I am starting this post on 12/30 at 10 pm because I suspect that I will need to write it in smaller doses. 2010 has been a big year in some ways and a nothing year in others. I am borrowing these headlines from a fellow blogger to keep me on track!
1. What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before?
Good question... I have been MUCH better about blogging. One of my frustrations with my writing is that I tend to not stick with it. Not only have I stuck with it, but I have written twice as many entries this year as I did last year! I also ran 3 5ks, which is one more than usual. We also have gone mostly gluten-free. We don't need to, but we wanted to give it a try. Aside from baking products, it has not been bad and I think we will continue. We started an annual fall camping trip with our couple BFFs. We went for my birthday this year and loved it so much that we plan to make it an annual event.
2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't really make resolutions, but I did want to try to eat better and exercise more. Did I do this? Yes and no. I still have zero self-control when it comes to sweets so I continue to be a failure in that department. We renewed our gym membership and have been making an effort to walk and do yoga.
3. What places did you visit?
~Maine
~Boston
~Vermont
4. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
a baby
5. What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
On June 25th, our couple BFFs got married. We were both in the wedding, and it was great fun. On March 1, we became active with our adoption agency. On July 5, we celebrated 2 years of marriage!
6. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Happiness. I know I am happy because my life is real. I feel content in my heart with who I am and with the relationships I have. My husband has changed my life is unmeasurable ways. I feel lucky everyday to have someone who cares about me so deeply and who has created such a beautiful life with me. Some days, I actually pinch myself because it is hard to believe that this is my REAL life.
7. What was your biggest failure?
I would have to say not taking enough time to do fun activities. As I re-read many of my posts from the last year, I was consumed with self-imposed busy work. This year, I want to make a conscious effort to just BE. I want to spend more time pursuing my passions--writing, reading, art, travel. Being on a budget, I may need to compromise on how I pursue these things, but I am confident that I will find a way.
8. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Aside from minor colds here and there, 2010 was a healthy year for me!
9. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Silly as it sounds, one of the things that made me the happiest this year was our season pass to the local state park. We went there often to hike and swim with the dogs. It did bring me a greater sense of peace and harmony with nature that I never really knew I was missing.
I also sold ~$100 worth of my candles this Christmas! This was huge for me because it seemed that my hobby would stay a hobby. I love it when life surprises me!
10. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? happier
b) thinner or fatter? I think about the same
c) richer or poorer? poorer financially but richer emotionally
11. What do you wish you’d done more of?
I always want to travel more and to see new places. I think we would enjoy day trips, but we NEVER, EVER do them. Day trips would be perfect because our home is in reasonable driving distance to Boston, NYC, Canada, RI, VT and PA. With the adoption being so potentially last minute, we are hesitant to book a trip out to California to visit Dave's sister, but we do hope to get out there asap once our baby is home and old enough to travel.
12. What do you wish you’d done less of?
That would hands down be working at the golf course! It was a HUGE source of stress and angst for me, and I hope I am finished working there. Sad to say, there is a decent chance I will be back there unless I find something else. Add that to my resolution list!
13. What were your favorite TV programs?
~ House Hunters
~Glee
~Modern Family
~Property Virgins
~football
~The IT Crowd
14. What did you do for your birthday in 2010?
My birthday this year...I actually had to go back to my older entries to find out! Unfortunately, I only wrote about my gift. Dave and I went to dinner at Cantina,our favorite Mexican place in Saratoga. We has a great meal and mojitos, and then we headed to Gaffney's to sit outside and listen to live music. My sisters surprised me by coming up and the 4 of us had a great time. I remember, one bad but hysterical part, when these 2 guys got into a fight of sorts that involved throwing drinks and chairs. Looking back, it was funny but it was scary at the time.
We also went on the previously mentioned camping trip the weekend before my birthday. While it was quite chilly, we loved it!
Dave also surprised me with a Kindle. It is amazing and so is he!
15. What is a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010?
With the failing health of my grandparents, I have learned to TRY and live in the moment. We cannot take tomorrow for granted. Which leads me to the next question...
16. My goals for 2011:
My grandparents have asked me to write a book about their lives and our family. As you know, I have always wanted to start writing, but never could quite find a meaningful topic. When they asked me to do this on Christmas Eve, I knew that I could not say no. I do not know if the book will be good, or if it will even be published, but I want to write it for them. I am excited about this project because it will involve interviewing them and learning about their early life together and their childhoods. I feel that I know some of it from the stories Pop has told us, but I know there is so much more there. I hope I am able to do this for them as it would be a wonderful tribute to their lives and who they are.
