjoyed chocolate fountain with marshmallows, strawberries, cinnamon graham crackers, and pretzels plus mudslides! It was a blast! I had such a good time and it is so fun getting to make-over beautiful friends. Plus, these girls are all silly and chatty so it was really fun! I just love what I do and had such a good time.

STRESS!

2009-02-20T19:57:00.000-08:00

OK, so sorry I haven't posted in forevs! I've been a lil stressed lately, as you can see. It's a good day just when my underwear is on the right way (and with some styles that's a lil more uncomfortable than others!).

I have been working on my thesis (feel free to insert any four letter word before thesis--because I feel like that right now). I am only taking 3 classes, but they're all cross-listed grad courses for history and they're all European history, which I haven't had since 11th grade. Great. So I'm having to study massive amounts for these classes. I even had to consult European History for Dummies! I think its safe to admit that now, because I've already been accepted to grad school. So you're probably thinking that with these classes my tests would be spread out, right? Oh no, they're all on the same day, one right after-the-stinkin-other. Fun.

But on the bright side, I get to write papers, which I really like. My next paper is due Tuesday and it's for Gender and Society in Early Modern Europe. We could choose our topic, and I was going to write about upper class spinsters and how they became governesses, later popularized and romanticized in novels, most famously "Mary Poppins". Well, as it turns out, not so many sources on them. But, there were a lot on the plebian, lower class spinsters. Know what they went on to become? Prostitutes. Yup. I'm writing a paper on prostitutes. Funny thing, a lot of research done on them. I sure the field research, while a health risk, was more eventful than observing a governess give a Latin lesson to little children.

Anyways, pray for me because I am trying my hardest to graduate and with honors! O, and if anyone has mastered time travel, please get in touch with me because I'll need to reverse the clock a lil bit to find the needed extra time for studying and research.

Californ-i-a

2009-02-06T19:26:00.000-08:00

Daddy, Finn, and Ty

Me and the fellas

Julie Bowen and Me

Me + Hank Azaria

Now and Later: Aunt Linda and Me

The Smart Club

Poolside

MM & Boo: 52 South

OK, sorry I haven't updated on my recent trip to California! I've been trying to get my apt back to normal from the power loss and gettin back into the swing of things with school! Anyways, let me fill y'all in on last weekend.

So my cousin's husband, John, organized us to come out to Palm Springs, CA to surprise Ling for her birthday! Ling and John are super hip--they actually live in Beverly Hills, 90210--and have 3 precious kids! So we had planned to come out last weekend anyways, and it was made all the more exciting because we were iced in. After seeking refuge at my parents house because they had power and I didn't (I had to pack by flashlight!), we left for Tulsa to catch out flight out to CA.

We got Boo, and flew to Dallas and met up with Jennifer and Alex. When we arrived in Palm Springs it was amazing. First off, their airport is more like an outdoor mall. And it was 80 degrees! OH! Caught a cab to the Parker and checked in. The Parker is this amazing hotel that was featured on Bravo TV's reality show "Hotel". It is seriously like stepping back into the 70's! IT reminded me of the movie "Blow". But it was very chic and very So-Cal.

Boo and I shared a room, and we spent the evening catching up with Uncle FT and Aunt Linda. I swear, Aunt Linda is me in 35 years. I love her. And it's nice to be around a family member that's my height! :) The dinner at Mister Parkers was crazy! They have a wine list called "Crazy, Sexy, Cool"--the "crazy" being super expensive, and the "cool" being the least. I wasn't even crazy enough to be "cool"! The most expensive bottle was $790--I could probably get a nose job for that, even cheaper if I went outside of the US. That's ridiculous!!

The next day, Mom and I spoiled ourselves with a pedi. It was so nice! I got a dark cherry color (they didn't have black--how sad) and mom got a mauve. We looked good. Then I laid out all day by the pool with the sisters and cousins until Ling's party that night.

