and hello again after a year of silence.

think happy thoughts.

Today I spent a good amount of time in the hospital with my dear friend Lacey.  She had heart surgery and obviously needed my company during her recovery.  She is pretty much a titan (in the awesome almost indestructible kind of way) and even managed to scarf down some of her favorite chicken nuggets.  Are you starting to understand why I love her so much?  I am so blessed to be surrounded by such rock solid people.  who love chicken nuggets.

you're not bald... you're just taller than your hair.

Tomorrow is the last day of class, marking the end of my first year at Butler. I am still waiting for the events of the year to really sink in, and I think that will happen once finals are over. This year has been, for lack of a better term, a roller-coaster. I had such a great first semester, and I had very high hopes for the second. It was a good one, but I was not prepared for the amount of work and stress that would have to be put into it. I did my first opera ever... that was an experience. I still have not decided if I will want to do only a couple more, or many many more in my future. My class list was small but mighty and that paired with a longing to graduate did not prove to be productive. I am hopeful that this past semester will be the only one of its kind I have to endure. I know that even though next year I have a heavier load, I am more settled and things will go smoothly. Though this year was hard, I know that I did a lot of growing. I am one step closer to being a real person, and I at least have a better grasp on what I want to do when I am done with school.

I am very excited for this upcoming summer, and all that is promises. I will say that I think it will be weird living in Indy for the summer. I have always gone "home" over the summer. Wherever home was at the time anyways, and this year I will stay where I am. Indy is not far, but it is still so weird that everyone is so spread out. In June I will be venturing to Italy for a 5 week Opera Program called La Musica Lirica. The thought of my summer travels really kept my head up during these last couple of weeks. I am so excited to learn and experience great places.

I know that hard work is something that everyone who wants to be successful has to endure. I understand that and I accept that now. Some days it is easier than others. On those "other" days it is hard. In those low moments I have all the normal questions going through my brain... is it worth it, am I wasting my time, should I just choose something else and then there is always something that brings me right back to the reason I am doing it. I do love music, but a love for music does not prepare you for the feelings you get when music becomes your homework. I know it wont always be like this, but that does not mean it isn't hard right now.

Dear Optimism. I'm doing my best to hold on to you.

This guy is 15 today.

my little brother is not so little anymore.

Happy Birthday little brother.

Ice Ice Baby

Butler was closed today... and has already been closed for tomorrow. I love storms.

I also love drinking hot cocoa out of my cute mug with a spoon...

Today has been a great day for cleaning, especially since I am stuck here for at least the next 24 hours. I have lots of floor to clean and lots of Grey's Anatomy.

I love storms.

Unfortunately...

I am struggling. I am struggling to deal with a love affair.

must all my problems be linked to food? apparently yes, they must :-)

Winter break is coming to a close, and I could not be more happy. It is not that I have run out of exciting things to do; there is always something I can find. It is that I get so anxious towards the end of any break, and I find myself sitting about waiting for the end. It is a silly waste of time. Today I did my best to be productive. I gave cooper a bath, precooked several items for the next few days, and I even went over music for the Opera. That took up like 3 hours of my day. I have absolutely no idea how I managed to waste the other 10 hours of my day. I pretty much spent it grazing and slothing around. Slothing is not a word, but I think you know what I mean.

Tomorrow I will be cleaning my floors, and I am not looking forward the the process or the smell. You see I chose my apartment pretty much because I was in love with the hardwood floors. I did not, however, think through the upkeep that I would be taking on. The floors are waxed, and can only be cleaned with water and vinegar. Sick. That is what I get for giving importance to things that are unnecessary. Is it worth the lovely smoke smell and the crazy lady that constantly yells at her husband(at least im assuming) Chris? Nothing that a little music and candles cant get rid of. Im sticking with pretty floors=happy lady.

I had the privilege of meeting several new friends this last semester at Butler. One of them, Ben Bernthal, is in a band called the accordions, and I cannot get over this video of them. This video gives you a glimpse of some of their sweet instruments. My favorite part is the guy (I believe his name is Kip :-) ) playing the saw... yes, he is bowing a saw. It makes the coolest sound.

You can find the band here

also... my christmas tree is still up. You would think I could spend my time taking that down. That'll be tomorrow as well.

Today I was so happy to be reminded that there are still good people out there...

