June Currently + Life Updates

June 9, 2017 by Angie Leave a Comment

It’s June, and we’re nearly half way through the year… I can’t tell if it’s going fast or slowly at this point in my life. Some things feel like they’re crawling while others feel like they’re zooming past me faster than I can catch up. I know it’s been a little while since I posted some personal life updates, so I figure a June Currently is in order, as well as some life and pregnancy updates.

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June Currently…

Currently in June, I’m….

Reading: I’m just about finished with Somebody I Used to Know by David Bell. It’s a bit of a thriller following a guy who lost the love of his life nearly 20 years ago in a tragic fire, and after running into her young look-alike in the grocery store (who flees the minute he tries to talk to her), unwinds a huge conspiracy that takes him back in time to events that may or may not have happened. It’s intriguing enough that it’s only been about two days since I started it and I’ll be finishing it today. Also, in the last month or two I read American Gods by Neil Gaiman, A Desperate Fortune by Susanna Kearsley, The House of Velvet and Glass by Katherine Howe, and The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden. All of which were pretty good.

Watching: American Gods on Starz, The Handmaid’s Tale on Hulu, and currently on a Friends binge on Netflix. Oh oh oh, and Orange is the New Black is back today so I think I’ll be watching that this weekend.

Drinking: Water and Sprite. That’s basically what I’m consisting off of lately… I’ve almost given up Caffeine entirely and man I miss it… But I need the water and Sprite is all that feels good on my stomach.

Feeling: Like crap. Honestly, this pregnancy thing has been really rough on me and I’m basically sick and/or dizzy all of the time. I have anti-nausea meds now, but they only help a little.

Planning: To get some plants in the ground for my garden soon… I’m running really behind on that but I still have a little time for my climate and I definitely need some Tomatoes in the ground ASAP. Also, I want to get my little yard pool set up so I can go out and swim/soak in it a bit when it’s hot. Oh and we’re getting the house clutter under control finally… Everything is just much more difficult since I feel so crappy.

Hoping For: My second trimester to hopefully come along and take away some of this sickness I’ve been feeling 24/7. Otherwise, mostly the pregnancy to go by smoothly and quickly.

June Life Updates

It feels like nothing much has been happening, but things have… I just feel kind of blah about it all because I’ve been so sick. I haven’t been able to get as much done as I like, or devote time to being creative or working on stuff I’d been planning. It kind of blows, but what can you do? All I can do is try and get through the rough parts of pregnancy and hope it gets better soon.

The Pregnancy

You know those women who just love being pregnant? Yeah, I’m not one of them. It’s been a pretty miserable experience. I feel like I have a permanent case of vertigo, and I’m not taking way more medication than I ever did before I got knocked up. I’m on Thyroid medication, tons of B6 to help fight the nausea, nausea meds, and my blood pressure is really high so I had to buy a blood pressure cuff to track it more regularly and there’s a big chance I’ll end up on blood pressure medication also. It’s not been a fun 13 weeks so far.

However, getting to see my baby on the ultrasound at 10 weeks was pretty rad. It was moving around like crazy, twisting and turning and kicking it’s feet. Last week in my appointment I got to hear the heartbeat for a few seconds… My baby is crazy active and did not want to stay still long enough for the doctor to count it or for us to hear it long, it kept moving all over. I can’t wait until I can actually feel it moving in there so I know everything’s okay.

Baby Annabelle Lee

My best friend from High School, Melanie Grace, gave birth to little miss Annabelle Lee on May 12th. I was supposed to be there for the birth, but she came nearly two weeks early. So I flew into Georgia at the time I had tickets for, and got to spend a week loving on her. Isn’t she perfection?

The trip itself was no real vacation, but it was interesting spending time with the baby. I’ve helped raise a lot of kids in my time, but I haven’t spent significant time with a brand new infant before. At first, as I helped take care of the baby in between feedings and dealt with hungry cries and a poor irritated bum, I thought “I can’t do this!” I was really terrified of when my baby comes and I’m the main provider. But as the week went on I became more confident, and now I can’t wait to hold my own child. December can’t come soon enough!

The Pride Festival

Shawn and I volunteered again this year to work the company booth at the Pride Festival. It was a lot of fun, and a lot of work, and all-together WAY too hot to be out there long. I got a bit of a sun burn, but enjoyed quite a few snow cones. I think snow cones and slushies will probably keep me going this Summer.

Work

Well, work is… work. What can I say? I’ve been so sick even at work that it’s not been a very fun ride, and I’ve used all of my sick time up (and most of my vacation) and we’re not even halfway through the year yet. Boo. It’s going to be a rough 5-6 months… trying not to take much more time off… But I’m just holding out for that sweet sweet maternity leave come December. My company has some pretty good benefits when it comes to maternity and parent time, so I will get about 3 months with my baby before I have to return to work-that will be SO nice!

I did quit my second job in retail. I was trying to hold on and go in once per month to help with floor sets, but headquarters required I work once per every two weeks and I just don’t have it in me right now sadly. I’ll miss the discount, but I’ll probably save more money not working there… I basically spent everything I made on clothes anyway!

How have you been?

Sorry I’ve been away so often, as soon as I feel better I’ll be back in full force here on the blog. But, I do want to know how you are, so leave me a comment and let me know?

Angie

Angie is a coffee-fueled writer, artist-wanna-be, and over-worker who currently resides in a tiny fixer-upper near Salt Lake City with her boyfriend and 70lb rescue pittie. She works full time in Customer Service/Computers, part-time in retail and fashion, goes to school part-time on and off, maintains this and another couple of blogs, as well as volunteers with rescue dogs. In her free time, what little of it there is, she likes to read, play nerd games, craft and create art, and spend time with all of the awesome people in her life.

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

Baby On Board: Suddenly Life Just Changes

April 28, 2017 by Angie 2 Comments

Unless you’ve already seen my Instagram feed, or you’re friends with me on Facebook, this may come as some sort of a surprise… But hey-I’m pregnant. I’m going to have a baby. Can you believe it? ME!?!?

Finding Out About the Baby

C swears he knew since the moment of conception. I just kind of roll my eyes at him… But I guess he wasn’t wrong.

I Thought I Was Getting the Flu

Two weeks ago I stood up to go to lunch at work and was suddenly hit with a wave of nausea. I spent a half hour in the bathroom, and when I got out I begged my manager to send my home early. I was too sick. I went home, crawled into a pile of blankets on the couch and slept the entire rest of my day. The following day, I left work an hour early because I still felt off.

Taking a Test

That night we ran to the grocery stuff to get Easter stuff for C’s boys and he made me grab a pack of pregnancy tests. I waited until the next morning, while C was still fast asleep, and took the test. I thought for sure it would be negative, but the test did its thing, and it didn’t even take the full 3 minutes… It was about 2 seconds and then bam-a very visible positive sign. I was in shock.

Telling People

I ran down stairs and immediately woke C up, I said “Well, you were right. I’m pregnant.” and then I burst into tears. It’s scary-even if the baby is wanted-and in that moment I was utterly terrified. I texted a few friends, who were all extremely over-the-moon with the news. Otherwise, I figured I’d keep the news to myself for a little bit.

Telling My Family

We waited until Easter Sunday to tell my family. I bought some adorable children’s books about grandmas and grandpas and wrote a little note in the cover that said “Dear Grandma/Grandpa, please read this to me when I get here in December.” My mother looked at me in sheer confusion, and I just looked at her and said “Yep.” She raised her eyebrow, still not getting it, and then my dad caught up and said “Are you really?” by this time my grandparents were wondering what was going on, so I blurted it out. Everyone was very excited.

Pregnancy So Far

I’ll be 8 weeks along tomorrow, which means it’s almost time for my first OB appointment. I’m anxious to see the OBGYN and get an ultrasound, something about seeing the fetus and hearing it’s heartbeat will make everything so much more real. It hardly feels real, when you know it’s in there but you can’t really feel or sense it.

How I’m Feeling

I’ve been fairly lucky to not experience actual morning sickness, not a lot of vomiting or running to the restroom. However, I live in a constant state of exhaustion and nausea. I’m never not nauseous these days. Sometimes I have to force myself to eat, and sometimes in between bouts of nausea I’m suddenly starving-even if I’ve eaten recently. Such a demanding little bundle of cells.

Also, I managed to come down with a severe chest cold over the last week that had me completely knocked down for 3 days-and I can’t take a dang thing for it. Herbal remedies only get you so far, but cold meds are super risky during the first trimester. That’s been pretty miserable.