This post was completed at 9:52 am on 12/31! Wow, a whole day early!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Holiday Catch Up
Before I begin to describe our holiday week, I must say that I was BEYOND disappointed that we did not remember to pack our camera. I love holiday pictures, and aside from the pictures taken by others, I do not have any from Christmas 2010. But anyway...
We spent the morning of Christmas Eve at home, not really doing much at all. We took a nice long walk, which was longer than we thought and ended up making us almost late for church. We rushed to pack and get ready, which is why I forgot the camera and my tooth brush. We made it to mass with 10 minutes to spare! Luckily my parents saved us a seat. After mass, we had our traditional Polish Christmas Eve. My grandmother has always prepared this meal, but her health isn't the best so my youngest sister Amanda cooked. She did an amazing job! I am hoping that she will post about it on her food blog. (http://sweetgirlsguidetosweets.tumblr.com/)
On Christmas morning, we opened gifts with my side of the family before heading to New Hartford to see Dave's side of the family. We arrived in NH at about 4, and spent some time with Dave's parents before the rest of the family arrived. The Maine branch of the family arrived around 5, Pop Pop and Norma shortly after, and the California branch arrived around midnight. We had a nice lasagna dinner that night, but the real feast would be the following day. My MIL thought it best to wait until everyone was here and rested before we enjoyed a prime rib dinner. I look forward to her prime rib every year because it is AMAZING! I definitely overate all through the holiday weekend. We continued to exchange gifts while we were there, and we ended our stay there with my MIL's birthday lunch. We went to an awesome lunch at a yummy Lebanese restaurant. We took off for home after lunch.
As wonderful as it was to spend so much time with family, there is no place like home!
We spent the morning of Christmas Eve at home, not really doing much at all. We took a nice long walk, which was longer than we thought and ended up making us almost late for church. We rushed to pack and get ready, which is why I forgot the camera and my tooth brush. We made it to mass with 10 minutes to spare! Luckily my parents saved us a seat. After mass, we had our traditional Polish Christmas Eve. My grandmother has always prepared this meal, but her health isn't the best so my youngest sister Amanda cooked. She did an amazing job! I am hoping that she will post about it on her food blog. (http://sweetgirlsguidetosweets.tumblr.com/)
On Christmas morning, we opened gifts with my side of the family before heading to New Hartford to see Dave's side of the family. We arrived in NH at about 4, and spent some time with Dave's parents before the rest of the family arrived. The Maine branch of the family arrived around 5, Pop Pop and Norma shortly after, and the California branch arrived around midnight. We had a nice lasagna dinner that night, but the real feast would be the following day. My MIL thought it best to wait until everyone was here and rested before we enjoyed a prime rib dinner. I look forward to her prime rib every year because it is AMAZING! I definitely overate all through the holiday weekend. We continued to exchange gifts while we were there, and we ended our stay there with my MIL's birthday lunch. We went to an awesome lunch at a yummy Lebanese restaurant. We took off for home after lunch.
As wonderful as it was to spend so much time with family, there is no place like home!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Favorite Quotes
As an English teacher, I have always been fond of inspirational quotes. My students often groan when I give them a quote and ask them to write an essay about it, but those were my favorite assignments when I was in school. I know, I know, NERD ALERT! But anyway, here are some of the quotes that I am loving this week:
“Love knows no limit to its endurance, no end to its trust, no fading of its hope; it can outlast anything. Love still stands when all else has fallen.”
“Anyone can give up, it's the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone else would understand if you fell apart, that's true strength.”
“I don't pretend to know what love is for everyone, but I can tell you what it is for me; love is knowing all about someone, and still wanting to be with them more than any other person, love is trusting them enough to tell them everything about yourself, including the things you might be ashamed of, love is feeling comfortable and safe with someone, but still getting weak knees when they walk into a room and smile at you.”
"Live life fully while you’re here. Experience everything. Take care of yourself and your friends. Have fun, be crazy, be weird. Go out and screw up! You’re going to anyway, so you might as well enjoy the process. Take the opportunity to learn from your mistakes: find the cause of your problem and eliminate it. Don’t try to be perfect; just be an excellent example of being human." ~ Anthony Robbins
Crazy Christmas Weekend
It is Tuesday, and I think I have almost recovered from the weekend! On Saturday evening, we hosted our 5th annual holiday party. It was one of the best yet, I think! We had a great mix of old and new friends and so much food. The picture below is just the food that Dave and I prepared. Most of our guests also brought something to much on, and we ran out of room on the table!
