New Blog..

This will probably be my last post on this blog.

To make things simpler since I changed my email, Dan and I have decided to do a combined blog so feel free to follow us there at AMANDAN.


Here is a quick update
Wedding was Wonderful. Honeymoon was great. Adjusting back to work. We are moving this week to a new apartment. Will post pics of everything soon!

There he said it...

I really couldn't say it any better...So I won't try...
READ THIS!

6 more days...

until I am a McCurley and on my way to Iceland, and most importantly no more wedding planning!!!!

Flotsam and Jetsam

***SPOILER ALERT***If have not seen Project Runway or The Project Runway All Stars, STOP here!***SPOILER ALERT***

Last started off the first season of Project Runway on Lifetime. I must say I was a little nervous, but it was AWESOME.
First I watched the project Runway All Stars and I will admit I was mad Daniel won. I did not like his stuff as much as Korto's...She is amazing, I wish she could make me some dresses. I also loved the green dress by Sweet Pea.



Ok on to Project Runway Season 6...
Lindsay Lohan was a judge, and I am not really sure why...The first challenge was a good one, make a dress for any red carpet event you choose, and there was already a "not enough time to finish/my model is worthless" moment. Also looks like we have a few people who have not been to fashion school and love to constantly remind us of the fact.
Looks like we already have some strangies to keep us entertained, Malvin, Ari (well not anymore) and the man the had a break down already former meth addict Johnny, whose dress I did not think was that great. Kim thinks that the judges wanted to avoid another breakdown/Tim Gunn heart to heart and said they liked it.
What do you think?




I really didn't like all the top dresses at all. Usually that happens with me though, I always like stuff in the begging that doesn't win. Th designers I like always stay in the middle until halfway through. Last night my top three favorites were: Shirina (the picture is not the best, but I loved the back) , Gordana (so fun), and Irina ( i love lacy vintagey stuff):



Sew(ha), who are you rooting for?

Scrunchie Socks Can Only Mean One Thing....

Time to do laundry....

Blah....

Ever hate everything in your closet? I need a wardrobe makeover....

There were no boas, no crowns, no party buses,

And most importantly no Penises. That's right, I had my bachelorette party a week ago. And yes, it was not annoying one. It was really great to see my friends in college and bring Kim to Iowa! We got our nails done, had a great sushi and went out and about in Iowa City. Lots of girl talk and drinks! It was a great night and I would not have wanted it any other way. I am so thankful my friends went to all the trouble of planning and organizing the whole thing! It was a blasty and I wish I could do it every weekend.

I was really nervous about having a bachelorette party, because all the ones I have see around town the bride is obscenely drunk, wearing veils with condoms in them, carrying a giant inflatable penis around, wearing a a suck for buck shirt with life savers sewn to them, boas, crowns, and other obnoxious shenanigans going on. I honeatly don't understand why there are penises everywhere at these parties either. Can anyone shed some light on this?? I did not want to be ap art of that, first of all it is extremely annoying, second, tacky and third I think it is a little disrespectful to the groom. It just isn't for me...Anyways my party was not like that we dressed up and went out. We did see a bunch of other parties though... Good Times!



Thanks again to all who made it possible! You are the best friends a girl could ask for!

The wedding is less than a month away!!

Crafty Like a Fox...