Ling's party was so fun! John had organized all of these videos to play. Check it out! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZTbzOQP8ZI It was so funny and sweet. The next best thing to the open bar and seeing family were the celeb sightings. I went over and sat next to Julie Bowen. Her episode of Law & Order: SVU was my favorite! So we talked about SVU all night and neutrogena ads, and I rubbed her belly (she's expecting twins) all night. How cool! Then I met Hank Azaria. I thought he looked familiar, and almost asked if he was from Arkansas, but Boo caught me and told me that he was an actor and was in Friends (Phoebe's boyfriend that left to go to Minsk). Also he does a lot of voices for The Simpsons. I wonder what would happen if I had asked if he was from Arkansas! HAHAHA!

And as luck would have it when I came back Sunday night, I had power in my apartment! And a rank stench from the freezer/fridge area. But I was still happy to finally be able to see in my closet again. :)

Obama Icons

2009-02-02T20:24:00.000-08:00

I had seen these around and then made my own on obamiconme.pastemagazine.com
Enjoy!

25 random things

2009-02-02T08:23:00.000-08:00

So I had this on facebook, but I figured it was more of a blog thing to do.

Here are my 25 Random things. Hopefully, you will learn something new. To do this, go to "notes" under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your 25 random things, tag 25 people (in the right hand corner of the app) then click publish.

1. My favorite food in the world is buffalo wings--and my little sister constantly laughs at me for it!
2. I'm the 3rd of 4 daughters
3. I LOVE to sing country music
4. I have always wanted to be a cool skateboarder
5. I can play the drums
6. Like any good Chinese girl, I play the piano
7. I'm a very liberal democrat
8. Any friend of Dorothy's is a friend of mine
9. My new obsession is big glasses
10. I love roller coasters, but am terrified of heights
11. I've only ever lived in Fayetteville--unless you count my semester abroad in Rome
12. I used to work at Victoria's Secret hahahaha!
13. The only job I've ever really held is being a nanny
14. Even though I'm a drama major, my favorite musicals are all Andrew Lloyd Webber ones. The first being Cats and Joseph and the Technical Dream Coat coming in a close second. (BTW, Cats is kind of a joke amongst drama people, but I still love it!!!)
15. When I was little I had a bowl cut
16. Chewing gum is about as gross as it gets in my mind. I can't stand the look of it, the sound of it, mention of it---OK must stop now!
17. I love to read!
18. Again, even though I'm a drama major and I love the theatre, I have a hard time sitting through a play. I can't sit still!!
19. I am absolutely obsessed with Golden Girls
20. Even my little sister is taller than me
21. I will love Uggs until the day I die
22. I'm really in to astrology
23. I can make my dad laugh
24. I love Italian food, but the only thing I ever order is plain spaghetti and red sauce :)
25. I was a vegetarian for 3 years, a member of PETA, but now I eat meat. Guess people change!

A treat for those of you with power...

2009-01-27T12:01:00.001-08:00

I'm "iced in" and thought that I would use my time wisely. Just a little gift for those of you reading my blog... enjoy

The Weekend

2009-01-26T12:48:00.000-08:00

Mom and Dad at brunch

My Momma and me

Daddy and me

My fancy shower!

My own room!

The Cabin

View from our porch

Me and my new best friend: Fray's Natural Red Wine

So this weekend was good! On Friday, I picked Parker and Russell up from school. Now that Parker's in kindergarten, they both go to the same school. I was expecting to see him in his usual school uniform, but I didn't know that it was 100s day and they let the kindergarten class dress like "old people". So check out the above picture to see how Parker was dressed! Too cute!

Saturday I drove up to Big Cedar to meet Mom and Dad at the cabin. It was the first time I had driven to Branson all by myself, especially on that route out of Goshen. Man those hillbillies drive fast and on my tail! It was so annoying, but I was in Madison County and there, you don't push your luck or you'll be in a spit roastin for dinner! :/ I can't help it, but I always scream out in terror when I see that I've entered Madison County. Oh, and Harrison has the same effect as well.

