Holy shit it's been forever.

Since June I have:
+Celebrated Jake's 24th birthday with a huge party that started out wonderful and then got worse and worse.
+Had several LAN parties with Jake's brother and bonded.
+Reconnected with Vic and Caro only to lose touch again. Why must college distract them from me so?!
+Gone to Disneyland for the first time with my love for our three-year anniversary.
+Quit my job at Fred Meyer much to my elation and the emptying of my bank account.
+Thrown a wonderful Halloween party with friends I hadn't seen for a long time <3
+Been fat and happy (but not happy about being fat...started gymming, quit again, started, quit, started).

And now! I have decided to help out my broke parents by cooking and hosting my first Thanksgiving dinner! I'm pretty nervous but I think I can pull it off. I have no idea how to cook a turkey but my mom is going to help me so that's one relief. And I'm only cooking two new things. It's going to be mom and John, Tara and Chris, me and Jake. We usually spend Thanksgiving with my family and then Christmas with Jake's. Plus I don't think I could cook for many more people. We're already having seating issues. Anyway!

The Menu:
+Turkey
+Mashed potatoes and gravy
+Thanksgiving Praline Yams
+Cauliflower cassarole
+Rolls
+Cranberry sauce
+Stuffing
+Corn bread
+Delicious wines and cranberry vodka tonics.

Which seems like a lot for 6 people but I love leftovers.'

In other news: video games!

Livejournals are SO 2004.

http://katmc2.tumblr.com/

Started a cooking blog, y'all!

http://madebyfood.blogspot.com/

Check it out :D

Yes, I'm still alive. And happily. I'm just terrible at updating my LJ. Sure I come to read my friend page daily, but I neglect to update it to reflect my life. So let's begin.

Thanksgiving I spent with just my parents and sister because Jake had to work. I brought him home some food, had to work at 5 on Black Friday and attempted to keep myself sane through many Rockstars. It did not work.

My 21st Birthday was kind of amazing, but terrible at the same time. The day of my birthday I went to work and discovered my bays (area where I keep my overstock shit in the stockroom) decorated with streamers and chocolate. Later that day Diny bought me a cake and they passed around a card. It was very sweet. My mom took me out directly after work to the Ale House where I got very silly off of Cosmos and White Russians and won some cash on pull-tabs. The next day (I think?) was the party with all my friends. We went to Farrelli's and ate delicious food, Chase was a total dick and gave me a PS3 box stuffed with cake mix, and I had too many drinks that didn't get me silly enough, so I kept drinking more and more. Back home with a few friends I drank even MORE and then puked and passed out and my darling boyfriend drew a penis on my arm and the phrase "Poop Balls" and then took a picture and sent it to all our friends. Ahh, true love. But yeah I didn't want to drink very much after that for a while.

Christmas was lovely. We spent Eve with my parents and sister and Chris and made it a Feliz Navidad Xmas Party by eating tacos. I pushed for sombreros but it was not well received. Got some really awesome gifts the next morning, and we went to Jake's grandparents' house for their huge family celebration. Food was awesome and it was really nice because at one point I sat down and had a heart-to-heart with Jake's mom. That was the first time we ever really talked by ourselves so it meant a lot. She also said I fit perfectly into the family and that made me happy :)

New Years was uneventful. I think we went to bed around 11 after trying to choke down some $4 champagne. Gross.

Insert work, work, WoW, hanging out with friends, chillin with Niko.

Which brings us to this past weekend. Jake took me to Ocean Shores for a romantic getaway. We stayed at the Best Western for two nights and relaxed. We watched a lot of movies, had a lot of sex, slept wonderfully, ate well, drove on the beach, and each lost $50 at the casino. It was a very enjoyable, romantic, awesome weekend. It sucks to be back now. And it was unfortunate that Jake got sick on our departure day (Friday) and now I'm sick, of course.

Lately the relationship between me and my sister has been strained. She moved out with Chris (her boyfriend of THREE MONTHS. AND SHE DOESN'T HAVE A JOB) and has since been a little cocky, overly independent, and harsh. She's quick to blow up on me and it seems like every time I try to talk to her online or anything we get in a fight and she doesn't talk to me again until she feels lonely and wants to hang out. This last time though it was a ridiculous argument and she hasn't talked to me for a couple weeks. I'm not sure how to resolve it but I hate having this shitty relationship with my sister. I'm not sure what's making her do it or making me take everything personally but I hope it can resolve itself soon. I'm out of ideas.

