Something Big(ger than Me)

I can't say that I'm the best baker in town.. I am, in fact, far from that.. I just know that I love to bake.. and I love to share what I create with everyone I love.. (and everyone that loves the finished products haha) It's one of my biggest obsessions at the moment.. and something I'm practicing more and more. I'm hoping to become a professional someday and it's something I'm taking pretty seriously.

But today I was introduced to a bigger deal.

While browsing the latest Family Circle, I landed on page 36: "Recipe for Success". To be honest, what caught my eye was the picture of an average woman, holding a tray of yummy-looking cookies. As I read the article, however, it was like a light shining through the clouds (which are drenching Chicago with beautiful rain by the way). It was that very moment that I learned about the Great American Bake Sale. I have already registered for more information to be sent my way. I am currently mapping out the who/what/where/when of my own bake sale to help end childhood hunger.

I'm finally able to apply a talent in something big. Official registration will be released in March, so I just have to wait to see what materials will be available in just a few weeks. Spring 2009 is looking more and more beautiful =)

ugh. sticking to party planning.

I'm in a grumbly mood. I'm disappointed in a new experimental cake mix gone wrong. I baked the first 6 test cupcakes and didn't get the consistency and fluffiness I wanted. I altered a few components and still failed to get a good cupcake. I was so frustrated with the whole recipe that I just gave up on it altogether.

To put myself in a better mood, I've started planning out my birthday party. I keep changing plans to accommodate others.. which is probably going to lead in a hectic birthday..

But I've done some research and I'm pretty excited with my plans (here's hoping that they don't get altered again ha)

On my ACTUAL birthday, which falls on a Thursday, I'm taking my family to Yolk for breakfast / brunch.

Then we will part ways and JJ and I will stay in the city. He's getting me a dSLR and I want to experiment with it as much as possible =)

After a day of exploring and adventuring, I'm thinking of doing a dinner or maybe just cocktails. Something more easy going but still celebratory. For that, my options are either Rock Bottom or Uncle Julio's in the Lombard / Oak Brook area. Or if we're still enjoying the city, I'd like to go to Wrigleyville.. maybe have the South Side Boys swing by..

On FRIDAY, JJ and I have some secret plans =) Then we're meeting up with everyone at 6pm for dinner at Claim Jumper in Lombard. I love going there for one very big LARGE reason:

The Chocolate Motherload Slice...

Super Moist Slice of our
Six-Layer Chocolate Cake
with Chocolate Chips, Fresh Walnuts
and Chocolate Fudge Frosting.... for just $9.95!!

I know. I'm such a cakemonster. I know.

After dinner, I'm still very unsure of where to go. It'd be easy if everyone was 21+, but there is just too many of our group that is still underage. I wouldn't want to exclude them. So Dave and Busters it is! =) It'll be nice because we're all dressing up nicely for dinner..

I'm pretty excited! Only 1 month to go! =D

stumbles.

I've been hooked on my web-browsing a lot more than usual.. and included in my usual clicks is The Sartorialist. I love the "just your average day" look combined with fashion.. every "model" they use has such an ordinary, yet extraordinary look to them.. in relation to both their clothes and their own beauty.

Not a major post, I just thought I'd share an amazing find.. I just finished baking, so I'm going to upload the pictures next. ;)

Angels & Demons

I can't WAIT!

spring cleaning

I know, I know... IT'S NOT SPRING YET! Lately, however, it has felt as if it's that time of year to break out the sunny days wardrobe. And it hasn't helped that I've been doing TLC marathons a lot lately :)

So, since I have the weekend to myself, I really do want to start my spring cleaning early. I want to get rid of a lot of clothes that I don't wear anymore and probably donate it to Goodwill or Salvation Army.. and then maybe go shopping for some new clothes =D

Even though I blog about it all the time, the basement cleaning rarely ever ends.. I really wanna get rid of all the JUNK that's cluttering the storage rooms.. I want to keep the basement as minimal as possible!

I also want to do a little personal "cleaning" as well.. two sides I'd like to update:

1) The weight issue ;; I need to get back into shape.. just do some light cardio everyday, just around the block.. and then watch what I eat. I'm really convinced I can do this now.. especially since JJ talked to me about how he'll be really supportive with my lifestyle change.

2) Cosmetic maintenance: I need to work on taking care of my looks better. I occasionally skip out on taking care of my skin and I'd really like to change that. I also want to toss out and buy new makeup and facial cleansers.. I'm tired of just having the generic brands and "whatever is on sale"... I feel like I deserve a bit of a splurge.

With all of that said, I know I can't do all of this at once. It'll take some time, especially with the personal skin care.. but I'm hoping this spring, I can get it all done.. I mean, I AM starting 2 months early this year =)

Since when...

When did we start running out of things to say?
When did we suddenly have so little interests in common?

I feel like I've suddenly stepped into a different world.. that we're suddenly not the same anymore. It doesn't mean I don't love you anymore, it doesn't mean I'm doubting any of our choices.. but suddenly it doesn't seem so easy.

Not that it was always easy. I know I've made it completely difficult many, many times.. But what changed??? How come it feels so tiring.. so monotonous.. so "not what it used to be"?

