toys.

Well, Christmas will be here soon!  Andrew's at work so I've been wrapping presents and watching King of the Hill.  I've only gotten two of Andrew's presents: Call of Duty Black Ops and this target shooting game from a sports store.  It's so funny.  If you've been to a carnival you've seen the shooting game where you shoot and have to knock down the bunny or something.  It's a mini version of that.  We took a shortcut to the parking lot at the mall last week and he saw it and got excited.  He loves guns and shooting things.  So I decided I'd get it for him.  He's 28, married, and still loves toys.

I'm excited because Shelly (sister-in-law) has two weeks off for the holidays.  So on Monday we're going shopping.  I was going to finish up for Andrew and she was going to get Jonathan's gifts.  I'm just excited to get some girl time.  She's really the only close female friend I have.

Andrew's other gifts include pj pants.  He insists I keep stealing all his (true) so I figured I'd get him a couple pairs.  I'm also going to get him a new cell phone case.  He has this really old Nokia flip phone, he's not one much for new technology.  He doesn't even text!  I hope I can even find a new case, he really needs one.  The one he has is pretty much broken and his phone falls out 20 times a day.  I'm worried one day it's going to do it when he's on the motorcycle and he'll be phoneless.

Everyone have a great day!

celebration!

I passed State Board!!!  YAY!!!

Andrew keeps asking me why I thought I wouldn't.  It's a good reason.  You do the run throughs at school: you're used to your surroundings, you're used to Tambrin grading you, and you know if you talk the likelyhood of Tambrin actually sending you home is very slim.  You know when Tambrin is writing things down she's also writing good things about what you're doing.  State Board is different.  I'm not saying it's hell on Earth or anything, just different.  First, you have to go to Macon.  Macon sucks.  Macon's a shithole.  So you're unfamiliar with the place and the person giving you the test.  When they write something down you're thinking, "Oh shit, what did I miss?"  It's way more stressful.  If you fail you can take it again, but you've gotta pay them more money.

Anyway, for State Board you need a 70 as a passing grade.  I made an 88 on my practical and an 85 on my written.  I was almost disappointed because the lowest grade I ever got at school was a 92 and it's the exact same thing.  But at school the failing grade is an 80 to allow room for error due to being nervous.

So now I get to pay them $30 and apply for my license.  Then get a job!

what i'm lovin'.

Things I'm lovin' today.

Sorry, most of these have been on my laptop for so long I don't know what the source is anymore.  So I apologize, and if you have the source let me know.

the count of monte christo.

I love this movie.  It's the ultimate revenge movie.

I love the priest.

"I swear on my dead relatives - and even on the ones who are not feeling too good - I am your man forever!"

Awesome fight scene.

I want to go here.

"May I steal your wife?"

"Excuse me?"

"For the waltz?"

state board.

Ohmygosh.  I'm taking State Board tomorrow.  My heart is living in my throat right now and I'm so nervous.  Andrew and I are driving down to Macon tonight.  My written is at 8:30 am, and my practical is at 1:00 pm. 

Since I've been up I've been organizing my State Board kit and making sure I have everything.  I bought a new manikin head last night.  I need to cut that today.

It's been so long since I've done State Board!  I hope I haven't lost my speed on anything.  When I cut the manikin to uniform I'm going to time myself.

Ok, I need to go pick up the smock from Amy, cut my nails and remove my polish, cut the manikin, finish the kit, and pack.  Wish me luck!!!

what a dish - part 3.

So I was going to just go in order of my dish lists but I decided to skip the next one and get on to the good shit.  The fine china.  This is my second set of dishes.

This is Noritake Mystery 14.  We saw it in an antique store in what I think was Covington.  I think Andrew paid about $300 for this.  He waited until I was wandering around the store to buy them and try to surprise me.

Judging by the mark this china was made between 1947-1949. 

I love the creamer.

Gravy boat with attached underplate.

We actually have the sugar bowl, with the lid.  These tend to be broken and missing from sets.  This set is actually 90 pieces.

This is the round covered casserole.

