Just Another Fan of the Fesitval

Today I went to the Renaissance Festival again. But this time I went by myself so that I could see things at my own pace....which we all know I love to do. As I was walking up to the gates I approached this scene...some of my favorite people to watch at the festival are the musicians. I love the little girl!
This woman was so wonderful..and she was so graceful.I had been looking forward to the food all year! I enjoyed a beef stew bread bowl, and a French Vanilla Italian Soda. Nom nom nom.The shows this year were wonderful. Some were new to me...some were old favorites. The first show I watched was a traveling family that did all sorts of things. Like ribbon twirling and dancing.Sword swallowing
And of course juggling fire and various acrobaticsThey were quite an amazing troupe and had wonderful energy!I love the random dogs that you'll see while you're there.Then I went to the Tortuga Twins Dirty Show. It's the last show of the night, and the only one that's R Rated. I personally love the Tortuga Twins...
They have so much audience interaction, and I love that!I even got my picture taken with the 17-year old boy that was the brunt of most of their jokes. Poor kid...but I think he secretly loved it...and hey, he got his picture taken with me...and let's face it...I'm pretty awesome!And I got my picture taken with the Tortuga Twins as well (yes I realize there are 3 of them LOL) It was awesome...they are such funny guys.Here is one of the Rescue greyhounds that was up for adoption. I think he's gorgeous!And what Renaissance Festival would be complete without dancing at the cannon?!I had such a blast, and I hope to go back more than once in 2013!!!

Happy 21st Lacy!

Yesterday was Lacy's 21st Birthday. So tonight I took her to the Dos Gringos in Mesa and bought her and her boyfriend a couple drinks while I ate a burrito. They do a special drink for a 21st birthday....a Plunger shot. LOL Yum!
Happy Birthday Lacy!!!

Such a Crazy Night

Tonight I had a full evening planned, on a friends advice and recommendations. The intent was for me to just "get out there". Meet people, enjoy myself, and start to be more independent.

My night started with me getting all dressed up after work and heading to a small little bar by my house called Irish Republic. I had never been there before, but it was highly recommended to me. Lo-and-behold, who should I run into there, by my step dad Kevin and his girlfriend. They bought me dinner, and we chatted for a good hour. They were nice enough to get a picture of me as well at the start of my night.
Following Irish Republic, I went to Dos Gringos in Scottsdale. I had a book in hand and sat at the bar drinking a diet coke. I read my book and just people watched. Such an interesting mix of people in town for Spring Break. I guess the girl sitting at the bar reading a book got people's attention. In short order I had all sorts of conversations struck up by the various people. I did get a picture with a nice couple who were very funny and fairly awesome to me. They made my night more interesting. I stayed sober, no desire to drink yet.From Dos Gringos I went to a night club in Phoenix called Sanctum. It had really good music and I was overall pleased with the vibe. It was a smaller club...and I didn't get hit on or anything, so I was comfortable. I met a couple friends there...Renaissance Festival people, that I trained their blind husky. They came to the Arizona Fest this year JUST to see me! Which is nice. It was really nice to see them, and I had a blast there!
To end my evening I had an old school sleepover with my oldest friend Katherine. She is the only person I have ever had sleepovers with and we used to have so much fun together...the fun continued, and I slept great.

Overall, it was a wonderful night, and I'm so glad I did it. It's not how I would spend every evening...but I had been so terrified of putting myself out there...now it's not so daunting, and I'm ready to start over! Bring it on world!

How Delightful!

This is the sunset from today...which is quite beautiful. The only thing currently that is more wonderful to me, is the fact that I stepped on my scale today for the first time since January 1st and weighed in at 183 lbs! That is 30 lbs down this year so far!!!! Horray for me!

To Occupy My Time

I have once again picked up my hobby painting. It has already worked out for me. My friend Stephanie has offered me 2 hours of tattooing per painting for her daughters room. So I have 3 designs that I am working on. I am really excited with the prospect of having my tattoo not only repaired, but also added to!



Oh, and here's Robert's birthday present! I hope he likes it!!!

Bowling With Miss Portlandia

My friend Kaylynn is in town from Portland Oregon! I haven't seen her in years and we used to hang out all the time. It was really nice that she was able to squeeze me into her busy schedule of family and friends. We had a blast bowling, eating Frickles, and dancing!

Moving On Up

To a Deluxe Apartment, in the sky!!!

Alright, maybe a little tacky to use The Jefferson's theme song to announce my move to my apartment.

First I suppose I should give a little information on how this came to be. Robert and I are no longer dating. He's a wonderful guy, and we care about eachother very much. But it's not the right time and place for us, and I need time to just be Carissa and learn to cope by myself and grow as an individual. I do regret that I smothered him...but I understand that it's something I did. Another time, another place maybe...but for now, I'm focusing on just Carissa. Anywho, so yeah, I moved out.

I got this lovely apartment with 2 roommates. My roommates are Kade and Sarah. Sarah is my step-dad's girlfriend's daughter..and Kade is Sarah's boyfriend. They are 20 years old, so they are a little young, but that's ok. They seem nice, and splitting rent 3 ways for this apartment is really nice and doable for me. I have my own suite with a walk in closet and bathroom. Great view! This apartment is on a golf course, and it has pools, jacuzzi, and a fitness center!

I'm apprehensive about these nights alone...I'm going to need to find something to occupy my time! Well, enjoy the pictures of my new place!
My bedroom has a king size bed...surrounded with photos of my animals I love!
This is my view from my bedroom...I love it.My bathroom is pretty large, and it gets good water pressure and terrific hot water.Kitchen, duh
Laundry roomDining area, where I can't imagine I will eat there that oftenThe patio with a lovely view of the golf course and pool, and a grillMy living room! So pretty!This is how I enjoyed my first night in my new place. Watching The Grinch and eating applesauce!

I look forward to working on myself...but I'm nervous....it'll all be ok. That's what I keep telling myself.

Sick

Wow, I haven't been sick for a long time. Let alone this sick. I spent the night in the ER, getting XRays, IVs, and breathing treatments. I have bacterial pneumonia in my right lung and bronchitis. I have 3 prescriptions now, one of which is an albuterol inhaler....it's helping alot already!

Renaissance Festival Part 1

Today I went to the Renaissance Festival with Robert and his buddy. We didn't stay for very long because we had planned to go to a restaurant. But while we WERE there I took lots of silly pictures of Robert and we had a blast. I can't wait to go back for Robert's birthday on April 1st. I made sure to take the day off work and everything. Should be the most fun day ever! Not only will it be his birthday, but April Fools Day, AND the last day of the festival. CANT WAIT!!!

Well here's the pictures!Two of my favorite guys! Robert and Dead Bob!Quite the eccentric man at the fest.Robert decided to pay for Water torture...Finger guns!!And it begins.