In past years, our party has turned into a huge drinking party. We felt that while some holiday cheer is awesome, we wanted to keep it in check. Wow, I just sounded like an old fart! Here is a photo of the bar before the party began. I did end up making a second batch of hot cider since it was quite popular. I was pleased that everyone enjoyed it as it was a new idea for me, and one that I love.
Here are some photos of our friends enjoying the festivities!
So how come Dave isn't in any of these photos?? Well, it may appear that way to the untrained eye, but in the first photo, Dave is there ;-)
In past years, our party has turned into a huge drinking party. We felt that while some holiday cheer is awesome, we wanted to keep it in check. Wow, I just sounded like an old fart! Here is a photo of the bar before the party began. I did end up making a second batch of hot cider since it was quite popular. I was pleased that everyone enjoyed it as it was a new idea for me, and one that I love.
Here are some photos of our friends enjoying the festivities!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
2 Hour Delay
Yay! I was hoping, but not counting, on having one of these today. This winter, we keep missing the big storms so I knew better than to assume we would be closed. I would post a picture, but Dave has the camera. We didn't get much here, maybe a few inches. I assume up north it is worse so I will head into work a bit earlier than usual. A 2 hour delay day flies by too, and not just because the day is actually shorter! They mix up the class periods so that adds some extra variety to the day.
Instead of going back to sleep as most normal people would do, I used the time to catch up on some things. I made chili, did some laundry, and I will be heading out to shovel as soon as I finish this post and my coffee. I want to sit by my tree for a few minutes, and I think I will have time for that. I am hoping the roads will be taken care of as Dave did not get a delay and he doesn't have his snow tires on yet!
Happy Snow!
Instead of going back to sleep as most normal people would do, I used the time to catch up on some things. I made chili, did some laundry, and I will be heading out to shovel as soon as I finish this post and my coffee. I want to sit by my tree for a few minutes, and I think I will have time for that. I am hoping the roads will be taken care of as Dave did not get a delay and he doesn't have his snow tires on yet!
Happy Snow!
Friday, December 10, 2010
Ask and you shall receive
Snow! We had some today. I would say we got less than an inch, but it does look pretty. The news reported that wester NY got 4-5 FEET! That would be insane. I remember when I was in middle school, there was a blizzard. We had 3 days off from school, and the snow was piled up to the roof of our high school.
As I was sitting in my classroom today, talking about Christmas with the kids, I looked out the window. At that time, it was sunny and green. I tried to imagine what it would be like to live in a place where it never snowed. As much as I hate cold weather and winter (for the most part), it just wouldn't feel like Christmas without snow.
I am feeling very in the holiday spirit this year. We have much to celebrate and be grateful for.
As I was sitting in my classroom today, talking about Christmas with the kids, I looked out the window. At that time, it was sunny and green. I tried to imagine what it would be like to live in a place where it never snowed. As much as I hate cold weather and winter (for the most part), it just wouldn't feel like Christmas without snow.
I am feeling very in the holiday spirit this year. We have much to celebrate and be grateful for.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Let It Snow?!
I know I will complain about snow sometime in February, but it is the second week of December and there has been no snow. Correction, there have been some flurries. If you look out my window, it looks like it might be April or September. I can't wait for the first real snow fall. There is something so magical about it. Last year we had a few big storms, and I snapped these beauties. Until we get the real deal, enjoy!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
I Quit
the blog challenge...I liked it, but I also felt somewhat restricted by it. So here I am, back to writing about nothing in particular! I do not have much to say these days, but I am getting quite excited for Christmas. It's funny that as I get older, I like it even more. We put up our tree on Sunday, and I finished up almost all of the decorating tonight. I am still in search of a way to hang our stockings. While my tree looks the same every year, I simply love the color scheme too much to change it. Every year I contemplate trying a new scheme, and every year I go back to red and gold. In any case, I love my tree. I have been told that it looks like it is from a magazine, which to me is the best compliment I could receive. Here is a photo of the tree:
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Blog Challenge Day 22:
My favorite vacation...easily my honeymoon. Sorry for a repeat answer, but it truly takes the cake!
Monday, November 22, 2010
Blog Challenge Day 21:
My favorite city...
This is almost as difficult a question as was the dream house question! I guess I have 3. Is that allowed? I guess since it is my blog, my rules!
#1: Paris--a city I fell in love with long before my visit there in 1999. Being there was simply magical. I cannot wait to visit the City of Lights with Dave. Sigh. Someday.
#2: Boston--This is a city I fell in love with after I had fallen in love with Dave. We try to make a yearly trip there for our anniversary because there is no better way to celebrate your marriage than cheering like lunatics at a Sox game! While Dave used to live there, we try NEW places each time we go. It is so much fun to wander around and stop wherever the mood strikes us. One place that we ALWAYS go before a game is the Boston Beer Works for a Fenway burger.
