The Good, The Bad, & The Poorly Packaged Eyeshadow

First the good:

I have been looking for something to put in my entryway.  Currently, there is a small half circle table that my Dad built sitting there.  It's a cute table, but it's too small.  So three years ago my hunt began.  I found a few things I liked, but nothing that I wanted to spend the asking price for.  The two weeks ago it hit me, "Call Rusty {a guy I used to work with}, I bet he could build me something."  So that's what I did.  I drew up a quick sketch of what I wanted and off to Rusty I went.  He was fast and VERY affordable.  

Here it is....

Obviously unfinished.

I am going to paint it a charcoal-ish grey and the inside of the shelf will be a light teal-ish blue.  I also found some fun knobs at Hobby Lobby for the doors.  My goal is to get it panted this weekend. Pictures to follow {The walls will be painted a light grey over Christmas break}.

Next the bad: 

We had a snowman and Christmas tree casualty at our house Tuesday night.  

R was getting the Christmas stuff out of the attic and accidentally dropped one of the bins.  The bin broke into a million plastic shards - and my snowman and tree didn't fair much better.  The good news is with some gorilla glue, surgery is being performed and the snowman is about 2/3's of the way back together.   I'm not sure if I'll be able to fix the tree.  

While getting the Christmas decorations out of the attic, R discovered the little, grey, furry friend who had taken residence in our garage.  

BAM!  Not anymore!  Homeboy wasn't willing to pay the rent.   

For the record, I do wish there was a more humane way to get rid of him.  They don't make live traps small enough for him to not escape. I refuse to buy those sticky pads to catch critters, that's just mean.  

Now for perhaps the most sad story in my trilogy:

If you follow me on Instagram (@ahoppus), you saw my excitement over getting home last night to some new Sephora goodies awaiting at my front door.  It was later than usual when I got home and I was pumped to tear open that box and explore my new mask pretty enhancers.  Inside the box was 2 eyeliners, a mascara, some free samples, and a pallet of eyeshadows that I had high hopes of using this morning.  Can you see where this is going?

Once I opened the box, it was obvious it was not going to be good.  The box was roughly the size of an average shoe box with one crumpled bit of paper to cushion my products.  My eyeliners and mascara faired just fine while rolling around in the box, however, my pallet of eyeshadows was not so lucky.  Either the postman had a grand time using my package as a maraca, or employee number 4257 needs a lesson on how to properly package things.  With little hope, I opened the eyeshadows to find a plume of dust.  Womp womp.  I was SO bummed.  

However, the good news is this... I called the people at Sephora and the lovely Cindy was FABULOUS in taking care of my problem.  She is sending me a new pallet and also a ton of samples and "some other goodies," as she worded it, for my troubles. I have never ordered anything from Sephora {I'm usually too impatient to wait on the shipping}, but I must say, their customer service was outstanding.  

I would have taken a picture of the mess that was my Sephora box, but I had eyeshadow EVERYWHERE when that box opened.  I was too disappointed and annoyed to think about taking a picture.  Fail, I know.  

Fingers crossed my new package is cushioned better.  Until then, I'll stick with the same I've been doing. 

Tomorrow is my first 5K!  I'm doing the Jingle Bell Run with some ladies from school.  Be watching Instagram for pictures.  Then, tomorrow afternoon is our Thanksgiving with my Dad's family.  You can read more about them here.

Happy Friday,  Rock Stars!!

My Inner Snob

Alright gals, here's the deal.  R sees me as a laid back, girl-next-door type that doesn't get all hyped up about material things. His thinking is probably because I pay the bills and as long as I'm still buying things that "just appear" around the house sane he knows we still have money {and the fact that I can hold my own with his guys while throwing back a few Miller Lites}.  

While there are a lot of things I am laid back about there are other things that bring out my inner snob.  So, here we go.  I realize this makes me look incredibly unlikable, but we all have our things.....  Here are a few of mine {what, did you really think I was going to list everything for you?  I would like you to come back, thankyouverymuch.}

DON'T...

...use fill-in-the-blank invitations.  There are so many cute {and affordable} options out there that look professional.

...leave your dishes in the sink.  Ask R how many "tutorials" he has gotten over the years about how to open and load the dishwasher.

...buy cheap shampoo {trust me, your hair will thank you}.

