Andrew and I Wait to go to the Harry Potter Exhibit (First Flip Video)

The Highlight of my Highlight of my Day

Christmas Eve 2010

My supervisor was hovering. People at the Big C don't hover, there is too much work to be done, especially for my supervisor, who supervises the Front Door (where I work) and the Front End. In my past experience, pausing to actually talk to someone either means something really good or really bad. He had previously walked by with a bunch of yellow carbon copies, and had handed one to me, but it was just the approval of my time off. This time, he handed me a small card holder from under a stack of papers and schedules, and said, "Merry Christmas Ally".

I squealed "Thank you" in my "I am genuinely excited and also thrilled that this is a Starbucks card how did you know it was my favorite" voice, and then stared at it ponderously. There was quite a bit of writing on the inside flap. Being the negative person I am, I wondered if this was his delicate way of telling me I was fired. No joke, but I pretty much operate in all my jobs like I'm about five seconds from getting fired, for some reason, even when I've done nothing wrong. Plus, at least if I were fired I'd have a Venti Passion Tea Lemonade (Light Ice, Extra Lemonade) to console myself.

But in actuality, the card read:

"Ally, 

You are a pleasure to work with, always smiling and formally addressing me. Thank you... Mr. Alton"

The truth of the matter is, the best part of that sentiment is the formally addressing me part. If there is one thing (not really one) my dad taught me, it is to call my elders and superiors by their last name. And even though Mike Alton is 26 years old (only five more than me), I'm doin' it proper since '89.

The "Second Blog In Twice as Many Days" Edition

My name is Ally…

- I eat an inordinate amount of raw cookie dough and roasted almonds

- I like to wash my hands and my dishes with scalding hot water

- I got a Brazilian Blowout on November 6th, and my hair has never looked better, straighter, or less ethnic

- I have a to-do list of 35 things to do over a 22 day Christmas break

- I have recently forayed into concocting new recipes in the kitchen (up next: puppy chow).

-  I play Auburn’s song “All About Him” (sometimes on repeat) when I get ready in the morning

- I am trying to revamp my wardrobe one bargain but investment piece at a time, and one of my New Year’s Resolutions is to lay out my outfits the night before, so it looks like I actually tried

- I am obsessed with Nick at Night (only George Lopez and The Nanny) and Psych on Netflix

Ally's Favorite Things

The other day my bff Oprah had her last, epic Oprah's Favorite Things. I really wished I could have been there, but then I got to thinking, what would be on my list?

• Sharpie Pens

• Real Simple Subscription

           Today, I began day two of adventurous cooking for myself, considering I am at home for the break (all 22 days) and there's no more C-street to cook for me. Yesterday I made prosciutto and brie bundles with the crescent rolls I got from Costco (96 total, to be exact. They were on coupon. But don't worry, I only make eight at a time). Today, I really wanted to get Thai, but I'm also really trying to save money, so I decided to make frozen chicken satays that I picked up from Costco. I was even so bold to concoct my own peanut sauce from two combined online recipes and whatever I could scrounge together in the house -peanut butter, water, confectioner's sugar, garlic powder, tabasco, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Except we didn't have a lemon, so I referred to my Real Simple magazine. Very loooong story short, we did not have the lemon juice I needed, so I substituted vinegar (less). The only reason I knew I could do that was because there was a chart in Real Simple that had a chart of substitutions.

• Juicy Couture Day Dreamer Bag

• Macbook

• Netflix Subscription

        I found by looking at the website that a year's subscription is about $119. But I figured as long as I get 2 DVDs in the mail per week it's about equivalent to redbox. Plus, now that they have instant online streaming, specifically Psych, it is BEYOND paying for itself many times over. I watch Psych all day every day, at least until I end up catching up to the current season, plus there are instant movies and other TV shows.

• Northface Hooded Denali

• Moleskine Notebook

• Costco Sweet Rolls

             I make prosciutto sandwiches with these babies all the time.          

• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

             As I discussed earlier, I am home from break. I looked sadly around and realized with the end of the quarter, when I no longer had to read for class, that I have nothing to read for fun. That's when I remembered that I had wanted to reread Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and since part one of the two part movie just came out, it's an appropriate time to be reading this book.

• That's How We Do It CD - Anjelah Johnson

• Trip to Amsterdam

• Salted Chocolate Almonds from Trader Joe's

           This past 4th of July I went to Maddy's friend's house on Lake Union and noshed on the best hot dogs and Chinese Chicken Salad. Then, at the end, we took home treat bags, and one of the foods was salted chocolate almonds. I am not ashamed to say I ate about half a box of them in that one night.

• Blackberry Curve

            This is my type of phone, and it has stuck by me for so much. It has even survived being dunked in running water. And it survived my fury when a software update erased all my notes. I still love it.

• Northface Borealis Backpack

Once upon a time I used to get a new Jansport backpack for the school year. Then I got my red Borealis Northface backpack freshman year of college, and have never looked back since. It's durable, so durable, and expands if needed. I use it for class, and traveling as well. It carries my computer very well and adjusts to different body types.

• Burts Bees Chapstick

What goes on your Favorites list?

'Tis the Season

It is day two of my chocolate advent calendar, which indicates to me that there are only 23 more days until Christmas. Practically 22.

Below is my Christmas list. Not to sound too into myself. But I do like lists I must say.

• Toy Story 3
• 17 Again (I am ashamed how much I liked this movie)
• Origins Peace of Mind Oil
• Tarte Jewel Encrusted Eyelash Curler
• Cute, Plush, Hand Towels (not white)
• New watch (Small, discreet, preferably not digital, has to have numbers)
• Sharpie pens
• iKlear screen cleaner for macbooks
• This sweater in Mystic Teal (size XXL)
• Any one of these bangles, or the take the cake purple one. LOVE them