I was on my way home to Indy and I needed to stop and get gas. I chose the same pump that I always go to at any gas station, creature of habit, and this was a mistake. I swiped my card, and the pump ended up being broken. I went inside to let them know, and to make sure I would not be paying for someone else's gas later. After this my card would not work because they had already put the hold on my account and I was not able to get gas. I have this terrible habit of running my gas tank to Empty, and beyond empty. I know it is bad for my car, no need to remind me. Anyways, I was stuck at the gas station. I called the bank and they told me I had to deliver a letterhead from BP stating all this information in order for the money to be credited back. With this process I would have to wait 2 business days, so I wouldnt get it till monday. Lovely. I decided to wait until BP processed their transactions which, the manager assured me, would be tonight. I went out to my car, and was starting to make a call to have someone rescue me, when I look and see the manager standing at my window. She smiled and said that she was coming to put gas in my car. I was not too keen on this idea, and tried to convince her that I would be fine. She was very persistent and told a story of herself in the same situation. She said that a woman helped her out, and it was her turn.

I have never actually had someone pay it forward, to me, did that make sense? So Kelly, thank you for saving me, even though it was my fault I was stuck. I will never forget that.

p.s.

Is it sad that all this talk of spring now has me longing for summer...

and this swimsuit?

yes. it is sad.

(source)

Too Soon?

I love Winter, but only for a short period of time. I am usually over the snow when february rolls around. It hit early this year with all of the spring magazines that I have been getting. It also does not help that I am currently in Oklahoma where I don't even have to wear a coat. You all know how much I love coats, but it has been nice to not have to wear one these past couple of days. I guess that is just one more reason I love and miss Oklahoma... more on that later :-)

I have done my best this year trying to stay away from online browsing/shopping. It is not that I ever really buy anything, just that sometimes I go crazy over all the eye candy. I am a girl and sometimes I like pretty things. Lately I have been on the lookout for a new pair of glasses, and I think I found them.

and I am in Love.

My mum used to always get cat eye sun glasses. She was so classy.

I did not have a new years resolution until today. Every where I look there are book recommendations. So many people that I know, blogs that I read, and even websites I've stumbled on have posted about books. I have always loved to read, ever since I can remember. I have not, however, been feeding my imagination as often as I should. This past year has been very slow for me in the reading department, and this makes me very sad. I have held true to my annual read through the Harry Potters tradition, but that is pretty much it. I have definitely been on movie overload and I think it is time for me to give my eyes a rest from the computer screen. Yes, just computer, I do not have a tv. That being said, my New Years resolution is going to be to read at least one book a month. This sounds like a very easy task, but with school it may be difficult. Hopefully I can get some suggestions as to what it is I should be reading :-) Hint Hint

School starts soon... I am excited for this. I will finally get back to a normal schedule, and also normal eating habits. I did really well last semester with healthy eating, and I plan on continuing. Down 15, 10 to go! All I need is motivation, all I want is kettle chips and peanut butter m&ms...

I cant go to taco bell, I'm on an all carb diet.

I always knew that being in college would keep me busy. I also knew that I would experience low cash flow. I was prepared for these things... sort of. I was not prepared for the weird eating habits. Tonight for dinner I had...

• Chocolate Cake and
• Honey Dijon Kettle chips

fail.

Wouldn't you just love to get this as a holiday gift?

23 years ago today...

Happy birthday to the twins in the family.

I love that they are twins and they dont even look related. Love you brother and sister and I am so happy you were born!

oh for the love

For the past couple of months I have been swamped with school. I have been so swamped that I have not be1.en able to make time for the things that I love. This has been sad and has kept me on edge... I mean how can you not be on edge if you arent doing things to make yourself happy. There are several things that inspire me, sooth me and just make me happy. I have a list of these things, but they are not just things. The list includes people, places, and things; I love nouns. Begin List.

1. Family. My family has always been huge, and it just keeps growing. There is nothing in the world that makes me happier than when I am around any of them. You also drive me insane :-)

2. Friends. I have had many friends over the years, and busy life makes maintaining friendships difficult. I hate growing up for this very reason. Some days I ache thinking back and all I want is to be in a friends backyard dancing like an idiot. I try not to dwell in that mindset for too long, and I snap back to reality. I am happy to be growing up. I have pictures to cherish forever and I will do just that. I do still hope that someday we'll have matching old lady cars...