...leave your clean laundry in the basket {that's why you have a dresser.... use it}.

...wear pajamas out in public.  Unless you are going to Walmart and want to fit in, that's not a good look.

...over tan!!  While having that sun-kissed glow is nice, being an oompa-loompa is not attractive. Period.

...buy cheap shoes.  If you're a heels girl, like I am, your feet will thank you for getting the better shoes.

DO...

...buy store brand cereal {especially if your husband and/or kids eat as much of it as R does}.  It tastes the same as the expensive stuff and usually you get more.

....buy your wine in a box {I don't know who the genius was that discovered 3 bottles can fit into a box, but I'm pretty sure I have a huge crush on that person}.

...use an eyeshadow primer - creased eyeshadow isn't a good look for anyone.

...use quality skin care products {my mom instilled in me the theory that it's okay to spend a little extra on your skin}.

...buy good sheets and bath towels.  Nothing is better than climbing into a bed with soft sheets or getting out of the shower and wrapping up in a fluffy towel.

...treat yourself to the occasional massage.  You're worth it.

So there you have it.  Am I a terrible person for having these opinions?  What is on your Do and Don't list? 

I Ate Mope

Being a teacher I hear all kinds of jokes from my students.  Most of them are not at all funny {or even make sense}, but occasionally you get that one that makes you pee a little from laughing. 

 Just me?  Hmm...

Well anyway, here is that one.  

Student:  "Knock, knock"

Unsuspecting Teacher: "Who's there?"

Student: "I ate mope."

Unsuspecting Teacher: "I ate mope who?"

If you've read this more than once, say it out loud.  

Now, don't pretend like you didn't laugh. 

Happy Hump Day, Rock Stars!

You Gotta Love Them

Thanksgiving is over, unless your part of my family... in that case we still have one get together this coming weekend.  My Dad's family is more spread out.  By spread out I mean north central Indiana, southeastern Michigan, and northeastern Indiana, central Indiana, and Chicago.  We seem to have a hard time getting everyone together so usually our family gatherings are about a week after the actual date.  

This year we are going down to my grandparents property {about 25 minutes southwest of my crib} and having out usual crazy get together. These usually consist of my grandpa, my parents, R and myself, my brother and SIL, two aunts, two uncles, and a random amount of cousins.  Sometimes the all come, sometimes just a few come.  Usually it turns into a giant game night with many laughs and the occasional prayer similar to the one Aly's aunt provided.  More often than not there is some kind of "hidden" adult beverage consumed by one of my family members who seems to think we don't notice all the trips out to the car or the aroma of booze seeping out of their pores.  

This weekend we are supposed to be going through my grandma's possessions to get the house ready for my cousin and his wife to move into.  {Side note: The land the house is on is the same land my grandma grew up on.  I think it's totally awesome that it's staying in the family.}  Therefore there will probably be some tears from one of my aunts, who is perhaps the most sentimental person I have ever met.  

My family is far from perfect, but guess what?  Your's isn't perfect either.  My family is my world. Regardless of our disfunction, we love each other usually and we have each other's backs.  

Ahh, family gatherings....  Here's hoping I'll have a good story to bring you all after our get together!

Perhaps My Most ADD Post Yet

There are many blogs I read daily.  We all have our list of bloggy friends that we have formed connections with.  Why is it that we obsess about the way that person's voice sounds?  C'mon, admit it.  I know Holly and I aren't the only ones. That girl creeped my blog until last week. Now the mystery is over. Guess I'll have to rely on my Claire Danes good looks wit and charm to keep her around now.  

I will blog stalk you like no other hoping you post a vlog and I can finally know how your voice truly sounds.  Until then, I have a made up voice for you in my mind.  Nine times out of 10, the voice I picked for you in my mind is WAY off.  Every once in a while I get it spot on.  

So, knowing all of this, why did it take me so long to post my own vlog?? Aside from the fact that I had NO idea what I was doing {shout out to Megan for not thinking I was batshit cray-cray with my million questions}, I HATE the way my voice sounds when I hear it played back.  I am very self conscience about it.

