vacation | Little Miss Drama Pants

Nights on the Beach

June 2, 2013 by lilMDP | Leave a comment

Photographing images at night is something I have always wanted to be able to do well, but mostly sucked at it. Partly because I didn’t own a decent tripod and partly because I was never quite sure what I was doing. Then I invested in a few really good photography books, received a fantastic lightweight tripod that travels well, and learned more about what I was trying to do. I think I’m starting to get the hang of it.

Running with and throwing glow sticks at the same time.

Running with a red glow stick.

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New Orleans

March 27, 2013 by lilMDP | 1 Comment

This gallery contains 31 photos

September 16, 2012
by lilMDP 1 Comment

Fresh Start

Dearest Blog,

I know I have been spotty in keeping you up to date with what’s been going on with me. And mostly just downright absent. And I have actually been doing all kinds of things behind your back. Some fun, some necessary, some boring, some sucky and to sum it all up, life. I have been living my life without you. And at first it was because I thought I didn’t have time. Then I thought that maybe it was just for the best. Like the way some friendships go. At first, you’re hanging out all the time, then things come up and hanging out doesn’t happen as often. After awhile, you are just cordial and nod or wave hello, but don’t really hang out anymore. I thought I would be ok with that because I was “busy.”

But then I started to miss you. I was doing all these things I wanted to share with you but I thought for sure you would be mad at me and wouldn’t want to hear them. You would probably pretend to be interested in what I had to say, but when I wasn’t looking, you would totally talk about me behind my back with your other little blog friends and say really mean things about me.

And then I remembered. You’re a fucking blog. And in my country, I blog you.

So, in a nutshell, here’s what’s been going on while I was ignoring you (not necessarily in this order)

My workaholic tendencies got the better of me. To the point where I almost never go out if it isn’t work related.
I’ve been traveling more for work so when I’m home, I rarely go out if it isn’t work related.
I got depressed.
I got diagnosed with SAD.
- This is something I have suffered from basically ever since I moved to the States but the last few years have been the worse and I finally sought professional help. I shouldn’t have waited so long.
I was prescribed a light boxfor SAD by my therapist as an alternative to taking medication. It worked.
- Note: You do not need an actual prescription to buy a light box, but you should talk to a professional before investing in one. If you don’t use it properly, it will not help you.
I got better (That light box saved me from going to jail. I’m just saying.)
My diet and exercise went to shit. I gained a lot of unwanted weight. (See: Travel. Workaholic. SAD.)
I learned how to use my DSLR.
- Photo sets here, here, here, and here.
We re-did the floors (bamboo) in the house and painted out living/dining room combo BRIGHT ASS GREEN (Awakening by Valspar). It’s awesome.

New Floors/Paint

B finally recognized and accepted the size of his bald spot and shaved his head.
B and I made it to FIVE YEARS OF MARRIAGE (to be sung in the manner of FIIIIVE GOOOOOLD RIIIIIIIINGS!!!!!!)
We went to Vegas and celebrated our anniversary by renewing our vows. And finally going on our honeymoon. It was awesome.
- Note to self: Order photos of vow renewal.
I took a bunch of pictures while we were in Vegas.

Bellagio Conservatory

You can see the rest of the set here.

I haven’t been knitting, spinning or weaving like I intended (See: Workaholic. Depression.)
Got my second tattoo for my 34th birthday. (It only took me 13 years to decide what I wanted after my first one.)

Doctor Who Represent!

I’m planning my third tattoo. It’s knitting related. That’s all I’m saying until it’s done. (No more spoilers.)
I’ve started working out several times. After a few false starts, I’m feel like I’m on my way to being back on track.
We’re once again revamping our eating habits (always a work in progress).
I’m knitting more. I almost have a finished project! It has only taken me…um…most of the year to knit it. (I think I’ve already covered why. See above.)
Developed and nurtured a nail polish addiction. Last night I realized that I know own nail polish that I haven’t even worn yet.

I’m sure I’m forgetting some stuff, but that is the beauty of having you. I can always come back and tell you more.