Giving Up the Things You Love

The hardest part of giving things up for me has been coffee and my medication (ADHD/Anxiety). I quit both cold turkey the minute I found out I was pregnant, and even though my regular doctor gave me the go-ahead to have a little coffee/caffeine every day, my body rejects it. I can only get through a few swallows of coffee before I feel ill, so I’ve given up on it. Pretty much the only thing that makes me feel okay is vitamin water, and it’s not even something I drank before I got pregnant. I just tried it because it’s full of B-vitamins and I’m exhausted. Turns out that it works!

My Diet

Surprisingly, my diet has drastically improved since being pregnant. More often than not I’m craving things like fresh fruit and turkey burgers, and I’ve been eating really well. Trying to take time to snack on things like cheese and almonds in order to keep my energy up. I may end up coming out of this with a much healthier lifestyle after all.

Slowing Down

One thing being pregnant, and subsequently giving up caffeine, has taught me is that I need to slow way down. Most of you know that I’m an overachiever, and often I sign on for WAY too much. I can’t do that anymore. I need rest. I need extra sleep. I need to not overdo it.

Two Jobs

I put in my two-week notice at my second job, but after discussing it with my manager there I’ve decided to stay on for a once-a-month shift to help with floor sets. I love floor sets, and I love the people I work with, so this will be kind of fun and I’ll get to keep my discount which is awesome.

Back to Blogging

This will also give me some time to get back to blogging and work on my home business I’d like to get up and running before the baby comes. You’ll seem ore about this soon, but expect to see me around here more from now on. 🙂

Have any pregnancy/baby advice for me?

So far, I’m just taking this one day at a time. We have plans for things we want to buy, names in discussion (but it’s still so far until we know whether it’s a boy or girl that things seem to be mostly on hold for that knowledge.) We’re both so very excited for this baby. I couldn’t have picked a better partner to do this with either… He’s been out running errands on his bicycle in the rain for me when I have a craving or need something. He’s just the sweetest, and he can’t wait to be a dad again.

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

Our 1 Year Anniversary & The Story of Us

March 28, 2017 by Angie Leave a Comment

Friday I celebrated my 1 year anniversary with the kindest, sweetest, and most loving man I’ve ever been with. From here on out, instead of calling him “boyfriend” on the blog, I’m going to refer to him as C. I feel like a year earns you a legitimate name. 😉

We’ve Come A Long Way

Sometimes I can hardly believe I’m the same girl who didn’t know what to do with a boyfriend. I mean, I remember being there… I remember how weird the transition was from years and years of single life to couplehood was… I remember dating, and hating it… But after a year with C I can no longer imagine my life without him.

Our Story

It’s amazing how easy it all came together after we got past some of the initial hurdles. It’s like everything just fell into place when we got together.

How We Met

C and I met on OKCupid-an online dating site that I can now say was officially a success (after many many many fails on it… lol). We texted each other for a week or two prior to meeting since he was in San Francisco for Alternative Spring Break. That’s one of the first things I loved about him-he chose to spend his Spring Break feeding the homeless and helping with their mobile showers.

Our First Date

I’m a big fan of keeping first dates casual, so that Sunday as we were discussing where to meet up I suggested a local coffee shop in the area. That’s when he broke it to me that he didn’t drive and asked if we could meet somewhere close to the train or that he could bike to. At first, this was a huge red flag for me. I’d dated guys who didn’t drive and I wasn’t keen on the idea of playing chauffer or having to carry someone financially again. But after I learned that he doesn’t drive because he was in a car accident and is partially disabled due to a traumatic head injury, I figured I had to give him a chance. We chose to meet up at freaky Dee’s (think ghetto Denny’s) for a bite.

Eating Alone is Awkward

One thing about C is that he’s always early (which wholly contradicts my tendency towards lateness) and on our first date he was over an hour early and he ate without me. So then there I was, thinking about what a weirdo he was, and trying to eat some fries all by myself because he didn’t even want to share with me.

The Worst Kiss Ever

After dinner we did end up venturing over to the coffee shop. We left his bike and I drove us, and after a while talking there we decided to head home. As we were walking out to the car he said “Hey, come here!” and when I did he asked if he could kiss me… I awkwardly said yes, in spite of the fact that I didn’t really feel ready for something like that, and it was awful. Not only was it not something I wanted, but he just shoved his tongue down my throat and slobbered all over my face. I was ready to run. (Sorry babe, that had to go in the story! Haha!)

The Second Date

Our second date came on Primary voting day. I stood in line to cast my vote at the local elementary school and then headed out to meet him at… Wait for it… Denny’s. Noticing a theme? C’s all about those chain diners… lol The second date went much better. I told him I wasn’t ready to be physical and didn’t want a repeat of the kiss, and he respected my boundaries. We sat and talked until late and I found myself actually getting on with him very well.

C and Kat

The Third Date

For the third date I decided to just put him to the test. I was starting to feel for him, but I needed to see how he interacted with my people. That weekend I was babysitting for my friends who were at FanX all day. The goal was to have him over for a little bit before they got home, and then he could meet them and I could get their opinion.

Baby Kat Was Crushing Hard

We all hung out for a little bit together, and then I decided to start cooking dinner. While I cooked, he entertained the 3 year old for me. His patience was endless. He listened to her sing “Let it Go” repeatedly. He played her version of cards (which I still have no idea what rules she was making up), and he let her stick stickers on his face and arms.

Kat became so attached to him that she wouldn’t let me sit next to him. If we were sitting by each other she’d squirm in between us and push us apart. She’d give me dirty looks if I tried to take attention away from her. It was really cute.

My Biological Response

You can imagine the kind of biological trigger that had on me. It was pretty much the way he was with those children that sealed the deal with me. I was watching him play and thinking what a good father he’d make, and bam-I realized definitely wanted kids and I really wanted to give him and I chance to be that together.

An Accidental Forever Sleepover

We had a bit of an accident that night, which we don’t really want to talk about just yet, but it involved me patching up his wounds and him deciding to stay the night so he didn’t have to take the train home. The next day I drove him home before heading to my grandparents’ house for Easter, and then that night I picked him back up and took him home with me. He basically never left again… He started spending every night at my house. Even when he wasn’t around during the day, he’d swing by to check on the dog and let him out while I worked. He moved in with me in July, and that was it-we were officially living together.

Everyone Loved Him

Everyone seemed to love him, and he loved everyone. My friends and family took to him pretty quick, and in spite of a few hurdles we had to get past with history and a little of his past drama (ex wives, legal stuff, etc.) everyone was extremely supportive. They knew what was good for me, and it was C

This Past Year

In the past year we’ve experienced quite a bit together. Here are a few highlights:

Our First Family Photo

We took our first family photos less than a month into our relationship. I know, that’s weird, but it just kind of worked out so that he could take part in my thirtieth birthday photo shoot.

At the Panic! At the Disco Concert

At the Panic! At the Disco & Wheezer Concert Concert

At the Panic! At the Disco Concert

At the Panic! At the Disco & Wheezer Concert Concert

Volunteering at Pride 2016

Volunteering at the 2016 Utah Pride Festival.

July Updates: Ortie's Baby Shower Chris and Angie

Hanging out at Ortie’s baby shower.

Ortie's Baby Shower

The gang at Ortie’s baby shower.

Halloween All Year Long

I joked that I knew he was my soulmate because he wore this in August.

Holding Elyan

C and Bub

Best friends…

Out to dinner for our six month anniversary

Out to dinner for our six month anniversary.

True Love.

Happy anniversary babe!

Here’s to many more years together. I love you.

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

Currently… Feburary 2017 (& Life Updates)

February 17, 2017 by Angie Leave a Comment

Wow, can you believe we’re more than half way through February already? Man, the months go by faster than ever as you get older, and this short month goes by extra fast. It’s been a while since I shared very much personal information, so I thought I’d sit down and share where I currently am. I’m also planning on visiting some of you (a.k.a. your blogs) soon… I miss you guys.

Currently… February 2017

Currently, I’m…

Reading/Listening: Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard. I just started this one today and I didn’t really read up on it first (just got it on a special Audible deal of the day and knew people have been raving about it). Also, I just finished the All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness which included A Discovery of Witches, Shadow of Night, and The Book of Life. I enjoyed it, but I feel like there should have been more?

