Book Review: The Idiot Girls' Action-Adventure Club

Happy Friday everyone! I finally finished a book in the midst of all this chaos that’s been going on around me (no, I don’t have it up on the side bar of my blog. I’ve been busy alright?! Lay off!).

That being said, I figured now would be a perfect time to link up with one of my all-time fave bloggers, Heather from Blonde… Undercover Blonde for a book review!

 

Today, I’m sharing:

I’m going to be real honest here… I picked up this book a few months ago and thought it was going to be the funniest book ever alas, I was let down.

I kind of ran out of books to read on my shelf and figured I’d give it another go.

Here’s the overview I found on Barnes and Noble:

“I’ve changed a bit since high school. Back then I said no to using and selling drugs. I washed on a normal basis and still had good credit.”

Introducing Laurie Notaro, the leader of the Idiot Girls’ Action-Adventure Club. Every day she fearlessly rises from bed to defeat the evil machinations of dolts, dimwits, and creepy boyfriends—and that’s before she even puts on a bra.

For the past ten years, Notaro has been entertaining Phoenix newspaper readers with her wildly amusing autobiographical exploits and unique life experiences. She writes about a world of hourly-wage jobs that require absolutely no skills, a mother who hands down judgments more forcefully than anyone seated on the Supreme Court, horrific high school reunions, and hangovers that leave her surprised that she woke up in the first place.

The misadventures of Laurie and her fellow Idiot Girls (“too cool to be in the Smart Group”) unfold in a world that everyone will recognize but no one has ever described so hilariously. She delivers the goods: life as we all know it.

Raise your hands if anyone else has read this book, let alone even heard of it? I had found it while I was perusing the Half Price book shelves one day… the overview grabbed my attention but I’ve got to admit, I wasn’t really impressed. I mean, sure the stories were pretty funny and she’s got wit when it comes to her writing but, I guess I had higher expectations that were not met.

If you haven’t read it yet, I suggest you do and let me know what you think of it. I’d be willing to read another one of her books mainly just to compare it to this one.

Hope everyone has a fantabulous weekend!

(Photo credits: via Pinterest)

It's Ok Thursday

In what little time I did find to blog today, I decided to link up with two of my fave blogging gals, Neely and Amber for It’s Ok Thursdays!

 

It’s OK… to not have any time to a. read blogs or b. write up any blog posts lately because I’ve been so freaking swamped at work and with volleyball. The song “she works hard for the money” keeps replaying in my head.

It’s OK… to be a little discouraged about maintaining the same weight due to this “little to no saturated fat” diet I’ve been on instead of losing weight. However, thanks to some advice from a Twitter friend of mine, I’m going to be trying some little core exercises from the comfort of my own home and see if I see any results. Wish me luck?

It’s OK… to be a little stressed about all the plans and dreams Kenny and I have and all the goals we want to achieve next year and in the years to come. I just keep telling myself, there’s nothing to stress about… everything takes time and it will all fall into place perfectly. Sometimes I just want to tell the positive side of my conscious to shut the hell up… I mean really? What does it know? ;)

It’s OK… that only a few girls from my club team last season made either C-team or JV. They are still improving their skills and getting experience. On that note, I’m so unbelievably proud of the girls who have made the high school Varsity teams. They are all playing so well! (Making the rounds to see all of them play is a bit exhausting but totally worthwhile).

It’s OK… to miss coaching my high school Varsity team. That’s all I’m going to say about that.

It’s OK… to be slightly nervous about this upcoming club volleyball season; even if I am just assisting this year. Side note: I LOVE head coaching (aka being in charge) but I felt I needed to take a step back this year for my own sanity).

It’s OK… to never want to shower, or put on my make up or get dressed up to go to work in the mornings. Some days, I’d rather just look like a slob.

It’s OK… to be slightly annoyed by friends lately and not want to hang out with anyone but Kenny, seeing as how we seem to never have “us” time anymore.

It’s OK… to not go out on Friday nights and go to bed instead. Saturday nights too, for that matter.

It's OK... to ALWAYS find time to do some pinning on that site we all know and love; Pinterest. Are you following me yet? You might think you're following but then you find out you're not! :(

What’s OK with you?

Why The Hell Not?

I’ve seen quite a few bloggers do this lately and figured I might as well jump on the bandwagon seeing as how I’ve been so obsessed with weddings lately.

(some of my favorite love song lyrics/quotes courtesy of this site. And they completely pertain to how I feel.)

Dear Future Husband,

I love you to the moon.

Don’t know how you do it. I love the way I lose it, every time. What’s even better is knowing that forever you’re all mine.

I hope to make you the happiest you’ve ever been.

I made a promise to myself to say each day how much you mean to me, and avoid that circumstance where there’s no second chance to tell you how I feel.