While I'm on the topic of being self conscious {read: my ADD is kicking in}.... Can we take a minute to discuss my whole body?  It's no secret that I carry my weight around my hips and I have a booty that gives the illusion that my former occupation was driving a bus.  This poses a HUGE problem for me when lake season rolls around.  This is going to be the year that I am proud to wear a bathing suit.  Mark my words.  I will work my bus driver butt off to feel good about myself during lake season next summer.  Now if only I would be brave enough to post before pictures.....

Back to my original rant {see, ADD}, now that you all know what my voice sounds like, I'm a little excited to do another vlog.  R said he might make an appearance in the background of my next vlog if I record it at home.  Great... just what I need.  A grown man doing the "I'm sexy and I know it" wiggle, wiggle, wiggle, yea dance in the background of my vlog.  I'll be sure he does it in his full Military uniform while holding a big gun just for you Nancy Clue.  

Alright, I need to get this Monday started.  Hey, before I go.... I need to change my blog. I'm thinking about getting in touch with Hubby Jack and seeing if he can hook a Claire Danes look alike girl up.  Is it worth it for all 17 of my readers though?  Thoughts?

Happy Monday, ladies!!!!!

My First Vlog - Link Up

Two posts in one day... Say whaaaa??? I just HAVE to link up with my girl, Holly to talk about Thanksgiving.

This is my very first VLOG!!

Observations:

-I talk with my eyebrows - A LOT

-My voice does not sound like that in real life

-My eyes appear to be squinty in this video.  Definitely not the case.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!

The Kid Table

Ever since I can remember there have always been two tables at holiday meals with my Dad's side of the family, the kid table and the adult table.  That was all fine and dandy when our ages ranged from 6-13 -- flash forward 22 years {I fall in the middle of the age range, let's not assume I'm older than I am} and the image you will see at our holiday get-togethers is still a similar scene, except now the "kid" table consists of a bunch of 27-35 year olds {and our spouses} and there has been a new kid table added for my cousin's kids.  The adult table is still in the dining room, the "kid" table is still in the living room, and the legit kid table is usually closer to the adult table than it is to the "kid" table.  Truth be told, we like it that way.  We have been invited to sit at the adult table on many occasions, but we like having our own "kid" table.  We enjoy each others company and I can probably guarantee our conversations are far more fun and mature colorful than the "real" adults.  

One of my favorite memories over the last 30 years is the laughs we have shared until our sides hurt and mashed potatoes came our of my our noses {I kid....ish} at the kid table.  

So this Thanksgiving, I raise my glass of cardbordeaux and toast to my cousin's and our spouses and the bond we have formed while sitting at the kid table.

While you spend time with your family this weekend, please take time to remember those overseas who cannot spend the holiday with their family. {Shout out to my BIL in Afghanistan - We love you, Reed!}

Happy Thanksgiving all! 

Lesson Learned on Mean Mug Monday

This morning I got on Instagram and discovered it's "mean mug Monday".... So I posted a pic of my mean mug.  Almost instantly my feed started blowing up with comments about my mean mug being the best one yet, one posted being a little scared, or that I could kick their a$$.  I know the ladies who posted theses comments were in no way trying to be malicious, but that got me thinking.  I don't want to be portrayed as being scary or being able to kick someone's a$$.  I joked that I specialize in mean mugging, but really that's not the person I am.  I am very protective of my family and friends, but I don't want to be the one who has the best mean mug.  To me, if I have the best mean mug, it gives the impression that mean mugging is a normal occurrence for me.  That is far from true.

I'm chalking this one up to a lesson learned.  I'll gladly scroll through Instagram and check out the mean mugs next week, but I believe today was my debut and finally for posting my own personal mean mug.

Happy Monday.

Excuse me?!?! Did you say, "no"?!?

{Hiking up leg to climb onto the soapbox that obviously was not made for a 5'4" person to "step" up on.}

If you don't know me, or haven't figured it out yet, my incredibly awesome, rewarding, high paying occupation is teaching. Elementary PE to be specific.  I LOVE what I do.  It is perhaps the most rewarding career I could have chosen.  My students teach me just as much as I teach them.  Not to mention the perks of the occasional two hour delay or cancellation, getting two weeks off at Christmas, a week off for spring break, and two and a half months off during the summer to consume adult beverages on week nights rejuvenate my love for the students.  

