Stream of consciousness, hair, Valentine's Day and cupcakes

I dye my hair A LOT. It all started right after I graduated from high school and my sister dyed my hair a purplish/maroon/red color. Ever since then, I've been addicted. I'm especially partial to shades of red. I have found that I change my hair at different stages of my life; although, I don't know if it's because of the stage, or because I just love an excuse to change things up. 

Anyway, tonight I dyed my hair. It was a failure. Notice how the two (before and after) photos are incredibly similar. It was supposed to be drastic. FAIL, FAIL, FAIL.

I am going to have to give up and find a professional to do something about this.

My next hair color is going to be this (or this): 

                                                                    (found here & here)

Or maybe it won't be any of those. I never really know until I tell the hair stylist to whatever they want. I'm not too terribly picky with my hair.

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We made these cute little ladybug picture frames for our Valentine's Day craft at work tonight. 

I made these little bears for the ladies, since using a hot glue gun was necessary.

This photo is incredibly embarrassing, but I told the ladies that I would post it. The quality of the picture is terrible, but I'd like to see you try and keep massive plastic eyes on your face without jiggling the camera.

Tomorrow is our party at work for the residents. I'm so excited! I love holidays. I also love old people. Win, win!

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Being single, I'm not thrilled about this upcoming holiday; however, I have at least one friend coming over on Monday. I have stuff to make cupcakes. I am thrilled. Anyway, my mother is a dear and sent me a beautiful Valentine's Day care package!

Contents include: a heart dish towel, heart socks, poppyseed cake, pumpkin bread, York mints, molasses cookies and popcorn. AMAZING. My mom is the greatest.

She also included some pictures from Christmas that we got done at Wal-Mart. I'm not thrilled about them, but they are decent. This was also before I started my diet, so I can actually notice a difference! It's a small one, but hey, it's something!

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Finally, I adore cupcakes. 

This particularly glorious cupcake has been brought to you by my friend and co-worker, Merissa. She is an incredible baker. This cupcake did a dance in my mouth and I liked it. 

Here is the recipe:

Cinnamon Sugar Cupcakes:

1 box white cake mix- "I make this like the box says and add 1 t cinnamon and bake."

Frosting:

1 pkg cream cheese- room temperature

1 stick unsalted butter- room temperature

3 cups powdered sugar

1 t vanilla

2 t cinnamon

Blend cream cheese and butter until smooth- add vanilla and cinnamon and mix well. Slowly add powdered sugar until desired sweetness and consistency!

Thank you, Merissa. You made my night so much more enjoyable. 

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That was a huge post.

Thanks for sticking with me.

I am going to St. Louis tomorrow with Anthony to see Interpol. I AM SO EXCITED. The band is good; Anthony is awesome. I will probably not be back to post anymore until Sunday, hence the lengthy post.

Cheers, friends!

I am in a very good mood.

I am not always in a good mood, so this is relevant!

Good things about today:

1. I slept in!

2. I remembered that somebody described me as "alluring." I have never been given that description before, and it kinda made me feel good about myself. Haha!

3. I discovered Beach House's album, Teen Dream!

4. An old lady at work told me that I'm good at everything! Oh man, hello, self-esteem boost! (Haha.) But then again, another lady looked at me and told me that I will always look homely. Oh well. 

5. This song came on and made me feel very empowered. This rather recent break-up left me very battered, but this song made me feel quite alright about it, oddly. It was nice. Have you noticed that music sort of defines me, yet??

6. I wrote four poems about old people.

Here is one of the ten I will turn in tomorrow. I never thought that poetry was my forte, but my professor seems to think I'm pretty good. Who knows, really.

Losing Sight

Yesterday, I thought that what I’ve

been doing is of no consequence.

I’m tired of repeating myself

to people that will never hear again.

I’m worn out trying to understand

where your mind is when you

talk about your deceased parents

in the present tense. I don’t

want to walk slowly anymore,

just so that you can catch up, and I’m

tired of taking so many factors

into consideration when trying to

simply offer a drink. Is the temperature

too cold for your gums? is there artificial

sugar for your diabetes? Will your epilepsy

warrant a lid, or should I hold the straw

for you? Do I need to thicken the liquid

with powder so that you can swallow, or

can I just put the cup down and walk away?

But when I trudged into your room yesterday,

I saw you crying. Unnerved, I sat down

beside you, and when you put your head on

my shoulder, I felt the ninety-three years

of life and individuality leaning on my

short years, and I wondered who I was

to stir a drink for someone like you.

7. I was mentioned on Amy's blog, and it made me feel like a million buckssssss.

Check out her posts; she's awesome!

8. My little brother called me while I was at Ziggie's and asked me what I wanted for Christmas. He reminded me that he only gets $5 a week, so my gift might be kinda late. I told him that I like owls and that he should draw me a picture and put it in a frame. I really hope that's what he does, because I'd love to have "little brother art" hanging in my apartment. He cut me off mid-sentence to let me know what he wanted for Christmas. Que cute.

9. I came home to find mail!!!!!!! I love mail!!!!!!!!

My mom sent me the cutest hand towels to make my home more festive.

Isn't she the greatest?!

10. I am now home to study for a final and finish up some poetry, and my house smells like cider. Thank you, super awesome candle that only cost me $5 from Walmart! You were the best five dollars I ever spent. Maybe I should have told my brother that I wanted another candle for Christmas... This has been my favorite candle for going on two years now, so here is my official recommendation for candle lovers: Mulled Cider from WALMART!

Alright, well, I can't avoid finals any longer. Wish me luck, friends!

Cheers. :)