With my tax return I am able to pay off $1000 on my car, which is the biggest burden to me right now. It seems like until I can pay it off I won't be able to go to school or get married. Well sure we could get married but it would be kind of irresponsible. But I can't pay off my car unless I'm working full time and I can't go to school if I'm always working. It sucks and it'll make school come later than I thought but this way I only have one debt to worry about at a time. And hope in the meantime we can at least save for that marriage thing. And if I got a ring soon too that would be cool (no pressure).

I'm also trying to go to the gym three times a week. My weight is getting out of control and it's frustrating and upsetting to me. There's no reason I should be overweight and feel bad about myself and not be confident. I just gotta make changes in my life to help myself become more healthy. My goal is to drop like 30-40lbs. which seems like a harsh, far-away goal. But how I feel about myself and my life inside isn't matched by how I'm presenting myself outside and this is making me a little uncomfortable in my own body. I just gotta keep motivated! And avoid cookies!

My head is filled with snot and ache now so I'm going to relax with my man. I'll update soon, hopefully~!

I'm so lucky I got to see it happen. I hope all the best for President Obama and for the future of this country. I'm very very happy.

Autumn is here! It's 7 in the evening and pitch black outside already. I dressed appropriately for fall and then Mother Nature flipped me the bird and made it like 60+ degrees outside, which was kind of terrible. Except I got to drive with the windows down.

I suck at updating this thing. Let's see, what's happened?

Well our 2nd Anniversary passed very pleasantly. Went to the fair, went on rides, looked at stuff, ate junk. I don't think we played any games though. Oh except the one where you throw dimes at crappy china and then win it. We have a yellow cup and a fruit-covered plate from the 70's. I buried them under the other dishes :D We went out and had sushi, made a little love, and that was that. No card and flowers which was kinda disappointing. And definitely no question.

Since then we've been hanging out with Niko (who had his balls chopped off and you can't even tell, he's even more insane), I've been getting more adventurous with my cooking, and we've been watching a lot of shows. Right now it's Lost and we're on the very beginning of Season 2. It's really good considering I'm super underwhelmed by this new season of Heroes and need something to fill the void. Also been hanging out with new friends (well old friends for Jake) Chris and Tyler and that's a lot of fun. A lot of rocking out and whatnot. They're cool dudes, and now Chris is dating my sister. We'll see how that goes.

Halloween is in a few weeks and we're going to be throwing a swinging shindig. Somehow it got turned into a birthday party for Chris (since Halloween IS his birthday) and Tyler (who's birthday is the day after) (and come to think of it probably Tara since hers is on the 29th) slash Halloween party with a lot of people I don't know. This makes me nervous but I'm secretly holding out for a lot of people to have other parties to go to. I wouldn't mind if it's me and Jake and Chris and Tyler and Tara and Joy and Mike and Mike's GF and Chase. Maybe a few of Chris/Tyler's friends can show up. But either way we have awesome decorations, a fog machine, a strobe light, lots of themed lights, and plans for much alcohol. I need to create a menu now which involves more than alcohol and candy, otherwise there will be a lot of puking. Also it's a costume party and I'm going to be Slutty Little Red Riding Hood. This way Jake won't leave me alone too much ;)

I'm also planning this Potluck for work. Lately we're in this spirit of getting to know each other and have fun business. So we have this huuuge bulletin board hanging up in the stockroom now for pictures, information and just a lot of fun stuff. Then on the 29th is a Potluck with a good number of people have signed up for. I love excuses to eat/not work at work. Plus I can already tell my sanity is going to be pretty fragile in the holidays come around. I'm planning on conveniently "going out of town" for Thanksgiving so that way I don't have to work midnight with the crazy ass fuckers who come shopping first thing Black Friday. Assholes.

But all in all, I'm feeling better about work. Linda's off my back now and I'm almost starting to like her. The best part is when she tries to start going off on me, she'll ask me if I've done something yet, and I'll be like "yeah and I've done this and this" and she's kind of speechless. It's like I can't do wrong very often now which is pretty baller. Also helpful is a mini-epiphany that I don't HAVE to get out of this job. Even if it's boring and mundane, it's a good source of money and health benefits, it's close to home, and it's stable. So as long as I can push through the bullshit I'll be just fine for a while longer :) Plus I adore the friends I've made there.

Sunday marks the anniversary of us moving into this apartment together. It's pretty amazing to think of our relationship then and now. It's only gotten better :D

Oh yeah! Today I hung out with Tara and got a pretty cute jacket, shirt, and some baller-ass sunglasses which I know are completely ridiculous but I love them. Also, white chocolate. Tara is so much fun <3

I made some caramel apples today so I think I'll go gnaw on one of those, play my DS, and start dinner so it's hot and ready when Jake gets home.