I hope to make you proud, to make you smile, laugh and even sometimes cry (tears of joy, of course).

I wanna spend the rest of my life with you by my side, forever and ever.

Source: armosastudios.com via Kristine on Pinterest

It’s your love. It just does something to me. It sends a shock right through me. I can’t get enough.

Source: tumblr.com via Kristine on Pinterest

I hope to have days filled with our silliness.

When I’m lying wrapped up in your arms, the whole world just fades away. The only thing I heard is the beating of your heart.

Source: midwesterntouch.blogspot.com via Kristine on Pinterest

I pray our love never dies.

I cross my heart, and promise to give all I’ve got to give to make all your dreams come true.

Source: google.com via Kristine on Pinterest

I hold everything when I hold you in my arms. I’ve got all I’ll ever need thanks to the keeper of the stars.

Source: google.com via Kristine on Pinterest

Like a perfect scene from a movie screen, we’re a dream come true, suited perfectly for eternity. Me and you.

Source: google.com.au via Benjamin on Pinterest

And here by your side, or a million miles away, nothing’s ever gonna change the way I feel, the way it is, is the way that is was.

Source: google.es via Carol on Pinterest

I’m gonna love you forever.

Forever and ever, amen.

The Definition of a "Busy Bee"

...is me!

Seriously, you guys I've been so freaking swamped lately, I haven't had time to sit down and read blogs from this past weekend. Lord knows my Google reader is just blowing up right now.

I wish I could tell y'all that I've been up in the gym just working on my fitness but sadly, that'd be a lie. However, my little to no saturated fat diet has been going quite swimmingly. Aside from the fact this past weekend escapdes forced me to make some not so healthy choices. It pretty much said "fuck you" to my cholestorol this weekend.

No, in fact I've been so freaking busy at work. For the past few months, I've been pulled in so many different directions and every time I think things are going to slow down, something else comes along and drags me in an entirely different direction.

I've been pretty stressed out with work but, I'm thankful to have a job at all so I can't complain too much.

On to volleyball. Ugh. I don't remember if I've mentioned this before but, two of the girls on my team just DO NOT get volleyball and it's so frustrating. But I realize what I'm working with and that it will all take time and I'm there to help them learn the sport and improve; it's not about competition.

Some other things that have been stressing me out:

Me and Kenny's future.

Blah. I know I shouldn't stress I just think we're at the point where we are so ready to live together. We've been together on and off for over four and a half years and the closest we've been to living together is when I stayed at his house for a few months.

Anyhow, I've been in kind of a "blogging rut" lately with all this stress I've had but I'm hoping to get back on track this week! Keyword: 'hoping'.

I might even pin up with Michelle tomorrow for some Pinteresting items :)

I Don't Normally Do This...

And when I say "this" I mean a short post. About pretty much nothing.

But here we are. 

I don't have much to say today... mainly because it's been so stormy all day (ohhh how I love fall!) and all I wanna do is lay on the couch and catch up on One Tree Hill. 

So here's a quick recap on my weekend:

Friday was another night of volleyball practice. I understand these girls are young and some of them may have never played competitively but let's be serious here; after four practices, you would think they would know the difference between 'setting' and 'blocking' and 'hitting'. 

Moving on... I went to Kenny's and instead of going to the bar (see Friday's post), we laid in bed and watched Bridesmaids. Because that's how we roll on Friday nights. Let me rephrase that: I watched Bridesmaids... Kenny fell asleep. 

My review on Bridesmaids? Wasn't as funny as I thought. It almost seemed like they tried to hard. I got really frustrated during the speeches at the engagement party. And laughed a lot at the groom's sister. She was probably the best part.

That's all.

Saturday (was my dad's birthday!!) I ran errands with my madre.

Then we went to a family friend's wedding. I've known these kids since birth. Literally. 

If our parents had it their way, I'd be in an arranged marriage with one of them. 

(no need to mention that I may or may not have had a fling with one)

I can't make this shit up, people.

Mom and Pop -- he may have gotten a shout out during one of the toasts at the wedding.

Me and the broski. P.S. check out the lights in the background... they were glass blown vases! Amazing.

Yes, the reception was at a brewery (which has bomb dot com food). And a beer glass was their favors (cute)... And then there's my wine.

Me and the bride! Love her :) Hate that I look a might be larger. Yikes.

P.S. I may have been a few glasses of wine in... along with two shots of whipped cream vodka... over OJ.

The cake. 

The groom's cake... bad picture but the groom is an avid golfer so it was a hole at a golf course with golf balls, lime and personalized beer. Kind of a cute idea. Wait till you see Kenny's groom's cake... you'll think we're stars on the show My Big Fat Redneck Wedding.