But thanks to some encouragement from a box of Mike & Ikes, I made it to Branson safely and we had so much fun! I watched the original 1939 version of "The Women". The new version with Meg Ryan, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Debra Messing in it sucks so don't even waste your money or time renting/watching it. The original is much better. First off, it was a scandalous movie for its time and the clothes are phenomenal. Not to mention that Rosalind Russell and Joan Crawford are in it. That's incentive right there! So I watched that and chilled out with my bottle of organic red wine while Mom & Dad went to mass. Hey, we all get our red wine in one way or another.

Daddy grilled steaks and Mom made baked potatoes and salad. All that was missing was a bloomin onion and I'd swear we were at Outback. Then we all relaxed and watched the seventh season of Golden Girls. Quite reasonable price from Sam's Club too.

It was really fun being with just my parents at the cabin because I had never been there before and gotten to sleep in an actual bed by myself! Usually Victoria and I share the pull-out couch. But I had a whole ROOM to myself! And a whole bathroom! And the shower had 4 jets in it! In retrospect, I think it actually dried out my skin because now it feels like sandpaper, but it was fun at the time.

We had brunch at the Worman house--coffee and mimosas! They know how to end the weekend right. And on my way home, I stopped at the first gas station to fill up, and then realized, "heck I'm in Missouri! They can sell liquor on a Sunday at a gas station!" So I got a bottle of wine and a mini-keg and headed back to Arkansas. Missouri really is a smart state...

Takin Shots!

2009-01-23T10:56:00.000-08:00

Ok, so this morning after Trase got out of class, we went to Inta Juice on MLK boulevard. I originally wanted a smoothie, but I saw that they had wheatgrass shots. If you know me, you know I love shots, so who could resist?

But a wheatgrass shot is non-alcoholic, which is good, because I've been MUCH less (not like I was a booze abuser before, but just a college student) since I've been working out and eating more healthy. Anyways, wheatgrass is amazing for you! It's like eating 2.5 lbs of vegetables in an 1 oz. shot! AWESOME! And it gives you an energy boost, has 103 vitamins and minerals and is 70% of chlorophyll which helps with your red blood cell regeneration.

It looks pretty gross, I mean, it's a green drink, but it wasn't bad! And they provide a small orange juice "chaser". I kept making all these jokes there about "takin shots!" and "WHOO! Trase I'm takin a shot before noon!" but the employees there didn't think it was too funny. But all in all, I think I'm going to try to have a shot of wheatgrass every other day! They're only $1.75 and help your body to rid of toxins. MMM!

Yay Amurrrica!

2009-01-20T21:20:00.000-08:00

OK, so many of you know that I am very involved with all things African American. It is my PASSION! Well, this weekend was almost too much for me to take! Nearly exploded from all the excitement!

It was my 3rd favorite holiday. 1st and 2nd are tied between Halloween and Christmas. I love Christmas and of course I love Jesus, but costuming is close to my heart too, so those are my top 2. And Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is 3rd! Although, if you know me, my research is much more geared towards Malcolm X. Even though I argue that the two should not be compared as the only thing they have in common is being male and African American and that they are owed to be studied alone, without comparison, I still like MLK Day. I've been going to the MLK Day vigil and banquet for the past couple of years, but this year, I got to sing at it with the Inspirational Singers. IT was AMAZING! I got to stand on the front row (you know Victoria, sometimes being short has its plusses) and we sang "Oh Happy Day". That was really awesome because I got to stand up in front of so many of my friends and other students and say, "Hey, I'm a Christian, this song means a lot to me, let me tell you of MY happy day". Even though some of the ministry that Inspire usually brings was lost amongst the hustle and bustle, I still took it upon myself to really show the audience that this is who I was and this is how I worship. I think that singing and drama are my ministry and what God has really annointed me with, so it was really liberating to share that with a lot of my classmates. SHAMELESS PLUG: Buy tickets for Gospel Feast, Feb. 20 & 21, $35. Comment for e-mail/phone number to call for tix

This year I was unable to go to the MLK Banquet though, because I had to babysit. Not that it's a chore--because I love babysitting my lil Russell & Parker, but I really wanted to go to the banquet. But as we all know $money$ talks, and don't make me tell you what walks....