#3: Saratoga Springs--our sort of home city. The vacation spot for many horse racing fans, but an overall charming city year round. From Congress Park to Broadway, there are plenty of sights to see and places to eat. The nice part is that it has a small-city feel. We used to (okay, sometimes still do) dream about renting a place downtown and how cool it would be. Maybe someday!
This is almost as difficult a question as was the dream house question! I guess I have 3. Is that allowed? I guess since it is my blog, my rules!
#1: Paris--a city I fell in love with long before my visit there in 1999. Being there was simply magical. I cannot wait to visit the City of Lights with Dave. Sigh. Someday.
#2: Boston--This is a city I fell in love with after I had fallen in love with Dave. We try to make a yearly trip there for our anniversary because there is no better way to celebrate your marriage than cheering like lunatics at a Sox game! While Dave used to live there, we try NEW places each time we go. It is so much fun to wander around and stop wherever the mood strikes us. One place that we ALWAYS go before a game is the Boston Beer Works for a Fenway burger.
#3: Saratoga Springs--our sort of home city. The vacation spot for many horse racing fans, but an overall charming city year round. From Congress Park to Broadway, there are plenty of sights to see and places to eat. The nice part is that it has a small-city feel. We used to (okay, sometimes still do) dream about renting a place downtown and how cool it would be. Maybe someday!
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Catching Up
I have really enjoyed the blog challenge so far, I miss just posting regular posts. While I know I can, I just haven't been posting.
So what's been going on? Not too much in all honesty. Last weekend, we celebrated my Nan and Pop's 55th wedding anniversary! It amazes me that they have been married for all those years, and are still in love. I think that is pretty cool.
In other news, my candle business has some business! I have ~12 candles to make for co-workers this holiday season! While I am selling them at cost (more of less), I am just pumped to have people like what I make. I will be spending some time this weekend filling those orders.
I must admit that my mind is already very heavily fixated on Christmas. I know we haven't celebrated Thanksgiving yet, but I just LOVE Christmas. I have already ordered our cards, designed the Evite for our holiday party, and have started thinking about decorating. Many people who are waiting to adopt struggle with the holidays, but I am trying not to. Sure it will be way cool when we have a little one, but I think that holiday magic is there no matter what! I am putting our tree in the library this year (I think), and I also want to get lights out front. I love to see a home decorated with white lights and pine garland, so that is my goal this year. Luckily, Dave really likes the look I have in mind, which is awesome because I will need his help! Happy HolidayS!
So what's been going on? Not too much in all honesty. Last weekend, we celebrated my Nan and Pop's 55th wedding anniversary! It amazes me that they have been married for all those years, and are still in love. I think that is pretty cool.
In other news, my candle business has some business! I have ~12 candles to make for co-workers this holiday season! While I am selling them at cost (more of less), I am just pumped to have people like what I make. I will be spending some time this weekend filling those orders.
I must admit that my mind is already very heavily fixated on Christmas. I know we haven't celebrated Thanksgiving yet, but I just LOVE Christmas. I have already ordered our cards, designed the Evite for our holiday party, and have started thinking about decorating. Many people who are waiting to adopt struggle with the holidays, but I am trying not to. Sure it will be way cool when we have a little one, but I think that holiday magic is there no matter what! I am putting our tree in the library this year (I think), and I also want to get lights out front. I love to see a home decorated with white lights and pine garland, so that is my goal this year. Luckily, Dave really likes the look I have in mind, which is awesome because I will need his help! Happy HolidayS!
Blog Challenge Day 19:
Nicknames:
At Home:
Shel
Frit
Fritter
Fritz
Shelly
Beave (don't ask)
At School:
G-Sleeve
G-Money
MSG
Mary Poppins
At Home:
Shel
Frit
Fritter
Fritz
Shelly
Beave (don't ask)
At School:
G-Sleeve
G-Money
MSG
Mary Poppins
Friday, November 19, 2010
Blog Challenge Day 18:
I missed yesterday, so here is yesterday's topic...
Something(s) I miss...
+ having a Starbucks by my work
+ being a student
+ my first car--Pontiac Bonneville
+ my friends from Union
+ eating at Homestyle
Something(s) I miss...
+ having a Starbucks by my work
+ being a student
+ my first car--Pontiac Bonneville
+ my friends from Union
+ eating at Homestyle
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Blog Challenge Day 16:
My Dream House!
