A New Friday for Me, and You

photo source

It's time for a change. I've been having a problem lately with discipline. I don't mean obeying other people (I am naturally 'well behaved', being a quiet and polite person), but I mean obeying myself. It's a little funny, I just let myself get away with anything. My food consumption and attitude has been running wild- bouncing on metaphorical couches and not cleaning up both visible and invisible messes. I can't take it anymore. I'm thinking this abandon was brought on by stress (late night musical rehearsals, not enough sleep, homework), but if I'm being honest (and I plan to be), I had all of these problems before stress made them worse.

So. I'm putting my foot down. Self, you can't be irresponsible anymore. You have to respond to your own needs. You are going to make some routines whether you like it or not. Sleeping. Eating. Teeth brushing. And even, yes, exercising. It's now or never.

Live life to the fullest.

Maybe this resonates with some of you.
Maybe you need to take that control back.
This isn't just for me.
Have a great weekend.
*

Monday!

photo source

Is it just me, or does blogging hold the magic to make my Mondays better? Because I've certainly been feeling better these Mondays. Ah, and it's good to be back! Let's go over some things I like about the first weekday, shall we?

Things I Like About Monday:

1) A new week, a new beginning I'm a little funny in this way, but I just feel good about any kind of new beginning.

2) Drinking coffee I usually skip coffee on the weekends, since I don't need the caffeine. It's a bit of a treat on Monday to have it again... mmm... so sweet and dark.

3) Accomplishing something As much as I'd love to extend my weekend for days and days, the truth is that I really never accomplish as much during the weekends as I do during the week. And there's something to be said about that feeling of doing actual work.

It's a small list, but it's something. Sorry I'm posting so late on Monday, but I had a late play practice today. :(

Hope you all started out the week well!
*

"60 and Main" and Other Pieces

This week has been so busy, because of musical rehearsal and bustling to get homework done by the end of the quarter. I am ecstatic to tell you that yesterday and today were great work days for me. I received an A on my creative writing journal, I started and finished an amazing little painting plus two other art pieces, and I have been nominated by my CR teacher as students of the month for my hard work! I don't have school tomorrow, and so today is an even bigger relief than normal.

"60 and Main"

This is a street intersection in my hometown, done in the amazing style of Leonid Afremov. This piece turned out so well that I have decided to make 'Street Scenes' my concentration in my art class. That means half of my pieces will be based on that theme. I got a bunch of compliments on this piece, and had two people even ask me to do a painting for them, and they would pay me. Reasons for my switch of concentration? I think it should be apparent.

"Figures in Sketch"

These are figure drawings of other students in my art class. I apologize that the picture is not very focused, but you get the general idea. I experimented with new kinds of pencil, and chalk to complete this piece. It was a bit empty, so I added floral themes for each figure, and had them intermingle.

My third piece will be displayed on Lola Everyday, tomorrow. ;)

Tomorrow, new playlist!

Have a great Friday!
*

Results of Today's Shopping Excursion

1) I now know how tasty pistachio muffins are.
2) I have a new [for the first time!] purse
[I LOVE IT, AND IT'S THE PERFECT SIZE!]
3) I bonded with my mommy!
4) I have that much less time to work on my homework...
oops...

Here I Am... Miss America... ;)

Thank you to the sweet Farah of Ramblings of An Inane Mind for nominating me for the Kreativ Blogger award. I'm flattered. :)

SO! Now I'm persuaded to share Seven little-know things about myself...
Which I think is better than an acceptance speech anyway. ;)
(Wow, you guys are just learning a lot about me this week!)

1. I really love feeling clean. I was raised by a germaphobe who taught me to always wash my hands after doing anything. Nowadays, I'm not afraid of germs, but I do crave that clean feeling on my hands... and feet. I am more likely to spend my money on body lotions and washes (and bubble bath supplies) than on any other indulgence.