I know I have been blogging about how I should get a hobby or do something besides sitting on my couch staring at screens (TV and Computer) all night.Good news, I have taken up crocheting and making paper beads and dabbling in a little painting. It is really good to take a break from wedding planning and mindless drivel on the television and hours wasted on facebook. Actually I used to really get into crafts when I was younger. I was a friendship bracelet machine and owned literally every color of floss there was. I also made a lot of beaded jewelry in high school. I also did a lot of lanyard making. Then in college I just sort of quit doing crafty things. I must say it is really nice to start getting back into do something I enjoy. I do workout 4 times a week. Is it a good stress reliever? Yes. Is it good for me? Yes. Do I enjoy it? NO.
So, how did I finally find my way back to crafts? We have been spending a lot of time in Michael's and JoAnn's getting stuff, and I always look around to see what else is going on there. Also, a few weeks ago, Jamie, Katie, and Derek came to visit us. It was a lot of fun and it was GREAT to see them. We went to the North Market one afternoon and outside they had a bunch of little tables set up with jewelry and crafts. We found some really cool necklace charms made out of scrabble tiles. It reminded me of when I made toothbrush bracelets. And the spark was ignited....
I once started teaching myself how to crochet, but then got distracted and stopped. I have decided to pick up where I left off.
Crocheting reminds me a lot of making friendship bracelets and maybe this is why I am whizzing through the learn how to crochet book. Maybe it really isn't all that difficult?!? Dan is excited because he will finally get a stocking hat that will fit his head.
Dan has also been painting lately. Here are his two latest pictures. I think they are pretty good.
Also, now I have started visiting craft stores again. I went to one today and it was super cool. It is called Wholly Craft. There were so many cool things there. I wanted to buy them all! I love having handmade stuff because it is so unique and there is story behind it. I know most people that read this are not in Columbus, but if you like artsy, handmade stuff you can go HERE, a lot of the people who make things for Wholly Craft sell stuff on here too!

I am really excited to get finally start making things like blankets, hats and dog sweaters! Now I have something to do on my way back to Iowa next weekend!!
That's enough screen time for me, back to my yarn!

Heaven Forbid...

everyone could have the health care they deserve. Man, what is wrong with our government? Trying to look out for and help people...But I guess that's not what community is all about according to my favorite person Bill O'Reily...LAME

Happy 4th of July!!

I hope everyone had a great holiday!
Nothing much going on here, mostly wedding stuff...Good news is, while Dan was at work today I got ribbons cut and tied and the majority of the center pieces done. Exciting stuff!! (See why I don't blog much?)
You can keep updated on wedding details HERE!

T-3 MONTHS

The invitations came!! This is getting very real, really fast!

I'm so excited, I'm so excited!!!



Speaking of Saved by the Bell...Have you seen THIS?

You're Hired!

This is the ultimate RESUME Enjoy!

Ulterior Motives

I love to people watch, I could do it all day! This may be why I get sucked into reality TV shows so easily, and can stand to watch Extra! while I am working out. I really like to see what makes people tick, and why they do the things they do.
My cubicle buddy (also my MOH) and I have invented a new game which we call Ulterior Motives...and it is pretty much what you guessed it would be. We watch people and listen to conversations throughout the office and try to figure out ulterior motives...
It is pretty entertaining actually ( and maybe a little lame, but it helps make the work day more interesting....
My favorite is when people try to get you to ask them about something, so they can talk about themselves. For example, "I can't believe no one asked me what I ordered us for lunch today." (yes this actually happened to me). As you may, or may not know I really am not huge fan of small talk with people I don't know that well. So when someone came over and plopped themselves on top of my desk and said "I can't believe no one asked me what I ordered us for lunch today." I responded " Weird!" Then I realized what was going on. The conversation starter wanted me to ask what was ordered for lunch, so their efforts could be validated...Since I didn't give the appropriate response by asking the conversation went stale fast, and I caved. I asked....Luckily, the convo was cut short by a phone call. Lunch was pretty good though!
There are other ulterior motives as well, like getting someone else to do a task for you: change the printer cartridge, draft a document, get you something from the kitchen.
Politicians, celebrities and everyone else use them all the time too. It is an interesting way to read the news articles about current events.

I used my own UM this weekend by getting Dan to try on wedding bands by picking a jewelery store that was next to Whole Foods. And yes, it worked. =]

A WEAK defense...