How fun, sort of. As a couple who has been house hunting on and off for a little over a year, this question is not so easily answered. We have actually bid on 4 houses in the last year, each perfect in its own way. The common factors are: open floor plan, 4 bedrooms, sweet kitchen, private (but not too large) yard, 2 living rooms/den, gas fire place, a jetted tub in the master, and 2.5 bathrooms. Unfortunately for us, the homes that have all of these are just out of our price range. Aside from having a home to sell, that is the major reason why we have not upgraded from our starter home.
When we first moved into our current home, I was so madly in love with it. I admit that it was an emotional purchase--the house just felt right. Now 3 years later, we are getting the itch to get more house. Who knows what the future will hold, but house hunting is a lot of fun.
Here are a few photos of our house!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Blog Challenge Day 14 and 15:
Since we did not have power allllllll day, I will be doing two entries today.
#14: A picture that I love...this one is a piece of cake
#15: A favorite Bible verse
“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10)
#14: A picture that I love...this one is a piece of cake
#15: A favorite Bible verse
“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10)
Friday, November 12, 2010
Blog Challenge Day 13:
My Goals
Hmmmmm, this is a tough one too. I am pretty satisfied with my life so far, but here are some things I hope to accomplish someday :-)
#1: write a book or a series
#2: open a coffee shop
#3: grow my candle business
#4: add to our family
#5: stay happy
#6: retire in the Dominican Republic
Hmmmmm, this is a tough one too. I am pretty satisfied with my life so far, but here are some things I hope to accomplish someday :-)
#1: write a book or a series
#2: open a coffee shop
#3: grow my candle business
#4: add to our family
#5: stay happy
#6: retire in the Dominican Republic
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Blog Challenge Day 12:
What I believe...
This poem hangs on my door at school, and I give a copy to each of my students at the end of the year. It sums up my feelings perfectly.
"Attitude"
Attitude is more important than facts.
It is more important than the past, than education than money, than circumstances, than failures, than success,
than what other people think or say or do.
It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill.
It will make or break a company, a home, a relationship.
The remarkable thing is we have a choice, every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for the day.
We cannot change our past. We cannot change the fact that other people will act in a certain way.
We cannot change the inevitable.
The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude.
I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90 % how I react to it.
And so it is with you. We are in charge of our attitudes.
- Charles Swindoll
This poem hangs on my door at school, and I give a copy to each of my students at the end of the year. It sums up my feelings perfectly.
"Attitude"
Attitude is more important than facts.
It is more important than the past, than education than money, than circumstances, than failures, than success,
than what other people think or say or do.
It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill.
It will make or break a company, a home, a relationship.
The remarkable thing is we have a choice, every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for the day.
We cannot change our past. We cannot change the fact that other people will act in a certain way.
We cannot change the inevitable.
The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude.
I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90 % how I react to it.
And so it is with you. We are in charge of our attitudes.
- Charles Swindoll
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Blog Challenge Day 11:
My Favorite TV Shows:
Glee
Modern Family
House Hunters
Property Virgins
One Tree Hill
Law and Order
Sex and the City
NFL Games
Jeopardy (but I never watch it)
Glee
Modern Family
House Hunters
Property Virgins
One Tree Hill
Law and Order
Sex and the City
NFL Games
Jeopardy (but I never watch it)
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Blog Challenge Day 9:
I missed yesterday so I will do 2 today!
A picture of my friends...I don't have one with everyone, so here are a few of my besties.
Anna is my oldest friend. We met in Kindergarten at St. Mary's Instuitute, and we have been friends ever since. We are not in touch as often as I would like, but I hope to see her soon.
L-R: Anna, Liz R., me, Liz C., Jenn and Meredith
My BFF, Beth. We met in 1999 and the rest is history...that we will not divulge!
A picture of my friends...I don't have one with everyone, so here are a few of my besties.
Anna is my oldest friend. We met in Kindergarten at St. Mary's Instuitute, and we have been friends ever since. We are not in touch as often as I would like, but I hope to see her soon.
L-R: Anna, Liz R., me, Liz C., Jenn and Meredith
My BFF, Beth. We met in 1999 and the rest is history...that we will not divulge!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Blog Challenge Day 8:
A place I have travelled to...
The best vacation I have ever had was our honeymoon. We went to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. We went there on a recommendation of our good friends, and it was the trip of a lifetime. I am not kidding when I say that I think about going back there every day. The weather, the beaches, the pools, the food, the fun. It was amazing, and I hope we can go back there someday. In the meantime, here are some photos.
The best vacation I have ever had was our honeymoon. We went to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. We went there on a recommendation of our good friends, and it was the trip of a lifetime. I am not kidding when I say that I think about going back there every day. The weather, the beaches, the pools, the food, the fun. It was amazing, and I hope we can go back there someday. In the meantime, here are some photos.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Blog Challenge Day 7:
Favorite Movies
This one is tough since I don't really like movies the way that most people do. So here goes...
