Time flies!

      Wow, I didn't realize it's been over a week since I last posted! It doesn't seem that long at all! I think there were a few times that I started writing and got caught up in something else and forgot to finish/post. 
      Today is Thursday. It's kind of cloudy and little windy and not so warm out! Tomorrow is supposed to be nicer, can't wait! I need warm weather! They are doing construction at my job (which has been on going for.... about.... a year now!?) Yah, and there is a door that is not installed yet, so every time the wind blows, we feel the coldness! Makes out for a long day! 
     So I'm really excited about American Idol tonight!!!! I kind of fell asleep towards the end of the show last night, oops, apparently I was more wore out than I thought! So I had to get online and go back and watch the ones I missed. I kind of "cheated" and checked up on the online votes that were submitted last night (it's a first), so I guess we will see if it's accurate by any means. It's predicting that Jacob and Lauren had the fewest votes! I agree with Jacob. He is starting to grow on me, but like Hailey they just... don't HAVE IT. They can sing, they have "good voices", but as Steven says, it's the "package deal". I don't think we are all looking for someone that can sing standing next to a piano at an elegant restaurant, but someone that can perform and entertain! I don't believe Lauren is going anywhere. She is too on point and really connects with people, has the personality and the voice to succeed! At any rate, I'm excited to see who leaves tonight! 
     I am proud to say that I have only missed going to the gym once in the last month now I believe it is! They say it takes approximately 21 days to condition! So I'm hoping with all this effort that going to the gym/eating healthier is not just something I'm trying to do, but a rooted habit! I'm feeling better and actually look forward to the gym every day!  

     Awh! Just when I thought we were past all the cold weather.... I see the forecast and see that it's going to be down in the 20's tonight!? Whhhhhy??? I just started putting all my plants outside! (you will learn I have a great love for plants! It's almost an obsession! I can't stop buying them and regrowing them!) It's actually kind of neat. I have grown many many plants and give their new growths to friends, family... well anyone, a complete stranger! lol. 

     Speaking of my obsession of buying/growing plants... this is totally off subject of what I was going to write about today, but since it came up.... I actually bought some today!!! I bought passion flower seeds! They are one of the prettiest flowers I think I have ever seen!  They have such brilliant colors. They have many different types of passion flowers in a variety of colors. Google it! I LOVE things that are bright and colorful. Makes me happy. Ironic, I don't believe 100% all the hype/talk about Zodiac signs, however I do believe that what time of year you were born has to do with your personality and what season you are most comfortable. My zodiac sign, Libra, states that flowers make us happy... so true, and I am most comfortable in fall season (I was born in October for those of you who don't know me or keep up with Zodiac signs).

     I also bought artichokes today! Am I the only one that didn't know this was a "flowering plant"?! I love artichokes! I really wish I had a good artichoke soup recipe! If any one has one, please share! Anyway, they also produce a purple-ish colored flower (see pic). They say it will bud and flower the first  year and then artichokes with "sprout" the second year. They grow the best in hot climates (east/west coasts). I love to take on a challenge so I am going to attempt to grow artichokes this year! I will let you know how that works out! 
     Mitch and I bought a lot of herb seeds the other day, that I hope to get planted this weekend (indoors of course! grrr to the 20 degree weather!!!)! I can't wait!
     I really can't wait until I have my own house! I am positive before my  house is decorated just the way I want inside my yard and garden will be set up!! I'm so glad I found someone who has the same love of growing plants and food as I do, and don't forget clothes and shopping! They say you don't realize what you need until it's gone... I think in my situation, I didn't realized what I needed until I found it! It's crazy to me to think that some one else loves clothes, shopping, food and plants like I do!!! 
     I got off work last night, and stuck to my, trying to make it a life-style routine, and went right to the gym! Did my thing, showered and me and Mitch went to Ruby Tuesday! I haven't been there in awhile, but I was actually craving it yesterday because their salad bar is great! So when Mitch asked me, it was a definite yes! Enjoyed the salad bar and a *who knew* Pear Lavender martini!?! It was fan-tastic! It was almost like a Pear sauce (like apple sauce but not as thick) and then they added an Asian style Lavender tea bag. You dip your tea bag in the martini and it turns it purple! It was soo good! I tried to take a picture, but the lighting was low so it didn't show as good as I wanted, but you get the idea. Props to who ever came up with this idea/drink! Add it to  my favorite list!


      I have to mention American Idol!!!! Did I mention I LOVE that show!? (oh yah, Mitch watched that with me too!!! =) Last night, really shocked me!!!! Casey!?! They tried to say that Casey had the least amount of votes!? NOO WAY!! Is this a prank?? Have you heard this guy sing!? 

