Moving on Up!

Hey all! Please check out my new blog at http://heatherangelinaorlando.wordpress.com/!

FOREVER...

I know it has been forever since I've posted. But I've been busy. It's been an interesting last few months. Here's the update:

First, sad news. My puppy Balto (who wasn't really a "puppy" at all, as he was 14) had to be put down last month. It was really sad because a) it was kinda unexpected as I was told it would not happen when it did and b) Balto is the ONLY dog I have really ever liked. It's really strange when something you are so close to for long just...disappears. But everything is okay now. Life goes on...

Second, I started a new job after my old one stopped paying me. It's a long story...but suffice it to say I'm really glad it's over. My new job is at a tutoring center two blocks from my house. Right now I'm tutoring a 2nd grader in reading and math and a high school student in geometry. Both are quite an adventure. The 2nd grader is named Berdy and he is soooo A.D.D. He does not merely walk, he bounces. And he is ALWAYS needing to do something that is NOT the work at hand. Our usual conversations go like this:

Me: Berdy please stop jumping and let's do your addition.
Berdy: But Ms. Heather my belt is too tight. *then he makes an irritating guttural sound*
Me: Um...okay...so loosen it. Then we have to work.
(5 minutes later)
Me: Berdy please stop throwing thing and do your work!
Berdy: *more irritating guttural sounds* But...there are ants in my shoes! I have to take them off!
Me: (pretty sure there are no ants in his shoes) Berdy! Seriously...sit down and do this!
(5 minutes later)
Berdy: My neck hurts!
(5 minutes later)
Berdy: My stomach hurts!
(5 minutes later)
Berdy: My tooth hurts!
(This goes on for ONE HOUR and then I happily hand him to his father and go home and take an aspirin)

My geometry student is much more fun. She actually WANTS to be there...so that's a relief. And she is really smart too, so that makes things easier. The only thing that is hard? I'm not the best at geometry. But I somehow make it through our lessons and she doesn't seem to know I haven't a clue...so I won't be the one to tell her!

In other news-I am baking a vegan/gluten free cake tomorrow. I'm excited about it. I'll post pictures.

Other than that...my life is kinda boring these days. But in a good, relaxing way. The only thing on the horizon is my Peace Corps interview on Dec 10 at 2pm. I guess we'll see how things go!

XOXO.

Lunch...yum

Quick post on my lunch today...because it was deliciously postable.

Pesto pizza with mozzarella and tomato slices on a honey wheat crust (homemade!). It was amazing.




Hope you all are having a great week so far! I am! :)

The Mystery of the Missing Minds

So, things are exciting around the Orlando house these days. We’ve got all the building blocks for a good mystery novel: suspense, embezzlement, surprises…with a little bit of insanity mixed in for good measure.

Let’s start with the suspense. Apparently my Dad’s job search is going well. He even had an offer from a company in Nashville, TN. That’s where the suspense comes in: we might have to move. Yes. You heard correctly. The Orlandos might be moving away from Orlando. But we don’t know quite yet, Dad is still looking and it is definitely premature of me to get sad or nostalgic. But even the mention of the word “move” makes me a little upset. But we shall see. Until then, suspense!

Now for the embezzlement. And “embezzlement” sounds way more exciting than this really is…just to warn you. Today I got a check from my employer for almost $600.00. This wouldn’t be a huge problem, except for the fact that my checks have been averaging $150.00 a week. Which I didn’t really think about until I got this huge check and thought it was a mistake. I was going to call payroll and alert them to the problem when my dad suggested we go over all my hours and try and figure out if it really was a mistake. So that’s what we did, and guess what? They haven’t been paying me all my money…they still owe me around $470.00. So this should be interesting.

Next, the surprises: Last week I went to get my metabolism tested. I was fully expecting for science to confirm what I have long believed about my body: it really hates me. I was ready to hear that my metabolism was crap and even if I starved myself I would never reach my ideal weight. Well, I was surprised. Pleasantly surprised, actually. Apparently, I have a crazy fast metabolism. Yes, you heard that right. So why are you a chunky monkey, you ask? Well, I’ll tell you. Apparently, I’m burning around 2,000 calories JUST BY WAKING UP AND BREATHING and I have always believed the less I eat the skinnier I should be. Which is the case for most people—but not me. When I eat less I actually gain weight because my body goes into starvation mode really quickly. So, the lady told me TO EAT MORE TO LOSE WEIGHT. Which was fantastic to hear. In fact, she told me I had to eat 1600 calories A DAY. Which is a ton of food. I’m having to actually work up to it. It’s hard work. Let me tell you what.