I love this set so much.  I've used pictures from Replacements, becase all my china is packed away.  I really wish the pictures were better so you could really see the colors.  All pictures above are pieces I have.

Dish Wish List:

16 inch serving platter.

AND THE OVAL COVERED CASSEROLE WE LOST!!! 

Yes.  When we bought this we had to come back later to pick it up.  There were so many pieces we didn't want to wait while it was being wrapped.  I really wish we had.  Part of the reason we were so excited about this was because it had not one, but two, covered casseroles.  Round and oval.  Very rare.  When we picked up the boxes we didn't check them.  I wish we'd done that, too.  When we got home and unpacked them we realized we were missing a piece.  I figured it was such a pretty piece the lady decided to keep it for herself.  But if you're going to do that take a freaking dinner plate!  Take something easy to replace!  Don't take one of the coolest, prettiest, and rarest pieces from the set!!!  I've been mad about this since it happened last year, in case you can't tell.  Those oval ones are rare.  I can't even find a picture of it!

ruby lane.

I was searching for depression glass and that website led to another, which led to another, which led to one that had favorite links and led me to Ruby Lane.  I'm sure most of you probably know this site and I'm one of the last to know.  For the sake of me and Andrew's bank account, I really should not have found this site.  Though I must say I'm pretty proud of myself, seeing as I have yet to buy anything.  But oh, the temptation is strong...

The first thing I searched was Noritake china.  I was trying to find pieces from the 1949 Mystery 14 pattern that we have.  Anyway, I didn't find any Mystery 14, but I did find this:

12 dinner plates, 12 saucers, 12 cups, 12 salad plates, 12 soup bowls, 12 small plates, 12 dessert bowls, 1 serving bowl, 1 creamer, 1 sugar bowl, 1 gravy boat, 1 large platter, 1 medium latter, and 1 large bowl (w/ lid).  91 pieces total.  $395.  It's Noritake.  Probably made between 1947-1949, judging by the mark.  His father did buy it from Japan in the early 50s.  He didn't have the pattern listed and I tried to find it on Replacements, but I couldn't.

This is another beautiful example of old Noritake.  This is a 16 piece tea set, circa 1931.  $195.  The only thing missing is the lid from the sugar bowl.  Also no pattern name, though I did try to find it.

And apparently I'm going to have to finish this post later, because Blogger won't let me upload anymore  pictures.

ramblings.

Listening:  Soilwork-Stabbing The Drama-Nerve.

Yeah, yeah.  I'm not very good at regular blogging.  Been busy around the house, since I now have time to clean and do stuff.  And it's the holidays.  And I'm taking State Board on December 7th (nervous!).  Oh, and I'm sick.  Again.

So, it's the last day of November.  We were supposed to be out by December 1st...  That obviously hasn't happened.  Though I have looked at some rentals online.  Woohoo!  I don't want to buy anything right now.  I know now's a good time to do that because of the economy blah blah blah.  But I don't want to get somewhere and three years later figure out I hate that area and want to leave and be stuck with a house.  Besides, I'm not at the point where I want to be totally permanent in a house yet.  I wanted to travel and live in different states.  Can't do that now.

Anyway, that's my small update.

"when you're green you grow...

...when you're ripe you rot."

That was the quote I decided on for the wall at school. 

I graduated Saturday (there was some bullshit on Wednesday) at 11:15.  It feels strange to be done. 

I guess I'm starting a new chapter of my life...

end of the line.

I graduate Friday at 11:30!!!  Yay!!!  I'm only going to stay late only one day this week, relax for my last week.  I'm getting my hair done tomorrow at school.  I'm a greeter on Friday and other than that I have nothing!  Well, they did give me a single process on Saturday.  But it doesn't matter because I won't be there!

I've thought of a few quotes to write on the wall.  Some are actual quotes, some are song lyrics.  Favorite?  Suggestions?  Help!

"When you're green you grow, when you're ripe you rot."

"If they give you ruled paper, write the other way."

"We are what we repeatedly do."

"May you always be courageous, stand upright and be strong."

"All changes are more or less tinged with melancholy, for what we are leaving behind is part of ourselves."

you make me angry.