Here is my sermon for the week...
Since November, Dan and I have been members at a gym about 2 blocks from our apartment. One of my favorite parts about working out at the gym is getting to watch ET or Extra while running away the miles on the treadmill. I find that in doing so, it makes running less painful. Now that the paparazzi and celebrity gossip hungry are sick from the Octo-Mom binge, Mario Lopez and Mark Steines have moved on to new material. Besides the Jon and Kate Plus 8 Drama, they have been buzzing about Carrie Prejean. The sad thing is that "real" news has also been buzzing and covering this story CONSTANTLY.
Carrie's 15 minutes started when she answered a question about "opposite" marriage. I really care less how she answered the question, even though it was hauntingly Palin-esque, meaning, really "pagenty" and rambling. I may not agree, but I do realize everyone is going to have a differing opinion on this matter until the cows come home. She does make a good point saying she has the right to exercise her freedom speech, as do I, that is why I continue to write in this blog.
My annoyance comes up with her most recent controversy. Apparently Miss California has some scandalous (nude) pictures popping up all over the internet. Again, this isn't what bothered me so much. I am more appalled about her fake boobs as a gift from the pageant, than the pictures. I am not going to look at them so it won't bother me...
What bothers me is the defense she used. How she couldn't be in the wrong because she is a good christian (whatever that means, I also have some issues with the term "good Christian"). This bothers me because it is a total cop-out. I think it is pretty sad that because someone is a Christian (a good one at that, it means they should be let off the hook and it is ok to look the other way. The reason you are under scrutiny is because you are a Christian and messed up big time, which all Christians do. SO you shouldn't be claiming you are too good to do something, say you messed up and that you are sorry for it, and hope others can learn from it. Don't point your finger at the photographer and say you were taken advantage of, step up and take responsibility for your actions. EVERYONE MAKES MISTAKES, especially Christians, and I feel that at times Christians are under more pressure to preform because "practicing what you preach" is key. No one who committed murder will hear the verdict not guilty because his attorney's main defense is "He's a Good Christian". In my opinion the beauty of being a Christian is making mistakes and owning up to them, learning from it, growing from it, and knowing that you can be forgiven, not using cop-outs to be let off the hook. Being a Christian also puts you under a microscope and people watch everything you do, so you better be ready to explain yourself.
Just because someone says they are Christian does not make them a good person. This is why it bothers me when someone says "I'm a good Christian." It's not true, we are all sinners and pretty rotten underneath it all. If we were truly "good Christians" there probably wouldn't be a need for Jesus, which defeats the purpose of Christianity. I am by far, far from perfect. I know it is wrong for me to single out a person, but I am sick of hearing this weak defense. That is they way I see it anyway.

A Good Quote

"If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world."

C.S. Lewis

Friend Request

Be my(and Dan's)friend on Netflix!!! Click HERE

I am excited to see what you're watching, and aren't you a bit curious to see what we're watching??!?

Pet PEEve

I know I let of things get to me...And now it is time to add another one to the list.
This annoyance takes place in the public bathrooms at work. Whenever I go to to the bathroom at work I usually pick a stall that is far away from the door and not next to anyone. Most of the time I am the only one in there. However, it seems like whenever someone else comes in they pick the stall right next to mine. I thought it was just because the stall next to the one I usually go to is everyone else's preferred stall. This is not true. I have tried other stalls, and more times than not someone ends up right next to me. I don't know why it bothers me so much but it is kind of nice to have some alone time during the work day, but it always gets interrupted. It is not enjoyable for me to be in stall with stage fright! I am always tempted to ask the person why they had to go right there. Maybe I should next time. I just don't understand why if there are a lot of other open stalls, why you would pick the one right next to someone else...Can anyone shine some light on me???

Also, I did get a promotion at work. I am pretty excited! Let the new tasks and responsibilities begin!

True Beauty

Lately there has a been a lot of buzz about the Britain's Got Talent Susan Boyle. The unlikely overnight sensation to reach global stardom, partially in part because of You Tube. By looking at her you would never guess this women would have the gift of such a beautiful voice. She even impressed Simon.
A lot of people are writing how she has become a big inspiration to them. I am about to do the same, but not because of the reason you may think. Yes, I do believe she is the poster child of following your dreams and anything can happen; however I am more impressed with her self confidence and self esteem. Every time I open up a a magazine or watch TV, I am ambushed with tirades of weight loss pills, tips for plastic surgery, how to get the body you always wanted and so on. Not to mention all the negative coverage on celebrities that may have gained some weight... I always try to avoid feeling inadequate but when it is a constant reminder, it is hard not too. Luckily, I am comfortable with the fact that most of these people are airbrushed and they don't even look like that in real life. I can't help but wonder how it is affecting millions of teen girls, and soon, my nieces. SO how does this relate to Susan Boyle? Well after she had hit it bog time, she was interviewed over and over again. There was one question that I thought was completely out of line, and if someone asked me it, I would probably never come out of hiding. An interviewer asked if she would like a makeover or if she wanted one.
I cringed when I heard it. But Susan answered truthfully and said no, why should I? I think if I wasn't in my work break room I would have stood up and cheered. She new she was talented and she was happy with who she is. I don't see that very often anymore. We live in a society where we are trained to pick out our flaws and fixate on them until we correct them instead of embracing them. A society where aging gracefully isn't really an option. I hope others saw this as as an inspiration too. WE are all beautiful and we don't need to look like barbie to think so.
It was relief to see that some people are happy with who they are. This is the definition of true beauty.