Hooray! Isn't he precious? We named him Niko and so far he is a hilarious, adorable, wonderful cat. When we first got him he was pretty calm and nervous and wasn't eating much but now he eats enough and poops and pees in his litterbox like a big boy (cat) and has one of two moods: apeshit hyperactive crazy or cuddly sweet sleepy. Unfortunately a lot of the time he is hyper when we are trying to sleep but I love him still. He's very playful but doesn't mind affection. I adore him!

Sarah's wedding was nice. It was outdoors and fucking hot, the ceremony had more to do with husband/wife than husband/wife/Jesus so that was nice, and the reception had better music, similar food, and we hopped up outty before the dancing began. I had to get to bed early and we had to drive all the way to Maple Valley.

On Friday Joy came over and we had an awesome time coloring Barbie pictures, watching movies, and playing Wii. She beat my ass at boxing. I love Joy <3

Anniversary in two weeks. I'm excited for the fair but trying not to get my hopes up TOO high for the thing I want most. I want it to happen so bad but if it doesn't I don't want to be disappointed because we're still celebrating, ya mean?

Trying to be optimistic about this week even though Diny is on vacation and I have a shit ton of work but we'll see how it goes. Hopefully I just get a lot done and don't stress myself out too much.

I can't believe how upset I get about work sometimes when there's really no need. Like Jake said, it's FRED FUCKING MEYER. Meaning it's just a job, it's not what I have to do for the rest of my life, it's just something (no matter how retarded) that's paying for my car and our food and bills. I try to keep this in mind but when stupid shit like work drama and menial tasks start bugging me it's easy for me to break down. I must be stronger! I MUSTTTT.

Last weekend we went to Jake's cousin Janelle's wedding. The reception was gorgeous but very very serious and 80% praying. The reception was fun and there was delicious food and free liquor but the music sucked. It was a good experience for me, marriage-minded as I am, to pick out what I do and do not like as far as weddings go. My ceremony will be more light-hearted with no praying (unless Jake wants some), and my reception will have only music that I want and dear GOD no Electric Slide or Macarena or fucking LINKIN PARK. So there.

Yesterday at work my coworker Glenda was talking about kittens and I just happened to pass by and be like 'say what?' and she's like "you want a kitten?" casually and I was like "OMG YES KITTIES~~~" So we're getting a kitten! I guess he was the runt of the litter but is all playful and doing well now and I'm so excited. We're trying to brainstorm names and major contenders are Niko, Otacon, Alphonse. I'm thinking maybe some Indy (Indiana Jones) as well but we'll see. I want it to be delightfully geeky and not easy to bastardize (my first though, since he's a gray and white kitty, was Dumbledore but Jake said 'I'd just end up calling him Dumb" so I scratched that). Today I went and bought awesome things like a litterbox and scratching post and yeah. As soon as Glenda makes sure he doesn't have worms (probably around Tuesday) I'll SO have my very own kitten and I'm excited. It'll be nice to have a pet to snuggle and keep me company and that we can play with. GLORIOUS.

Tonight we're having an awesome party with Odom and tomorrow Jake and I are going to another wedding, this time to his cousin Sarah's. I hope they have better music but either way it'll still be nice.

Can you believe it's only a couple of weeks until our 2-year anniversary? <3

The most wonderful feeling is a Friday of the week before you go on vacation. This means I get a delicious weekend, then I only work three days, and then I go to Seaside, Oregon with Jake and his parents and brothers to stay in a pretty resort called WorldMark, The Club for a few days. I'm excited because 1) it looks pretty gorgeous 2) it's my first vacation 3) it's my first vacation with Jake and 4) it means I don't have to work. Ahhh yes. I'm pumped.

I realized though that I don't have any luggage or travel toiletries or anything, so this weekend we may have to shop for some of that. But I can't wait~~

Monday was Jake's 23rd birthday so on Sunday we threw a swinging party to which most of our friends came! We BBQ'd, played video games, talked, and had a romping good time without the use of alcohol. Even Odom showed up :D But now we have a million leftover hamburger and hotdog buns, and about 20 hamburgers in a cardboard box. We may have to throw another party. On Monday night I cooked Jake a romantic dinner of Cheese Ravioli and Meat Sauce and it was delicious. I've had two pretty successful new cooking endeavors this week! That and Zucchini Strand Spaghetti. Although the zucchini came out a bit pulpy and mashed together, and I burned the garlic, it was still very tasty. Next time I'll be a bit more careful when making it and it shall be delicious. Also need to work on the zucchini-to-spaghetti ratio.