Time for the insanity! I am running a half marathon in November! Yes, I’m THAT insane.

Don't Give Up (You are Loved) or not...

I’ve been on a Josh Groban kick lately. I absolutely adored him freshman year of college (as Tiffany and Jessica can attest), but the fascination had fizzled a bit in subsequent years (further demonstrating my obsessive and then entirely dismissive personality). But now I’m listening to his Awake album, Don’t Give Up (You are Loved) and my cynical side is almost letting me enjoy it (with inevitable sarcastic quips of course). It is fantastic writing music.

Which leads me to my next topic: I’ve started writing again. Which feels great. There is a total release when I write, not unlike an addiction; but I flatter myself that it is a healthy addiction and therefore I’ll indulge. I’m working on a novel and a short story at the same time. The short story should be interesting, mostly because it says a lot about my views of marriage these days (And that’s a whole other story). When I’m done I’m going to start another blog for my fiction and I’ll give you the link if I’m not too embarrassed. But I should warn you--at the rate I’m going--it could be a while. I find that I write about two pages, stop, and then spend two hours polishing. It might be better if I could just push through and keep writing, but my random perfectionism (random because it only pops out occasionally for random activities) does not permit it unfortunately.

Speaking of random activities, my dad’s boss laid him off yesterday. Which is EXTREMELY random because he is one damn good sales guy. And I’ve never even been to business school but even I know Business 101: Don’t lay off the guys bringing in the money. I think we’re all pretty confused about it. However, I think in the end it will be a good thing. He hated that job and after this move, I’m glad he doesn’t have to work for arrogant, business school dropouts who obviously have NO idea how to run a business. So long unidentified audio and visual supply company. Go f*** yourselves.

And that is my update. Sorry it ended on a sad note, but this week has been kind of s*** and I’m feeling a little melancholy myself.

Radioactive Squash and Other News

There is so much to update you all on! I’m not sure where to start. So I guess I’ll start with the abnormally large squash that is sitting in my kitchen right now.

Last week my uncle gave us a squash. It is large. Extremely large. We’re talking this things weighs 40 pounds. And last night as I was going into the kitchen with the lights off I swear it kind of glowed a little. So I’m not ruling out nuclear radiation. Here is a picture of it:

Nuts, right? So today I am working on getting this thing down to size. I’m making squash soup, squash casserole, squash salad, roasted squash and sautéed squash; then I will freeze most of it for later.

On another note, Monday was my first day of work and it really is perfect so far. I love to set my own hours and do things at my own pace. I also like what I do; right now I’m in the middle of making appointments to check out some venues for a business meeting in September. The client is from Arkansas and they want something “unique.” So I’m giving them a few options: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, The Hard Rock Hotel, Leu Gardens (so pretty!) and The White Wolf Café, among others. Tomorrow someone from our Atlanta branch in flying down to check them out with me, so that should be interesting.

I’ve also started collecting herb plants and naming them after famous biblical villains. Right now I have Judas (an oregano plant) and I plan on buying Barabas (a basil plant) at the farmer’s market next weekend. Judas is doing really well; I took him to the beach with us when we went for vacation earlier this month and he really liked it there. I think he grew, like, three inches. I’m starting to like herbs more than flowers, and that is HUGE because I really like flowers.

This is Judas. Isn’t he cute?








Also, I can run 6 miles now! Mom says that’s not a big deal and we should start running 8 soon. AHHH! But I’m proud of it. When I started I couldn’t even run 3, so its progress.


And now I’m going to leave you with one of my drawings:









And my cat Isaac Hampton:
















Hope everyone is having a fabulous week!

YAY LIFE!

