Oh Hey Roxbury Frames

DISCLAIMER: This post may paint me as someone who is super shallow or conceited. I assure you that I am neither.

These are my new glasses. I picked them up the beginning of August AND I LOVE THEM!

But I'm not here to just tell you that they are way cuter than my old frames (old, oval, brown, cheap), or that they cost me an arm and my favorite toe (yes I have a favorite toe but that's a subject for another day). I'm here to tell you about their amazing ability to attract those of the opposite sex.

That's right. Boys.

I'm pretty confident that when I brush the contacts aside and become four eyes for the night, the guys actually talk to me! Who'd a thought simply wearing glasses would get the guys attention? Definitely not this girl!

Ok so maybe they don't say, "Oh hey! I like your glasses! Can I have your number?"

However, conversations like this go down:

Man/Guy/Boy: Oh hey! Your glasses are super fly.
Me: Oh why thank you! They are real. (Side Note: I like telling people they are real... there's nothing wrong with wearing fake glasses and I don't have anything against people who do... I personally would feel dumb wearing glasses just as a fashion statement with no solid reason. I actually need them and I think that makes me cooler... just sayin)
Man/Guy/Boy: Oh sweet. I need to get glasses.
Me: Did you want to try them on? (Side Note: Maybe not the most sanitary thing... but... I only use this as a way of flirting w/the really attractive boys)
Man/Guy/Boy: Cool... *puts on glasses*... How do I look? (Side Note: Perfect opportunity for me to flirt some more)
Me: *insert compliment here*

This compliment maybe something like... "Oh they look great with your facial hair." Or (as I look deeply in their eyes) "You are one of only a few people who can really pull them off." (Side Note: That may be an exaggeration... these glasses actually look good on pretty much everyone. On the other hand, they look especially spicy on guys with strong jaw lines and a 5 o'clock shadow...mmm...) Or "Dang son, you look smokin'!"

So in conclusion, my precious Roxbury frames provide me with several opportunities to flirt it up with boys AND they get me compliments... Which in turn gives me more confidence, and if you know me at all, you know that I have the confidence of a gecko (no not the Geico gecko who confidently talks to America about saving 15% or more on car insurance... I'm referring to the geckos who hang out on the walls of my house (outside on the front porch, haha not inside the house). All you have to do is walk up and they scurry to a hiding spot as quickly as possible). Last night I gave out my number to two guys (I'll add that they asked for it). Yes, TWO! I think I'll be wearing these babies more often. 

Adele Likes To Sing To My Soul

When will I see you again?

You left with no goodbye,

Not a single word was said.

No final kiss to seal any seams.

I had no idea of the state we were in.

-Adele, Don't You Remember

Yes this is meant to be about a breakup... However I've found a more personal, applicable interpretation (since I haven't had a recent breakup). I discovered this meaning as I was on my way to work... I was thinking about my dad.
Line one: Its something I think about everyday. When will I see Dad again? I know where (Heaven-in case you were wondering) but when? I don't know. But I'm genuinely anxious to know..even though I won't know ahead time.
Lines two and three: I'm  frustrated. Why didn't he say goodbye? Why didn't he stash a note somewhere,  reminding us that its not our fault and that he does love us? Everything is still surreal. In some moments I just can't believe it... still...
Line four: I had no idea that his depression was that bad. No hint of understanding his state of mind.

On a happier note. I'm ready to meet new people and start a new chapter in my life I would like to call "Dating: A Quest for Marriage". Ok that's a little over-the-top-lets-not-be-too-crazy-ridiculous... but hey. I'm ready to date. Marriage? Ya sure. Eventually. But dating? Yes. Of course who knows if the guys will step up... but I know I'm going to. I'm going to start putting myself out there, since I haven't really for almost 2 years. It's about time don't ya think?

Twelve Pages and Counting

There is something therapeutic about writing things down on paper.

I don't know what it is, but the way words go from your brain, down to your finger tips, and onto the paper is magical.

I love writing with a good pen. A pen with ink that flows just right (not too runny so that it smudges, not so dry that it scratches).

I've been doing a lot of writing in my journal lately. Not as much as I'd like. I wish that I could write for hours, but I can't for several reasons. One, my hand gets tired after an hour or so. Two, I just have not had time.

Some people may say, "Well, Silly, how about you just type everything up?"

Nope. It's not the same as writing it down. Typing isn't nearly as formal, and it seems so impersonal.

I have written twelve pages, and I still have probably a hundred to go.

What am I writing about?

I'm writing about a man who left this earthly life on July 29 of this year. I'm writing about all of the significant events that have occurred since then. I'm writing down every sweet text message, email, conversation that I can remember. I'm writing down any and every memory that I have of my dad. Then, when I'm missing him and I'm in a dark place, I can go back and read about all the nice things people said and did, about the good times we had with him, and about the hope that I have right now for the future. Right now, I'm at twelve pages, and I've only covered the first twenty four hours...

Dad suffered from depression his entire life. He went through a lot hell growing up-those precious, critical, first few years of his life he was abused and neglected (among other things). No wonder he had so many problems. I only wish that I had understood Dad's physical and mental pain while he was here. Depression is like cancer or any other serious illness, but no one seems to get it. Everyone thinks (I did too for a time, until now) depression is a choice-that people can and should just take a pill and get over it. However, it's not that easy. Sometime the depression goes into remission, just like cancer. You see a ray of hope and you feel like everything is fine. Then (sometimes) it comes back, and takes all the light away. Depression ended up taking the light of life out of my Dad.