I adore my friends at work. I would go crazy if it weren't for Diny and Joy <3

But I'm starving now and we must figure out what to eat. Just wanted a quick update :D

Except for the fact I'm not 21, things have much improved since last post. I flinch less and less when I see the huge dent in my car so that's gotta be a plus. I was really excited about Pemco insuring me for like 2/3's less than Progressive is currently doing, except I got an email from the consultant today and she was like "oh sorry you're not 21 so we can't help you. Call you when you're 21~~!" and I'm like "fuuuuuck." I was really looking forward so that nearly $200 in my pocket a month. Maybe I'll keep looking, there's gotta be something I forgot to check out.

Yesterday Jake and I went to the driving range with Chase and hit some balls. It was fun plus that driving range is kinda gorgeous. I'm terrible at golf and/or Jake's clubs are too long for me. Afterwards we got dinner at Farelli's and went to Chase's to look for Twin Snakes but ended up playing an awesome few rounds of Wii Bowling, the second of which I totally rocked.

I did a good deed by hooking my friend Diny at work up with a laptop that Chase was selling. Now Chase is $250 richer and my friend is one laptop happier and I feel pretty good about killing (petting!) two birds with one stone (hand!).

Wait, do you pet birds?

Mind's been very distracted lately because it seems I cannot go one day without thinking about marriage. Told Jake about it at lunch and he said we'll talk it over tonight and I feel a little better about it. Now I'm just all excited and need to save money and hoping the proposal is off the chain. No matter what he does I know it will be perfect.

I'm hungry!

p.s. Linda's on vacation hooooraayyy~~

My recent continual frustration is my apparent inability to plan or execute a perfectly delicious dinner in a timely fashion. I either don't pull the meat out, let it out too long, or if the meat-dethawing has gone well I usually cook too early or too late or not at all. It's ridiculous.

So that frustration plus general craziness led me to do something extremely stupid yesterday. I mean extremely, painfully, terribly, hate myself stupid. I was backing out to go visit my family and bring them cookies and I turned the wheel way to soon and was not paying attention and CRUNCH the side of my car goes straight into the pole next to which I park. I'm freaking out, trying to make my brain focus enough to just figure out which way to turn the wheel so I move away from the fucking pole. I get the car out, jump out in inspect the damage, and proceed with sobbing uncontrollably and basically throwing a tantrum for the next half hour. Oh god, if only Pay 'N Sprays existed.

It's a very painful truth to absorb. No, my car's not totaled and it still runs fine. It's only a cosmetic damage. But I worked for so hard and saved for so long to buy my very first car. And damn I was proud of it. I AM proud of it. But two months after I get the damn thing I crash it into a pole. A STATIONARY OBJECT. While I'm pulling out of the parking spot I park every damn day. I kind of hate myself for it. A huge dent in the front passenger-side fender to show me how much of an idiot I am. I hate it.

Now I have to call round to Auto Body shops and get an estimate of how much it would take to fix it. Then I have to save money, which is bad, because after my insurance and car payment last month I'm down pretty far. Must stop buying trivial things (okay the Weezer Album and maybe Semi-Pro and maybe some Starbucks will be the last things, I promise) in case it costs as much as John thought it was going to ($1000-$1500? I would die).

After crying for a half hour more with my mom and sister over trying to console me, I proceeded to drink a lot and I mean a LOT of rum. I lost count of how many shots but I was feeling better. Until I puked a lot. Jake drank half as much as me and didn't puke. What a champ~ But then we went to bed and this morning I woke up feeling like shit and called into work. Which I feel bad about but even now I'm dizzy and my head is aching and I'm hungry but dunno what to eat.

I feel pretty bad about the whole thing :

Since the last time I updated, a very big change has occurred in my life!

I bought a car:



Well of course that's not it exactly, mine is less shiny and not parked by a lake and it's a champagne/gold color. But I love it. Not only is it a freaking awesome vehicle, it also has given me this amazing feeling of independence and responsibility and self-reliance. It's awesome. I HAVE A CAR HOLY CRAP.

Of course I am going to be paying a looottt of money for it and insurance, but it's totally worth it. And it's not like I can't handle it, the only other bills I have to pay are electric and internet/cable. And groceries every week. But it's all good.

Today I am home sick. Yesterday my stomach was feeling weird and I had been having some pretty awful gas for the past week. After work I picked up my car from the dealership (they buffed out the scratches and made it look pretty damn spiffy while forcing me to drive a shitty ford taurus that wasn't actually shitty I just hated it), and slept from like 5:30 to 9, then stayed up with Jake until 11:30, then slept until 10 this morning. All the while having diarrhea and headaches and dizziness and slight fever and general feeling of yuck. I don't know what it is but I sincerely hope I'm better tomorrow so I can go to work.