Watching: Boyfriend and I just finished Breaking Bad and got all caught up on The Walking Dead together, which was fun. We then went on to Don’t Call Saul (which we marathoned in like a day and a half one weekend) and while I’ve started watching the new Netflix series Santa Clarita Diet, he doesn’t really care for it and wont watch it with me.

Word of warning, do NOT start this series when you’re eating. Nooooope.The first few scenes are SO gross (we’re talking nasty vomit everywhere) and I happened to be eating nacho cheese and bean dip mixed at the time… It was not an appealing combo. I had to turn it off until a time when I could better stomach it… haha

Drinking: Coffee… Pretty much nothing but coffee these days… I seriously need to up my water intake.

Obsessed with: Planner stickers and supplies. Seriously, so obsessed with it all. Also pens to use in my planner… Holy cow, gimme. I’m not even being good about doing my planner layouts but I just keep wanting to buy all of the things!

Working on: Getting my life together, getting my home organized, getting a work space set up where I can get creative again, getting back in touch with my creativity by blogging and creating art.

Excited for: I broke down and backed the new Chameleon Pens Color Tops Kickstarter project… I got a bigger package (I scrapped together enough barely by selling a TON of lightly used clothing) and barely was able to afford one of the lower big packages that includes all of the pens plus all of the tops. I really couldn’t afford it without selling a ton, and still shouldn’t have, but I realize I’ll never be able to get them for this price again and it was a huge opportunity.

Planning for: So, in return for investing in these costly pens, I made myself (and the boyfriend) a promise that if I back that project I will be taking more time to commit to creating art and starting a new home business we’ve been planning on and working towards which incorporates it. I backed it. I will be re-dedicating myself to my art and opportunities it pulls me towards.

Excited for: New possibilities in art and creation. I have missed being creative so much, and I’m really dying to get back to it. Also, helping my second job move stores in March… I know I’m a total freak, but I love that sort of stuff. I love the creativity of visual merchandising and placing product, and this is like one big floor set.

February Life Updates

New Hair DO Care

I mean, I mentioned that I do have new hair right? Right. Sooooo pretty… See more pictures in my February Goals post.

Relationship Stuff

Things between the boyfriend and I are good. We have our disagreements, but mostly it’s really good. We mesh well, we’re there for each other, and we each work our roles out very well. He keeps me grounded, as I’m prone to get lost in the cloud some days or throw myself head first into something (usually something expensive) without thinking things through first… And I boost him up and calm him down when he starts obsessing or worrying too much. We have good balance. It feels good and healthy. Plus, we’re coming up on a year next month-can you believe it?

Our Family

I’m just loving our little family. Here are two videos I shared on Instagram Stories recently showing our family nap time adventures. I, of course, am incapable of napping. But that doesn’t stop my boys.

Valentine’s Day

For Valentine’s Day he took me out for a really nice dinner at Christopher’s Prime Steakhouse… That was probably the most expensive meal of my life, and I still cringe thinking about the amount we dropped there, and that was considered a cheap-ish option on the menu. It was good, but I don’t know that I care to eat there again, because it didn’t feel THAT good. lol But my amazing boyfriend also spent the day scrubbing the two bathrooms in the house and they look amazing, and he got me gorgeous “I love you to the moon and back” necklace. Swoon!

Handsome Bub the Rescue Pittie

Handsome Bub’s Currently…

Eating: Anything and everything, including socks and washi tape.

Loving: The fact that dad broke the rules and started letting him on the couch.

Hating: That he had to be left at the vet for an entire day (a few hours) and his foot that’s bothering him.

Obsessing over: The steak he knows is stored in the fridge…

Planning: How to convince mom to let him eat at the table with her.

A Spoiled Dog

Bub’s getting to be quite the spoiled boy these days… Boyfriend broke the rules and started letting him on the couch, and after a few snuggly nights, I caved too. But he still has boundaries, he can’t be up there when we have company or when we’re eating. The Place Command is super useful.

Bub’s Surgery

When I rescued Bub, he had a giant skin tag on his foot. We left it for a while, but recently it changed colors and was bleeding so we booked him an emergency surgery to get it removed. The vet agreed that it looked bad and sent it to Histo for testing, but luckily it was just a nasty skin tag. Man has it been an ordeal… He got blood all over the counch multiple times, wouldn’t leave the dang thing alone, and I’ve had to wrap it and constantly make him stop obsessing over it. Poor boy.

Home Updates

My house is pretty much still a disaster area, but luckily it’s slowly but surely getting to a good place. I’ve been dejunking and organizing whenever I possibly have a chance to, and have made some real progress. I still have a ways to go, but we’ll get there…

The Second Bedroom

Many of you know I have a crazy small second bedroom in my house (it fits a twin bed with barely enough room to walk past it sideways haha). It’s currently existing as storage for the clothes I’m selling in my Poshmark closet, but we’re working on transitioning it into a kids’ bedroom over the next few months. We hit up Savers and found a TON of awesome children’s books (of course reading is the first thing I’d go for) and some really cool and fun toys as well.

ISO: Space-Saving Bunk Beds

We still have to find a solution for beds (we need two to accommodate the boyfriends’ kids once he starts getting parent time) because we need space-saving bed options. I’m thinking about tracking down some second-hand military or dorm style bunk beds (they’re narrower than typical bunk beds) or trying to figure something out like that. Maybe two fold out beds? I just don’t know… That room is ridiculous. lol

Desk/Creative Space

I’ve also been talking for months about how I’m desperate for a desk/creative space of my own. This becomes increasingly important as I work towards getting a new home business set up. The problem is, without the use of my previous office (which was turned into a room for the roommate we had for a while and is now being transitioned into the kids’ room), there aren’t many options. I think we’re going to move the boyfriend’s computer down into the spare room (we can play movies for the kids on it when they’re there, and he can use it as his office when they’re not) and I’m going to convert the little nook corner of my living room into my office.

via Pinterest – Pin It!

Image via a tour of Megan Nielson’s Workroom

Image via Apartment Therapy

A Space-Saving Desk Option

Since that little nook area is so narrow that it won’t fit my nice art table I bought a few years back (which now resides in the garage sadly) but I still need some good space. I took to Pinterest to come up with ideas for long and narrow workbench-style desks and was super inspired by some really adorable options. Luckily, before I went out and spent money or tried to build one, I remembered my grandmother’s old sewing table which is just the right dimensions for that corner. Fantastic! It just needs a good paint job first, but then I’ll be one step closer.

The Day Job

I think I’ve finally reached a less frustrating place with my day job. I’ve thrown myself into projects with other departments to help build my resume a bit, and my manager has set me up with some options for growth and new training. I also recently found that in my work’s education center there are UX design/coding classes listed for free, and I’m going to take advantage of them and stay a while.

The Part-Time Job

Man, I probably shouldn’t have signed on as a keyholder… I should have known it’d mean extra hours. I love that job but I can’t work as much as they want me to, so we’re trying to find the balance right now. Also, one of my most favorite manager is leaving us which is sad, but it also means I’m taking over one of her tasks and am going to manage our store’s social media. It’ll be a great resume builder as well.

Weekend Goals

Well, it’s about time to hit the door and head out for the weekend… Here are a few of my goals this weekend to keep me on track:

Get the bedroom finished being organized
Make it to the Pharmacy
Be on-time for my super-early shipment shift tomorrow
Avoid spending any more money
Sit down and set up my planner for the upcoming week

What are your plans this weekend?

This post may contain an affiliate link or two. Purchasing something through an affiliate link on this blog may result in me receiving a small percentage at no extra cost to you. This helps me keep the lights on around here, and lately to put it towards my upcoming business goals. Thanks!

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

Life Updates from January + February Goals

February 13, 2017 by Angie Leave a Comment

Hello lovelies, how was your January? Mine? Crazy. But with the way my life is, how could it be any other way? It couldn’t. Crazy begets crazy begets crazy, and so on and so on. Man, it feels like I’m stuck in a never-ending cycle of “busy” and I’m getting more and more exhausted each day. Something has to give, but honestly? I just don’t know what yet… Anyway, we’re here today to talk about goals… Specifically to recap my successes and failures in January, and set a plan for February Goals. We should also touch base on my yearly goals too…

January Recap & Goals Progress

Whew, January flew by, didn’t it? Or maybe it dragged on waaaaay too long… I can’t decide, but I do know I’m glad it’s over. It was politically stressful, exhausting work-wise, and of course it’s that one month of the year where I feel like my depression/S.A.D. kicks in hardest. But, there was some really good stuff in January too, and since I didn’t post a life update last month, I’d like to do a little one here.