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Up
28 Days
The Wedding Planner
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
Mary Poppins
Beauty and the Beast
This one is tough since I don't really like movies the way that most people do. So here goes...
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Up
28 Days
The Wedding Planner
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
Mary Poppins
Beauty and the Beast
Friday, November 5, 2010
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Blog Challenge Day 4:
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Blog Challenge Day 3
My first love...
This is hard to write, but not for the usual reasons. My first love was a friend from childhood. We met when I was about 10 years old and he was 12. He was my next door neighbors best friend, and we all hung out together. We spent many hours playing basketball, hide and go seek, and kickball. I don't really remember when we became more than friends, but it was sometime during high school. I had liked him on and off since I first met him, but you know how boys are! I think it was 10th grade when I finally got sick of him not picking up on the fact that I liked him SO much. I told one of his lacrosse teammates who said he would make it happen. I didn't really believe him because he was "so cute" in my 10th grade eyes!
He did end up calling me, and we went on our first date in May 17, 1997. Why do I remember the exact date? I just do. We played tennis because he thought I liked tennis. It was awkward to say the least! We did a lot of the usual stuff, movies, hanging out at our houses, etc. He had a great sense of humor and the blueest eyes. The glitch in the plan was that he was leaving in August for Basic Training. We tried to stay together, but I was in high school and he was in the Army. Looking back, we wanted very different things but we did love each other. I don't remember when we really broke up since we were pretty on and off until my senior year. We took turns breaking each others hearts.
The reason it is hard to think about him is because he is still in the Army and has been in and out of Afghanistan for years. I hope he is alive and well, but I have no way of knowing for sure. I would assume that I would hear if something had happened since our parents still live in the same town, but every time a prayer is said for our service men and women, I pray for him. My dear friend. I wish I had told him how brave I think he is, and how proud I am of the way he serves our country. At 15, I never realized how much he was willing to sacrifice for our country. I know his life has not been easy, but I hope that somewhere out there, he is happy.
This is hard to write, but not for the usual reasons. My first love was a friend from childhood. We met when I was about 10 years old and he was 12. He was my next door neighbors best friend, and we all hung out together. We spent many hours playing basketball, hide and go seek, and kickball. I don't really remember when we became more than friends, but it was sometime during high school. I had liked him on and off since I first met him, but you know how boys are! I think it was 10th grade when I finally got sick of him not picking up on the fact that I liked him SO much. I told one of his lacrosse teammates who said he would make it happen. I didn't really believe him because he was "so cute" in my 10th grade eyes!
He did end up calling me, and we went on our first date in May 17, 1997. Why do I remember the exact date? I just do. We played tennis because he thought I liked tennis. It was awkward to say the least! We did a lot of the usual stuff, movies, hanging out at our houses, etc. He had a great sense of humor and the blueest eyes. The glitch in the plan was that he was leaving in August for Basic Training. We tried to stay together, but I was in high school and he was in the Army. Looking back, we wanted very different things but we did love each other. I don't remember when we really broke up since we were pretty on and off until my senior year. We took turns breaking each others hearts.
The reason it is hard to think about him is because he is still in the Army and has been in and out of Afghanistan for years. I hope he is alive and well, but I have no way of knowing for sure. I would assume that I would hear if something had happened since our parents still live in the same town, but every time a prayer is said for our service men and women, I pray for him. My dear friend. I wish I had told him how brave I think he is, and how proud I am of the way he serves our country. At 15, I never realized how much he was willing to sacrifice for our country. I know his life has not been easy, but I hope that somewhere out there, he is happy.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Blog Challenge Day 2
I have always like the country song "Just Another Day in Paradise" because it makes everyday life seem special. I believe that there is much to be happy about and thankful for in the day to day, even if we are often too busy to see it.
Just Another Day In Paradise By: Phil Vassar
The kids screaming, phone ringing
Dog barking at the mailman bringing
That stack of bills - overdue
Good morning baby, how are you?
Got a half hour, quick shower
Take a drink of milk but the milk's gone sour
My funny face makes you laugh
Twist the top on and I put it back
There goes the washing machine
Baby, don't kick it.
I promise I'll fix it
Long about a million other things
Well, it's ok. It's so nice
It's just another day in paradise
Well, there's no place that
I'd rather be
Well, it's two hearts
And one dream
I wouldn't trade it for anything
And I ask the lord every night
For just another day in paradise
Friday, you're late
Guess we'll never make our dinner date
At the restaurant you start to cry
Baby, we'll just improvise
Well, plan B looks like
Dominoes' pizza in the candle light
Then we'll tippy toe to our room
Make a little love that's overdue
But somebody had a bad dream
Mama and daddy
Can meand my teddy
Come in to sleep in between?