But I had so much fun babysitting those boys! I hadn't seen them in a month or two, so it was good to catch up and sit back for some guitar hero. Boys are so fun to babysit because you can play all night goofing off and having contests to see who has the best air guitar (it's always a close one between me and Parker) or who can make the best kung fu face or sing the most like Bon Jovi. Great way to have fun!

Then TODAY, I am proud to say my President is black! How bout yours? I was a little bothered that so many students wore their McCain shirts to school today. Coincidence? I think not. HE LOST. GET OVER IT! We got change now, mothas! So step aside, and let my man do his thang! (I hope that was read with Chris Rock-like voice, because that's how I intended it to sound) And professors, I am still mad at you (not you, Dr. Sonn, you let us out :) ) for not letting us out to watch the inauguration! Don't you know I forgot to set the DVR?

Although to take a moment away from my anger, let me enlighten you on an amazing story. You'll laugh! You'll cry! You'll give me money! (ok, please?) Well today, since Dr. Sonn let us out early to watch the inauguration, it wasn't long enough for me to go over and watch it in the union and make it to my next class on time. So I called Trase who was between classes as well, and wanted him to meet up at the coffee shop with me while I pumped more caffeine in the body. He obliged, and I was kinda like, "YOU don't wanna see ME?!" But boys are boys. Then, as I was walking back into Old Main, I entered on the 1st floor and decided to throw away my trash in the lounge there. As *fate* would have it, Trase was sitting in there! And his Bugs class was supposed to be in the agri building! SO then I start going on and on about how this is fate! This is our destiny! It is so beautiful! And now he can eat the rest of my croissant! And this is so meant to be! How did he know I'd have trash? And he romantically cooed, "Chill out. I was just getting a vitamin water." :/ Men.

I did it!

2009-01-17T08:03:00.000-08:00

Corporal Cunningham, in Iraq!

I got into grad school, bitches! I got my acceptance letter for the MA program in the history department yesterday. YES! Now all I have to do is finish up this gosh darn undergrad degree and then I can be on my way.

Yesterday was a wonderful day! Before I got my letter, my day was already good. On Wednesday, Trase found out that he earned all of these grants and other funding so that not only does he get to stay in school this semester (he pays his own way in college, isn't that responsible? NOTE TO SELF: must learn what responsibility feels like...) and he gets to keep his GI Bill. You know, because he's a corporal for the USMC (United States Marine Corps). You know, he fought combat in Iraq, not once, but twice. What a wonderful man! I have a really good picture of him in Iraq, I'll post it today... So anyways, now Trase is rich and it's awesome! He took me out for sushi Wednesday to celebrate, although he was reluctant to pay for my dinner. Trase is much more of a saver than a spender. Well, I guess this relationship has to balance out somehow! Just kidding. I actually admire that a lot. (ANOTHER NOTE TO SELF: learn how to save....) Throughout dinner I kept coming up with ways for him to spend his money, either on me, himself, or me, or get me a puppy... But he doesn't want to spend anything! :(

So anyways, since Trase got amazing federal grants and stuff, he started school on Friday, and we were going to ride together since I was meeting with the head of the African American studies program to discuss their Graduate Assistantship (cross your fingers, eyes, legs, toes, and toes if you can for this!) so I was on my way from my apartment to pick him up, when I saw the tiniest little thing huddling and shivering at the bus stop. (Oh, and note that I decided to dress in all black yesterday). And I realized that the tiny thing was my friend Molly! So I pulled up, and like a smooth spy, cracked the window and said, "Get in the car, Molly--if that's your real name". OK, so I didn't add "if that's your real name", but it sounds much more spy-ish now. So I got to give Molly and Trase a ride to campus, and my meeting went really well. I hope I get this assistantship!!