Memorable January Happenings

Here are some of the best things that happened in January.

Fun Bus and Wendover Fun

The night before New Years Eve, my friends and I hopped on board the Fun Bus to Wendover to join our dear friends Katelyn and Callie for their bachelorettes party. If you’re not familiar with the Fun Bus or Wendover, you’re likely not from Utah… Haha, it’s about 90 minutes to the small border town of Wendover Nevada from Salt Lake City, so it’s a popular destination for those who want to get away for an evening and party or gamble. Thus, a whole business has boomed when it comes to Wendover, including the Fun Bus-a charter bus that runs regularly and can be hired out for things such as group events.

Basically, you catch the Fun Bus and they drive you out to Wendover for the evening. It costs about $20, and you can drink and play games the whole way down, spend a few hours in Wendover, and then they drive you home so you can sober up on the way back. They also include fun things like coupons for the buffet, a free drink, etc. Katelyn and Callie’s fun bus was probably the most fun I’ve ever had on one, and the evening was great. I drank more than I have in a while, and Josh and I wandered around (because neither of us are big gamblers) while our friends tried their hands at table games. It was a blast, but I learned that I’m basically super old now and I would have liked to have headed back at midnight instead of 2AM.

Callie & Katelyn’s Wedding

On the 6th, my dear friend Callie married Katelyn, the love of her life. I was so lucky to be one of the few invited to the wedding, and it was probably one of the best weddings I’ve ever been to. The ceremony was sweet, the food delicious, and there was dancing and an open bar. It was marvelous!

It was an absolute blast, so much so that Chris and I both went home and talked about it and obsessed about it for weeks after. “Remember how much fun that was?” “Remember how adorable they looked?” “That photobooth was a fantastic idea!” We felt very blessed to be included in their special night, and there was just so much love.

Melanie Grace, Travis, and Grayson

I can’t believe I didn’t get any photos, but Chris and I were lucky enough to get to spend an evening with some of my dearest friends who were in town for a super-short (too short) visit from Savannah. We hung out at the hotel and had dinner with Melanie Grace, Travis, and their little one (who I was able to give holiday presents to in person) for one short but really fun evening. I love them so, and I can’t wait to see them in a few months when I head their way.

Rose Gold Hair

I Changed My Hair

I made the tough decision to part with my purple hair. Seriously, it was a tough one. I LOVE having purple hair, but part of me felt like it was time to start thinking about grown up decisions like possibly switching careers (I have made no decision towards that yet, and am probably staying put for a while still), so I felt like I needed more grown up hair in case I decided on job interviews. I was struggling with it though, and had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do other than I wanted to go lighter.

My stylist Jamie did a FANTASTIC job though, and I’m in love with the rose gold blonde she acheived. It’s so pretty!

January Goals Recap

Okay, let’s get down to how I did on my January goals… Not well…

January Home Goals

~~Pack up and put away Holiday decor, move it out to the garage~~ – SUCCESS!
Organize the living room closet to hold games and craft/art supplies – In Progress (I just haven’t had time to finish…
Move kitchen table into the living room – FAIL (still in the works)
Move grandma’s hutch from her house to mine, set it up in the kitchen – FAIL
Clean out Fridge/Cupboards – FAIL
Organize cookware and drawers/cupboards – FAIL
Deep clean the kitchen – FAIL
Deep clean the Living Room – FAIL
Find all the plants new homes – In Progress
Organize shelves, unpack boxes of books/decor stacked in the corner onto them – FAIL
Hang some decor on the kitchen and dining room walls – FAIL
Move A/C window unit & Packed Pool out to the garage – FAIL

January Blog Goals

Finish new design updates – In Progress (mostly done, just a few changes left…)
Write & schedule out new and awesome posts – In Progress
~~Put together a killer monthly giveaway~~– SUCCESS! Go enter the HUGE Planner Supply Giveaway!
Figure out my 2017 sponsorship program changes – FAIL
Get back into the groove of blogging – In Progress

January Work Goals

Suck it up and figure out how to be happy at my day job – In Progress
Work less at my part-time job – In Progress

January Finance Goals

Figure out my budget and how best to stick with it – FAIL
Start the snowball effect to pay down some debt – FAIL
Set a strict no-spend budget – FAIL
Leave 80% of my LLR Facebook groups (I have to stop buying it) – In Progress (I haven’t bought any, but I haven’t gone and left groups yet…)
~~Start listing more things to sell in my dejunking process~~ – SUCCESS (still have more to go, but getting there.)

January Life Goals

~~Read/listen to at least 2 books~~ – SUCCESS! I listened to 3!
~~Have a great visit with Josh before he heads back to Canada~~ – SUCCESS!
~~Have a great visit with MelanieGrace and her family~~ – SUCCESS!
~~Attend Callie and Katelyn’s wedding~~ – SUCCESS!
Visit my grandmother more often – FAIL. I only saw her once. 🙁
Visit my parents’ for my mom’s birthday or for my parents’ anniversary – FAIL
Get my planner set up and in use – In Progress… Set up, but I’ve been bad about using it.

So yeah, so far I’m failing at my yearly goals too… I need to get my crap together.

February Goals

Okay, it’s a new month. It’s a short month. I’m already way behind… I think that means I’d better take it easier on myself this month and set myself up for success in March, but I still have a lot to do. I set up a yearly plan and now I’m behind schedule on it.

February Home Goals

Finish getting January’s organization/cleaning goals
- Move Table from Kitchen to Living Room
- Move Grandma’s Hutch from her house to mine (and into the kitchen)
- Organize all shelves/cupboards/drawers
- Organize Living Room Closet – Games and Craft Supplies
- Desk Area – Clean and Organize
- Deep Clean
Finish February’s Organization Goals
- Clothing
- Closet
- Shelves
- Drawers
- Deep Clean
Start setting up a desk/workspace area for creativity (desperately need one!)

February Blog Goals

Finish new design updates
Write & schedule out new and awesome posts
Figure out my 2017 sponsorship program changes
Think about new direction and rededication

February Work Goals

Figure out a better morning routine to be more successful with arriving on time/early to work

Retiring The Monthly Goals Linky

I’ve been struggling the last few months to post it on time (I mean hello, it’s 10 days into the month now and I’m just getting to these goals) and I haven’t been able to visit all the participants as much as I’d like either. When my linkytoolz account came up for renewal I decided not to renew it… For now, I’m going to retire the Monthly Goals linky, but continue to share my goals nad progress, as well as look for yours as well. Please feel free to link to them in the comments-I’d still love to see your progress!

What are your February Goals?

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

September Updates: Currently + What’s Up in My Life

September 6, 2016 by Angie 18 Comments

You know, normally I start a month out lamenting about how fast the time has gone… But I am feeling so good about September that I just can’t lament it… It’s off to a great start. The air is cooling down, there’s that whiff of change floating in on the breeze, and I can feel Autumn in my bones… It’s nearly here. I mean, I know it doesn’t technically change seasons until the 22nd, but in my life it can be Fall when I say it’s Fall… I’m ready to put up some autumnal decor and start sipping on those PSLs-but first I’ll provide some other September Updates for you…

Currently in September

Currently this month, I’m…

Reading: Mariana by Susanna Kearsley. Well, I’m listening to it via Audible (Pssst – Try Audible and Get Two Free Audiobooks), which is proving difficult since my car has decided it no longer will allow my phone to connect to the sound system and instead I’ve just started using a portable Bluetooth speaker instead… It’s been working okay, but the girl narrating this particular book is very soft spoken and it’s sooo hard to hear in the car which is rough. The book is really good so far though! I also just finished Bitter Greens by Kate Forsyth and it was AMAZING.

Watching: Boyfriend and I are still making our way through Gilmore Girls off and on (he’s not good at the Netflix binges) but we’ve also started watching The Strain together and we’re pretty hooked.

Listening to: I’m pretty much just listening to my book 98% of the time, but for the other 2% I sat down and made a really fun oldschool hip hop/rap/R&B mix that I’m digging on. I mean, it has everything from some explicit Ludacris, to Tupac, to old school Destiny’s Child. Man, I’d forgotten how much I LOVED Destiny’s Child back in the day… Plus, I found out that the version of a song I knew versus the one that Boyfriend knew, was totally different.

Turns out the one I knew is a cover… Suffice it to say, that explains the funny looks he gave me when I sang the lyrics to him… But I think the cover is almost more fun than the original…

Drinking: Coffee coffee coffee! Seriously though, my work has the amazing Tassimo machine and Boyfriend bought me a Keurig. Best. Boyfriend. Ever.