2. My favorite flowers are Stargazer lilies, though Forget Me Nots (see my banner) are a close second.

3. If I'm upset, I might be going out to buy makeup. It's silly, since I don't like wearing makeup except for on special occasions, but when I'm craving comfort, I usually take the couple dollars I have to my name and go out to purchase a new lip gloss. It's a safer option than a brownie... which would just cause a vicious cycle of discontent ("I can't believe I ate that brownie! Now I need to eat another one, I'm so upset!").

4. Lilly and I had a gossipy telephone conversation via a Starbucks thermos and a ceramic boot, and it was AWESOME. (make-believe is more fun than rolling down huge hills)

5. My perfect day begins with jumping out of bed (rather than slumping...), includes eating awesome food with people I love, and ends with a movie night. Along with other things like exercising, reading blogs while drinking coffee or tea, and getting a good grade/compliment.

6. Reading or posting to my other blog, (which I share with the adorable Amy) is the first thing I look forward to in the mornings.

7. If the whole architecture career backfires, I'd love one of the following jobs: coffee shop barista, Barnes&Noble bookkeeper, master of movie theatre concessions, pagemaster... (wait.. not that last one)

And now for the next nominees!

1. Alissa
2. Janice
3. Athena
4. Jamie
5. Amy
6. Brigitte
7. Nicole


The Rules:

1. Remember to thank the person who nominated you! (and link to them from your blog)
2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.
4. State seven things about yourself that most people don't know.
5. Nominate 7 other Kreativ Bloggers. (and link to them too!)
7. Leave a comment on each of the lucky duckies' blogs letting them know.

("These award shows bore me to tears. Flip over to Wheel of Torture!" -Gingy, Shrek 2)

On Me

*inspired by Janice's post

My name is Heidi. I have only gotten happier as I've gotten older (I used to be a real crab). I'm so glad that I've become mature enough to stop taking life so seriously. (I love Futurama, by the way... even though I don't watch tv much)

I love food. I love to cook meals for the people I love.


I want to learn how to dance well-I admire the grace and control it takes. But for now, it's just silly "Heidi dancing" in my living room.


I'm an artist, but I prefer writing.


I like to work on my own, and I try to do things the best I can, the first time.


That means I naturally take things slower than everyone else. (which is usually a good thing, just not on the ACT)


I'm a dreamer, and I believe everyone has good in them.

I love my silly family- especially my sisters.


I believe natural beauty is better than any other kind.
I love trying new things and making new friends.

I'm silly, and spontaneous. I'm confident in who I am.

That's me.

WRITING IT OUT

photo source

I've been working on creative writing homework all day, and right now I'm taking a wee break.
I am really enjoying my new thermos- it is an utter delight for me to taste how my coffee is still hot, though it's been sitting for hours off the heat. I'm a bit disappointed myself that my posts have been a little on=and-off, but it will probably be like that for the next couple weeks, since I have a lot going on with school. {Then again, most of my homework is writing, which can be done at my computer... if you see where I'm going ;) }

I need to say that even though I haven't been posting, I've been reading. And I love your blogs! Keep being beautiful and inspiring. Your posts really cheer me up and add that extra substance to my days.

I'm in the mood for a cartoon:

Off-Day

photo credit

I woke up today with the sniffles, and after doing some refreshing yoga and eating some yummy french toast made lovingly by my mom, my day got a little worse as one thing after another went wrong. Granted, they were little things (like I wanted soup for lunch, and it just happened to be one of the days when the school wasn't serving soup... and I went to musical practice, feeling totally crummy but determined to tough it out, only to be told that I didn't need to be there), but there were a lot of them, and these things add up.

Overwhelmed, I actually started crying when I was calling home for a ride back from the practice I didn't need to be at. It just wasn't my day.

Thank goodness for loving mothers who take you to the store on these days to buy some soup and apple juice (the beverage that is so comforting when heated up) and rent a movie.

Have any of you been sick recently or had an off-day? What do you do to feel better?

YESTERDAY!