Someone brought over Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban with two pages doggy eared. This person has suffered from depression and felt that J.K. Rowlings words describing Dementors, described depression perfectly...

"Dementors are among the foulest creatures that walk this earth. 

They infest the darkest, filthiest places, they glory in decay and despair, 

they drain peace, hope, and happiness out of the air around them. 

Even Muggles feel their presence, though they can't see them. 

Get too near a dementor and every good feeling, 

every happy memory will be sucked out of you.

 If it can, the dementor will feed on you long enough to reduce you to something like itself... soul-less and evil. 

You'll be left with nothing but the worst experiences of your life. 

And the worst that happened to you, [Dad], is enough to make anyone fall off their broom. 

You have nothing to feel ashamed of." (p.187)

My poor dad.

I have been "incredibly strong" through the past two and a half weeks. That's what they tell me anyway. But in quiet moments, when I'm alone, I feel like everything is crashing down around me. Those moments are quick-just a few short seconds and then I'm OK again. I know that the only reason I have been strong is because of those of you offering up prayers to our love Father in Heaven in behalf of me and my family. We have been completely overwhelmed by the amount of love and support (both physical and emotional) that has been poured out over us. This entire experience has been extremely bitter, but equally sweet. Things are definitely looking up, despite the long road of "moving on" ahead of us.

Thank you all for everything you have done, and no doubt will continue to do, for my family.
XOXO
Tori

Before I dive into this post, I should probably let you know how I've been with those projects I posted about last time...

Um... I... haven't... really... started....

Ok so that's a lie. I did start working on the navy, gold, and white skirt, but it's taking a lot longer then expected. Some day I will be able to whip out skirts and take in dresses like nobody's business... Until that day... I'll just have to learn to buy things that fit.

Ok onto the post....

I made a pretty big purchase last week.... I bought a car! I bought a 2006 Toyota Matrix XR complete with a/c and windows that work (among several other perks-like a sun roof)! Best part? 24400 miles. That's it!

Let's Compare: 

Matrix                        vs.                  Daewoo

A/C                                                               No A/C

Windows that roll down                            Broken window

CD/Mp3/AM/FM Radio                         AM/FM Radio

Fabric Seats                                                   Leather Seats 

Happy Red                                   Old Person Gold 

25+ city mpg, 30-33 hwy mpg                20ish city mpg, hwy mpg=? 

Not about to explode                                     Almost exploded

Cute                                                              Fugly

Ok. Maybe the Daewoo isn't fugly. But in comparison... it is closer to fugly on the cute to fugly spectrum.

Let me tell you, having a car feels great! Those of you who have known me for awhile know that I have been car-less for almost a full year! I hated always having to ask for rides and not being able to do as I pleased because I didn't have a car. I cringe just thinking about that life I lived for nearly 12 months. Honestly Sparkles (2000 Daewoo Leganza-don't hate on the name) lived a long good life, just the last couple of years were rough. But he served his purpose. I definitely preferred him over no car at all.

Now you are probably asking... "If the Daewoo has been dead for almost a year, why is it still in your front yard? Are you guys white trash?"

My response??

Why yes... yes we are... what's it to ya?

Post-Grad Life

I have been the laziest I've ever been in my life the last month! For Realz! Well, sort of. I started doing P90X w/my buddies Michelle and Brian. I have been doing it pretty much every day! Except... this week was rest week and I did just that... rested. Haha I didn't do Kenpo or Cardio X. I did however dance on Monday, yesterday I did yoga, and today I danced and swam. I have definitely noticed some changes going on in muh body. I like it. I like it a lot. The graduated life has been pretty peachy... Especially since I have all this time to read for funzies and watch movies and TV shows. 

I read The Hunger Games series and oh my goodness gracious I loved them!!! I laughed, I cried, I stayed up til 4 am... Don't judge. But seriously these books are incredible. If you haven't read them-you best get started son (or... daughter)! 

When you are done with Hunger Games, pick up Matched. Same general idea... corrupt government with a lot of secrets... awesome yet complicated and heart wrenching love story, but a completely different one at that. I love, love, love this book! I read it awhile ago and its fantastic! 

I'm going to buy/read it again before the sequel Crossed comes out (don't worry... I'll probably pre-order it).

I am really motivated to get the ball rolling on 1-playing the piano and 2-sewing (mostly altering things that I've picked up at thrift stores)...

I got the skirt above from Goodwill for 4 buckaroos! Its a little big so I plan on taking it in and adding the thick black elastic to the top. I am in love with the pattern-isn't it just so fun!? Best part about the skirt... it has pockets!!! I'm excited.

I made the skirt above with my grandma awhile ago. I didn't wear it for several reasons. The main reason was the top ruffle... its shorter than the others. If anything it should be longer than the others. I don't know. It's just bothered me all this time. So i'm going to take out the top layer and put a different one in. Then I plan on sewing white elastic to the top. 

I snagged this dress for $1!! Uno Dolar!! Its sort of big and the sleeves are a little too much for me... I may change my mind once I take it in and add accessories. I love it!!

So stay tuned and you'll see pictures of the finished products.  

PS don't hate on my horrible pictures. The screen on my camera is white/black/cracked. Breaks muh heart.

PSS Happy Fathers Day tomorrow to all dem daddies/future daddies out there! Lots of love to mi padre y mi abuelito! Te quiero mucho! (You like that? Ya-I didn't use google translate for that).