Obsessed with: Selling my unworn or lightly-used clothing because I have too much of it… And also buying from other sellers. Do you use Poshmark?? You should. It’s fun, there are fab deals, and you can totally shop my closet.

Excited For: Fall… Halloween. All of that fun stuff.

Planning: An overnight at my second job-we’re working 7PM to 3AM to do some stuff in the back room and it’ll definitely be interesting! Also taking Bub into the Vet to get some skin tags removed and his nails done.

Working on: Getting back to my blog in a big way.

Outfit Details
Striped Ponte Skater Dress // Ponte Cutaway Blazer

September Updates on Life & More

Life has been one wild ride this Summer! As most of you have seen, I got a bit behind on the blog and there were a lot of times when I had to just step back and breathe because I was so overwhelmed with everything. I was working 70ish hours between my two jobs, trying to manage a house that was a total wreck because I had no time to clean it, and it was all building up so fast that it set my anxiety off the charts.

Outfit Details
Me — Skull Floral Strappy Mesh Bralette // Strappy Fishnet & Lace Push-Up Plunge Bra // Crochet Trim Tank Top // Mystic Moon Kimono
Him — Men’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles T-Shirt

The Relationship

Things with Boyfriend and I are really good. Things with us just seem to work, and we have a pretty nice flow. He’s so tender-hearted with Bub and takes care of him most of the time since I’m working so much. I love knowing there’s someone at home that will care for Bub as much as I do. I also got the kitchen and some of the upstairs deep-cleaned and he has worked so hard to maintain it. It’s nice coming home from a day working both jobs to find out he’s fed the dog, cleaned the kitchen, and gone and gotten groceries. Plus, he’s very thoughtful and often has a bag of M&Ms or some flowers waiting for me. It’s very sweet.

The Pup

Handsome Bub celebrated his first Gotcha Day on August 29th. I can’t believe this kooky boy has been in my life and home a whole year! It’s been trying at times, that’s for sure, but also the most rewarding thing I’ve ever experienced. There’s no one a sweet and loving as this boy. Even though I can’t socialize with him or ever get other pets, and he sometimes eats things he shouldn’t (remotes, socks, loaves of bread, my new bralette…), I wouldn’t trade him for anything in the world.

Last week we had to go to the vet and get his Rabies and Distemper shots and update the records with the city. We also made him an appointment to get the skin tag removed from his foot on the 19th. He’s had it since I got him, and the vet checked it out and said it was okay (even though it’s ugly), but it’s been growing and getting in his way so I think it’s time. I’m nervous about dropping him off for surgery, but it’ll be great to get his nails trimmed and everything too.

The Wheezer & Panic! At the Disco Concert

At the end of July we went to a fun Panic! At the Disco and Wheezer concert. They were SO much fun to see live-and I didn’t know that the lead singer of Panic! is also from Utah. Wheezer was amazing, but the single best moment of the evening was Panic! at the Disco singing a Bohemian Rhapsody cover. AMAZING. We had a really good time, and I really enjoyed getting to hang out with some of my favorite people and singing along.

Camping

Last month we were able to go camping up to my family’s ranch. It’s unfortunately been too long since I’ve been up there, but it was nice to gather up Ken and Kristina, their kids, Chris, the dog, and me. We cooked, drank, colored, played games, tried not to melt from the heat of the day, and enjoyed star-lit evenings by the fire. Handsome Bub definitely approved of the sleeping arrangements, because for some reason he figured his camping self could crash on the couch. Man he was cute though.

Shop the Looks:
Me — Torrid Skinny Jean // Floral Pintuck Georgette Cami // Space Dye Drape Cardigan // Sanuk Yoga Slinged Up Sandal (Turquoise Peacock)
Becky — Floral Button Front Hi-Lo Top // Ponte Trouser Bermuda Shorts // Strappy Lace Bralette // Birkenstock Florida Soft Footbed Sandal
Mindy — Torrid Jeggings – Black Wash // Floral Print Chiffon Crochet Inset Top

The Second Job

While it’s been kind of stressful working two jobs, it’s also been a lot of fun. I actually really enjoy my time at the store and I love working with people and picking outfits. Even more, I love doing the store set and organizing, dressing mannequins, etc. It’s so much fun! Like playing grown-up dolls with outfits you could just take off and wear yourself. Anyone remember My Size Barbies? Yeah, I was the fat kid who couldn’t wear My Size Barbies dress, but I loved helping her pick out outfits! Haha

Anyway, we’re actually going to be doing an overnight on tomorrow from 7PM to 3AM to clean up the back room and get everything nice and functional. I’m going to be so tired, but it’s with two of my favorite people, so I think I’m going to have fun. I am going to run to Walmart and find some Awake caffeinated chocolate though… They sell them at my work in the cafe and I’m thinking they’ll be right on point for staying up that late!

How have you been?

Seriously, leave me a comment and let me know how you are. I want to get back in touch!

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

August Goals + The Monthly Goals Linky

August 3, 2016 by Angie 58 Comments

I’m not sure if any of you have looked at a calendar within the last two days but… It’s August. Yes, I’m serious-we’re starting out the eighth month of the year and before we know it’ll be Fall (yesssss) then Winter (nooooo) and we’ll be scrambling to finish out our Christmas to-make, to-buy, and to-do lists… Oh man, I’m so sorry… I just stressed myself out so I can’t imagine what it must have been like for you to read that last little bit… But you know, there are only 143 days to Christmas… Yikes. Let’s not think about that, okay? I’m the queen of procrastination, and let’s face it-before then we have to deal with back to school, Halloween, and Thanksgiving… There’s time right? One thing I know, it’s time (past time, really) for my August goals and The Monthly Goals linky party… Are you joining us this month?

For those of you who are new here, we do this monthly on the first day of the month (I’m late, I know, but I was out of town and then soooo sick-still sick, but back at my desk this morning) and we recap last month’s goals and set goals going forward. There’ll be more information towards the end of this post where the linky is.

July Goals

Home Goals

Get my house cleaned up and help the boyfriend unpack his stuff. FAIL.
Buy a new lawnmower. FAIL.
Set up the fun little pool I bought so we can relax in it. FAIL.

Social Goals

~~Go camping~~. SUCCESS!
~~Spend a night at Ken and Kristina’s.~~ SUCCESS!
~~Throw Ortie an awesome baby shower.~~ SUCCESS! See photos HERE.

Blog Goals

Get my pages and sidebar updated. FAIL.
~~Figure out what to switch to for my blog sponsorship program~~. SUCCESS! (More info coming soon…)
Plan out the next three months of group giveaways. FAIL.
Set up my new Second Saturday Six post to replace the Saturday Spotlights. FAIL.
Edit and update a huge chunk of old posts. FAIL.
Get my book reviews written and posted on Page à Vu as well as updated on Goodreads. FAIL.
Get caught up on my inbox and everything I needed to do last month. FAIL.
Do at least one fashion post. FAIL.
Do at least one recipe or DIY post. FAIL.
Do at least one Better Your Blog post. FAIL.
Get my photos from Savannah edited and posted. FAIL.

Other Goals

Put together a budget and start working to stick to it. FAIL.
Start working on my A+ certification. FAIL.

Well, July was full of fail… To be honest, I should have expected it with all of the big stuff that was going down… My part time job was supposed to be just a good 7-10 hours a week and I’m getting around 25 hours a week… We’ve been short-staffed and working hard to compensate. We also didn’t have a store manager who could do the hiring, so hopefully my schedule will calm down a bit as our new Store Manager starts hiring employees. We also moved offices at my regular job, so I’ve not been able to do as much at work anymore as I used to. Such a bummer!

Oh well, here’s to August’s goals being more accomplish-able! I think I’ll make them much simpler this time, because otherwise (with all the stuff that’s still going on with work and home) I’m just setting myself up to fail…

August Goals

Home Goals

Get my house in some kind of order-it’s not livable at this point.

Blog Goals

Get my pages and sidebar updated.
Finish up my new sponsorship program and get it running right.
Plan out the next three months of group giveaways.
Get caught up on my inbox and everything I needed to do last month.
Get my photos from Savannah edited and posted.

Other Goals

Put together a budget and start working to stick to it.
Save at least $100 in my savings account.
Get caught up on bills and credit card payments.
Not spend everything I make from my second job at my second job. >.<

What are your August Goals?

