I had such a love/hate relationship with 2011.  It started out pretty sucky and ended up pretty great.  This is gonna pour over into 2012 like never before.  Each year I beg God for a good one... something epic, or really, just a peaceful year.  This year I don't have to beg, just anticipate:

1. I graduate in May
2. At least five new babies will be born in my close circle - wow!
3. The Huz will transfer to days - I just know it!
4. I will fulfill a promise to my church that I made four years ago - yay!
5. I will run a 10k in the fall - oh yes!

This month marks my 20th anniversary of "official" makeup usage.  Before 1991 I would sneak some eyeshadow here and there, but I was  granted permission from the 'rents once I began the seventh grade.  It's been a fine journey, and really, I never experienced a trend that I didn't like.  Only a few things remain from that season, 20 years ago: eyeliner, foundation and mascara - never leave home without 'em!
Here are some key products that I swear by:
1.  Smashbox Photofinish primer:  This is ah-freaking-mazing.
2.  Mary Kay Ultimate Mascara: I've used hundreds of brands and this stuff takes the gold.  
3.  Bare Escentuals Foundation and Mineral Veil:  If you have oily-breakout prone skin like me - use this!
4. Peter Thomas Roth facial cleanser and lip treatment.  I have acne and wrinkly lips - these two literally rocked my face problems off.

I am always trying something new, but these top four will remain in my daily regimen for life.

I am straight obsessed with cooking these days.  I have no idea why, but I suspect it has to do with procrastination.  I'll do anything but what I need to do.  Agree?  
Well the Huz turned 41 on the 10th so I decided to surprise him with a day of gourmet cooking.  I totally scored in the surprise category and he is still showing people the menu!  I love being bragged on.
Breakfast: Sweet Citrus Iced Lemon Loaf and Fruit Fandango
Lunch:  Roasted Strawberry Bruschetta and Baked Stuffed Peppers
Dinner: Eggplant Focaccia, Garlic Filet Mignon, Berry and Nut Salad and Peach Crostata 

See the links for the recipes.  These chefs rock my face off.

I had some various epiphanies this past week as I acquired things I didn't know I needed.  Now that I've had them for a week or so, I don't know how I was able to live before.  Ever feel that way?  Am I crazy?

1.  All-purpose spreader:  Sure, I've seem my sister use this countless times, but I've never laid hands on one... until now.  Making sandwiches is so awesome now.  I let out an audible "ohhh" when I made my PB&J yesterday.
2.  Apple wedger:  I love my apples to be in wedge-form prior to entering my mouth, BUT, I've been way lazy and have begun chomping away at them like a barbarian.  Then I bought this and I am soooo much classier!  Plus, your wedges are ready in two seconds flat!
3. Pinterest:  Basically its another time-wasting social bookmarking site.  Only AWESOME.  Find things you never knew you liked before.  It's coveting, 2011-style.
4.  Sock-bun:  Due to my #3 obsession, I found the sock-bun technique and its subsequent curls.  I don't have the energy to go on about it, just know that it works and if I wasn't already committed to the Huz, I'd totally marry it.

I am totally a kind-hearted white lady, too....

I am pretty perturb by the human race this week.  Normally I'm all "Positive Patty" and shizz, but really I'm bouts to punch someone straight in the throat.  Seriously, people...

1. I got in a "no you go" war at the four way spot.  Finally I went and the dude threw his hands up in exasperation.
   
2. I was "watched" closely at an antique mall due to my oversized tote.  Nothing like being profiled in Eastern Kentucky.
   
3. I like when people respond to my inquiries.  Especially when I am paying them lots of money.  Big fail this week.
   
4. It was too hot to hike at the Gorge last week.  And there was a mudslide.  Vacation was relaxing - the heat was not.
   
5. Finally, and the worst of it all, my amazingly beautiful friend is being harassed for looking different.  This infuriates me to no end.  God made each one of us perfectly, in His image.  To harass my friend is to harass God and that's not OK.
   

Now that I got that off my chest...

I spent way too much money online this month.  The good news is I will be unable to eat for the remainder of the month.  Basically, I'm on a diet - which is good.  I have to wear a bridesmaid dress that shows side-boob and has a "key hole" (bay window) bodice next month.
Purchases include (but not limited to):
1. Quirky Wrapster
2. Audible.com "Tipping Point"
3. VS robe and other endornments
4.  Multiple items from my new shopping addiction: www.ideel.com (go ahead - become a member)
5. Financial Planning textbook - worst purchase EVER, and sorta ironic
Quite frankly there was more, but I am going to keep that between JC and me.

All I wanted to do this year for vacation is go to a beach.  I wanted to feel the sand between my toes, have the salt-air dry out my acne and be sung to sleep by the waves...  BUT NOOOOOO.  Let's just say I want to punch the economy and my procrastination in the throat.
The Huz is a hard sell and he wants us to install hardwood floors during our week of respite.  Here's was I sent to him in response, via a google doc spreadsheet:
1. Cabin retreat: 3 days
2. Spa Day: 1 day (massage and pedicure)
3. Amusement Park with the Fam: 1 day
4. LaRosa's and Skyline gluttony: 1 day (following #3) 

I have a feeling that Imma be tappin' my inner JC and be buildin' some shizzz.

This weekend I had a great time being a wife.  It's a rarity for me being that I rarely see the Huz, work all the time and I'm a full-time student.  I think the Huz was grateful.
Here's how it went down:

1. I cleaned the house. (turns the Huz on...)
2. Made dinner:

• Marinated rib-eye steaks in garlic and pepper
  
• A fresh salad: Romain, red onion, fuji apple chunks, strawberry slices and Poppy Seed dressing (its the shizzzz)
  
• Twice-baked potatoes
  
• Sauteed mushrooms
  

3. Baked a cake (from semi-scratch)
4. Baked four dozen cookies for church and my belly. (from scratch... fo realzzz)
5. Spent Sunday and Monday with my family.  Ate mass desserts. (They are fabulously intense - the desserts and the fam)
6. Bathed the dogs
7.Patched the Huz's favorite jeans with iron-on denim patches.  Ghetto-fabulous! 

Lucky for me, I don't have one.  Here's what my boss taught me this week:
1. Hamsters are distracting, albeit hilarious: 

2.  This woman is amazing and probably my sister:  Jamie the Very Worst Missionary
3.  Natasha's Bistro's lunch buffet is the shizzz.
4.  He used to be Tripp Crosby's boss and taught that guy how to be funny.
5.  That you can take an overgrown house plant and divide it into three plants!  Brilliant :)

So glad my boss it the boss.  You rock my face off Chad.

Today was epic.  Here's how it went:
1. Coffee, waiting for me "sink-side" as I showered with Cucumber-Melon body wash.
2. Made a breakfast shake consisting of orange juice and fresh strawberries with a vitamin powder.
3. Picked up prints at Kinko's, which turned out brilliant.
4. Met the boss at our client's office to have what turned out to be an amazingly successful meeting.
5. Ate the best sandwich on the planet at The Great Harvest Co. with a fantastic lady-friend.
6. Drank and iced coffee while driving to the office, listening to Bruno Mars.
7. Set up the office for a focus group while the boss got "all-genius" with his input.
8. Ate Tastebud's pizza and hung out with an amazing bunch a peeps.  Focus group: SUCCESS