I’m employed! And this job is perfection, sweet, marvelous perfection. (Awww! It just thundered! I love afternoon thunderstorms!) My position title is Marketing Coordinator, which is the natural next step after Marketing Assistant (My title at TV Guide). It’s “part-time,” which is great because it’s really flexible. I can also work from home, but even if I wanted to work from the office it’s 10 minutes away from where I live. My boss’ name is Jennifer and she seems really laid back. Everyone wears shorts and flip-flops unless clients are involved and the inside of the “office” is painted a very Floridian and cheery yellow. I’m also getting paid pretty much to same per hour as I was in NY and I’d be doing exactly what I want to do! My primary responsibility would be writing content for several web sites they are promoting as well as planning events. Jennifer also just asked me if I could also work with the Atlanta office on sales, so that should be fun and travel could be involved possibly. And who doesn’t love Atlanta? Peachtree Street!! So that’s my praise report for the day (or week)! Thanks so much for your prayers!

I also wanted to end this post with a photo of some insanely delicious vegan banana/blueberry bread I made last night but sadly my camera is being a butt head. So I'm just going to tell you how awesome it was: It was WAY awesome. I have to boast about this...I'm usually the world's worst cook. I'm going to eat it with my tea for a rainy afternoon snack! I wish I could share...


Love you guys!

*EDIT* My camera is back to normal now! So here is the photo:

I'm Alive!!

After investigating a few different options, I've decided the easiest way to continue blogging is to keep this blog and just change the name. So life should be easy for you guys. Now I just have to come up with something that isn't cheesy or too long...

I've also decided to make this blog public again since the whole reason I made it private is over now. So hello world. I've missed you.

There really isn't much to update you all on honestly. It's been so relaxing and wonderful being home. Florida is fantastic; I love the storms every night (lighting!!), I love the heat and I LOVE being with my family. So in a nut shell: I am happy.

In other news, I am redecorating my room. As soon as it's done I'm going to post before and after photos. My oldest friend Ann (I've known her since pre-school and both her grandmother and mother taught me in elementary school) came over and helped me re-paint the walls a greyish white. That's all I'm saying right now. The suspense!! I know!!

I also am VERY sun burnt from going to the beach yesterday. Ouch. Next time I'll be better about sun screen, it's really crazy how fast you get burnt here.

On another (and less interesting) front, I'm working out EVERY day (but Sunday...I do Wii fit that day). It's amazing how much better you feel after an hour or so of moving. God really created us to be active! So my schedule goes like this: Monday--Run four miles with mom and Auntie Berts (who is an AWESOME person. She's not really my aunt but a really close friend of moms. She's the one who is into macrobiotics...but more on that later.) Or Spin class. Tuesday: Yoga class and 45 minutes on the elliptical. Wednesday: Spin class. The instructor at 5AM is INSANE. I seriously haven't sweat that much EVER. But if I go to the 8:45AM class instead it's a little more low key. Thursdays: Yoga and elliptical again. Friday: Spin class. Saturday: Long distance run!! The first week I did it I was SO sore, but now I really just feel great. I'm working toward running a half-marathon in October.

I'm also getting into macrobiotics and I think that's helping me with energy too. Pretty much right now I'm only eating whole grains (Barley, quinoa, oats, etc.), lean proteins (tofu, fish, chicken) and tons of fruits and veggies. I've already almost lost 10 pounds! Auntie Berts is showing me the macrobiotic ropes (it's a little complicated sometimes, you have to use things like shoyu and umeboshi, which I had NO clue about).

So that is my update! I know it's not that exciting but I decided when I came home I was in body boot camp, and my parents are being awesome and letting me not have a job while I fix myself. It's going to take a while, but I'm on my way!!

Love you all!

***EDIT***

I've decided on a name! Angelina on Stage was my FAVORITE book growing up (I hope you all got to read it) and Angelina is also my great-grandmother's name and my middle name. So there you go! Sorry about the offensive bright pink in the background. I had to do it.

Out of the Big Apple

So...I guess this is the end of this blog since I am no longer taking any bites out of the big apple. It's a bitter sweet feeling...but, to be honest, mostly sweet.

I'll be sure to let you all know where my new blog will be.