The Bride and Groom 

And there's my old 'flame' making his speech.

And there we are. Getting an early start on our engagement photos.

We have many pictures just like this one... although we were all maybe 2 or 3 years old... Yes, I grew up with these two crazy brothers. Love them like whoa.

So that was the wedding.

Then I convinced Kenny to meet me at the bar along with some friends of ours.

My parents dropped me off at the bar. I keep it classy, yo.

And I may or may not have got hammered drunk. I'd like to say there are pictures but thankfully, I forgot my camera. I say thankfully because I can't imagine what those pics would look like. Yikes.

It was the best drunken time I've had in a LONG time.

Sunday was volleyball. Yes, I know it was supposed to be a hike, too but I don't think I even made a move until 10. Damn me and my drinking habits. 

So that was my weekend. 

And The Winner Is...

NIKKI!!

From Me 2 We Est. 2011!!

Ya see what I did there to make her name 'pop'? I'm so effing crafty I can hardly stand myself.

She is now (or will be once I mail it to her) the proud owner of this baby:

$50 big ones to Tar-jay?! What's not to love?!

Congrats Nikki and thanks to all of you who entered!

Look for my next giveaway (hopefully coming sooner than later!

Nikki -- email me all your 4-1-1 at ka(dot)wilen(at)gmail(dot)com.

I'd like to point out that after volleyball practice tonight, I got all dolled up (ah, you caught me. I don't get 'dolled' up) to go to my FAVE sports bar right smack dab in the downtown Duv. Unfortunately for me, Kenny has decided that's not an option tonight. I put on my best, only worn for the past three days blue jeans, actually put on a bra AND undewear and a tank top and for what? Nothing. Fucking bullshit. All I wanted was a freaking GOLDEN APPLE people. If you have any pity for me, please feel free to send a drink my way.

Is This Real Life?!

Is This Real Life?!

Okay you guys, we need to talk about something.

This contraption some nit-wit, clearly not in his right mind, thought up.

The Ride of Your Lifetime

Literally.

This bad boy has been rightfully named The Euthanasia Coaster.

Designer Julijonas Urbonas (what ethnicity do you think that is?) had the brilliant idea to concoct this “ride of your life along with the last ride of your life”.

According to the article found on the Discovery website, “The three-minute ride involves a long, slow, climb -- nearly a third of a mile long -- that lifts one up to a height of more than 1,600 feet, followed by a massive fall and seven strategically sized and placed loops. The final descent and series of loops take all of one minute. But the gravitational force -- 10 Gs -- from the spinning loops at 223 miles per hour in that single minute is lethal.”

Let me just point out that this would be voluntary euthanasia and seeing as how Oregon and my lovely home state of Washington are the only states in the U.S. that allow voluntary euthanasia, it would only make sense that they build this coaster here in the Pacific Northwest.

So many questions arise about this controversial ride (mainly between me and Carly because we have such morbid thoughts) such as:

Is it a ‘one-car’ ride? Or do they have to wait until all the cars are filled up in order to go?

Is there a height or weight limit?

How long is the wait? Do they have signs up like at Disneyland that say “45 minute wait”?

Who’s down at the bottom of the ride to scoop all the dead bodies out of the car? The amusement park coroner?

Do you think they have to clean the cars out after every ride because of all the bodily fluids that the prior rider lost due to his death? (Car-Car made a good point; who wants to sit in someone else’s piss and doody on their ride to death?)

Do death row inmates get to choose the way they are executed? If I were them, I’d probably choose the one that provides euphoria prior to seeing the white light rather than be in a room where people watch you get a lethal injection. Just sayin’.

As you can see, these questions could go on for days. My girly-friend Bekah and I had the same morbid thoughts and feelings towards the broad that missed the memo about putting her feet up on the Superman ride (where ever that is) and as a result of that, got her feet severed. Luckily for her, they were found a few hours later, scattered about the amusement park.

Seriously people, what are your thoughts on this? I’m speechless yet have so many questions that need to be answered.

Visit the aforementioned website to learn more about what they hope to call the “ultimate death-cheating thrill ride”.

I don’t know about you but with a name like that, I’m just dying to try it… no pun intended. (Okay, a little pun intended).

Don’t forget to enter my 100 Followers Giveaway! Winner is picked tomorrow!

100 Followers?! That Deserves A Giveaway!

WOW!!!!

When I started this blog (in May of this year!), I never would've imagined that I would get to this many followers, let alone any at all (aside from my co-workers and in-real-like friends).

Thank you soooo much to all of you stalking following me!! It means so much that y'all actually care about what I have to say and want to get to know me better and for who I am.

Without further ado, here's what I'm giving away to one of you lovely ladies (or men? If I've got a dude following me, speak up yo!):

A $50 gift card to the one and only TARGET!

