I am freaking myself out.

I have discovered a new fear of mine this past weekend.

Housesitting.

Okay. So maybe I am not afraid to housesit everywhere, but this house I am currently staying at has me all jumpy and scared at night. 

This is what I look like.

Last night, I was doing homework (practicing my Wordsworth recitation which I believe the Chihuahua genuinely enjoyed) when the Chihuahua started barking at the bay window. I screamed, which freaked the Chihuahua out, making her yelp and run away.  

This kind of behavior has become normal for the two of us.

When I went to sleep last night, I put in my earbuds and blasted Enya.

I love you, Enya.

It helped a lot, but I kept waking up during the night because it just felt like there was some kind of presence in the room. At one point, I actually felt like someone was blowing cold air across my face.

My mom and Jordan both laughed at me when I told them that, but I honestly felt like there was something in that room watching me...

And it was not the Chihuahua. 

I still have 12 more days of this housesitting job.

Meeeeehhhhhhhh!!!

Why am I so scary?

I am currently house/dogsitting for my neighbors up the street.

The dog is a Chihuahua and very low maintenance, but she is totally petrified of me.

Yesterday it took her hours to even approach me. When I went to bed there last night, I thought the two of us were pretty cool with each other.

Then I tried to pet her and she let out the most awful, high-pitched yelp.

I almost cried.

This is making me appreciate my lovable goldendoodle much more.

Even when she does stuff like dig in the mulch pile.

In other news, Jordan and I drove up to Columbus yesterday. We met his sister and her friend at COSI, which is a huge science center. It is made up of a number of different exhibits (oceans, space, gadgets, etc), and we had such a fun time!

I made sure to wear what my boss calls my "geek chic" glasses so I looked especially science-y.

This is in an exhibit about the progress of time. 

We also went shopping afterwards to this amazing outdoor shopping center (Easton Mall) where I behaved myself so well and DIDN'T EVEN BUY A SINGLE THING.

Seriously.

Shopping isn't as much fun when you are using a debit card or cash.

It feels like you're actually spending real money.

Lame.

Is Becky Bloomwood my soulmate?

So my mom recently had a shopping intervention with me.

Is this me??

Honestly, I have been quite well-behaved with my credit cards lately.

After I had paid each of them off a few weeks ago, I was obviously eager to do some online shopping.

As a reward, of course.

I received a package from Etsy on Monday, which was this beautiful Jackie O. print that I had been wanting FOREVER. At least for an entire month.

You can still buy this print off Etsy. I think it's beyond lovely.

Isn't that so pretty? I am going to frame it and hang it above my desk next year.

Of course, my mom commented, "You really need to stop buying things like that and save your money."

My weak rebuttal included, "Room decor means a lot to me! So does Jackie O., and I have been doing almost no online shopping lately!"

Then I stomped off to my room to brood and be moody.

Unfortunately for me, a Forever21 package arrived just moments after I had stormed upstairs.

My mom confiscated my Visa card after that.

Sigh.

Oprah Winfrey says goodbye.

Firstly, I would like to apologize for this sappy post.

But...

Oprah Winfrey's farewell show airs today.

And I am unapologetically in love with this woman.

I was able to make to make the pilgrimage to Harpo Studios a few years ago, and I left with an Oprah sweatshirt and keychain.

I couldn't afford anything else.

Anyway.

The wonderful Ms. Winfrey

The Oprah Winfrey Show has been running for twenty-five years. 

That is longer than I have been alive, which translates to: I've never lived in a world without the Oprah show.

I know that sounds a little dramatic, but it is crazy to think about how much Oprah Winfrey has affected my life.

I used to watch Oprah everyday after school, and she provided me with something constant and unchanging during tough transitions in life such as beginning high school.

I've read a number of books that have changed my perception on life because of Oprah. The Poisonwood Bible and Night are two of these books. 

I've learned about different problems and issues in the world. The Fistual Foundation is an organization that I now care a great deal about because of Oprah. 

Oprah has inspired me to become a strong and independent woman. I respect her life's journey so much. Not many people can become one of the most powerful and influential people in the world having had no family connections or money to get them there. Oprah is entirely self-made, and I think that's incredible.

I love Oprah Winfrey, and I will be very sad to see her television show go. 

At least we have Ellen.

I love Ellen!

Rejuvenated and refreshed- oh, yes!

This past Sunday through Monday, I went with my mom, aunt, and two cousins out to an amazing bed and breakfast/spa in Batesville, Indiana. It is called Stonebridge Inn & Spa.