Until then here is an update on my new life:

1) I have a second interview for my editing position at Three Stars Media tomorrow. The first one was an online assessment test which was both really easy and very time consuming.

2) I am re-doing my room. I'll be sure to post photos.

3) It's SO nice to be home. SO NICE.

Love!!

And that's the end of that...

THE BOXES ARE SENT!! I'm going home in THREE DAYS!!!

Hi, my name is Heather. And I'm a cumpulsive repeater. All Together Now: Hello, Heather.

Countdown Until Jess Comes to Visit: 4 Days
Countdown Until I Leave NYC: 13 Days
Countdown Until Erin Comes to Visit: 13 Days
Countdown Until My Interview That Could Potentially Be Awesome: 18 Days

It’s amazing how tired I am.

And there really is no reason for it. I slept a normal amount this weekend, didn’t overly exert myself: no crazy orgies or drunken stupors. To be honest, I’m a little pissed off at my body…suck it up. Seriously.

On another note—thanks to Megs “I-have-secret-blogs-and-don’t-tell-anyone“ Martin—I am now obsessed with The Weepies. I keep listening to “Gotta Have You” on repeat. Sigh. I’m sure Juanita (the awesome black lady that sits next to me) will be SO happy when I leave. I’m a compulsive repeater. Last week it was Peter Bjorn And John’s “Young Folks.” The week before that was The Orion Experience’s “I’m Obsessed With You” (again).

This weekend I packed three boxes and pretty much all my stuff fit in them. It’s very sobering when all your possessions can fit into three cardboard boxes. It’s also very sobering to actually SEE all your possessions in three cardboard boxes. I was talking with my dad and apparently they're starting to clear out the “guest room” for me and making my dad’s old office the new guest room. This is going to be an adventure.

One other piece of news—I got an interview. It’s with a marketing firm, Three Stars Media, and they want to see me for a Copy Writer/Editor position. So that is June 3rd, and I would appreciate prayers! It would be great to get a job right away, especially a job I won’t want to kill myself doing.

Freedom!! Sort of...

I just let my boss know that I’m leaving New York at the end of the month. And it was significantly less stressful than I thought it would be! She said “bummer” a lot, but she was largely understanding--which was such a relief! She was seriously an amazing boss and I’ll really miss her (but not her expense reports so much).

So now that my boss knows, everyone is informed. My roommate was going to kick me out this month anyway, so that worked out. So I guess this makes my exodus a reality! It’s actually going to happen and I’m actually going to be home at the end of the month. Hallelujah.

In other, more unfortunate news--I’m not sure if I can go to Mexico. I (and my parents…mostly my parents) feel like it’s too dangerous. And as much as I want adventure, I don’t know if this is the right time with all the flu stuff and the drug cartel stuff going on. And honestly, I need some “me” time. I just need to find some mindless job that doesn’t involve a computer and hang on the beach and focus on my spiritual and physical health. And I’m really excited about being around my parents. My mom and dad are two of my best friends and I really miss them. I also miss Sarah and her antics…

So…that’s the Heather update for now. I’ll keep you posted on how things turn out!

Love!

Still in the Wild West

I'm sitting in a Greek Orthodox coffee shop with Megan trying to write a letter to my boss telling her I'm leaving New York. I'm also sipping on a chai tea latte that is divine. And I can see a mountain out of the window.

It's a happy day.

Earlier we went to Megan's cake decorating class and while they learned about the "shell" technique and made scary looking clowns, I stole some of the icing and made a bird's nest. The instructor laughed and said it was "good" in a very condenscending voice. After that we had AMAZING Indian food and went on a beautiful drive through the mountains. We made a pitstop in Manitou Springs and drank from some of the natural springs and one of them was naturally carbonated and I thought that was pretty amazing. And that leaves us where we sit now...laptops out in a manor oddly reminiscent of our time at The Gathering in Hillsdale.

Tonight we're getting sushi and going to a "club." This should be interesting.

Love to all!

In the Wild West

I am sitting in Arianna's living room and taking a moment from our busy day of sun-bathing (it's AMAZING outside today!) and taking the kids to the park to post! It's so beautiful here and the exact opposite of New York. It took me a while to adjust to the altitude, but I'm starting the feel great and the time away from my desk is just what I needed. It's great to remember there is life outside the office. And Brooklyn. And Zach and Gabey are adorable. I'll post pictures soon. We're going to go and get some ice cream and watch a chick flick now...so adios!!