I know what y'all are thinking right now, "Yeeeeyeee!" Let's face it; we all channel our inner Turtle Man every once in a while.

And how can one not LOVE this giveaway? First of all, it's got the sweetest wittle fella as their 'mascot'; a bull terrier. I just wuv them. Second, I mean... it's Target! DUH! Who isn't obsessed with Target?! I could seriously spend hours both in store and online. 

What's that? You wanna know how to join this fantabulous giveaway? Here's what needs to happen:

* 1 entry - MUST follow my blog. Obvs.

* 1 entry - Follow me on Twitter

* 2 entries - Tweet about my giveaway (include my Twit 'handle'!)

* 2 entries - Blog about the giveaway (and send me the link!)

Be sure to leave ONE comment below for each of these "requirements"... is that the word I wanna use? Y'all know I'm not the brightest when it comes to grammar. 

Drawing will be done this FRIDAY, September 23rd at 9:00pm PST. Give or take a few minutes, naturally.

Good luck, dolls!

If Only I Was This Stylish.

It’s Day Two of Neely and Amber’s Fabulous Fall Blog Challenge and seeing as how I am absolutely in HEART with Neely & Amber, of course I’m gonna be linking up with them!

Today’s topic is Fall Clothes/Trends/Makeup

Naturally, I don’t have too many fall “staple” items of clothing (mainly because I’m broke as a joke), so I’m stealing ideas of what I would like to wear during the fall… if I was a fashionista… in which case I am not. Let’s be real here people; my fave “fall attire” is my blue jeans, boots and a sweatshirt (or my comfy Mossy Oak camo jacket). Who’s with me!?

No one? Okay, then. Moving on.

Source: polyvore.com via Kristine on Pinterest

Ah, camel colors. I love camels. Have any of you ever seen a camel in real life? They are effing ginormous! I would know; they had one at the Puyallup Fair last year. Sadly, I didn’t see the little fella this year.

Source: lifes-a-journal.com via Kristine on Pinterest

Perfect for those ‘not quite fall but, not quite the end of summer days’. You know what I’m talking about.

Source: polyvore.com via Kristine on Pinterest

So, I love browns and reds together. Hence, I love this ensemble.

Source: polyvore.com via Kristine on Pinterest

I love being cozy/comfy. This looks like it fits my criteria of ‘the perfect fall outfit’.

Source: fatface.com via Kristine on Pinterest

I’ve got such a fascination with hoodies and sweatshirts. I think I am in NEED of this article of clothing.

Please feel free to purchase it for me. Thanks.

Source: polyvore.com via Kristine on Pinterest

I really, really, REALLY like this outfit. If only I could wear that cropped denim jacket at work…

Source: polyvore.com via Kristine on Pinterest

Um, so I wanna wear this outfit to work, mmkay? Fanks.

So, these are the outfits I like to think I can a. afford and b. be able to pull off.

Seeing as how neither A nor B seem to be a possibility, I am stuck dreaming.

That’s all.

Is It Fall Yet?!

I am a BIG believer in the fall season so naturally I'm linking up with two of my fave gals Neely & Amber for their Fabulous Fall Blog Challenge!

I am pretty sure I love everything about fall. Like for reals. Why are we sitting here wasting time talking about how much I love it?! Allow me to show you my fave fall traditions...

Volleyball -- everything about this picture makes me happy.

Corn Mazes -- this corn maze is about a half hour or so from my house. They their mazes look like something crazy from air every year. It's probably the most fun you'll ever have. Just be sure to wear boots because there is a good chance you'll sprain your ankle. Not that that's ever happened to me. Oh, and they have a 'haunted' maze. Be prepared to scream!

Visiting Pumpkin Patches!

FOOTBALL! Granted, my boys (the one and only Seahawks) haven't had a very good start but, it's still early in the season. Don't give up hope yet!

The Fairs -- Evergreen State Fair and the Puyallup Fair

And my all-time fall favorite... HALLOWEEN!!! Seriously, I go all out for Halloween. I start planning next year's costume the day AFTER Halloween... if that makes any sense? This year's costume is TOP secret but I promise... you're gonna love it. 

Here's some of my past costumes:

2007 -- I'm the "Bavarian" Girl

2008 -- I was a sailor. So far, this one has been my favorite costume.

2009 -- I was a firefighter. I thought I was gonna LOVE this costume... I was wrong. I hated it.

2010 -- I was the Scarecrow... with Dorothy and the Tin Man. I wasn't really happy with this costume either. I'm hoping this year's costume tops them all.

Dick #1 and I were Batman and Robin in 2006 but sadly, I can't find those pictures :( 

I can't freaking WAIT for Halloween! Not that I have any parties lined up yet but, I'm sure something will come along.