Join Us for the Monthly Goals

How to Play Along:

Follow your hosts My So-Called Chaos and A Peek at Karen’s World in some way to keep up with these linkies.
Write up a post about your goals for the month.
Include the button (below) or a link back to my post or Karen’s.
Link up in the linky below.
- The linky goes live on the first Thursday of each month and is open all month so link up at any time.
- Only posts talking about your goals (in whatever format you like) can be linked up.
- Posts that don’t link back or contain the button will be removed.
Visit other people in the linky and lave encouragement and support!

Link-Up

An InLinkz Link-up

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

July Updates + Currently – Hey Angie, Where’d You Go?

July 20, 2016 by Angie 79 Comments

In the 8 years that I have been blogging here at My So-Called Chaos, I’ve almost never taken much of a “blogging break.” I mean, I’ve missed posts here and there, or skipped a few days while away on vacation, but I’ve never really stepped away from my blog on purpose for any amount of time. Honestly? I’m not about to do it now either… However, I do need to figure out a way to adjust and move my blog along with me and the world that has changed so drastically around me in the last few weeks. I hope to be back to regular posting soon… I’ll explain more here in a moment, as I think I’m due for some July updates… and an explanation of my absence as of late.

This post does contain a few affiliate links. Affiliate links help me keep the lights on here at My So-Called Chaos, as I may be compensated a small amount (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase something through my link. Thanks so much for the support.

Currently in July

Reading: Right now I’m listening to The Wild Girl by Kate Forsyth, and so far I’m really into it. I’m not getting as much time in the car these days so I think I’ll probably eventually start listening to it at work too. It’s so good so far!

Watching: Boyfriend and I started the show Shades of Blue on Hulu. It’s only one season in so far, but it’s pretty good, and I do like some J-Lo.

Listening to: I haven’t been listening to much music lately, but the latest song I loved enough to download was River by Bishop Briggs. I just love her voice.

Eating: Ever since I renewed my Costco membership, I’ve been super obsessed with these Kirkland Salted Caramel Macadamia Clusters because they’re AMAZING. Seriously, so good. I’m also kind of in love with caffeinated chocolate bars right now… Also, I somehow picked up a Taco Bell obsession? I don’t even know how… It was one of those places I almost never chose to go to before, and now I’m like mmmm… Doritos Locos…

Drinking: Baja Blast. Oh right, there’s now my Taco Bell thing got started… I need to quit the soda again ASAP. I’m also super into coffee (as usual) and since my new office has one of those single serve coffee makers in it, I’m all into drinking more of it throughout the day…

Obsessed with: Kimonos and long necklaces… Yes please.

Excited for: The Panic! at the Disco & Wheezer concert next week with my boo and my besties.

Planning: Our camping trip! Oops, it’s coming up fast… I’d better get on that.

Working on: Finding some balance in my now more hectic life…

July Updates

Man, if I said June was crazy, I had no idea what July would be like… I’ve been going non-stop, and I’ve hit a point where I definitely need a break from the never-ending merry-go-round that is two jobs and not a moment to myself. Seriously… I feel exhausted.

But damn, I’m rocking some fashion lately and it feels good! I’ve really been having fun trying new fashion and makeup lately, and getting bolder and brighter in my efforts. I’m obsessed with my eyebrows, Kimonos, and highlighting. I really do mean obsessed… I’ve purchased so many kimonos in the last couple of weeks that I realized I don’t even have shirts to wear with them! Guess I have to buy some more shirts… 😉 Oh oh oh, and I’m obsessed with this bra and the sexy straps it ads to my outfit… For that reason I’m starting to get into Bralettes more as well.

My Day Job

My main job moved locations this past weekend, and in typical “Angie style” I left everything to the very last minute-a.k.a Friday. I figured I’d get everything backed up Friday morning, then packed up Friday afternoon, but around 9AM on Friday they sent out an email saying that the internet would be shut off at noon so we needed to be packed up by then, and migrate towards home to finish out our work days. I mad rushed to pack, got it all done, and then enjoyed a few hours at home before having to go into my second job.

I was really worried about moving to this building because it means a HUGE adjustment for me. Sure, I was excited that it cuts my daily commute in half… I’ve been driving 45 minutes to work five days a week for the last 6-8 years… However, I was previously seated away from everyone else, and quite used to my solitude and quiet where I was, and one look at the new seating chart informed me that I was to be seated right next to my managers and several of the loudest people in my office. I was not thrilled.

However, I’m pleasantly surprised to find it hasn’t been so bad. The new office is super nice, as it’s brand new and all industrial style with some exposed duct work, concrete floors, and lots of crisp bright lines. The entire outer wall is mostly windows, so we get a lot of natural light and the view from the fourth floor is actually pretty stunning. From the windows on my side of the building, the view looks out over the railroad tracks to the mountains on the east side of the valley. There’s a nice green field, some homes, the highway, and IKEA over in that direction. From the other side of the building you get sweeping views of the entire valley all the way out to the wet side and the Copper mine. Its quite pretty.

It’s still quite an adjustment, as it feels very corporate now and we’ve always been pretty laid back in the past… We have an actual security guard and we have to badge in the doors and also through a gate at security. On the other hand, we also have a cafe that’s fully catered and supposedly subsidized (though it doesn’t really feel less expensive than going out for lunch…), a gym, and eventually they’ll finish the first floor where we’ll have a whole game room full of stuff.

I’m also pleasantly surprised that I don’t hate sitting over here… I do often miss the freedom that came with having no one looking over your shoulder, but it’s been kind of nice to be social again and have a conversation with someone.

Coffee-Maker Crazy

Where I sit in the new building is also right by the little break area where we have this amazing new Tassimo professional coffee maker and I’m obsessed… I had no idea you could make actual latte-style drinks with these single serve coffee makers, and if I had I might have gotten one long ago… I’m loving the one we have, and now I can’t decide if I should get a Tassimo machine or just go the easier and less-expensive route with a Keurig.

The Tassimo one is SO nice, and I’m in love with it… But the Keurig seems to have a lot more options and be easier to find stuff for… My local grocer has nearly 60 different flavors/brands of K-Cups but not one single Tassimo pod for sale…

My Night & Weekend Job

Things have been kind of crazy at my second job lately… When I started it was just an easy part-time gig working 7-10 hours a week for the discount on the pretty clothes, but with being short handed and down two managers during the busiest time of the year for us, I worked a good 26 hours last week. Safe to say, that working nearly 80 hours between my two jobs took it’s toll on me and come this past Sunday I had a bit of a crash and needed a break… Luckily I have a fantastic coworker who covered my Tuesday shift so I could have a couple of days off in a row, and a very understanding manager.

I really do love working there. It’s so fun to talk to other fantastic curvy girls, and I work with some all-around fabulous people that I’m happy to have made friends with. Plus, the clothes are great-I was even featured as their outfit of the day last week.

If you’re curious about my outfit, I’m totally rocking a pair of skinny jeans, this Arrow Print Tulip-Back Tank Top (seriously loving all things tulip-back) with a turquoise Foxy Cami underneath the sheer chiffon, this black super-soft open-front cardigan, a long triangle chain necklace, and some yellow moccasins I got from Target a few years back.

Ortie & Justin’s Baby Shower

I helped throw my friend Ortie, and her beau Justin, a baby shower earlier this month. She’s such a beautiful momma-to-be and she was so happy to have her friends around her. Plus, her sister drove all the way up from Texas to surprise her for the shower and it was wonderful.

Above, she’s opening gifts from Chris and I. Chris gave them the little monkey, and I put together a bath-themed gift for her. The cute baby bather with frogs was on her wishlist, so I just kind of ran with the bathing theme since I knew one other thing I had to get her was the Sleepytime baby bath products… They weren’t on her registry, but having been a nanny and helped raise my godkids, I knew she HAD to have the lovely lavender scented bath wash and lotion. It’s a must for helping calm little babes before bed.

Of course I also went a little crazy and wanted to buy more baby things… They’re all just so dang cute! I added the most adorable little dragon bath robe with matching dragon hooded baby towels and dragon baby washcloths… So freaking cute. She loved them too, which I’m happy about. My ovaries man, my ovaries…

July Updates: Ortie's Baby Shower Kristina and Angie

July Updates: Ortie's Baby Shower Chris and Angie

Couplehood

Kristina pointed out, after we’d all stood together to pose for a friends photo at the baby shower, that it’s now even pairings. I took another look at the photo and realized that she was right… I wasn’t the fifth wheel as I’d been so many times before, I had my loving and caring boyfriend standing next to me looking all handsome, and that made me very happy.