Love to all!

A Post in Pictures

First, here is my nephew. Is he not the CUTEST? I'm really excited to be spending time with him this summer.

(And notice the Yankees bib I gave him...)



Second, I saw this on post secret and thought it was amazing:
I agree 100%.

My Bucket List

After a conversation with Tiffany this morning about how utterly ancient we're all getting and how the years seem to be whizzing by, we decided that we should write a bucket list. For those of you who are unfamiliar with that term (and who failed to see that terrible movie made a few years back) a "bucket list" is simply a list of things you want to accomplish before you kick the bucket. What do you want to experience? What do you want to listen to, take in, fight for and just enjoy before the end? After a few minutes consideration, here are a few of mine:

1) I want to visit Sicily and swim in the Mediterranean.
2) I want to run a 10k
3) I absolutely must fall in love.
4) I want to plant an herb garden.
5) I want to write a novel.
6) I want to volunteer with the UNHCR.
7) I want to really learn to surf.
8) I want to study holistic nutrition and vegan cooking from a real person who knows what she/he is doing. My cookbooks can only go so far.
9) I want to get my masters. Probably in Anthropology or International Studies.
10) I want to be joyful in all things.

What would be on your list?

The Embarrassment of Laziness

Countdown until I leave New York: 55 days

I think something might be wrong with me.

This weekend I did absolutely NOTHING. Well…besides make vegan pumpkin spice/banana pancakes and then clean up after them…and it took real hunger to get me out of bed. I had no motivation to do anything at all: I finished a book in bed, watched a Netflix movie in bed (Vicky Christina Barcelona…which is AMAZING) and slept…in bed. All weekend. I wish I could say I was feeling sick…but I was feeling fine. I had all these plans! I was going to do all my laundry, go running, start packing and above all get some sun! But I couldn’t wake up until 1pm each day and by Sunday I was just like, screw it! I’m going to wallow in this. And I did. It was a perfectly delicious lazy weekend. But I still feel guilty for the lack of productivity.

So that was my weekend. Extremely boring. And extremely good.

A Post About Nothing

Countdown until I leave New York: 62 days

I have absolutely nothing exciting to reveal in this post. This weekend was delightfully lazy; I made black-bean soup and finished Jane Eyre. I also watched infomercials and paid my bills. I also found out that I have a library fine from Hillsdale that I haven’t paid yet and I can’t get my transcripts to Mexico until that is taken care of. I also slept. A lot. Oh! And I also discovered carrot juice and it’s AMAZING. Katie, I don’t know how you dislike it…it’s my new favorite thing.

Today I am going to the gym. I feel much too fat. This weekend I made a little workout schedule and a grocery list that should help get me to my pre-winter hibernation weight. I also have to start training because my mom and I are running a 10K either this summer or in December. Either way I need to get my butt in gear.

And that really is it. It’s pretty boring around here actually. It will really get interesting at the end of April when I have to tell my roommate and my boss that I’m leaving in May. Pray for me, kiddos.

Another one of these...

1) What author do you own the most books by?
In my apartment right now, I'm very ashamed to say this...but Stephanie Meyer! AHHH! What have I become! But if you count my books in Florida--either C.S. Lewis or Shakespeare.

2) What book do you own the most copies of?
The MPA's Magazine Marketing book...I own three copies. It's a long story.

3) Did it bother you that both those questions ended with prepositions?
Very much.

4) What fictional character are you secretly in love with?
This is VERY difficult. I guess if I had to pick ONE: Mr. Darcey from Pride and Prejudice.

5) What book have you read the most times in your life (excluding picture books read to children; i.e., Goodnight Moon does not count)?
Anna Karenina. I LOVED that book when I was 16ish and I kept reading it over and over.

6) What was your favorite book when you were ten years old?
Hmmm...probably something by George McDonald. I loved The Princess and the Goblin.