Then I went to Olive Garden with Mommy. We are obsessed with endless soup and salad! It's such a warm and toasty lunch! I swear, nobody makes me laugh more than my mom, well maybe Estelle Getty, but my Mommy still is funny. We had a good time. Then I went home and found my acceptance letter in my mail box. I wonder how long it has been there? I must check that thing more often...

Then to celebrate getting into grad school, I got my eyebrows waxed. I know, celebrate with hair removal? but when I remove hair, trust me, the whole world yields a collective sigh of relief. I am "Hairy Mary" and was beginning to look more like Frida Kahlo than myself. So I got my eyebrows waxed and the esthetician proceeded to tell me everything that was hairy on my face or every part that could benefit from a facial. I was like, "Do you WANT your tip?". It was really rude. And then she kept telling me about Aveda's wonderful products and blah blah blah. After I told her REPEATEDLY that I sell Mary Kay and love it. Some women!

So then I bought the best book of the year yet: Sydney Omarr's "Day By Day Astrological Guide for 2009". O my gosh, it's amazing! I have so much insight into my life now. Thanks, Syd.

Face In Hole

2009-01-14T06:39:00.000-08:00

Some of you may know about my new hobby, faceinhole.com. Basically, it's a website of pre-loaded pictures with the faces cut out, and you can insert your own face "in the hole". It's amazing. I think I've devoted at least 10 hours to it. Anyways, here are some classics that I've done. I'm sure there will be more to come!

Fayetteville-home to amazing restaurants!

2009-01-12T12:42:00.001-08:00

Ok, it's probably not very good that I spent all weekend eating, but whatever! It was fun! haha, you know inside me is a health nut dying to get out, but usually I can shut the bitch up with cookies.

Ok, so Friday Mom, Victoria (it's weird to call her by her actual name, and not her nickname, Boo), and I went to go see "Bride Wars". At first, I only went b/c I didn't want to here "OMG, and that was so funny! O, I guess you just had to be there" for a couple days, but I actually really liked it! I didn't want to see it because Anne Hathaway does this weird breathe-out-through-her-mouth thing, but I was able to tolerate it for the movie and it was hilarious!

After the movie, I met up with Joana at Wasabi. Lucky for us her parents own it, so we got to chill out at the bar, have some sushi and drink wine. Then we decided since she had to go back to Chicago soon, we needed to make "the rounds" and also go by Shogun--the "Big One" as we like to say! Her parents also own that, so we must have spent 2 or three hours just sitting at the bar, having the wonderful bartender Jamie (she's the best!) make us custom cocktails and try practically every roll on the menu. It was really fun, and good to do like old times. We seriously do this every time Jo's in town. After I almost cried because I was so full, we went home, but nevertheless, it was a good time.

Saturday Joana and I went to go see "The Wizard of Oz" at the Walton Arts Center. I was so excited because I saw the show last time it came to the WAC in 1992. I remember my dad had to take us because Mom had to stay home because Victoria got sick (which is really funny, but I'm sure she'd kill me if I wrote it on here). So Dad took us to see the show, and being the Wizard of Oz freak that I am, I threw a fit because my dad wouldn't buy me the Wizard of Oz check book cover at the souvenir stand. I mean, why wouldn't a 6 year old need that? But I showed him, because when I was 18, I got Wizard of Oz checks and now I have a Wizard of Oz cover that came with it to put them in. Ha! Ok, so anyways we saw the show and it was cute. The girl who was Dorothy was on MTV's Legally Blonde reality show--the first one kicked off! I thought that was kinda funny, but I guess she got a job after all.

Then Saturday night, I met up with Jamie Claire, Brandon, Dane, Amanda, Elizabeth, Evan, and Nikki at Savor. We had never been there before, and we got to eat in the Chef's room (a little private room that apparently is a really big deal to sit in). Savor is on College AVE and it used to be Cool Waters, which sucked, but Savor is AMAZING! They redid the interior so it's really pretty and nice (the bar looked really stylish) and the bathroom had actual hand towels for you--not paper towels! What an upgrade from my fav, Golden Corral. I had the crumbled goat cheese salad and the lemon thyme chicken. I thought that my entree (the chicken) might be bland, but it was so amazing and flavorful! And the wine is great too! Trust me, try Savor!