3. Creating. I love to make stuff. I love to challenge my creative side, and jump at the chance to try something new. I love sewing, drawing, writing, scrap-booking, knitting, jewelry making, and pretty much anything else that fits in a category with those other things. Taking the time to make something is not always easy, but I always feel so great after I am finished. I love to give handmade gifts, because I feel like that is a great way to let someone know you care. I love color, texture, and glitter and when I make stuff I get to pick out whatever I want. Yes please.

4. Cooking. I debated on whether or not I should put this with creating. I rarely use a recipe when I am cooking. This is partly because I get bored with instruction, and also because I like to test my kitchen knowledge. This does not always go well, but I definitely get better with each attempt. I like to think I am a good cook, but I know that I have a lot of room for improvement. I love food; it makes me very happy, and if I can create something with food I am seriously happy. I go through phases of what I like to cook, and sometimes I go through spells of no cooking (right now). I still love it, and a good plate of food can solve lots ofmy problems.... dont tell. I guess I should have called this category food, because I just get happy when anything involves food. I love cooking it, eating it, watching it being worked with. I especially love the Food Network....

5. Movies. I Love watching movies. I could watch movies all day long every day. I am pretty sure I just love stories and that is why I also love reading...

i seriously love netflix... movies and tv!

6. reading. I love to read. I love to read. I love to read. Books are so wonderful; I love the smell of them, I love the look of them, and I love the feel of them. I dont even get mad when I get paper cuts from them. There is something wonderful about reading a story and using your imagination to create the characters. I really dislike when books are made into movies, yet im still always first in line at the premiers. I like being disappointed? whatever... these books make my heart flutter.

This has quickly become the longest post of all time. Before your eyes disintegrate I will say to be continued...

hello old friends

Sorry for the months of absence... Being at a new school, in a new city, just having everything new is very difficult. I did not even have internet until about two weeks ago, but now I do! Things will be picking up for me in the blogging world and I hope you enjoy the changes that will be happening. I have several posts planned for your reading pleasure and I am excited to also be sharing some details about my journey. I might even let you peek inside my apartment!

-Aly

3rd times a...

So, ladies and gentlemen, I am writing this post to finally let you all in on the crazy.

About 3 weeks ago I made a very scary, strange, and unexpected decision. I decided to apply to Butler University. This was something that I had considered multiple times before, but always just set those thoughts aside. I had finally reached the edge of insanity, due to seriously missing certain types of music, and I was ready to take the plunge. Well long story short, I was accepted. It was incredibly difficult to plan everything so quickly; at times I wanted to just throw my hands up and surrender myself to Oklahoma. Everything eventually fell into place and I feel I have gained back some of my control. I will be moving back to indiana in 2 days and I am still overwhelmed. I am also very excited. There have been a lot of great things about moving out to Oklahoma, and one of them has been finding myself. I was brought back to life this year and I am so ready for this next step. It will be challenging and it will be scary; I cannot wait!

This is all so new. I am so scared. I keep questioning whether or not it is right. But I am going with it. Cross your fingers :-)

Ok Great

Dear Blog,

I have not forgotten you. I will return after the storms have settled; I will have stories to tell.

Love,

Aly

thats what you get

I stumbled across this sweet video on a friends facebook this afternoon...

A couple, married for 62 years, stops to share some music :-)

Last night I had an allergic reaction...lovely. I have been having trouble sleeping and decided to take an ambien. I dont usually use it because I like to get to sleep on my own. Every once in a while though I need it. Well I only had the generic form and apparently I am allergic to it. So no more of that. I still have gross swollen eyes today.

He's right on top of us!

I have not been keeping up with my blogging lately. I have been crazy busy and have been in the middle of some big changes. Hopefully everything will slow down soon, and I can get back to writing :-)

I love reading cookbooks; almost as much as I love reading novels. There is something wonderful about taking them all out and just browsing. Maybe that is crazy, but I love it. And since this is my blog, I think Ill talk some more about cookbooks.

I have this ever growing list of cookbooks that I want. I take pictures on my iphone if I really want them.