7) What is the worst book you've read in the past year?
Badly written: Twilight (all of them)
Worst Plot: Chasing Harry Winston by: Lauren Weisberger

8) What is the best book you've read in the past year?
What Happened to Anna K? by: Irina Reyn

9) If you could force everyone you tagged to read one book, what would it be?
Hehehe...Sex in the City
by Candace Bushnell, just because I know most of you wouldn't read it otherwise!

10) Who deserves to win the next Nobel Prize for Literature?
Probably Phillip Roth.

11) What book would you most like to see made into a movie?
I think Lolita of Tehran.

12) What book would you least like to see made into a movie?
Anything science fiction...

13) Describe your weirdest dream involving a writer, book, or literary character.
I had the brain fever. Anyone who was in Dr. Smith's English 102 class knows what I mean. It was a little crazy...

14) What is the most lowbrow book you've read as an adult?
Twilight. So bad...but somehow so addicting?

15) What is the most difficult book you've ever read?
War and Peace. because it was so long and the battle scenes were FOREVER. Or Moby Dick because I HATED it.

16) What is the most obscure Shakespeare play you've seen?
Titus Andronicus.

17) Do you prefer the French or the Russians?
The Russians most definitely.

18) Roth or Updike?
Roth.

19) David Sedaris or Dave Eggers?
Sedaris.

20) Shakespeare, Milton, or Chaucer?
Shakespeare for shizzle.

21) Austen or Eliot?
That's tough. I really like them both. I think Austen wins out though.

22) What is the biggest or most embarrassing gap in your reading?
I don't read American literature...I'm not very embarrassed because it sort of sucks in general.

23) What is your favorite novel?
I think it's still Anna K.

24) Play?
Hamlet.

25) Poem?
The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, T.S. Eliot

26) Essay?
I'm not a big essayist...


27) Short story?
A Haunted House, by: Virginia Woolf

28) Work of nonfiction?
God Grew Tired of Us, by: John Bul Dau

29) Who is your favorite writer?
Either Tennyson or C.S. Lewis

30) Who is the most overrated writer alive today?
Stephanie Meyer...most definitely

31) What is your desert island book?
Something long...

32) And... what are you reading right now?
Jane Eyre, by: Charlotte Bronte

Assorted Vignettes: Muffins, Mexico and the Met

It’s been a while since I’ve updated. I wish I were better at posting every day, but things have been so busy! It’s been a VERY busy few weeks…busy, but good. My stomach has been hurting randomly though and I can’t figure it out. Maybe it’s stress? I feel like I blame everything on that. What will I do when I don’t have it anymore? I’m not going to know what to do with myself.

Today I came into work early because we were having a department meeting and it’s my job to pick up something for breakfast. I chose muffins. But I didn’t eat one because of the aforementioned stomach ailment. They looked yummy too. Boo on my digestive system.

Also, today I was reminded how much I love newspapers. Especially the Journal and their amazing off-the-wall feature they always do on the front page below the fold. The headlines were especially good today like: “In France, Oui to Bailout, Non to Layoffs” and my personal favorite, “On Fly Casting’s Urban Frontier, The Fish Are Big, the Water’s Dirty.” Doesn’t that just confuse you enough to want to read more? So good.


Jess and I also got our first Lincoln School newsletter! The principle attached a small map of the town we’ll be living in and it looks absolutely darling (see the map to the right). After New York, it will be so refreshing to live in a place with cobblestone streets. And they even have sushi and a modern art museum! I’m very excited about the possibilities. On another—but related—note I got a reply back from the US consulate in Guadalajara and they said that the area was fine and no violence was going on apart from the normal amounts of violence that happen in a big city (it’s the second biggest in Mexico). I think after New York (and Brooklyn!), I can handle it.

In other news, last weekend Katie and Laura came up to visit and their company was so fantastic! We packed a lot into the weekend too: the Met, a FANTASTIC vegan restaurant, a performance by the Paul Taylor dance company, church in the Village, sushi, Magnolias cupcakes and a visit to see Dr. Cuneo and his family in Yonkers. I believe a fun time was had by all and I would welcome another visit from those two ANY time!

Well, kiddos, I’m going to finish up reading my paper now. And then I should probably get to work. Blah. Competitves. Yuck.