After Savor, we moved on and ended up at my favorite, Uno's. I had a great time, of course. I sang "Heads Carolina, Tails California" which I was really surprised that not many people had heard before. I mean, come on! Jo Dee Messina?! Anyways, I also sang "It's All Coming Back to Me Now" with Evan and "Love Will Never Do" with Nikki. What a fun night!!!

You Know??? Unos!--My 4th Home

2009-01-09T09:19:00.001-08:00

Emily, Me, and Kelsey

This picture made us laugh!

Me, Emily, and Christy

Trase, the good photographer

Me and my double-chin singing "Bye Bye"

Asa breaking it down when some girl sang "Baby Got Back"

Kelsey and Me singing "Oops I Did it Again"

Me and Trase

Last night a group of us drama majors went out to You Know?? Unos! (My 4th Home) for some karaoke! I call it my 4th home because my 1st is where my parents live and I grew up. My Mom refuses to let me call my apartment my home, it is merely "the place I live". So obviously my 2nd home, is my apartment. And like any good Arkansan, my 3rd home is of course Wal-Mart. And then finally, my 4th home is You Know?? Unos! I love a microphone (typical middle child wanting attention).

Trase and I showed up first, and made me swear that I wouldn't make him sing! Although, Trase has an amazing voice, I guess he only came to look good. But on his list of "best hits" that he sings is the 1980s McDonald's campaign "Mac Tonight". It's awesome! I'm just glad that he doesn't look like that half-crescent moon man because that was creepy!!

Anyways, Kelsey and I sang "Oops I Did It Again" and it was awesome! I forgot how stupid that song was, especially the talking part about the Titanic necklace. :)

Then, I sang "Bye Bye" by no one else but THE Ms. Jo Dee Messina. I think I was the only one in the bar who knew that song, shame shame. But it was fun! And then I sang "Pleasure Principle" by Janet Jackson (Ms. Jackson if you're nasty) and I think someone's out to get my girl! The lyrics were all messed up and kind of offensive to Janet. I promptly told "Fire", the KJ, who also ran for mayor this year, and he seemed to care less that there were subtle threatening lyrics in the song. Janet, I'll protect you!

Overall, it was a really fun night!!! It was good to pull myself away from Law and Order: SVU for a change.

Good Read!

2009-01-08T13:20:00.000-08:00

I just finished reading "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen. It's AMAZING!

The story revolves around Jacob Jankowski, an Ivy League vet-student who runs away and onto a circus train! It's filled with secrets, freaks, murder, and depression (it's in the 1930s). Oh, and it's during prohibition! Liquor was a crime! Can you imagine?! Anyways, it's wonderful, and Gruen makes the characters so wonderful, and it raises the question, what is normalcy? What is human?

I highly recommend it!

First blog!

2009-01-08T13:15:00.000-08:00

This is my first blog! Ok, I did have a blog before, but that was only because my dad read me this newspaper article about this American girl who moved to France, became an au paire (sp?) and wrote a blog about it, it became a book, and now she's famous. So I made a blog that was "fictionalized/enhanced" and needless to say, I'm not famous. So now I'm making a blog that's just me, and hopefully my crazy life will be entertainment enough.

This is my "New Year, New Me" and as part of that, this is week 1 of the workout. Luckily, the gym that I go to has a 20 minute limit on cardio machines. This means that if its empty and "Jo Dee Messina's Greatest Hits" are holding me out on my ipod, I look around sneakily at 19:56 on the treadmill and continue my workout. But if the gym is crowded, and I want to go home, 20 minutes comes soon enough and I am ever thankful to the time limit! O, and to Ms. Messina.

So I hope that y'all enjoy my blog! I'll try to make it interesting, and hopefully can keep up with it! :)