I told you I didn't want to hear about them, not that I didn't want to talk to you.  And you should respect that decision.  And going and making your little status updates that make you sound so deep and cool.  Right.  You know everything about what happened.  You honestly don't understand why I don't want to hear it?  Especially about that one?  Your pot head brain must think I should have gotten over that a long time ago.  Oh, and that I've changed so much.  Of course I have!  He's one of the people that made me who I am!

I am married.  I'm not doing the things I was, and I don't want to.  Things are different, and I like them this way.  Andrew did not make me change.  I changed over time, because I grew up.  Those are things from the past.  I don't want to dwell on that. 

I already learned, I don't want things shoved in my face.  Now it's your turn.

score.

As of today, I'm over 1000 hours at school.  1006.25, to be exact.  318.75 left.  I'm also done with several requirements.

Win.

pretty little liars.

Ok, so I'm still not better.  This is lame, this is pushing back my days for school...

Pretty Little Liars on ABC looks like it's very addicting.  Unfortunately it looks like the seasons already over.  I did buy the books though.  Well, I have one, three and four.  They didn't have the second one I really needed.  It's written for 15 year olds, but it's very addicting.  VERY addicting.

things i love today.

So I'm actually home sick today.  Guess what that means?  Blog post!

Things I'm loving today.

Four and five were taken by me.

Never said it'd be a super exciting blog post.

update.

See?  Not much posting.  Been really busy.  School 6 days a week is kicking my ass.  Fortunately it's Labor Day weekend so we have Saturday and Monday off.  I'm kind of pissed because that just pushes me back, but a three day weekend will be nice.

Today I did 57 manikin cuts.  I have 11 left.  I now have three scalped manikins.

I'm also at 969.75 hours.  I have 355.25 to go.  45.8 days.  October 25th, technically.  There's two different hair shows coming up.  Both in October.  That'll give me two days.  So October 22nd.  There's another hair show in early September, that'll give me another day.  October 21st.  Contract is October 19th.  It's $15 an hour for every hour you're there past your graduation.  I should be having an exit interview soon...

Hope everything's going well for y'all!

patience.

Don't expect too many updates for a good while.  Like 9 weeks or so.  I'm going to school Monday through Saturday until I graduate sometime around October 19th.  I did Monday through Saturday this past week.  It wasn't so bad but I was really tired and kind of bitchy on Sunday.  Poor Andrew.  I only see it getting worse.  Right now when I do the math I'll be graduating sometime around October 21st and my contract date it October 19th so I'm doing everything I can to get it down.  Saturday I spent 8.5 hours at school, with no lunch.  Today I was there for 8.25, also with no lunch.

Since I had two leaves of absence my graduation date got pushed back.  I know I've talked about it before.  For now I will be spending as much time at school as possible.  And when I'm not at school I'll be sleeping or spending time with Andrew.  And trying to keep some sanity.

I'll be reading and updating when I can!  Wish me luck!

closer.

Ok, school doesn't have me quite so frustrated after today.  I got my cumulative attendance and requirement packets.  As far as hours (including today) I'm at 902.25.  So I have 422.75 hours left.  That part actually is still a little frustrating.  I have 54.5 days left.  November 4th.  Eleven weeks.  My contract date is October 19th.  If I go every Saturday for the rest of the time I'm there I'll graduate October 21st.  Nine weeks.  Which is better.  And I know here and there I'll have 8 hour days, and there is a hair show soon...  Oh well.  But I am closer to being done with my requirements than I thought.  That made me happy.

I'm just trying to find a way to make it work.

bye, heather.

Heather graduated today.  I'm so proud, but I'll miss her.

Typical.

Me, Heather, Alicia.

accent your positive, delete your negative.

You know what I'm tired of?  Everyone at school being so negative.  Well, really it's only one person at school being negative, but most everyone else annoys me somehow.  The Negative Nancy is my friend.  But sometimes I find myself having to restrain myself from punching her in the face.  She always has a problem, and it's always more important than anything else you may be doing.