Boyfriend moved in at the beginning of the month. You’d think that would be scary, but since he’d basically just been living there without his stuff since we became a couple in March, it didn’t change much… Other than I need to now figure out where to fit a whole other person worth of stuff in my tiny and messy house.

Either way, both Bub and I are really enjoying having him around. Since I’m working two jobs, and doing it so much, it’s been such a relief to have someone home with the dog who I know loves him as much as I do. Even better that I don’t have to pay a sitter… (My puppy sitter Aspen is great, but funds have been kind of tight lately. I’ll work on getting her a job with me at my second job instead… haha!) Also, Bub is a traitor and has totally moved to sleeping on Chris’ side of the bed… lol

Plums? Cherries? Cherryplums?

It turns out the pretty red tree in front of my house grows fruit! When it was pointed out to me, I stopped and contemplated it… I’d never seen a fruit tree with such dark red leaves before, and hadn’t expected the tree to produce fruit. Especially when there are two fruit trees in the back that don’t produce anything yet…

These are small like cherries, but they taste more like plums… Yes, I tasted them, and I didn’t die. I’m guessing they’re something called Cherryplums, which is what my plant-identifying app and google seem to believe. Either way, there are a slew of them smushed on my sidewalk that need to be cleaned up… lol

What’s Up for the Rest of July?

Well, there’s actually quite a bit planned for the rest of the month. On Tuesday, Chris and I are going to the Panic! at the Disco & Wheezer concert with Ken and Kristina. Then the following weekend we’re going camping up at my family ranch. I haven’t been in forever and I can’t wait to take my friends up. There’s also a chance we’re going up to Crystal Hot Springs this weekend, and that will also be super fun.

What About Blogging?

I’m going to be back, I promise. There was a lot of stress as I was working too many hours to find time to do much blogging at home these past few weeks, but with all the work changes it was unclear whether I’d be able to do much blogging-wise at work, even on breaks or lunches… To be honest, that’s where I do 90% of my blogging and everything that goes along with it, so figuring out how to change that has proven difficult.

Luckily, there is enough access to still continue a good portion of my blogging at work-I just have to do less of it here. There are some sites I can’t access fully (Instagram and Pinterest-which is killing me. haha) but otherwise I’m getting by and hope to have more posts and content for you soon. 😀

Also, look for information on my new sponsorship program next month!

How are you?

I really want to know. Leave me a comment and let’s catch up!

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

Currently in June + Life Updates

June 27, 2016 by Angie 22 Comments

Wow! I almost missed a June update, can you believe it’s almost July? Time is flying and Summer has been SO busy. How’s your Summer been? I hope good so far. I think it’s time for my Currently in June post and some life updates-you’re totally due some updates because so much has been happening. On another note, if you’ve emailed me and I haven’t responded, I’m SO sorry and I’ll be getting back to you as soon as possible. I’m buried in emails I haven’t been able to catch up on. Please don’t stop loving me over it. 😉

Currently in June, I’m…

Reading: I just finished the first two books in the Modern Witch series by Debora Geary – A Modern Witch and A Hidden Witch. I haven’t decided what my next read is… Well, listen, because I’m all about audio books lately and haven’t had time to pick up my next actual physical book. Sad, but unfortunately what I have to do at the moment. I’m thinking I’ll either listen to The Wild Girl by Kate Forsyth or Madame Picasso by Anne Girard since I have them on Audible already but haven’t listened to them yet.

Watching: I’ve been watching Reign like crazy… I liked the show when it first started, and then in the middle I was pretty meh about it, but this last season really got me hooked again. It’s been pretty intense, and I have a thing for historical fiction and re-imaginings. As for TV it’s been a little bit of everything… I’m trying to watch the second season of Grace and Frankie, we binged the entire new season of OITNB (Whoa, am I right?!?), and it’s been some Gilmore Girls (boyfriend wants to watch it, isn’t he perfect?), Friends, Dexter, and Rick & Morty. Kind of a weird mix of shows, but we’re catching the boyfriend up. He’s been living under a rock.

I also broke down and bought four blue-ray movies at Costco this week. I haven’t bought a movie in a long time (well, actually, I bought Deadpool right when it came out) but I HAD to have them… I picked up two Disney releases-Oliver and Company and Dumbo, and two Studio Ghibli movies-Kiki’s Delivery Service and Princess Mononoke.

Listening To: Mostly audio books, but also a little bit of new music here and there because of the radio at my new part-time job. my latest new-found song love is Halsey with New Americana. Such a good sound, and the video and lyrics to this one kind of make a big political statement.

Excited For: A big camping trip I’m trying to put together at the end of the month… Also, we have tickets to see Panic! at the Disco and Wheezer this month too. It should be a fun (but busy again) month.

Planning: I’m throwing my friend Ortie a baby shower this weekend and have been planning that.

Working on: Blog posts, editing, and more time doing design stuff from home.

Wanting: More time in the day and more money in my wallet. You know, the usual.

June Life Updates

As I said, June has been crazy busy, but it’s also been filled with a lot of good things. One of the main ones is that I got a second job. It’s just a very very part time job, around 8-12 hours a week, depending on the shift, and it’s been pretty fun. I’m now working as a sales associate on the side for Torrid. I pretty much just got it for the discount and because I needed some social interaction… The money hasn’t been the reason, which is a good thing because I’ve spent more than I’ve made… haha. I just need to build up my wardrobe for the first bit, then I can start saving some of the side money I make from it. I pretty much only get dressed up for work, and man do I love getting all dolled up and fashionable to go into Torrid.

Outfit Details // Dress // Vest // Leggings // Sandals // Neclace Unavailable

So far, my favorite thing is when you get someone who comes in and says “I have no idea what to buy and I need an outfit for [a date, work event, gala, etc.]” or “I’ve never shopped here before and I really need a whole new wardrobe” and you get to help them pick things to try on. It’s even better when they just love something you picked out for them, and they hadn’t picked it for themselves or tried it before. My second favorite thing is dressing the mannequins… I don’t get to do it often, but man I just love putting outfits together! Who knew fashion would be my thing? I just needed to get into plus-size fashion and love it.

Home life has had a few kind-of changes. Yesterday we officially moved Boyfriend into my house. I say “kind-of” because even though yesterday was the first day we officially lived together, we’ve only spent one or two nights apart since March, so it’s basically been like he’s been living there without his stuff for a while. It was a mad dash to get all of his stuff in the house and then get to work on time, but thanks to our good friend Kristina and her help (plus the use of her van) we totally pulled it off.

Bub loves having Boyfriend here, and I love catching them in super sweet moments. Boyfriend is soooo good at taking care of Bub. He feeds him, lets him out, gives him love, and Bub has chosen to move his bedding to the floor on Boyfriend’s side of the bed instead… Traitor. At least they are so dang cute together.

Speaking of… A few weeks ago we get a call from Boyfriend’s old landlord. His ex had moved out of the house they’d shared and left his car there, and the landlord wanted it gone. We decided to drive over and make sure we could start it, since he was pretty sure that she hadn’t been driving it and that it had just sat for a while, and not only did we find a car just stuffed with random junk (like a rusty old BBQ, dirty blankets, and luckily his letter jacket we weren’t sure he’d get back) we found she’d gone off and abandoned the cat too! I couldn’t just leave the cat, so we headed over to my grandparents’ house and they came over and helped us get the car back to their place, and they took the cat on a temporary basis. Thank goodness for my awesome parents, they picked up Skye and they’ve taken her down to live with them. They’re loving her, but her long hair is driving them crazy… I’ll be sure to share pictures if my mom follows through on her thread to give Skye a shave down this Summer-I told her to make her look like a lion.

Outfit Details (for mine haha) // Top // Cami (underneath) // Jeans // Shoes // Necklace

We also were able to get together for two different BBQs with my family. The first for my Dad’s birthday, and the second for Father’s Day and my sister’s birthday. I got my dad and grandpa each a personalized pocket knife, and my little sister (who’s Ariel-obsessed) an Pop Funko Ariel Keychain, and a Little Mermaid Charm necklace, and wristlet from the Ariel Collection at Torrid.

Volunteering at the 2016 Utah Pride Festival

This month we also volunteered at the annual Utah Pride Festival by running our company’s booth. It was so much fun to hang out with a few of my favorite coworkers and the boyfriend, and talk to so many different people. Such a blast!