Oh yeah that's the other thing. I'm just feeling pretty good about life, including my boring job. I get insurance, good hours, paid well...the only thing is that at times it's very boring, and I know I can do better. AND I WILL. But my coworkers are increasingly awesome, and even Linda is being nice to me. She even got me out of inventory. Awesome.

I'm going to start going to the gym three times a week now that I have my car, which'll be good for me. Hopefully by the time summer rolls around I'll just be feeling good and looking hot. I'm already feeling better about myself but it just sucks I won't get to go to the gym today because of my illness :< Hopefully I'll be better by Thursday (which is when Jake and I go with Chase).

I think that's it for now. I'm going to go relax and play FF7.

So we joined a gym!

Last week (or earlier this week, I can't remember which), we finally up and decided to check out joining a gym, as we both work all day and then our nights are spent doing sitting-down things, and Jake thought it would be a nice time where we could talk and get in shape and be awesome. So we went to the downtown Tacoma YMCA, and it was hella crowded and busy and crazy, and everyone was working out and I felt really overwhelmed and intimidated and scared to go back. This is probably irrational thinking, and deep-rooted body image issues talking, but I felt like if I worked out there I would be somehow judged or feel redonkulous in another way. So we left in a very strange mood and Jake tried to encourage me with talk of shopping and not being out of breath. Okay.

So the next day we go shopping for work-out clothes. I get pants, shorts, bra, top, and shoes. And two throw pillows that are amaaazziiing~ But I look pretty hot and prepared and am feeling a little better about things.

Yesterday I'm talking to Chase and it somehow ends up that we are all going to the gym together, and I am more nervous. And tired. I tried napping but Jake came home like 10 minutes later and I was like fuck. I am le tired. But we go to Chase's, then go to the gym which is much less crowded than it was previously, so I relax a little. Chase becomes our fitness guide so we stretch in a quiet room, then go do weight machines (lot of arm and shoulder and leg exercises) until we are feeling the burn. Then we go to a deserted hallway with some body balls and do ab workouts, then 30 minutes of cardio on an elliptical watching a basketball game play out in front of us. It was hard, I won't even lie, but I got through it. Of course afterwards there was a swamp between my breasts and I felt like maybe I would throw up, but it was fine. I felt really good afterward, and proud of myself. So proud that Jake and I then joined the gym, got fancy cards and everything. Hooray! We go to the gym!

Today I'm only a little sore in the shoulders and arms, but tomorrow I bet I'll really feel it. Regardless, I'm excited about going next week, and trying to think of another day we could go when Jake starts school that'll work out for us. Maybe Sundays but we'll see. One day a week is better than no days a week, plus I can still body-ball my abs to greatness at home.

I'm just feeling really excited and good and at last serious about getting in shape and taking care of my body and looking sexy. Maybe when summer rolls around I'll be able to buy a bathing suit with confidence.

Also, I need a car.

I'm in a really good mood today! Which is surprising since I spent the last three days being excruciatingly bored in price change class at strange hours of the morning. I even had a graveyard yesterday. Balls!

But it's been a while. In my last post I said that Curtis might come up and visit and so he did! It was a pretty cool week and he's an awesome guy who likes bagels and doesn't afraid of anything. I could've done without hearing the kissy noises him and my sister made while on my couch, but I got over it. We watched a lot of movies and went to Seattle once to eat Dicks and showed him Washington beaches and it was cool.

Work has also somehow improved a little bit since my last entry. Linda got real sick (well actually everyone missed a lot of work) and was out for a week and when she came back she was suddenly nice. I mean I don't trust her, I fully believe she can snap at any moment, but she's been pretty damn cool to me lately. And my work load although stupidly light (i.e. boring) at times, is highly manageable. I get all mah shit done and even my audits are getting a little better. Hopefully they'll continue to improve so people think I'm the shit. Price Change Class has to be good for at LEAST that.

Oh yeah I forgot to mention, for Valentine's Day, Jake and I bought each other a 42" LCD t.v. so now our living room looks pretty kick ass. In the last few days we've been trying to rearrange the furniture and while the t.v. has a cool place now, nothing else really fits. We'll have to play around with it more but it seems like we're always pushing the couch closer anyway to play Super Smash Bros. Brawl (which btw is fucking AWESOME and I'm getting better and have beat Jake at least four times. AT LEAST~~)

Today I finally got my new shirts for work, so I bought a few pairs of pants also. My karma is kind of eating at me though since the cashier I had is this real old dude and one of the pairs of pants I bought (full price) didn't have a UPC on them so he rang up two at the price of my other pants (SO clearance). Saved me money but now they're GUILT pants! I will wear them anyway.

Also recently got Nintendo DS's which are a good bit of fun, Jake digs his because of things like Brain Age which make him feel smart and important. I shall try it too and I will improve my maths!