Yeah it's ok. It's so nice.
It's just another day in paradise.
Well, there's no place that
I'd rather be
Well, it's two hearts
And one dream
I wouldn't trade it for anything
And I ask the lord every night
For just another day in paradise
Well, it's ok. It's so nice.
It's just another day in paradise.
Well, there's no place that
I'd rather be
Two hearts
And one dream
I wouldn't trade it for anything
And I ask the lord every night
For just another day in paradise
For just another day in paradise
Well, it's the kids screaming. The phone ringing
Just another day
Well, it's Friday. You're late
Oh yeah, it's just another day in paradise
Just Another Day In Paradise By: Phil Vassar
The kids screaming, phone ringing
Dog barking at the mailman bringing
That stack of bills - overdue
Good morning baby, how are you?
Got a half hour, quick shower
Take a drink of milk but the milk's gone sour
My funny face makes you laugh
Twist the top on and I put it back
There goes the washing machine
Baby, don't kick it.
I promise I'll fix it
Long about a million other things
Well, it's ok. It's so nice
It's just another day in paradise
Well, there's no place that
I'd rather be
Well, it's two hearts
And one dream
I wouldn't trade it for anything
And I ask the lord every night
For just another day in paradise
Friday, you're late
Guess we'll never make our dinner date
At the restaurant you start to cry
Baby, we'll just improvise
Well, plan B looks like
Dominoes' pizza in the candle light
Then we'll tippy toe to our room
Make a little love that's overdue
But somebody had a bad dream
Mama and daddy
Can meand my teddy
Come in to sleep in between?
Yeah it's ok. It's so nice.
It's just another day in paradise.
Well, there's no place that
I'd rather be
Well, it's two hearts
And one dream
I wouldn't trade it for anything
And I ask the lord every night
For just another day in paradise
Well, it's ok. It's so nice.
It's just another day in paradise.
Well, there's no place that
I'd rather be
Two hearts
And one dream
I wouldn't trade it for anything
And I ask the lord every night
For just another day in paradise
For just another day in paradise
Well, it's the kids screaming. The phone ringing
Just another day
Well, it's Friday. You're late
Oh yeah, it's just another day in paradise
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Blog Challenge Day One:
Recent picture of me and 5 random facts:
1. As you can tell from the picture above, ice cream is a passion of mine. The only other food obsession that comes close to ice cream would be coffee.
2. I cry when I am alone and I get to thinking about my life. I am so content and feel so lucky.
3. I am the oldest of 3 girls in my family.
4. Every time I see my husband, I think he is just as cute as the day I first saw him :-)
5. I talk to my dogs frequently, and I often do it in baby talk.
1. As you can tell from the picture above, ice cream is a passion of mine. The only other food obsession that comes close to ice cream would be coffee.
2. I cry when I am alone and I get to thinking about my life. I am so content and feel so lucky.
3. I am the oldest of 3 girls in my family.
4. Every time I see my husband, I think he is just as cute as the day I first saw him :-)
5. I talk to my dogs frequently, and I often do it in baby talk.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
A friend of mine from school and her daughter really love running. As you know, I can get caught up in the excitement of an idea, and sometimes get in over my head. I signed up for a 5k, which isn't that out of the ordinary for me as I usually do 3 or 4 each year. The difference is that I did not train for this one. My mom and my sister (who are both runners) came up to run the race too. Here is a picture of us at my house before we went:
A combination of not training and wearing gel inserts in my sneakers caused an injury. This is why I don't exercise:
The good news is that, in spite of the pain, I finished the race in 37 minutes and 30 seconds. Not my best time for sure, but I am glad it is over. Now I am sitting here with 2 pained feet, but also a feeling of success. I am signed up to run another one on Thanksgiving morning, but I am not sure I will do it. Dave and I are doing the 2 mile walk before the 5k, so I may just do that and cheer my family on from the sidelines.
A combination of not training and wearing gel inserts in my sneakers caused an injury. This is why I don't exercise:
The good news is that, in spite of the pain, I finished the race in 37 minutes and 30 seconds. Not my best time for sure, but I am glad it is over. Now I am sitting here with 2 pained feet, but also a feeling of success. I am signed up to run another one on Thanksgiving morning, but I am not sure I will do it. Dave and I are doing the 2 mile walk before the 5k, so I may just do that and cheer my family on from the sidelines.