I have been teaching for 6 years; 9 days out of 10 I leave school excited to come back the next day.  However, in the short amount of time I have been teaching {compared to some who have been teaching for 30+ years} kids have changed.  When I started teaching I rarely had a student tell me "no" to performing a task.  Now that is a weekly {sometimes daily} occurrence.  When my students enter the gym there are certain procedures they must do.  They cannot participate in our daily activity/game/skill until these procedures are finished {nothing too strenuous, I'm talking jogging a couple laps around the basketball court and doing some jumping jacks, sit-ups, and push-ups}.  Usually this is a task that takes all of 5 minutes to complete.  Lately, I have had students enter the gym and sit down. When asked why he/she is sitting the response I have gotten is something along the lines of, "I don't fell like doing it." I take that and give the old talk about how we might not always want to take a math or spelling test, but we have to do it.  Or that I don't always feel like getting out of bed in the morning, but I do now get up and get moving!  After said talk, I had one student tell me he doesn't like PE.  I assured him that it was okay to not every special class he attends, but he still must do his personal best. To which he replied, "No, my parents know I don't like it.  They said it's okay if I do nothing."  EXCUSE ME!?!?!  Basically that parent just took away any amount of power I may have had.  

There are already times I struggle with people thinking I'm not a real teacher {insert snotty comment by R here}.  Parents like these certainly don't help my case.  It's my job to help my students enjoy physical activity and to encourage them to live a physically active lifestyle.  Considering the fact that I see my students once a week {which equates to about 30 times a year} it is already difficult for me to make a big impact on their fitness level.  It only makes my job all the more difficult when parents don't support the the arts and encourage their child to not participate.  All that aside, obesity is a problem in our country and it's my job to teach children about healthy options with food and exercise.  That is MUCH easier when I have the support of parents and student's who don't think it's acceptable to tell me "no."

Okay, I'm falling getting off my soap box now.  

Happy Friday-eve! 

Adventures

I can't stinking wait for tonight!  

My best mate, Brooke, and I are going on an adventure.  First on our journey is a little junk shop {recommended by my Dad} that sells old knobs, doors, frames and other fun bits.  I might be in junk Heaven.

Next on the agenda is Hob Lob - their knobs are 50% off this week.  I'm hoping to find some at the junk shop, but I can't pass up 50% off.  I better go take a look at least.  I'm also picking up some scrapbook paper, paint, a stencil, and some twine to make a banner - can't say what it's for.... yet.

Our next stop includes Home Depot!  I need/want a staple gun to make a new headboard for our room. I also want to look at the paint.  

Finally, we decided after all that excitement we may need to stop and refuel with a glass of wine.  

Pics of my finds to come.

Happy Tuesday!!

Fab Friday

 Today, I'm linking up with Laura again to tell you about all things fab.  "Why?" you ask... because it's FRIDAY!!  Hallelujah!!
So, here's my list of fab things:
- This week I hit some goals as far as my AdvoCare sales go.  If you want more information or need to order anything, check out my sight here.  I'd be happy to get you on the right track for the holiday!!
-R is one of the three final candidates for a weather observer position at our airport.  This would be an awesome opportunity for him.  Prayers are appreciated.
-I bought my first full length mirror yesterday.  Yes, that is correct, I have never owned a full length mirror.  How I have survived 30 years, I have NO idea.
-My weekend plan consists of painting my entryway - Don't tell R, but there may be stripes involved.  
- Bath and Body Works Mahogany Teakwood is my new favorite candle scent.  
- Today completes week 3 {of 4} skating with my students and still no serious injuries.  {Two thumbs up for that!}
Happy Fab Friday!!!

SWW

I'm in a bad mood today, so I'm saying So What.
So what if I'm rocking LGC's again today.  It was so easy yesterday and I got lots of compliments.  I promise it has nothing to do with the fact that I didn't wash my hair this morning.... maybe.
So what if I'm "just a freaking PE teacher."  I happen to LOVE what I do and learn just as much from my students as they do from me. Yes, this comment was said to me last night at an election results party and is possibly definitely the cause of my foul mood.  Worse yet, the offender was my HUSBAND (who then applauded himself for not calling me a "gym" teacher).  
So what if I haven't been to the gym yet this week.  This daylight saving thing is kicking my butt.  I despise it getting dark at 5:30!!
So what if I have seen every episode of the Big Bang Theory.  It makes me laugh and laughing is one of my favorite things.
So what if I'm thrilled for the Facebook and twitter political posts to be over.  I'm tired of the blanket statements people make about the election.
So what if I'm TOTALLY geeked that we have a new state superintendent of public instruction in Indiana!  Go Glenda, Go!!