It's weird I haven't talked to my mom in a while, but every time I call her she doesn't answer/call me back! I haven't seen John in forever either. Maybe we should go to my parents' for St. Patrick's Day but I keep playing this scenario in my head where we bring the Wii to have fun and John doesn't let us set it up in the living room. Hopefully I can talk to my mom soon, and although I think Jake hinted at going to HIS parents' house, we always see them and sometimes I feel bad like my family's neglected. Plus my parents make a mean corned beef and cabbage. Even if they are less awesome hosts.

As usual, things are really really amazing with Jake <3 I'm a very lucky girl. And now that he has his new schedule it feels exponentially happier at home, plus going to bed together every night is awesome.

I'm getting cold now because after I got home I was so sweaty from lugging clothes and stuff up the hill on the way home that I stripped. Must put clothes on and clean the kitchen~!

Happy Valentine's Day~ yesterday. I'm getting pretty good at being belated.

Yesterday was a very lovely day. I mean work sucked absolutely horsecock but when I got home I relaxed and got all pretty and then Jake came home with flowers and an incredibly sweet card and I gave him the card I bought for him and it was very romantic and lovely. Then we got tacos and came home and cuddled and watched Arrested Development and had really good lovins. It was a pretty damn good Valentine's Day.

But it was nice because during work Jake's mom came to drop off mail and car tabs for him and I was having a bad day and she was all like "oh what's wrong" and hugging me. It was very sweet, she's awesome <3

Work is getting hard because now pretty much everyone knows how miserable I am there and it makes me kind of nervous because I don't want to be fired but I don't have the means of acquiring another job yet. I was going to go to college this year but I decided that too late so now I have to wait until next Fall probably (so that way Jake can finish school or whatever and I can continue saving, etc), so hopefully after a few months (I at least have to stick with this until April so I have enough money and insurance for a car and a root canal) I can go out on the town and find something that pays just as well and gives me benefits and maybe I won't hate with the very core of my being.

I mean it's not a bad job sometimes I go to work I stay busy with throwing freight or doing paperwork that kind of thing and then I go home with a feeling of accomplishment. Also I am getting along with my coworkers so that makes things a little more bearable too. But then there are frequent days where I am bored out of my mind. I finish all the work I normally have to do and then I'm miserable just counting down the time until I leave. Mike Brickey even had a talk with me like "I know what position you're in because I was there too. You just wanna finish your work and then go home and that's understandable." But I can't. Apparently I have the worse attendance in the entire store so I'm surprised I'm not canned already, actually. But I am a good worker and I do NEED this job even if I don't want or like it. So I need to try and be a little more enthusiastic about it, or help Diane more, or something.

So this weekend Curtis is supposed to come visit for about a week but something happened to the railroad tracks he needs to travel across so now we don't know. He's trying to find a plane ticket but we'll see. I was getting real excited to see him, too! So I hope everything works out in the end.

OMG though I bought a George Foreman grill and it is seriously the shit. I've only cooked two things so far - Pizza Rolls and Steak. But the pizza rolls turned out really well all delicious and the steak took like 10 goddamn minutes. It was amazing. And they tasted real good, too! All juicy and such. I'm very excited to pursue additional culinary endeavors. I think I'll make some chicken tonight, it'll be awesome.

We also got a new game for our Wii called No More Heroes and it's fun. The main character is named Travis Touchdown and is kind of a douche but you have to go around the town doing odd-jobs until you can afford to get into these battles which lead up to a high-ranked assassin and kill him to take his place. Travis starts at 11 and is trying to be number 1 so the game's pretty long. Considering we're rank 8. But the fighting stile is kind of cool and there is a lot of blood and decapitation and pooping so I like it. Also, kitties.

And now it is my weekend so I'm feeling pretty damn good :D Just cleaning and relaxing and I think I'll watch Clueless in a bit. God Elton can't you suck?

Happy New Year! I'm a few days late with my well-wishes but I've been busy and/or hungover.

Oh yeah Merry Christmas too. I guess it's been a while.

Christmas was interesting. Christmas Eve we went to my mom's later that evening after just chilling and playing Wii and such. It was interesting, lazy with the t.v. on and barely dressed, and my mom was progressively getting drunker and drunker, ending up to the point of "I LOVE YOU MORE THAN LIFE ITSELF YOU KNOW THAT RIGHT" and I'm like "yes mom we have to go." Lawl. But the presents were nice and Jake was cool with my parents and sister (this is like the first time they've interacted I think haha) and then we went home.