He's amazing! There are people like Thia Megia that should be going home way before Casey!! He reminds me a lot of Ray Lamontagne! That deep kind of raspy voice! It's great! They had it down to the "bottom three", Thia, Casey and Stefano. They have it set up to call in/get online and vote for who you want to stay on... why can't we vote for who we want to LEAVE!? Haha. Thia is my vote! She has an ok voice but she doesn't belong on the top 10... just sayin! And poor Casey... he almost had a heart attack!!! When you are "kicked off" you get to sing one last time. He started singing and the judges stopped him and used their ONE "save card" on him! GOOD CALL! They said "we don't need to hear anymore, we know who you are, we know you can sing, you belong here!" YAH! 

     Well needless to say, it was an entertaining night on American Idol. I can't even think of who will end up leaving next week, but it better not be Casey!! 

                I have a really exciting weekend coming up! I can't wait!!! 

                                                                         

  

What does it all mean?

     Have you too, heard the saying, "The truth comes out when you're drinking"? Do you really believe that? Or is it "emotions come out when you're drinking?" or "I've been drinking so I can't control myself?".... I have to say I'm leaning more towards the latter. I don't think it's always the TRUTH that comes out, but a feeling that comes out, and a lot of times an overwhelming/intense feeling or emotion. Which some may argue that you can't argue with ones feelings as truth or not (which I can see that point as well), but that's a whole nother blog! 
     For me, the truth comes out in the middle of the night! I'm still pondering and going to do some reading up about *Dreams*. I have always been a big dreamer.... awake and asleep! I have always wondered what they mean... I wonder where the dreams I have for my life came from? Where did that root from?? And I have also really been curious as to what my dreams while I am asleep mean.... or is there a meaning?? Is it just the last thing I thought about before falling into a deep sleep?
     Last night, for example, I fell into a deep sleep for quite some time and was woken several times through out the night. One time I think I was woke up by something (probably my dog kicking me b/c even though he is taking up most of the bed, thinks he needed to stretch out  more!) and I was awake for an hour or more. I remember checking the time at 4:50am. I had been awake for some time at that point... and I think I fell asleep remotely soon after checking the time. 
     Whatever dream I was having at the time that I was woke up, it was intense. I had a few dreams. I remember one of them-- I went skating this weekend and I broke my wrist some how.... and I called for help and no one could come. So I drove with my skates on, wrist broken to the ER, crying the whole way there. I was really mad at a few people for not coming to help me =( 
     After I woke up, I was laying there for so long... and I just started thinking... my mind was racing... I was thinking of anything from all the things I wanted to get done today, to seeing my family this weekend to all the things I want to change/improve in my life to all the times/people that have disappointed me/let me down. It just made me want to get up and get a move on it and get it all done! I have a real issue with fighting off thinking so much in the middle of the night and going back to sleep. The days I don't succeed at that, are the longest days ever! I'm tired all day... and then I don't get as good of a work out... Even knowing that ahead of time, I *still* can't seem to stop my mind from flying and fall back asleep! HELP!
     Thanks to McDonald's coffee, today is going to be a good one even with the lack of sleep last night! Speaking of McDonald's coffee, I was doing some research the other day, b/c I am really making an effort to be healthier, lose some weight (please hold the comments), and tone up. I want to be in the best shape of my life in my 30's! So upon my research I found that the Fat Free Iced Latte with sugar free vanilla syrup in it, is only 40 calories!!! I'm stoked! So I got one on my way to work today... Score!!! It's my new favorite! I'm hoping that with my workout schedule and healthier eating to get in better shape! It's the simple things in life! 

Pan seared savory garlic and pineapple chicken
w jasmine rice with orange essence

     Last night I had a great night! (I was feeling horrible yesterday, but I was determined not to let that hold me back). I got off work and met my friend Kat at the gym (my dedicated work out buddy! Thanks!!!) and we did our cardio work out. I ran to meijer, was craving ice cream opted for frozen  yogurt with organic frozen peaches! (SCORE, it's delicious!) 
     I got to Mitch's house and he had dinner all made for me! He was putting it on the table as I was walking in! (*maybe* he CAN be on time!? a-mazed!!) It was JUST what I needed. Hit the spot, healthy and so freaking good! I've had pineapple chicken before, but this by far was the best I've ever had!!! 
    Loved watching American Idol. For those of you that don't know me, I don't watch tv. I never really have growing up. I always thought it was a waste of time.. and I still kind of feel that way. I have too much energy to sit there and do nothing. Well I still stay true to that for the most part... but I'm a pretty big American Idol fan! I get upset if I miss it!!! (which I think has only happened ONCE this season). But last night was really good! I like so many of them for different reasons! I'm going to be surprised no matter who wins because they are all so good! He is one of my favorites! He is just... got it! Even if he were to be kicked off this week, he will still come out with a cd! And I don't like country, but I'll buy it!!! 

Scotty Mccreery

     After AI, I tried a new wine! Chocolate wine! Perfect idea, right!? It was so good! It taste like a mud slide or black russian! It was wonderful! Sent me off to bed feeling "just right"!