Sometimes I wonder if I got into the wrong profession.  I'm good it, don't get me wrong.  But as far as the personality...  No.  I'm not loud, I'm not rude, I'm not catty.  I do gossip to Andrew about them when I get home, but I don't gossip at school.  And then looks.  Most of the girls come to school wearing sky high heels, a size 2 short dress, hair teased within an inch of it's life, and tons of make up.  Not that there is anything wrong with that.  There's isn't.  Most of them look fabulous (though some miss the mark), and it is a fashionable industry.  I come into school wearing a size 12 dress, flat shoes (now my new ones!), no make up, hair a mess...  I don't know.  We did a personality thing is class one day with beads.  Everyone else's beads were the same.  Mine were the opposite.  It made me feel weird.  Like I didn't belong there.

And now I'm extra frustrated.  August 20th is on Friday, which was my original graduation date.  In Freshman Phase I was there everyday.  I maybe missed once.  I started missing a lot in Junior.  I've taken two Leaves of Absence which has pushed my date back to October 19th.  First I got married, which I only took a week off for but that turned into a month because I got sick.  Then I took another leave 'cause I got sick and was gone for about a month.  I mean, I knew it would happen but it's so frustrating to watch everyone that started with me graduate... One by one.  When I got back after the last leave there were 6 left.  From 19.  Heather graduates tomorrow.  Ashley D. on Thursday.  Ashley C. and Amy the beginning of next week.  Natalie a few days after.  Then Kayla.  Then Charles mid-September.  Then Erin.  Then me.  October 19th.

I am getting plenty of time to do requirements.  And since I've taken an LOA I qualify to come on Saturdays.  Also, since I'll get more time on the floor with instructors I won't feel so nervous when I do get into a salon.

I feel like it's never going to end.  I'm trying to stay positive, but it's so hard.  All I can do is keep going...

alegria.

I played softball for 14 years, most of the time spring and fall.  My position alternated between third base and catching, but 95% of my time was spent catching.  Guess what that means?  Yup, at 22 I have horrible knees.  Whenever I squat down, they pop.  If I stand for too long they get really stiff and sore.  If I stretch, they strain.  My left ankle is bad from being a stubborn dumbass and catching anyway while it was double rolled.  I'm also a rather chesty girl so my shoulders and back constantly hurt.  And I have bad posture from that.  Constantly I hurt.  Constantly I limp.  Constantly when I move I go "Oooh!  That hurts!"  Constantly I'm identifying with my 85 year old Grammie.  On top of this I managed to pick a career where I will be on my feet for eight or more hours a day. 

So, yesterday I broke down and bought my first pair of comfort shoes.  I know, I know.  But seriously, they're super comfortable.  And you know what?  They're actually kind of cute.

These are mine.

They're called Alegria by PG Lite.  This is the Paloma style, in soft black.  They have several other styles, including sandals, clogs, boots, and a professional line for nurses. 

The shoes have a Mild Rocker Outsole (Sketchers tried to do this with the ShapeUp) that roll with you in a natural walking motion.  The Rocker helps with your posture, and reduces stress on your muscles, joints, and back.  The foot bed is called a Perfect Fit Footbed, and is anatomically correct and molds to your foot, giving you a customized fit.  They also have their Color Therapy, giving you a color for every mood, and lots of patterns.  They firmly believe that shoes should make you happy.  They're a little pricey, but worth it.  And they're coming out with a 'Mini Rocker' for Fall 2010.  You better believe I'm gonna be all over those, I'm tall enough at 5'7" and the ones I have make me 5'8".  They come in lots of pretty colors and fun patterns.  The shoes are in European sizes.  Mine are a size 38 European, which is 8 - 8.5 American.

If you're anything like me, you won't wear it unless it's comfortable.  And I don't mean you feel comfortable wearing it, 'cause there is a difference.  I won't wear things that are uncomfortable.  This is why I wear dresses, and like loose clothing.  This is why I almost never wear heels, and when I do they are wedges, only an inch and a half tall.  I can't do heels.  Years of running around barefoot (I am from Georgia, after all) made me hate wearing shoes.  So when I had to wear closed shoes I wore those super flat Target ballet flats (y'all know what I'm talking about).  And I have a lot of them.  And I do wear them.  And they are comfortable when I'm not running around everywhere and standing a lot.  However, wearing something with no support is not a good idea for me spending 8 hours on my feet at school.  The days that I was really in severe pain were the days I wore those shoes.