Christmas morning started out with a call from Jake's brother saying he had to go to the hospital right away because his grandpa (dad's side, not the one we lived with) was dying. So kind of a bummer start and I'm sorry for their loss :< Presents and such were put on hold til Jake got home where we opened them (yaay he really likes his! I got him a Hylian Sheild, Optimus Prime Voice Changing Mask, and Shiatsu massage chair) and I got $200 worth of giftcards from him and a Quesadilla maker from his parents which is weird and also clothes. Morning festivities ensued then we chilled all day until going to his grandparents around 2 or 3 (can't remember) where his whole family was. We brought the Wii which was a hit and a good way to pass the time with cousins and such around our age, otherwise it would've been kind of awkward for me sitting around while his family talked. Dinner was baller and it was overall a nice experience.

Crazy work schedules though, another 9 day week after Christmas and finally my weekend.

Been spending a lot of good time with Jake, good talks, feeling even more in love, which I didn't think was possible. We recently saw some movies, namely Sweeney Todd (interesting - leaves a bad taste, confusing songs, beautiful costume makeup and cinematography) and Juno (AMAZING AMAZING funny and heartfelt).

When we go to bed at night we usually talk for a bit and oh my god I can't believe how lucky I am. To find my other half, to be totally complete and happy. I couldn't ask for more.

Been talking about the M word a bit, too. I think he wants to wait until after we've finished school and such but being as how I don't know when that is for me, I wouldn't mind if it was sooner. As soon as he asks I'm his. I'm already his.

Back is KILLING me for some reason! I can feel it twinge in my arms too :<

Oh yeah also New Years was fun! We went to Nick's for a party round 7 where we proceeded to chill on the couch and talk to Mike and Lance and Nick and then Lance made me a drink and I got really really really drunk. It was hilarious and good times. But the next day I was really hungover and called into work, so I'm done with drinking for a great while.

Finally the house is clean and I can just relax and eat potstickers (oh my stomach is rumbling) and play WoW until Jake gets home and we can watch more Arrested Development or run and instance or other fun activities.

I wish I could find those one frozen chicken wings that we got at dad's that one time. Those were delicious and plentiful! But these aren't too bad. Just few and expensive.

I'm very tired and today is day 8 without weekend in Week from Hell Week. Honestly it hasn't been too bad because everything is caught up, but it also means I haven't anything to do so I'm going to work tired of being there and wasting away 8 hours as creatively and time-consumingly as possible. I'm running out of things to do though so I'm glad tomorrow is finally my Friday and then I have another FridaySaturday/MondayTuesday weekend. Christmas Eve AND Day off, what what! Just means I'll have to go through 9 days of torture again next week :/ Lame.

Last Thursday at the dentist they told me I have to get a root canal, about which I'm nervous but it's already set up (part one) for Jan 8th or something and I can't back out of it because this tooth is giving me problems. The pus thing came back and I'm out of amoxicillin so I hope it doesn't start hurting again. Hopefully my insurance will stop being fucktards so we only have to pay $700 instead of $1650. Either way it's bad, because that's supposed to be car money :< I just need to buck up and get done what needs to be done.

This Christmas should be a good albeit busy one, with multiple families to visit. I definitely want to relax with my man and see him grin as he opens the presents I got him. I hope he likes them! And hopefully they are somewhat unexpected but well-received, even though he already guessed one and might know another. Not sure if I'll get anything because of this fancy computer but it's fair and I wouldn't mind. I hope my mom got me a Zune.

I've had babies on the brain again recently. I'm not silly enough to get knocked up now but oh how I want to have Jake's babies <3 I just need at least three more years and a wedding ring first. Happy Family Time Go!

I'm pretty bummed I don't get to watch Project Runway tonight! I have to set an ad early tomorrow so I have to go to bed at like 8. And PR is at 10. So I hope it's on tomorrow sometime although tomorrow I have to clean and wrap presents and possibly cook real food instead of microwave chicken wings.

Stop raining plz!

Oh, also check out pandora.com. Awesome online radio!

When I blew out my candles (two tealights sitting on a half-empty cake tray) last night at my birthday party, I had a hard time thinking of what to wish for. I've always wanted something more and every year had one wish or a whole slew that I wanted to come true to make me feel more complete or happy. This year, surrounded by friends, having an amazing boyfriend, an absolutely phenomenal computer that he built me secretly, our own apartment, a pretty good job...there wasn't much I was lacking. That is an amazing feeling.

Last Wednesday I started having a hella bad toothache which comes from, in part, having not visited a dentist for six years. But it was excrutiating and left me crying like a little bitch, unable to sleep or think. The bad news was that my dental insurance didn't become fully usable until the 13th. So on Friday my mom took me to the UrgentCare and the doctor gave me antibiotics and vicodin, so I'm feeling much much better by today, and I have an appointment with a dentist on Thursday.