And blog? I’m sorry I’ve been gone so long. This feels so good. I don’t know why I ever stopped. We should do this again. Soon.

XOXO,
lilMDP

May 3, 2012
by lilMDP 2 Comments

Starting My Countdown

This August will be B’s and my 5th wedding anniversary. It’s special for both of us because it’ll be the longest either of us have ever been married to anyone (we’re both second timers) AND everyone knows that the 5th wedding anniversary is the Vegas Anniversary! I would say this is payback for B “updating” the anniversary presents for our first anniversary gift (the PS3), but this will also be a mutually beneficial anniversary gift. Plus, he’s my favoritest husband, EVER. And I KNOW I’m the best wife he’s ever had.

It’s also a mixed blessing that I do so much meeting planning and traveling for my work. Mixed in that sometimes it’s really tough to be gone so much, but the trade-off in points is kind of awesome. How so? Well, here are the things I’ve paid for with points so far:

Booked our hotel stay at the Palazzo with points – 3 nights.
Booked airfare for 1 round trip ticket with points.
I have $250 in spa credits to use for hair and makeup while in Vegas. Thank you points!

Things we have shelled out real money for:

Elvis Renewal Package at the Graceland Wedding Chapel!!!

Can I tell you how excited I am about this? We’ve got an Elvis impersonator. We’re doing the Elvis vows for our renewal. How awesome is complimentary limo service to and from the chapel? Oh yeah, AND there will be streaming video. For your viewing pleasure. And pictures. And did I mention that Elvis will also be singing? It is going to be so awesomely cheesy. And also, just plain awesome. (Like a hot dog. Like a hundred billion hot dogs!)

Things we will probably shell out real money for:

New dress for me
Dress accessories (also for me)
Whatever B decides to wear
Incidentals while in Vegas
Food (in Vegas specifically)
One more round trip ticket (I have more points coming my way, but we’re trying to decide if we use or hold them.)

Things I am waffling on doing:

Making a brooch bouquet to carry down the aisle while being escorted by Elvis. Because really, why not? This will probably happen.

[SIDE NOTE THAT IS TOTALLY RELEVANT] I love Pinterest. I have a whole board devoted just to our 5th Anniversary and what we want to do. You can view it over here. [/END RELEVANT SIDE NOTE]

And another thing? This is honestly, my dream wedding come true. I have always wanted to get married in Vegas and now we’re doing it! Well, we’re renewing our vows, but in a way, this is even better. At least it is for me. We’re going to celebrate our love for each other by being silly and having fun and it really doesn’t get much better than that in my book. (Also, full disclaimer/disclosure: I totally wanted Bob Denver to marry us, but only as Gilligan. This, I have been told, is both ridiculous and also never going to happen since he’s been dead since 2005. I am totally cool with an Elvis impersonator as choice number 2.)

So in 100 days, B and I will be celebrating our life together. We’ll be getting some alone/grown up time so we can be ridiculous and silly and awesome. I can’t think of a better way for us to spend our 5th anniversary together. I can’t wait!!

October 30, 2011
by lilMDP 1 Comment

Girls' Trip!

A couple of weeks ago I went on my annual trek to the mountains of Asheville, NC for SAFF and stayed in a rustic cottage of mostly awesomeness with my girls Evil Science Chick, Evil Julie and Nytefalle.

Drinking Is Srs Bizness

Evil Science Chick

Zombie Nytefalle

We learned that if a bear shits in the woods, it definitely stinks. (A bear may or may not have shit outside our cabin. Or possibly the drunk boys 2 cottages down. OR there may have been an issue with a septic tank. We went with bear.) We pretty much blamed that bear for anything remotely stinky. Strangely enough, I think that bear may have followed me home.

Moving along!

We ate lots of tasty, tasty food.

Caramel Sea Salt Mocha Chocolate Cake

Spring Ridge Creamery Ice Cream (Pumpkin Pie & Peppermint)

Acropolis Pizza

Saw lots of cute animals:

Heeey, Baby!

Communing With the Sheepies

Check Out Those Horns

How You Doin'?

