Friday, August 14, 2009

Blast from the Past...1860's style...




For those of you that don't know that I have a new hobby, I have become a civil war reenactor. My brother Josh has been involved for a few months, and I have to say that I was intrigued. So, after attending an event, I decided to join. It's so much fun to get dressed up in the dresses, and all the guys treat you like a lady. Who couldn't get used to that? It's also fascinating to learn all the history of the Civil War. Josh did the family research, and discovered that our Great Great Grandfather, Charles Winnifield Porter fought for the 34th Virginia, Company K. I'm reading a book on the history of the war, and must say that they left alot out in AP US History in high school.

Naturally, when clothing and dressing up is involved, Kally came over to inspect, and try the dresses on for herself. I don't have a hoop yet, so it looks kind of funny, but Kally could wear anything and make it look cute! haha. She's gonna kill me for posting this on here...

And a few more favorites from vacation...





Oh how I love to travel...

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Sunday, August 2, 2009

2nd Amendment Rights...

Disclaimer: Just a warning that I'm going to step on my soap box for a view minutes, and get a few things off my mind.

I've been hearing recent reports of a bill working it's way through the Senate. To make an incredibly long story short, the US government is trying to implement a registration/license for all gun owners. Basically stating that the government would track all purchases, and therefore know exactly what your "packing." Plus, if you don't register you can face up to 5 years in prison. You can check out the story for yourself...http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-45

For the record, I do not own a gun. Nor have I shot a gun anytime in the last 5 years. But reading this prompted me to write, because this is a free country. If this bill was ever passed (and I don't think it will) it would be removing 2nd Amendment rights from the law abiding American public. Placing firearms directly into criminal hands. I encourage everyone to write to their congressmen, and senators regarding this. American citizens have the right to protect themselves and their families.

Okay...stepping down from the soap box now.

Monday, July 27, 2009

MILESTONE!


Tonight at the gym I hit a huge milestone...I ran...4 miles! I was so pumped that I actually jumped around for a few minutes (I was at the gym alone.) Just thought I'd share this milestone with my internet family! Loves!

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Could someone please remove the birds from my hair...


Check out this height...oh yeah baby...rockin it. (Note all the freckles on my face from the beach...the only color that remains a week after returning.)


I literally left the salon looking like this, seriously, where are the hidden cameras?

I'm just as confused as you...


This will be my first album cover, when I become a rock God!

I was in desperate need of a haircut. My usual salon wasn't able to get me in until Tuesday of next week, so I decided to throw caution to the wind and run by a walk in only place. The sweet little lady asked how I usually wore my hair, to which I replied "Usually just natural, and flowy." Apparently, "natural and flowy" to her meant using a pint of gel, and more hairspray than an 80's glam rocker. I couldn't believe my eyes when she wheeled me around, and annouced that she was finished. I guess the most important thing, the cut, is actually cute, and exactly what I wanted. But I couldn't resist taking a few pictures with all the product in my hair. When they start busting out the gel, it's time for me to go. Lesson learned!

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Somebody shoot me now, please...

There comes a time in a person's life, when vacationing with family must come to a screeching halt. I have not only reached this point in my life, I surpassed it a few years back. I absolutely love my family, don't get me wrong, they are all amazing...IN SMALL DOSES. (Sorry G-ma.) Let me explain...

A week or so before we were scheduled to leave for Myrtle Beach, my parents decided to bail on my brothers and I. Dad needed to work, and Mom needed to get some things done in peace and quiet. (She was the intelligent one.) So my sweet, slightly insane grandparents decided to call the hotel and rent a larger room so that they could accommodate their 3 grandchildren. At first this seemed to be a good option, because it was...FREE for Josh and I to go. (I stress the word FREE when you are a poor college student.) Anyway-we were saddened by the fact that Ma and Pa wouldn't be coming, but were still excited to spend time away from MoHo.

That was until crap hit the proverbial fan. Almost immediately it became clear that my sanity would only remain if I continuously remain out of the hotel, on the beach, and with my ipod blasting my brain with Taylor Swift. My G-ma (bless her heart) decided to become the "food patrol." Every time I even thought about eating something with more than 100 calories I was given a guilt trip..."Now Kristen, I don't believe that's on your diet." Or "Kristen, I can't believe you ate that GIANT PIECE OF CHEESECAKE...it's just not worth it to be skinny." First, if anyone even thinks about coming inbetween Tripp's cheesecake drenched in strawberries and me, you better be prepared to fight. And by fight I mean, tackling, hair pulling, scratching, screaming, yelling, kind of fighting. And secondly, I have lost close to 25 pounds, I deserve my week in the sun...or in the "fat foods" section of the grocery store or restaurant menu. Back off calorie police!

Mom decided to fly down at the beginning of the week. We were all excited that she was coming. As we were waiting for her flight come in, I received a call from my incredibly panic stricken mother. She had missed her flight in Cincinnati. Of course, Cincinnati, that stupid Carson Palmer has cursed the entire city, including the airport, and he is entirely to blame for my mother missing her plane. After spending, I don't know, 6 hours on the phone with Delta, I rescheduled her flight for the next day, and gave Mom a rather long pep-talk about flying alone, and not freaking out.

Anyway-there were enjoyable parts to the week. I will never tire of sitting in the surf, half asleep feeling the warm sun on my body, and the cool ocean on my feet...that is until some idiot throwing a temper tantrum while on a walk with his lady, stomps a bit to hard and splashes cold water all over my face. I wanted to say, "Thanks for interrupting my few precious minutes of quiet sanity." But I refrained. I also really enjoy sitting on the balcony listening to the ocean waves...until my G-pa decided to walk out and hocker a giant mucus ball into a handkerchief, completely removing any zen-like vibes I was feeling from the waves. (I can still hear it!) I also enjoyed the USS North Carolina (my second trip to the beauty), and thinking ahead, I remembered how hot it can get below decks, so I decided to wear a cute little sundress...until I started down the first flight of incredibly steep metal steps, my Sony Alpha 300 dangling from one hand, did the breeze catch my "cute little dress" just right, and I ended up flashing all the nice adorable families, including children, veterans, and masses of conservative people my green striped underwear. Yes...shoot me now, please.

Next year I will have my own room...possibly in another hotel. I need a vacation to recover from my vacation. UGH! Pictures to follow.