The best thing about this week is getting two weekends. I had my usual Friday and Saturday off, then I worked Sunday, and yesterday and today were another weekend. I asked for my birthday off expecting I'd get today off and then my usual weekend but Brickey just switched it around so I work 9 days in a row, but I get to spend pretty much four days off. I don't have many complaints.

Yesterday after rolling blissfully out of bed around 10, Jake and I went Christmas shopping. We made out pretty well! We're actually almost all done with everyone except his family and we also bought two pairs of jeans because we're terrible with jeans. Meaning wearing the same pair over and over because they're awesome. But that's pretty gross.

Anyway we spent a few hours there and then went back home to set up for my party. Mom dropped by and brought me my gift which was a bottle of J'adore by Christian Dior which smells AMAAZZIIINNNG even if it is a bit strong. We pushed everything to clear for Wii action then went grocery shopping to get snacks and a cake and then the rest of the stuff for Christmas (like a tree stand and tree topper).

Ben showed up with his modded Wii and every game ever, and soon Mike came over and Jake showed up with Nick and pizza and peach vodka. We played Wii forever which was a lot of fun and enjoyed foods and then Jake was all excited about giving me my present so he blindfolded me and then after I opened my eyes I saw in front of me the most amazing computer ever, gorgeous white case, and a redonkulously awesome keyboard. Much kissing ensued because it was a complete surprise, and exactly what I wanted, and I'm so happyy :D

Seriously, I barely know what's in this machine, but it's the envy of several of our friends, and it's gorgeous, and the keyboard is off the chain AND teaches me how to tell time :D WoW looks amazing and I can pretty much install any game I wanted and play it smooth as hell.

Everyone left around 11 or 12 then we stayed up for a few more hours playing WoW and trying to figure out my sound system, and I'm still smiling.

Today I get to wrap presents and play with my computer and I think Pika and Cameron are taking me out to dinner but we'll see :D

Here it is! The perhaps too early list of things I want but don't particularly need. Except for a computer, computer chair, car, xbox, zune...

Okay well maybe I need all of it in a sick, sick way. Enjoy!

Kat's Birthday/Xmas List
+Perfume: J'adore by Christian Dior and/or Burberry London
+XBOX 360
+Insanely comfortable computer chair.
+Computer to go with chair.
+A car.
+Zune: 4GB or 8GB in Pink or Black.
+"The Wisdom of Forgiveness" by the Dalai Lama: or any book by the Dalai Lama.
+DVD'S: Project Runway Season 1, PoTC3, Ghosthunters.
+Linens: Good-quality towels (just bath), sheets (in whites, ivories, or greens, Queen size, 400TC or greater), attractive throw pillows.
+Home decor goods: candles, vases, pretty things.
+20" or greater LCD monitor.
+Random stuff you think I'll dig: posters, books, dvd's, games (pc, wii, ps2, xbox 360 if you get me one), scarves, purses, accessories, Captain Barbossa.
+Cash: dolla dolla bill y'all.

Happy Holidays <3

Happy Thanksgiving!

It's started out extremely well, and even though I have to work at midnight tonight, I still get to go to my parents' and eat turkey. This year I feel like I have a tremendous amount to be thankful for.

First and foremost, Jacob Cassidy. He has changed and bettered my life in more ways than I can even express. I never for one moment thought I'd meet the love of my life at Big Lots, but it's happened, and now we're happily living together in our own apartment, and I've never felt more loved or happy, never more sure of myself or confident, never more safe. He's everything to me.

I'm thankful for how smoothly our apartment-getting went. I'm thankful for the awesomeness of our apartment and that we had enough time and enough impeccable taste to get all the furniture we needed to make this a comfortable and attractive place for both of us.

I'm thankful that he got a new job that treats him well and that he loves. I'm thankful for my job that pays me well ($12.60 what what) and even though it's cumbersome and not a career, it's really helping me get stability in my life, and giving me experience I can take with me for my future.

I'm thankful that my mom got a promotion at her job, and that she's making enough money so maybe my family won't have as many financial troubles. I'm thankful that my family, on the whole, is treating me more like a human being and less like a blight now that I've moved out. I'm glad I can hang out with my mom and sister every week or so and feel happy and have a good time.

I'm thankful for my sister who's growing up and acting a fool but is still the one person who can make me laugh until I cry, who can always cheer me up and with whom I always have fun.

I'm thankful for Welsh Corgis. How are they so damn cute.

I'm thankful for Tim Gunn.

I'm thankful for my amazing new abilities to cook and clean with grace and prodigiousness.

Life is just brilliant right now.