This Is My Good Side

I made several purchases. Again.

Corriedale Fleece

It is both awesome and dangerous to be friends with folks who on a fiber mill. I had 2 alpaca fleeces and also wool from Sugar Ray (I hope he’s getting plenty of tail in bunny heaven) that I wanted to blend and Jen picked out this gorgeous Corriedale for me. Then Jared took in my order. I’ll be getting a beautiful DK weight yarn out of the mix. I can’t wait to see what they do with it all!

Supporting My Friends

Sugar Skull Stitch Markers!

Gale-dar in Full Effect

Stash Enhancing

Because Everyone Needs A Ball Sack

You Can Never Have Too Many Project Bags

Oh Yeah. I Went There.

And the coup d’état :

Loom!

I blew my Vegas wad on a loom! [Sidenote: I won a grand in Vegas on the penny slots and my first thought was "OH MY GOD, I WON!!!" and my second thought was, "SAFF MONEY!!!!!"] I got a Kromski Harp 24″ Rigid Heddle Loom. As you can see here, I set it up as soon as I got home and started warping almost immediately. I think this is an excellent starter loom. You have the loom on one side, flip it over and the warp is on the other. Which is what you’re looking at. (The pegs are removable. Also very awesome.) I will be going through my used stash to find the rest of my sock yarn remnants to play with this baby on my first run. I imagine it will become a scarf that only a first-time weaver can love. But I can definitely see how easy it will be to use up a lot of yarn quickly. Maybe even some of my handspun. Also? It has the option of adding a second heddle, which means I can get fancy with the designs. Lots of options.

This was my 6th year of attending SAFF. I can honestly say that it never gets old. Asheville in October is absolutely gorgeous.

Scenic Drive

We usually see interesting things along the way:

You're Not Reading That Wrong

Let's Stop and Ask for Directions!

And I get to spend time with my tribe.

Bunch o' Weirdos

I can’t wait for next year!

July 23, 2011
by lilMDP 1 Comment

In Which I Was Sidetracked by the Beach

I had every intention of spinning while I was at the beach. In fact, I did. Just… I only spun while it was raining and well… it only rained the day we drove down and the first full day we were there. You see where this is going right? Yeah, I didn’t spin very much. But would you want to sit inside and spin when you could be outside in this?

This Is What Summer Vacation Is All About

Yeah, I didn’t think so. And for those of you who have never been to an Alabama beach and wonder why I don’t spin outside? I’m not into felting roving onto my wheel. The humidity is just a tad too high for outdoor spinning. It IS, however, perfect for swimming in the ocean and also the pool. And for sitting under a tent while reading a book and having a beverage.

Oh, and also for catching sharks.

SRSLY. SHARK.

BAD Boy caught himself a shark while fishing from the beach shore. A SHARK. Also, that’s my BIL, not my husband. They’re identical twins. Well, identical to everyone else. I don’t think they look all that much alike most of the time. Also? SHARK!

We also saw dolphins, stingray or some kind of ‘ray and of course, crabs.

Can You See the Crab?

We also saw some bigger crabs in the water. The dolphins we saw while standing on the balcony of our rented condo. There were two different pods that swam by where we were staying. This is the second and smaller pod of three, though you can only see 2 of them in this video. You have to look really closely to see them. There were schools of fish, i.e. good eating, that the dolphins were after. It was so neat to watch them all. We were totally mesmerized by them.

I didn’t get any video or photos of the ‘rays. They were doing what they normally do, which is skimming along the ocean floor and they looked like fast, dark moving groups of blobs underwater, but they were clearly out enjoying some second breakfast. Being down there after a lot of wind and rain and kind of stormy weather brought out all kinds of marine life while we were there. It was pretty cool. Except for, you know, the SHARKS.

Anyway.

Tour de Fleece.