Andrew told me I needed to get some comfort shoes, and I balked at the idea.  Lets face it, most comfort shoes are not cute.  At 22 I still care about looking cute, and I'm in a fashionable industry to boot.  I was content to wear my purple mocs because they were the only flats I had that had any kind of real sole to it.  However, last Friday I did a full highlight and my back and knees hurt so bad when I came home it was painful to move.  At all.  Andrew was right, but I didn't know where to begin.  I've watched my Mom get frustrated for years trying to find cute comfort shoes.  I had noticed a few girls around school wearing these shoes, and my favorite instructor wears them all the time.  I finally asked my instructor about them.  She gave them a glowing review and told me she loved them so much she had quite a collection.  Then she told me where to find them.

Here are a few of my other favorites.

Paloma Eden.

Paloma Purple Tortoise.

Paloma Fantasy Tattoo.

Paloma Leopard.

Paloma Floral.

That is just a taste of the colors and patterns they have. 

Seriously, I love mine.  Obviously, seeing as this post has gotten rather long.  Wether you're a hair stylist, nurse, teacher, whatever, if you have a cereer where you're on your feet a lot, I highly recommend these shoes.  Even if you're just looking for comfortable shoes, I recommend these.  I even told my Mom about them.  If you're in Gwinnett County GA, they can be found at The Foot Traveler at the Mall of GA (there are directions on the site).  To anyone else go to the Alegria site and they can help you.

back to school.

So having this girl come in was a little crazy.  I haven't seen her since we graduated from high school in '06.  It was nice to see her.  We talked about people we went to school with and what we've been doing. 

So about her hair...  She came in almost all over level 9 blonde on top from highlights.  She's trying to grow her hair out and trying to get it back to her natural, which is dark at a level 3.  She also doesn't want it to be damaged, which lets face it, decolor is damaging.  It sucks the melanin (what gives hair color) out of your cortex, in the process damaging your cuticle (outer layer of hair) over time.  So we did a ratio of one highlight to two lowlights.  I used Blonde Dimensions for the hightlight, and just retouched whatever was in the foil instead of running it through because I wanted her hair to stay on her head.  I used Shades for the lowlights since we were just depositing color and her hair was already damaged.  Then after a conditioning treatment, a trim, and a blow dry, this was the result.  Unfortunately the lighting in my school sucks for pictures, so they never turn out very well...  But it looked really pretty and she was happy.

On to other things.  A few months back Andrew and I were looking to buy bedroom furniture.  I think what we've basically decided to do it get stuff from Ikea.  Just the basics, bedroom stuff, couch, one maybe two chairs, coffee table, two side tables...  Just so that when we do have a house/apartment we have stuff to put in it so it's not empty.  We were thinking about just sucking it up and getting an apartment for the first year or two (he'd be sucking it up, not me).  Ikea is affordable.  I know, I know, there's Goodwill and stuff but I just do not have the patience to scavenge Goodwills across Gwinnett County looking for stuff that matches, or at least coordinates.  Plus, I just don't have the kind of skill to take things that don't really match and make them look good. 

We already have a kitchen table and chairs.  The table is an 1800's Irish pub table, in awesome condition.  The chairs are also old, though I don't know how old, and are from Brazil.  I'll get pictures of those up sometime.

What I was going to do is use the bedroom furniture for a few years, then when we do get a house or something with a second bedroom (and we're making more money) we could put it in the guest room.  And at least if I could get a couch and then look for tables and whatnot at Goodwill.  Everyone I know that got a couch from Goodwill ended up with a couch infested with something.  Not cool.  And I found the cutest couch.  Andrew said it made him think of Super Mario Brothers.

And I see why.  But it's cute!  And I like Mario...