I GOT A NEW PHONE!?!?! FOR THE FIRST TIME!!!!! ISN'T IT AWESOME!?!?!?!

sO, yes.... Most excellent.
Rich came over in the morning, and we went to the coffee shop to get lattes and a chocolate muffin. I went to musical practice beforehand, and when my mom came to pick me up, she was excited to surprise me (and when my mom is excited, she bounces up and down like a little kid) with something. I actually thought at the time that she knew about this. But it was a cellphone!!! YEAH!!!!!!!
I spent the whole rest of the day on Myxer and texting people. Mostly Jeremy. And then Katie and Amy. So yesterday was pretty awesome.

Day Off School

photo source

So, I woke up this morning and my ankle had swelled a little balloon inside it.
I could barely hobble to the staircase to tell my mom what happened last night (I was hoping it would get better, and I could skip the, "That's why you shouldn't go jogging in the evening" all together).
And I'm thinking this is (fortunately, and unfortunately) my worst injury ever. I have never broken any bones, and apart for some spurts of pain in my back earned from trampolines (which I avoid like the plague now), I've never been limited in movement like this before. Don't worry though, I can walk around a bit now and was even able to take a shower! Oh yeeaahhh!!

Well, I can't exactly go to school and walk back and forth to all my classes in my current state so today's agenda entails coffee, the internet, and sitting. :)

And the Routine Settles in Like Fog...

photo source

Hey guys! Things are pretty normal around here... I've already developed a new routine:

6:00am- Woken up by Moma, fall back asleep, fail to remember later
6:30am- Wake up for real, go downstairs, don't shower if I can get away with it, and prepare for school while all the while staring off into the distance in a half-sleeping manner
7:22am- Run into the school so as to make the 25-after bell
7:25am- School coma sets-in
8:20am- While sitting in Math class, dig into my lunch bag for a couple chips
10:50am- Meet Kelly in the Choir room to go to really-early-lunch time (chips, sandwich, and dessert)
12:02pm- Talk about literature in AP Lit class
12:55pm- Slip back into school coma
2:40pm- Find Kelly
2:42pm- Leave the school with Kelly (who usually likes to stand in the sun, instead of under the shade) and look for an approaching Little Blue
~3:00pm- Walk into the house, over to my computer, and turn on my game: 2Moons
3:30pm- finish up killing monsters or fishing, and attempt to call Rich who does not answer because he's in class (but I want to talk to him anyway)


Exciting, huh? I want to just put my routine in a glass jar and shake it up! Soooooo boring!
Any suggestions for spicing up my life?

The Life I Want Starts Now

photo source

I realize that nothing is going to happen in my life until I make it happen. And that I can have everything I want in the time that I have. I just need to be patient; everything will happen in it's own good time. I will not feel like one little failure (or bunches) messes me up. I have my whole life, and I only have one. I am going to go after what I want.

When I am at the end of my life, I won't be able to relive anything; but I will be able to think, 'I appreciated all of it.'

Right now? I'm listening to the excellent 'Empire State of Mind' by Jay-Z and eating a brownie. With Nutella on it, no less. Mmm..

My Art Assignment

A Personal Note From The Writer

photo source

Is it alright to have more whipped topping than coffee in your cup? If it's a small cup, I think so. Sometimes we just need to indulge ourselves.

Oh, and if you want to know my opinion on anything, just ask. I know it's a bit far reaching to say that, but hey- who doesn't like sharing their opinion?

I am reminded of these lines from Casanova (2005):
Casanova: I have too long dominated the conversation. What are your thoughts on the matter?
Francesca: What did you just say?

Oh, Heath Ledger. You win me over every time.

Side Note: Today is 9-9-09, and I would like to give a little hoorah! This is also my 99th post. (Isn't it great how irony works? By the way, I was writing a paper on irony when I realized the date... wow)So here are your balloons. Check out the song 99 Red Balloons, while you're at it.

Passing Through

photo source

I say, people go in and out of our lives all the time, and there are plenty of them that we don't get to know before they've passed us by.
I want to know something about you. Something I don't know. Something important. Or not.

