Jessica and I had quite a few deliriously fun nights out, including the night that got us free tattoos the next day. Read about that here

There’s also the night that I met Aaron. He’d been in town for less than 24 hours when we were introduced by his best friend Adam. Aaron made the mistake of telling me the only way he’d dance was if they played Prince. I went and requested it and when “Kiss” began playing he had no choice but to submit as I dragged him toward the dance floor.

I’m not usually one to dance with random dudes all night. When I go out I want to dance with my girls ad that’s it. Don’t even bother asking for a dance, I’m just going to tell you no. But something about Aaron, after that first dance, I just wanted to be close to him the whole night. There were major, major sparks. We were literally attached at the hip the rest of the night.

Around 1am Aaron left with everyone to go across the street for Coney, I slyly opted to go home because I knew my girl friends would tell him all about me and how awesome I am. When Aaron was gone I turned to Jessica, burst out laughing, and said “Oh shit!”

OK, just a warning…this one gets a little barfy.

The book that will stick with me for a very long time is Life’s Little Instruction Book: 511 Suggestions, Observations, and Reminders on How to Live a Happy and Rewarding Life.

Aaron read a few pages from this book to me the first night we talked on the phone. The next night we hung out until 4am, he went home, and as I was getting ready for bed he called and said “Do you know why I called?” I said I didn’t and then started reading from the book.

For almost two months after, we read the book to each other every single night. We didn’t miss one. Just before we would go to sleep I’d get in bed, hand him the book, snuggle against him and he’d read a few pages. Even if we spent the night apart, who ever didn’t have the book would get a late night call and was read to as they were falling asleep.

Some of the lessons were good, some were goofy, but I don’t think I’ll remember them. What I’ll remember is the way Aaron’s voice sounds as he reads, the way his skin feels with my cheek pressed against his shoulder, and the way I felt getting a late night call for something so small.

The Pistons ended up losing (7th game in a row dudes…what’s the deal?), but we still had fun!

You know all the kids who stand up, waving their arms around and dancing
every time the cameras hit the crowd? Yep, Aaron was one of them!

You know those dudes who coach the players from stands during the entire game
and yell at the refs for every call? Yep, Aaron was one of them!

Somebody loves basketball :)

Obsessed with Sons of Anarchy? Nooo….

Mine was the skeleton hand holding the anarchy symbol, but there were so many little bits it was difficult to tell what it was. I think I’m going to just do the skull instead.

I also made some amazing vegetarian chili.

From Emeril Lagasse

Cook Time: 30 min, Yield: 6 to 8 servings

Ingredients

* 2 tablespoons canola oil
* 1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onions
* 1 cup chopped red bell peppers
* 2 tablespoons minced garlic
* 2 to 3 serrano peppers, stemmed, seeded, and minced, depending upon taste
* 1 medium zucchini, stem ends trimmed and cut into small dice
* 2 cups fresh corn kernels (about 3 ears)
* 1 1/2 pounds portobello mushrooms (about 5 large), stemmed, wiped clean and cubed
* 2 tablespoons chili powder
* 1 tablespooon ground cumin
* 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
* 4 large tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped
* 3 cups cooked black beans, or canned beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1 cup vegetable stock, or water
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
* Sour cream or strained plain yogurt, garnish
* Diced avocado, garnish
* Chopped green onions, garnish

Directions

In a large, heavy pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onions, bell peppers, garlic, and serrano peppers, and cook, stirring, until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the zucchini, corn, and mushrooms, and cook, stirring, until soft and the vegetables give off their liquid and start to brown around the edges, about 6 minutes. Add the chili powder, cumin, salt and cayenne, and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes and stir well. Add the beans, tomato sauce, and vegetable stock, stir well, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes.

Remove from the heat and stir in the cilantro. Adjust the seasoning, to taste.

Ladle the chili into the bowls, top each serving with a dollop of sour cream, spoonful of avocado and green onions.

I decided to be good and stick with my budget and that means no expensive trips to the salon. I grabbed two boxes of color ( L’oreal Superior Preference, Intense Copper Red RR07) last night and did it myself. It’s much more difficult now that my hair is getting long. Doing my roots went OK, but I was nervous when it came to coating the ends and managed to fling color everywhere in the process. I’m pleased with how it turned out though! I still want to grow my hair another four inches, so I may head back to the salon then.

+ Dress from Urban Outfitters + cardigan & black leggings from Nordstrom + vintage necklace + boots from Bakers +

And here’s a picture of Aaron drinking a HUGE coke.