The pool area in the back of the B&B.

Highlights of the trip included:

• Laying out by the pool where I managed to get a little bit of color (red obviously), which is a miracle.
• Receiving my first Swedish massage (HEAVEN)
• Lifechatting in the sauna as we detoxified 
• Drinking bellinis and hot tea
• Eating way too many sweets (Freshly made brownies and cookies around the clock? Awesome!)
• Enjoying each other's company <3

My aunt, two cousins, me, and my mom

I did have a totally awkward time in the jacuzzi tub in our suite, though. I was all settled in with a hot cup of tea and my Kindle when I turned on the jets. WATER SPRAYED EVERYWHERE!!!! I don't know if they were turned up to an extremely strong power or what but it was scary. And my Kindle almost was murdered.

Oh, I also got to experience my first steam shower.

I couldn't breath.

I don't quite understand the allure.

But it was an incredible few days, and I feel absolutely wonderful. I have an obscene amount of homework to complete tonight after my evening shift at the salon, and I'm not even freaking out. Not even just a little bit.

I'm like a whole new woman.

Watch out Cincinnati!

PS I have LOTS of Blog catching up to do, but I promise I will get on that tonight! Can't wait to see what you have all been up to! :)

Vet Etiquette

This morning, I took Ellie to her 10AM appointment at the vet's office.

She is so terrified there, she actually acts docile and people are fooled into believing she is a well-behaved dog.

As we were sitting on the bench (because Ellie can't sit on the floor like the other animals), I was thinking of the unspoken rules of vet office etiquette.

When there is a fellow pet-owner near, you politely say, "Aw, your dog is so cute! Boy or girl?"

(Note: You compliment the other dog's looks even if the poor thing is totally unfortunate looking)

"Girl! Thank you! She is a wire-haired dachshund (Totally just made that breed up). What about yours?"

"She's a girl. Her name is Ellie after Eleanor Roosevelt."

"That's nice. Is she one of those goldendoodles?"

"She is!"

"What a fluffy coat she has! My Sadie here was just groomed."

"I can tell! Beautiful!"

And then the nurse appears and you bid adieu to your new pet-owner friend.

Then, dogs like Ellie are so scared at this point that you have to pick them up and carry them into the examination room.

Jeesh.

Cat or dog? Catdog?

To buy or not to buy...I need advice!

So I am lusting after this UO duvet for next year...

So pretty!

In my house next year, I want my bedroom to be light and feminine. I am thinking light yellow walls with light blues and pinks for accent colors in my bedding/accessories. 

This duvet seems perfect for the vision I have for my room.

It is $80 down from $229.

That's a totally dramatic price decrease, right??

But with UO's stupid and outrageous shipping cost ($10 flat rate? That's flat out LAME) and tax, it comes to $95.

Hmmm.

Worth it?

Kids are lazy.

Today I got stuck driving behind one of my subdivision's school buses on my way to campus.

When I was little, we all used to meet at the "bus stop," which was located at the top of the street.

Apparently, kids today get curbside pickup.

Similar to Outback Steakhouse.

Anyway.

This stupid bus was literally stopping every two or three houses! 

I wanted to yell out, "CAN'T YOU ALL WALK??? WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH YOU KIDS?"

But there were many mothers present at the end of each driveway, waving and shouting out to their children as if they were being sent off to Alaska.

And I didn't want to upset any of those mothers. Because hell hath no furry like a mom scorned.

Oh, and Miss Frizzle would NEVER have allowed for curbside pickup on "The Magic School Bus." If you want to travel down your classmate's esophagus, you can't expect to be picked up outside your front door. It just doesn't work that way, kids.

I miss this show.

I should probably get on this...

This is the current state of my bed.

I have been sleeping in the guest room and/or the basement couch depending on where I knock out.

I want my bed back.

If only I had the motivation to clean my room.

Burgers at the Bar

Brrr- why am I so cold in mid May? This rain is making me want to curl up in bed and sleep the day away.

Anyway. I would like to present to you, the very first couple picture!

Dr. Burke?

I expect People and US Weekly will be calling soon & offering their bids for it. You know, because we're just as famous as William and Kate.

Jordan and I had such a fun time last night at dinner and his coworker's birthday party. The restaurant we had originally planned on going to for sushi was absolutely chaotic. There were about twenty of us waiting in line and no hostess in sight! We ended up leaving, but we did meet a few friends during our time in line.

"We aren't going to make it. Go on without us. Godspeed," I essentially said to one of these friends as we made our way out of the restaurant.