That's all for today.  Fingers crossed this foul mood doesn't last - or at least that no innocent bystander gets the raw end of it.
Happy Hump Day!

Colts Game

If you read my Fab Friday post, you know that this was the weekend R got to be part of the Colts Military Appreciation festivities.  At first I didn't think I would get to go, but my awesome sister-in-law was able to get tickets for us.  So, Saturday night I headed down to Indy. Here are some highlights of the game.  

My brother and sister-in-law.  These two are the best!
 I had a great time spending the weekend with them!

After we froze to death, my SIL and I broke down and bought stocking hats for our
head and coozies for our hand.

As we were walking to Lucas Oil we passed this gem.  You can't see it well, but the front of this van says "10 cents a touch" - the entire thing was covered in out door plastic carpet.  I'm sure there wasn't any smokable influence in thinking this was a great idea.....

Here's the flag.  R is on the opposite side just on front of the Indianapolis "O".
 Such a proud moment for me.  He was also on the big screen.  :)  

After the halftime show, R got to come up and sit with us.  Love him!!

So there you have it.   My Sunday run-down photo style.  

GO COLTS!! 

What did you do over the weekend??

Fab Friday, Link It Up!

Hey y'all!  Yes, I can say that... it's western day at school. 

 I'm joining some fab ladies in this Fab Friday Link Up!

So here are the fab things I want to tell you about:

-Earlier this month, I signed up for my first 5K.  I'm doing the Jingle Bell Run on December 1st.  I'm nervous, but excited at the same time. I know I can pound out 3.1 miles, but it's the "racing" part that gives me jitters.

-R gets to be part of the Veteran's pre-game festivities at the Colts game on Sunday.  Look for him holding the giant flag on the field... he'll be the one dressed in camo.  :)  

-We're in the process of refinancing our house.  While this isn't fab yet, it will be once we start saving some dolla dolla bills, y'all!

-My best mate and her husband moved into our neighborhood last weekend.  This means wine nights just got a whole lot safer.  Now it's simply a stumble walk home with my cardbordeaux wine. 

-I'm roller skating with my students at school right now.  Today concludes week 2 {of 4} and no serious injuries yet!  

-It's Friday, and if that's not FAB I don't know what is!


Have a great weekend, y'all!! 

Say My Name, Say My Name

Today I'm linking up with Janessa whom I found through Holly (are you following the bouncing ball?) to discuss the title of my blog.  

 When I started my blog shortly after R signed his military contract, I didn't have anything witty to title my blog (the name has changed three times) but finally settled on Living My Dash, because that's exactly what I'm doing.  I am currently living the dash that will someday be on my tombstone between 1982 and whatever year I go on to my eternal home. 

 I want to make the most of these years.

This was originally started as a way to keep family and friends involved in what was going on in our lives (shout out to my mom for being my original reader, even though we talk everyday).  After R left that May, this became my way of keeping him informed on what I was doing while we were unable to talk.  I logged my journey, the ups and the downs, in hopes that he would be able to feel like he was apart of what I was doing here at home.  

Once we were able to talk again I didn't blog as often.  I guess I felt like I could tell him about what I was doing myself, instead of having him read it.  Looking back, I regret not blogging more.  On one hand, I wish I had written more for our future children to read. On the other hand, I have a stack of 16 of the most awesome letters R wrote to me during the first 8 weeks he was away.  We also have all of the letters I sent him.  This has become a journal of sorts we will share with our future children.  

Now days, this is simply my outlet.  I enjoy writing.  I enjoy enlightening others with my nonsense and a bottle glass of wine. I don't blog daily simply because I would like for the 12 of you to stick around... and bring your friends next time!


Here's a little more of what I've been up to....

I just thought this was funny.

 What, you don't take random pictures with your best friend while bowling?  Weird.
Stick with us, we're a good time!

 Timed mile.  BAM!

 Just look at that sweet face. 

 I mustache you a question, but I'll shave it for later.

So there you have it.  My reasoning behind Living My Dash and some more randomness.  

Happy Friday-Eve!!