Fancy!!

These are some things that tickle my fancy!







These guys make me laugh! I never get sick of them =]





Cardigans! It is true, Mr. Rogers was on to something here! You can spruce up a regular old t shirt by throwing on one as well as add another layer to your look. When your office runs the air conditioning all year round you learn to love them!



FUNFETTI CAKE!
It is DELICIOUS! I love rainbow chip frosting too! I wonder if I can use this for my wedding cake...



Surly Girl
This is a bar in Columbus. If you haven't been here, now you have a reason to visit! I just had the pleasure of going here on Friday. They have an awesome menu that is vegetarian friendly and also includes a spicy peanut butter and banana sandwich(which I ordered, YUMMY!). Also it has beer brewed by women! I hope I get to go back soon!


Hiking Boots
I can't wait to start hiking again =]



Cheap Happy Hours on Fridays!
-Need I say more?!?!


Mario Party Video Games
I love the min games and the fact you don't have to have a lot of skill to play. But boy does it make me mad sometimes....



Ida Maria- I like you so much better when your naked!
A great song that I cannot get out of my head!


Soccer
It is warm out so we can play outside again =] It is an awesome workout, plus I actually understand the game now.


Shopping in My Closet
I like going through my closet putting together new outfits. Almost as fun as shopping and a lot cheaper!


Staying off the phone/computer...
It is something I am working on but, I save myself so much time at night when I am not in front of the computer constantly. Plus I spend most of my work day on both, it is nice to get a break!

And now for things that are not so fancy...
Two and a Half Men---> best comedy in America?? really?!?!
People angry @ Obama...He didn't start the fire!
Dick Cheney-if we ignore him, he will go away...
Grown women STILL obsessing about Twilight and who are VERY serious about it...
The media's obsession over OctoMOM. Maybe if we ignore her, she will go away...
The LAME finale of John and Kate Plus 8...look for the spin-off next season John Minus 9...

March MADNESS!

My name is Amanda and I am a bracket-ohlic. (That sounded so much cooler in my head). It is true I am one of those people you probably hate who is completely obsessed with my bracket. I started out strong and now I am starting to fade. It is disappointing, but I still love the tournament, the heartbreaks and big breaks. I used not care about college basketball so much, until I started making brackets, now I am invested. You ma see me getting angyy and even yelling at the TV. I have had yet to shed any tears over a loss or win for that matter!




















How is your bracket doing??


On to more Madness!!
SO lately I have cut back on shopping to save for the "BIG DAY"* but I am pleased to announce more and more designers are starting to design for stores where WE can shop. I was pleased when Vera decided to do Kohl's, but I am even more excited that Alexander McQueen is jumping on board. I can only hope DVF is next :)


And Even MORE Madness...
There is a guy that goes to my gym.(I promise this gets better) I see him almost everytime I am there. He looks like Gene (Yes bandanna and everything) from Wet Hot American Summer.** There are signs all over the gym prohibiting cell phone use; however, he continues to talk on, not one, but two phones throughout his workout. The weirdest thing about this is that he carries his TWO exact same phones around and talks on them while he works out. Very weird and of course it drives me nuts! I know he sees the signs, but I guess Gene is above the law! I had to get that off my chest, I feel much better now!













*Less than 6 months until the Wedding! I am super excited and I hope you are too!


**If you have not seen this movie, you really should. My reference would be like 30 times funnier...