So I will consider this Tour de Fleece a 50/50 win/wash. When I did spin, I did a great job of it (except for that one time with the novelty yarn) and enjoyed myself immensely. But between going on vacation smack dab in the middle of it and also having some back issues, it was simply not meant to be this time around. I guess you could say I was one of those contestants who had the best of intentions of finishing, but events conspired against me otherwise. I have, however, rekindled my love of my wheel and spinning. And because of that, I think it was well worth the effort. Now what I really need to do is set the twist on all the yarn I’ve spun both during Tour de Fleece and before. Next up? Figuring out what I’m going to do with all of it.

July 17, 2011
by lilMDP 1 Comment

Woohoo! Beach! Sort Of?

This is what we woke up to this morning.

And since about 8:30 am or so, it has been steadily raining. It’s still raining now. I know that a rainy day at the beach is better than no day at the beach. At least, that’s how the saying goes. But I really would like some time in the sand with the sun on my face. Not pelting rain.

I hope the WHOLE week isn’t like this. Otherwise I might start to wonder if my vacation isn’t turning into a Calvin and Hobbes comic strip. But without the camping.

June 27, 2011
by lilMDP 1 Comment

Girls Weekend

Sometimes what a girl really needs is girls weekend. And that’s exactly what I got this weekend. I drove through a thunderstorm just for girls weekend. That’s how important it was to have it. At least, it was for me.

My weekend was spent primarily with Evil Science Chick but I also spent some quality time with Hockey Mom and Olivia Knits.

There was lots of pool time, knitting and spinning.

In other words, the perfect summer girls weekend.

January 20, 2011
by lilMDP 2 Comments

Miami Without Too Much of The Vice

Last week this time I was in the car with B on the way to Atlanta to go to Miami to see one of my oldest and dearest friends get married. She’s more like a little sister, really. Anyway, the wedding was amazing and we had a blast hanging out. But you guys, that’s not what I want to talk to you about. That’s not my story.

What I want to tell you about is how much I love Miami. I know it’s probably because I don’t live there (because honestly? That 55 MPH speed limit on the HIGHWAY would fucking kill. me. ded. and traffic is a nightmare to boot.) and because instead of being below zero it was SIXTY EIGHT DEGREES OUTSIDE! And also there were palm trees everywhere. And the OCEAN! And THE BEACH!

The week prior, I had to go to the upper west coast for work. Where there was TOO MUCH SNOW. And also it was cold. Stupid cold.

I can’t tell you how great it was to go from this cold hell:

To this warm paradise:

Seriously, you guys. I went from west coast freezing my ass off one week to running around in short sleeves on the southern most east coast the next week. Hanging out with childhood friends. Eating wedding cake. The BEST wedding cake ever. Seriously. It was dulce de leche marble cake. Well, the layer that I got a piece from was dulcet de leche marble cake and it was AWESOME. The other layer was guava, I think.

You know what else is awesome about Miami?

This place:

OK, so technically the Mai Kai is in Ft. Lauderdale, but whatever. It is still awesome. For serious. They had great food and a fantastic show. How fantastic? Well, let me put it this way. I ordered chicken panang. It was some of the best panang I’ve ever eaten. But when the show started about 5 or 10 minutes after I got my food? I couldn’t eat because I was too busy watching the show. That’s how fantastic. These are a few of my favorite pictures from that night.

I cannot even tell you how much of a boon it was to see the sun in the middle of a dreary, cold winter. It did me a world of good.

The only thing that was disappointing about the whole trip (I mean aside from having to leave Miami, obviously) is that I didn’t see David Caruso and his sunglasses keeping the streets of Miami safe. Not even once.

October 25, 2010
by lilMDP 4 Comments

Post SAFF Stupor

SAFF was a blast as always. And I am too tired to do much more than show pictures.

[ichc-flickr-slide width="400" height="300" username="graceshadix" set_id="72157625116762339" player_r="71649"]

And then on the way home, we finally stopped at GOATS ON THE ROOF! You know, because we didn’t see enough livestock at SAFF.

[ichc-flickr-slide width="400" height="300" username="graceshadix" set_id="72157625117630663" player_r="71649"]

In a nutshell? Awesome weekend of awesomeness was awesome.

Little Miss Drama Pants

a hot asiany mess

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