I miss you... I miss having you randomly text me that you still appreciate me, I miss when you would tell me how grateful you were to be with me, I miss knowing how proud you were that I was with you, and you had "such a catch" (okay, I know.. not your words..).. I miss you, baby.

I'm sure I haven't done my share of appreciating you either though. In fact, I KNOW I've been thoroughly distracted and stressed out in many other aspects in my life.. and by me having an emotional breakdown to you may have seemed unfair.

But it's just that you truly are my best friend... I figure I could come to you with anything and everything.. I try to "choose my battles" and avoid the small stuff.. because I've learned through past experiences that bringing up all the small stuff can lead to a disaster...

I'm learning now, however, that holding everything back isn't healthy either... as made obvious through last night's cry-fest. I really don't know what caused the eruption though.. it just kind of happened.. and I'm sorry.

I'm getting my life back to normal... I'm working my way back to being the independent person I used to be.. I know that's one of the things you loved about me before, but I'm doing it more for myself.. I've changed so much over the past year that I know has resulted from my adaptation to a slower pace... which has been great, but I need to get back to standing on my own two feet again...

It's going to take time, but I know that eventually, I'll be a lot easier to deal with... I promise... In the meantime, I just hope you will have enough patience and strength to cope... I love you, baby... I love you with all my heart... and I'm going to need you to love me just as much to get through this... I need to start working hard to get where I need and want to be in life... both in my own life and our life... together...

Catch Up Time

So, JJ called off on Friday and Saturday, which leaves Sunday for me to catch up on all the things I normally do on weekends...

As much as I blog about how I hate his job and wish we could have every weekend together, I do appreciate the time for "me myself and I". I had a lot of fun this weekend because the weather was so beautiful (60 degrees in JANUARY?! WHAT?!?!).. but now it's time to get back to business...

By the end of today, I need to:

• Finish my birthday invitations by the end of the day so that I can send them out tomorrow.
• Give myself a manicure / pedicure.
• Fix my eyebrows.
• Re-post all of my craigslist listings that have expired (anyone looking for an iPod, Rockband for Wii, or a folding bike? lol)
• CLEAN THE ROOM!
• Bake lemon cookies :) I've been craving them for soo long and keep pushing off the baking. I've had the ingredients just waiting for 2 weeks. -sigh-
• Reach my quota of Food Network couch potato time ;) haha
• Possibly write blogs about the few notes I jotted down over the past 2 days.
  

We'll see how productive I can be.. I'm already in my most comfortable, "reserved for lazy Sunday afternoons" outfit... I'll at least get the invitations and baking done... and for sure the couch potato time LOL

JJ and I also both have tomorrow night off... So that's even MORE "let's be lazy together" time =) That means I definitely need to get everything done today so that I can enjoy tomorrow night :D

Just for Fun

I never really looked into the meaning behind my Chinese Zodiac symbol. I am a Rabbit - that I've known for as long as I can remember... but I am, specifically, a Fire Rabbit. (Hey guess what, I'm an Aries. ;) Fire is definitely my thing)

So what does it mean to be a Fire Rabbit? It's funny because when I looked it up, I laughed because SO much of the descriptions are so descriptive of my own life :) Fun random find!

First, what it means to be a RABBIT

PERSONALiTY

Occupying the 4th position in the Chinese Zodiac, the Rabbit symbolizes such character traits as creativity, compassion, and sensitivity. Rabbits are friendly, outgoing and prefer the company of others. They also prefer to avoid conflict. In confrontational situations, Rabbits approach calmly and with consideration for the other party. Rabbits believe strongly in friends and family and lacking such bonds can lead to emotional issues.

Their serene nature keeps Rabbits from becoming visibly upset. Because they’re serene animals, Rabbits are easily taken advantage of. Their sensitive nature makes them shy away from aggressive or competitive situations. They’re overall conservative and not interested in taking risks.

Classy, sophisticated, expressive, well-mannered and stylish, those born under the Sign of the Rabbit enjoy leaning about cultural issues and learning about people from other countries. Rabbits are most comfortable being home, and their homes are always neat and organized. Home is also where Rabbits prefer to entertain. Rabbits are conservative in their decorating tastes.

Rabbits should work at building more self-confidence and self-worth so they can feel more secure. The desire for remaining in safe, comfortable environments keeps Rabbits from taking risks which sometimes causes them to miss out on good opportunities.

HEaLTH

Even though Rabbits don’t usually get visibly upset or stressed, they do tend to keep these feelings inside. When they don’t express these feelings, such feeling can cause Rabbits to become ill. Rabbits could benefit from more everyday activity which would reduce their stress levels and better their health.

RELATiONSHiPS

Rabbits are very sexual (hahahaha), but tend to give more of themselves than they should. This can lead to unrealistic expectations and unhealthy situations. Rabbits need partners who won’t take advantage of their giving nature. Such pairings will be strong.

CaREER

Rabbits are articulate and good communicators which is why friends and acquaintances seek out their advice. It’s also why Rabbits make excellent diplomats and politicians. Other good careers for Rabbits include: writer, publisher, actor, fashion designer, therapist, doctor, administrator, public relations, and teacher.

Now... on to what it means to be a FIRE Rabbit:

Fire adds spark to the Rabbit’s personality and all that Fire Rabbits do. Fire compels Rabbits to seek new adventures. Prone to tantrums, Fire Rabbits prefer to avoid conflict.