More than once a year, usually, I rearrange my room. The last time I rearranged it, I plugged in a night light. I've never used a night light before in my life, and now it's there every night. It's in the shape of a smiling flower. I got it from my Grandma.

A Little About School

photo source

Well, my art class (AP Art Studio) is going to be tough. And why? Because I will have to produce 1 piece of artwork every 10 days. This poses a challenge since I am an EXTREMELY slow working/meticulous artist. I take my time in most things, and especially this. So... a little worried here.

I may share pictures of my artwork, as I make it. That is, as long as you guys behave yourselves. No late night partying (Kelly), or excessive drinking (Lilly). Group dance-offs are still okay (Amy). So- you know -just keep your own posting regular and once in a while you'll be treated to some personal artwork. Maybe I could inspire you guys too, no?

Things Which Make Me Happy

photo source

First of all, I would like to thank everyone for their good humor over my last post, which was - admittedly - slightly horrible. :) TODAY will be dedicated to pure goodness! So here is my list:

1. As I have just stated, my readers make me happy! Thank you so very much for reading. You have no idea how much blogging cheers me up- including reading all those blogs I follow.. :D

2. Chow Chows!! (hence the picture) Among my list of life goals (get married, attend and graduate college, etc.) is Own a Chow Chow. I will have fun with it every day and every time I look at it's fluffy face, I will be a little bit happier.

3. Cheese! Being from Wisconsin, it would be completely unheard of for me to dislike cheese, but I would say I love it excessively. So tasty. Cheese can make nearly any food (of course, desserts are omitted- though cream cheese adds so nicely to some...) taste better.

4. Movies. I love movies. And I love going to the movie theatre. Something needs to really be upsetting me if a trip to the movies does not help my mood.

5. Photography. I am a total shutterbug like everyone else in my family. I fully appreciate a beautiful picture. A good picture has the ability to completely cheer me up, motivate me, inspire me, or move me.

Thanks a Latte!

It started last night when I actively (or in this case, inactively) decided not to set my alarm. This is a lesson that I never seem to learn: Without an alarm to wake me up, I do not wake up when a normal human should. For some reason I continue to suffer from the delusion that I will naturally wake up after 8-9 hours of sleep instead of the more realistic 12 hours I usually take.

SO! In the 10th hour of my snore fest, I was awakened by Amy at my door (I was really half-awake and just unwilling to get out of bed) and the moment she called my name, I yelled (as much as a half-asleep drone can), "NOOOOOOOOO!!!!" Only slowly, and like I was being called to the other side. I sat up in my bed and after a very intense moment of us not moving...

Amy: "Do you want to go to the coffee shop?"

Me: "....Okay."

Yay for Cherry Almond Lattes. Or any kind of latte for that matter. Afterwards, I took the cute little cups and turned them into little cup-banks for coffee money. One for Amy and one for me. I love being creative, and I'm becoming more prone to it, which is extra good. What do you think?

What was something creative you did recently?

Being the Mom

photo source

So yesterday I was The Mom and prepared lunch (Mexican Chicken Noodle Platter) and dinner (Perfectly vegetarian spaghetti). We even sat at the table instead of in the living room like cavemen! It was great! Bonus points: we rinsed our dishes and prayed beforehand. {Kelly wanted to say Grace but I told her, "No because you're a smartass." It was quite amusing.}

Do you ever 'play mom' to people not your children? {Bonus points if you've mothered people your age or older}

If We Were a Family of Muppets

Danny would be a mix between Beaker and Swedish Chef.

Amy would be something like Fozzie Bear... but with a little bit of Animal.

Lilly would be Bean.

I can only assume Kelly would be Rizzo the rat. I think he's funny.

I think Katie would be Zoe.

Davey could only be the Count I think... you know. He works with Math and stuff...

On second thought, he's probably more like Waldorf and Statler...

Moma is pretty girly, so I think she would be Miss Piggy.

Daddy is a bit like Cookie Monster. Except more of an Everything for a Deal Monster.

That's all for now!