Some rules of mine.

1. "weird is good."
My older sister used to say this in defense when I would call her weird when we were younger, when I was trying to use weird as an insult. I have realized over the years that I am completely weird, I love the weird, and that weird really is good. I don't really fit into anyone's stereotype, and I stinking love that about myself. Weird is good.

Weird Al is so sexy.

2. I really don't have enough shoes.
My dad will sigh at that one.

3. Do what you say you're gonna do.
I like to break the "young adults are flakes" stereotype and KEEP COMMITMENTS. Except if I fall asleep, in which case I am eternally sorry.

4. Keep learning.
I really adore learning. Anything. I love that at my new job I learn a ton, and my boss knows that and tries to explain why everything is done the way it is. I pick guys to date that I can learn something from. Like good grammar. (j/k- did you notice that last sentence? Someone needs to set me up with an English teacher.) I love asking questions and figuring out the "why." I'm four years old, apparently.

5. Try it yourself!
People often look at what I wearing/doing/trying to do but not really working it, and say, "I could never  pull that off/do that/have the guts to completely bomb at that like you are." To them I say: YEAH-HUH! The only reason I'm wearing this was because I put it on. I tried it, and I practiced in some cases, and that's how. Just try.
Refer to rule #1.

6. Be happy.
It's my choice. Take responsibility for your mood. My dad taught me this one.
Young Anne: (lamenting) Ugh you're making me so MAD/sad/frustrated, etc.
Wise father: I can't make you feel anything.
Young Anne: UGH.
I get it now. Within reason, I choose my mood. People ask me why I'm happy all the time, and I say it's because I like to be. It doesn't hurt that I'm also kinda awesome. *shrug*

Having adorable nieces and nephews helps.

Lil' bit o' love for Jelly Belly.

As I sit here at my desk eating the bag of Jelly Belly's my parents gave me for Valentine's Day (yeah, you just stop judging me, Mr. Judgy-judge), I contemplate on the wonder and exquisitosity that is Jelly Belly. For the following reasons.

1. Let's just all agree that some kind of witchcraft is going on at the Jelly Belly factory to make them taste as fantastic as they do. There is no human way to make something taste that much like buttered popcorn without a wizard or two hangin' round.
2. The surprise. Is this white one going to be french vanilla, cream soda or *death? (*coconut) It's like Christmas morning with each bean. Or in case you don't like fun, here's the flavor guide.
3. The recipes. It's the closest you can get to Willy Wonka's 3-Course Meal gum but you choose what you want to make. Who says you need to learn how to cook? I don't. Trust me. I would not tell you to go learn to cook, since that might mean I'd have to take my own advice. I shudder at the thought.
4. Sugar.
5. Again, buttered popcorn. I know it's a love or hate, but for me I luuurve it. It's my lactose-free version and the kernels don't get stuck in your gums. Pretty awesome.
6. Also, juicy pear. There are never enough.
7. Jelly Belly made Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans come to real life. Yes, that happened. And it was glorious.

8. I want to try these. They could be disappointing, but I will still eat them, probably.

Look how cute this 1989 ad for Jelly Belly is:

Crazy Pet Names

One of the many things I waste time thinking about are hilarious pet names. You know, the kind of name that makes people laugh. Or actually probably just make them wonder why you drank Windex for breakfast instead of a sensible bowl of cereal. Consider the following:

We had two cats growing up, Mickey and Minnie. They were siblings. Oh, the hilarity. Cats named after mice?!?! Hilarious, I tell you.

I only have a picture of Mickey because Minnie "ran away" years earlier. Mickey died a couple of years ago. I never knew I could miss one animal so much, but I do.


I also like the really-long-and-fussy-sounding-last-name for a name. Like Worthington. Or McGregor. You get the idea.

You may consider naming your pet after food. May I draw your attention to my friend's goldendoodle, Waffle.

She's famous. Watch this video of her as a puppy and try not to say "Aw".






You might try "V8", "Pasta Primavera", or the ubiquitous "Oreo" (although, imo, that one may be a bit overused. Your call, though). The name could correlate with their coloring... or not! Zing! You've now become clever.

For more pictures of pets check out Hello Giggles. I do appreciate that they include the pet's name.


If any of you are so inclined, send me pictures of your pet(s)! I really miss having one and love having many foster pets.

xoxo

Foux de fafa

I made a red tutu for my niece. She'll be able to wear it when she's about a year old. Not sure why the picture makes it look pink, but I promise it's bright red. So beautiful.

What have you guys made for Christmas?

Crayon canvas

I made these for my niece and nephew. I think they look AWESOME and they were really fun and easy to make. The wax just goes all over the place and it's hilarious. I want to make one for myself, too.