We ended up eating at a bar up the street, which was so much fun. Jordan got some sort of turkey club, and I got a turkey burger. I am always in the mood for a good burger and fries. Who needs fancy sushi?

The birthday party afterwards was also a great time. I didn't wear my apron as expected and opted for a cocktail dress instead.

There were delicious appetizers (pineapple upside down cake- YUM) and 50s inspired cocktails.

After such a fun weekend, I do not want to buckle down and do my schoolwork!

The wilderness years are over!

Blogger friends, I have something to share.

I have a boyfriend.

For the first time in two years. I am not merely talking to someone or involved in some unfulfilling/inappropriate/bizarre fling.

I am in a relationship.

On Thursday, Jordan (name reveal!) came over to watch "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I." He met my parents (and an obnoxious Ellie), and they all loved him. Always an encouraging sign. While we were watching the movie, Jordan looked over at me and said, "Can I ask you a question?"

Of course he could ask me a question.

"Would you like to be my girlfriend?"

I have not had someone asked me to be his girlfriend since high school, and it was completely sweet and endearing. 

In some ways, it feels like it happened very quick (only three dates), but in others, it feels like we've been talking for months (since we have talked after each of our Tuesday night classes since March). Either way, it feels right, and I'm excited to tell you more about him.

I think he looks a bit like Dr. Burke from "Grey's Anatomy." He told me that he has never heard that comparison but gets Denzel Washington a lot (uhhh- why can't people tell me I look like Reese Witherspoon or something??). 

Either way, he is very cute.

Tonight, he is taking me out to a sushi restaurant, and then we are going to one of his coworker's birthday parties. It is a 1950s Housewives theme (I FINALLY had an excuse to buy an Anthropologie apron!!!!!), and I cannot wait!

 OR 

*Dr. Burke Source and Denzel Source

Magnificent May

Even though we are only twelve days into the beautiful month of May, it has been a wonderful few weeks for me!

• I am down 26.5 pounds (Skinny Cow is my savior).

Delicious!

• I wore a button-up shirt and vest, which means I DID NOT WEAR A TUNIC/DRESS. This is quite a step forward towards my recovery from being a leggings + tunic/dress addict.

• I am doing much better on my Shakespeare quizzes. They've been mostly A's. Go Jenna go!
• I wrote a paper proving that "Bridget Jones's Diary" is a successful adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice." It was the most fun I've ever had writing a paper.

Hello Mr. Darcy

• I have had another amazing date with the guy from class. Tuesday night, he took me to a relatively unknown park that overlooks the Ohio River. It was beautiful. Then, we walked around a quaint neighborhood near campus for hours. He is coming over to watch "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part I" this evening. That's right. I found a fellow Harry Potter freak. Amazing.

HP <3

I am quite enjoying this month!

Who wants to join me?

Ever since watching the Royal Wedding, I've been wanting to introduce fantastic headwear into my personal style.

Thoughts?

Promised Pizza and Prince Charming?

I have been enjoying a busy and wonderful weekend.

My family is getting ready for mass now followed by a day of Mother's Day (also my mom's 50th birthday) activities, but I wanted to give you a quick update.

Thursday, I went over Ben's because his mom had brought him back a Girodano's pizza home from Chicago. I was seriously so excited about this frozen pizza for DAYS leading up to its consumption. I think I told all of my Thursday classmates about it. They probably think I'm even weirder than before. Anyway, so I go over to Ben's very eager to eat this pizza only to find out that Ben forgot to thaw it overnight.

No Girodano's pizza.

Tragic.

After we enjoyed significantly less exciting hamburgers, I stopped by my friend's 21st birthday party, cleverly titled "Cinco de Mandy." Isn't that creative and fun?

The highlight of my weekend occurred on Friday. I had the most perfect first date with a guy from one of my classes. It was a bit of a hybrid date in that we went mini golfing and got ice cream followed by getting drinks at a bar and then walking around campus. So basically we combined a junior high date with a college one, which ended up being really cute. I had such an amazing time, and I hope I have more to share concerning this wonderful gentleman in the near future!

Saturday consisted of work, shopping, and dinner at one of my favorite restaurants for my mom's birthday. Also- Ellie turned two-years-old. Here is the OFFICIAL 2nd birthday picture:

Unfortunately, Ellie has neither matured nor calmed down in her two years of life, but she somehow manages to get even cuter as the years go by.

Happy Mother's Day!

Tossing and Turning

Lately, I've been sleeping terribly. Which is a rare problem for me.