My current wish list includes:

1. The Art and Soul of Baking by: Cindy Mushet

2. How to be a Domestic Goddess by: the wonderful Nigella Lawson

3. The Art of Eating by: M.F.K. Fisher

4. Herbs & Spices; the Cooks Reference by Jill Norman

5. Cheese & Wine by Janet Fletcher

6. Hors d'Oeuvre at Home from: The Culinary Institute of America

7. Vegetable Love by: Barbara Kafka

8. The Modern Baker by: Nick Malgier

9. Peter Reinhart's Whole Grain Bread

10. All of Jamie Oliver's cookbooks :-)

Okay, so this is a little insane; I am completely aware. This is a list that I have been putting together for a long time. It was longer but some of the books have been removed by the kindness of Mr. Frank. Most girls would get mad if their boyfriend got them cooking stuff for a holiday, not this girl. I am like a child a christmas. I have a great collection of cookbooks that friends and family have gotten for me...some that I have purchased for myself. They just never get old.

The other thing that I love is the new Fine living Network, or the Cooking Channel. I get to watch Jamie Oliver, Julia Child, and Iron Chef Japan (which was my favorite show as a child; I know this is strange, but you are probably not surprised)!

Tonight I made an awesome burger. It was a beef patty with salt and pepper. I topped it with basil, green onion, garlic, smoked cheddar and monterey jack cheese. I ate it before I could take pictures...

(Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)

I am so thankful to always be surrounded by people who, despite the frequent location changes, are always loving and welcoming. I have been so blessed to have great friends and family in my life. They have always been so supportive and have always been there for me to lean on. I admit that I tend to shy away from leaning on shoulders. I can be stubborn and most of the time I do my best to cover up my emotions. But I always know that you are there. I hope that you know how much that means to me. I am learning to let myself go sometimes and it feels good. In the past I have been afraid to be too needy or too emotional; It got to the point where I just cut that out completely. But thank you for letting me know it is ok to cry. It is ok to have off days, and it is ok to be angry sometimes. I am opening up my bottled emotions (don't be afraid, I'm not doing it all at once) and I'm letting you inside. So thank you. To my friends, and my family. For slowly prying me open. I love you and today I am thankful for you.

hiiiiiilarious soymilk advertisement. poor mom.

8th Continent Soy Milk

I remember when my youngest sister Syd was really little, she could not say some words. A few sounded like curse words. Especially the word frog... She never really did the repeating thing, but I have heard plenty of kids saying things they shouldnt.

Today is Sandi's Birthday and we went out to Mama Rojas tonight for some yummy Mexican. There is never a time where I do not want Mexican food, and the sad thing is that I do not have access to my favorite Mexican restaurant Real Hacienda. Some may say that it is not authentic, but I do not care. I could eat Arroz Con Pollo all day every day. I would most likely die very young, but no need to think of that.

Dinner was hillarious. It was Sandi, Dad, Mollie, myself, and a couple of friends. The friends, who shall remain nameless, told a story that I am still laughing about.

The Tale of the Husband and Wife.

There once was a husband and wife. One morning Husband woke feeling odd. He spent the day moping around, and once his wife even found him sprawled across the floor as he was tired of not knowing what was wrong. The husband, a very athletic and energetic man, even took a nap this day. Throughout the day he just kept saying that he did not feel like himself. As the day came to a close, the husband told his wife he needed to soak in the bathtub. He felt that this was what he needed to feel better. As he bathed, the woman came into the bathroom to get ready for bed. When she walked by the tub, she glanced down at him and immediately started laughing. She had figured out what was wrong with her dearest husband. She had found that her hormone patch had somehow transfered to her husband, so the feelings he had throughout the day were that of hormone changes... He was, for a day, experiencing the hormones of a woman.

I died when they told me this. We had to be annoying people in the restaurant with our loud laughing. The Mrs. told the story and the Mr. just sat back and shook his head. It was so funny to watch their retelling of this story, and how funny she thought it was. She could not get over how he was reacting the whole day, and of course everything made sense when she saw the patch. She said that he would just mope around, and put his hands on his face saying he just was not himself. He was a good sport when she was telling us and even made jokes about his milk letting out. So funny.

We watched The Young Victoria tonight. I am so in love with this movie. If you have not seen it and you are female you should watch it now. If you are male you should also watch it and take notes...

I am back home today, and I am actually pretty sad about it. I do love oklahoma, but when you have a couple of weeks like I just had...

I havent written about the Camp Meeting thing that we did...and I probably wont actually. It was great, and I am so happy we all got to be up on the stage together... minus band leader Donnie. We took a million snapshots, but this one of me and mah ladies I

really love...

it is blurry and terrible, and i love it

oooooklahoma where the wind comes sweepin down the plain.