We’ve been feeding this cute little grey stray kitty that keeps showing up in our yard. The neighbor thinks she might be a momma cat, but I’m not sure this is the same one because she’s tiny and it doesn’t look like she’s given birth recently. The other day she did show up with an older looking grey tabby also, both begging for food, but I haven’t seen the other one since. This little girl, who we’re officially calling Sneak, is too wild to let us get too close, but she’s started just waiting for us in the mornings and evenings staring us down like “hey human, where’s my dinner?” She’s so cute.

We got to see our Aspen last night. Can you tell Bub missed her? We’re trying to get her a position at Torrid too-I think she’d enjoy it and she needed a part time job. Especially since, with Boyfriend and the roommate around, we haven’t needed a puppy sitter for quite some time.

Bedding Sets // Top // Bottom Left // Bottom Right

With Ken and Kristina’s family moving into their new house recently, I decided to get all three of my godkids new bedding for an early birthday present. I took them with me to Target and let them pick out what they like, and this is what we ended up with. Kat’s bedding was my favorite of all time (bottom right) because it’s so ruffly and pretty, and she really dug it too-she even opted to sleep with it instead of her cherished Elsa blanket. Kailee and Kaden picked out their bedding, Kaden opting for the Astronaut set that I’d really liked, and Kailee picking out a pink comforter that she felt looked more like the grown-up teenager she wants to be… She’s only ten, so at least it’s still pretty and girly and she can make it match her new room.

Speaking of Kat Kat, when I was babysitting her a few weeks ago we were sitting at the table eating breakfast when she suddenly looks over to me and says “So, how’s your day?” and I was floored. When did this cute little baby become a person who makes conversation at the breakfast table? WOW. They grow up so dang fast. She’s still baby cute though.

How was your June?

This post does contain a few affiliate links. At no cost to you, I may receive a small compensation in return for items purchased via these links. This compensation helps me keep the blog up and running and full of good content.

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

Currently in May + Life Upates

May 9, 2016 by Angie 71 Comments

Well friends, we’re well into May so I think it’s about time to put together a life update and currently in May post. I love when bloggers keep it real, so I like to add as much of the real me and my real life as I can to this little blog. Plus, I have some great upcoming posts this Summer, so keep an eye out.

Currently in May, I’m…

Reading: (Well, listening to the audio book for… haha!) Lamp Black, Wolf Grey by Paula Brackston. I also just finished The Return of the Witch by Paula Brackston and The Splendour Falls by Susanna Kearsley. They were both great, and I’ll have reviews up soon at Page à Vu.

Watching: I’ve started rewatching Weeds because Boyfriend got into it and I was excited to keep him going on it. It’s the first show he’s ever liked enough to marathon.

Listening to: I’m back on an audio book kick, so I haven’t been listening to much by way of Music, but I’m super digging On My Mind by Ellie Goulding at the moment.

Excited for: School to be over. Also I have an interview for a part time job on Wednesday that I’m starting to get really excited for. I mean, I’d thought about getting a part time job for a while now, but the idea of using up more of my time and missing out on stuff this summer due to having two jobs held me back. However, I think if I keep it really part time and work for a place that I really like-I’ll enjoy it. Fingers crossed I get this job!

Planning: My trip to Savannah at the end of the month. I can’t wait!

Working on: Putting together my May Group Giveaway. We’re doing a BIG adult coloring giveaway, so if you want to join, sign up HERE.

Wanting: An art space. I’ve had to sacrifice my art space for room for the boys at the house. My art table was just too big to fit anywhere so it is out in the garage now. I may, however, turn the garage (even though there aren’t windows) into some kind of good art/photo studio. The one thing I need for sure is to get my lights set back up so I can get back to taking good pictures for the blog and IG.

May Life Updates

May has already been jam-packed with so much goodness. I made it through finals, not only my own but Boyfriend’s, and we came out the other side. I feel like I did pretty well on my French Final, so now I’m just waiting to find out if I passed it. I just need a C, and I’ve been hovering around a C all semester so I have cause to be worried. I need to be better when I go back to school in the Fall. Also, Boyfriend is not strong in writing skills, so while I made him do all of his legwork of finding sources and putting them all together in his paper, I essentially went through and edited and overwrote his last few papers. I’m damn good at essays, but doing someone else’s paper is even less fun than doing your own. Oh well, I scored major girlfriend points.

Boyfriend Lately

Speaking of Boyfriend, we’re almost never apart, and it’s been good and a big learning curve for me. He loves my family, and they seem to like him, and he pushes me to visit more often which is good. He’s also tremendously sweet with my dog, and I just love having him around. We’ve decided to hold off moving in together for a while, but it’s kind of silly also since he’s paying to rent another place and at my place 24/7. Haha! Also, this crazy boy has bought me flowers three times already, and each time it’s just as amazing and sweet. &hearts;

Home Lately

The biggest adjustment for me has been going from living alone and being alone 85% of the time, save for the dog, to suddenly having two grown men around my tiny little house. But it’s been nice too. I’ve been slowly trying to get my house in order and figure out how to fit the lives of three-people into my one tiny space. Max (the roommate) brought in his fun shelves and we set them up in the living room, and I also built a little desk area for the boyfriend to set up his computer and work in once he moves in. (Pictues above, don’t mind the clutter, they were taken while I was in the process of putting books back on shelves…) Plus both areas are just a work in a progress still and it’s been an uphill battle a bit… lol

Yard Lately

My yard is overgrown and terrible. But I need to get it cleaned up and the grass clipped stat so that I can start planting my garden-which needs to make its way in before Memorial Day if at all possible. Especialy since I’ll be out of town that last weekend of the month. I did manage to get myself a compost bin put together, and I’ve actually LOVED feeling like I’m not wasting food because it goes out and gets composted for the garden. That’s been brilliant. Also my pretty baby fruit trees in the back yard have come back vibrantly with blossoms and leaves. I still think they’re too young to produce much fruit, but last year one tree gave me one tiny inedible apple. I can’t wait til they’re full grown.

I’m also dying to go pick up plants for the yard and the house. I want more big droopy plants to hang about inside so it looks like a nice little oasis in there (it also helps freshen the air) and with all the gardening excitement I couldn’t help but ooh and aww over all the veggie plants at the store when we were looking for Mother’s day arrangements. I’m also dying over this big Fuschia plant-it’s SO gorgeous and I just NEED to hang it off my front porch.

Bub Lately

Bub’s been doing alright… We’ve had to make a “No Table Scraps” rule in the house because he’s had a sick stomach too many times lately. I think it’s all the bribery treats that the boys have been giving him. He also just cannot get used to Max. He’s used to Boyfriend, and loves the crap out of him, but Max still scares him a lot. We really think it must have been a tall stocky guy who beat him in his previous home, because he flinches when Max tries to pet him and gets really nervous when Max is downstairs in his room. He’ll sit at the top of the stairs and growl and bark at him-even though he’s lived there almost a month now. Also, Max says that when I’m not home Bub will sit on the other side of the room and ignore him, but when I come home Bub wants Max to love on him a lot and will go over to him. It’s strange.

Family Lately

My family is doing alright. My dad is getting his health on track and keeping up with it better. My sister is happily living with her boyfriend who is a pretty stand-up guy. My mom loved her mother’s day gifts and is already planning on making room for the boyfriend, dog, and I to come down and visit more often. My baby brother Ryan has accepted a spot on a college baseball team with Taft College in California-and I’m so happy he decided to head to school.

Kristina and her family bought a brand new house and I have been helping them move. Yesterday, I got to see it for the first time and it is GORGEOUS. Huge and beautiful, and I can’t wait to start helping her decorate and paint! So excited!

Food Lately

I’ve been eating terribly… I got way off track with my diet for April (birthday cake, doughnuts, chocolates, etc.) and need to get it back on track. I did, however, get to do a LOT of cooking which was fantastic. I made so many dishes, like quiche, curry (which I’d never made before and it was delicious) and even some other weird recipes I tried like bastardized Pain au Chocolate (it wasn’t good… lol). The best part of having two boys around is that I just love having someone to cook for.
Don’t Forget – You can take 50% off any ad (consultations are excluded) for your small business (your blog counts) in May by using code SMBWEEK at checkout!

How is your May so far?

This post does contain a few affiliate links, please feel free to explore them, and if you purchase something through them I could receive a small percentage back at no extra cost to you. Supporting my affiliate links helps me provide more content for this blog and keep it going. Thanks so much!

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com