It isn't that I have trouble falling asleep. I pass out the second my head hits my Ikea pillow. The issue is that I am constantly waking up throughout the night.

My girl, Bridget

And when I am asleep? I'm dreaming of school and work so I just wake up feeling exhausted and stressed out. I'll dream that I am running late on a paper that is due. Or that all of the stylists call in sick so I have to do all of the clients' hair (this is actually a reoccurring bad dream, and if I ever colored and cut someone's hair in real life? It really would be a nightmare).

Does anyone else have this problem? I don't want to resort to popping a few Benadryll pills each night. I need some sleep remedies!

What's in your shower?

I love shower products.

This may have something to do with my obsession of being clean. Or maybe it's related to my hobby of aimlessly wandering down the personal care aisles of Target or Walgreen's.

When one of my best friends moved into her new apartment, the previous girls left behind ALL of their body washes, shampoos, facial cleansers, etc., etc.

Which is actually kinda gross but at the same time totally interesting.

Here is what's in my shower.

• Eos Shave Cream in Raspberry Pomegranate
• Aveda Outer Peace Foaming Cleanser
• St. Ives Energizing Citrus Body Wash
• Aveda Camomile Shampoo
• Redken Blonde Glam Conditioner
• Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit
• Gillette Venus Razor 

So- what is in all of your showers?? What is your favorite shower product?

Welcome May! A recap of April Favorites

Happy May blogging friends!

Recently, a friend of mine suggested that I do my previous month's favorite things on the first day of each new month.

Seeing as I am a list-making enthusiast, I liked this idea.

So sit back and enjoy my inaugural post!

My favorite things of April 2011
1. Teavana: My friend took me inside "Teavana" for the first time last night. I had always assumed Teavana was just a place that sold fancy tea kettles. I was wrong. We enjoyed delicious free samples, and I believe I will soon be tea connoisseur.

More tea, please!

2. Thick eyebrows: This is a bit awkward and odd, I will admit, but this month, I have really been into the thick eyebrows look. I think too many women over pluck and end up with these teeny lines on their faces, which are supposed to be their brows. Mine are not super thin, but I am attempting to make them really thick, which I think will look quite chic.

The beautiful Brooke Shields & her famously thick brows

3. Hungry Girl: One of the stylists at my work recently introduced me to the "Hungry Girl" cookbook. The author of the book works to put together delicious recipes that are low-cal. She is quite creative when it comes to finding substitute items for ingredients that are high in calories. I am and always will be a hungry girl, and these low-cal recipes are truly amazing!

The fabulous author- Lisa Lillien

4. Urban Outfitters Jewelry Organizer: I bought this jewelry organizer/necklace hanger on sale a few weeks ago from the UO website, and I've fallen in love. I adore the way it holds all of my necklaces and prevents any tangling. I previously hung my longer necklaces from pushpins (because I am so classy), and this is a much better solution.

5. My bed: Few places are more heavenly in this world than my bed. Snuggling up in my jersey sheets and down comforter after a long day is so comforting. Even though I hardly ever make my bed and it has books strewn about beneath the covers, I believe it is perfection.

6. Anthropologie aprons: One of my dear friends is obsessed with these, and when we leafed through a rack of them at Anthropologie lately, I understood why. They are just so pretty and feminine. I will own one of these before moving to my new house in September.

So lovely!

7. John Keats: One of my favorite poets ever. I believe he and William Wordsworth are combatting for first place in my heart. Keats died at the age of 25 yet he was still able to write an incredible amount of poetry.

This is from the movie made about John Keats called "Bright Star."

8. My lips: There was a client in the salon a while back who asked me, "What kind of lipstick are you wearing? That is such a beautiful shade!" I never wear anything on my lips with the exception of chapstick so I was quite flattered! Ever since that kind client made that comment, I've been looking in the mirror thinking, "Why yes! You do have lovely lips!"

Creepiest picture ever? Quite possibly.

9. Etsy: This website was unknown to me until relatively recently, and now I am obsessed. Just yesterday, I purchased this beautiful personalized stationary (hopefully I will have pictures of that to share soon!), and I have had my eye on this Jackie O. picture for a while now. I think it is awesome that Etsy allows people to view so many talented artists' work from the convenience of their own homes. Thank you, Etsy!

Here is a link to the Etsy shop where you can buy this beautiful piece! I am obsessed.

10. Victoria's Secret Amber Romance lotion: This is the lotion I brought with me to France last summer. I bought this exact lotion for the first time since my European travels, and I love that the scent brings back so many happy memories for me.

Mmm...I smell France.