Fall Festive
Fall is my favorite season, and it always has been. While I like warm weather, there is nothing better than needing a sweater for your walk and hearing the leaves crunch beneath your feet.
I pulled out our fall table cloth:
I also spent last Sunday cooking! I made a beef stew, gluten-free macaroni and cheese, and pumpkin cookies all while enjoying a glass of wine.
I pulled out our fall table cloth:
I also spent last Sunday cooking! I made a beef stew, gluten-free macaroni and cheese, and pumpkin cookies all while enjoying a glass of wine.
Friday, October 22, 2010
For the love of dogs
I have heard the story many times...as a young child, I was terrified of dogs. Mom and I were taking a walk around the block, and out of nowhere, a dog appeared. He barked, I hid behind Mom and cried. I was so afraid. I would go in the house when I saw one coming. The sight of a dog, even a friendly one, caused meltdowns of epic proportions. I am not really sure why I was so afraid, and I do not really know what caused me to change my mind, but now I love dogs more than almost anything else.
Growing up, I always had stuffed animal dogs. I would cuddle them and wish that they were real. I would beg for a dog, but the answer was always NO. One time, a stray Golden Retriever crossed my path! I was so happy. I put a jump rope leash on him and named him Dude. We had the BEST day together, walking and playing. Unfortunately, Dude already had a family. My parents located his family and home he went. My neighbor Lynn had a Rotweiler mix named Bear, and I loved to walk him. He was too big for me, and would pull so much that I fell a time or ten. I walked him religiously for as long as I was allowed. Nani would always worry because even though Bear was nice, he was HUGE!
My chance for a dog of my very own happened during my junior year of college. My boyfriend at the time and I thought it would be a good idea to get a dog. WARNING, what you are about to read is bad, and I am ashamed of this paragraph END WARNING. We went to the pet store and chose this cute little pup. We named her Abbie and we maxed out our credit cards to buy her. While she was cute, she was not very friendly. In her defense, we never trained her and she lived most of her life in a crate. After said boyfriend and I split up and I graduated from college, I moved home with Abbie. Things continued to go downhill as my parents did not want an untrained maniac dog. I decided to give her to a rescue agency. It was the best thing I could have done for her. I was in no place, emotionally or financially, to be a dog owner. Abbie is one of the biggest regrets of my life. I hope she went on to have a happier life with a family.
To Be Continued...
Growing up, I always had stuffed animal dogs. I would cuddle them and wish that they were real. I would beg for a dog, but the answer was always NO. One time, a stray Golden Retriever crossed my path! I was so happy. I put a jump rope leash on him and named him Dude. We had the BEST day together, walking and playing. Unfortunately, Dude already had a family. My parents located his family and home he went. My neighbor Lynn had a Rotweiler mix named Bear, and I loved to walk him. He was too big for me, and would pull so much that I fell a time or ten. I walked him religiously for as long as I was allowed. Nani would always worry because even though Bear was nice, he was HUGE!
My chance for a dog of my very own happened during my junior year of college. My boyfriend at the time and I thought it would be a good idea to get a dog. WARNING, what you are about to read is bad, and I am ashamed of this paragraph END WARNING. We went to the pet store and chose this cute little pup. We named her Abbie and we maxed out our credit cards to buy her. While she was cute, she was not very friendly. In her defense, we never trained her and she lived most of her life in a crate. After said boyfriend and I split up and I graduated from college, I moved home with Abbie. Things continued to go downhill as my parents did not want an untrained maniac dog. I decided to give her to a rescue agency. It was the best thing I could have done for her. I was in no place, emotionally or financially, to be a dog owner. Abbie is one of the biggest regrets of my life. I hope she went on to have a happier life with a family.
To Be Continued...
Monday, October 11, 2010
Getting Organized
After a recent stay at my sister and brother-in-law's condo, Dave and I had to hang our heads in shame. Their place was SO neat and tidy! We decided to turn our embarrassment into action this weekend! We targeted a few areas that are especially annoying:
1. Our shoes
2. My purses/totes/etc.
3. The mail and magazines
I spent about an hour organizing my closet. My dad installed the shelves in our closet for us, and he is about 6 feet tall. I always struggled to keep my closet neat in part because I couldn't reach the shelves very well. Step One was lowering the shelves to a reasonable level for my height. What a difference! Not only can I better see my clothes, but I can use the top shelf for all of my shoes! Brilliant! I also purchased a tote for the bags that I am not using, and it slides nicely under my clothing rack.
Exhibit A:
Dave and I also have been toying with the idea of changing some parts of our bedroom. Lighting is a HUGE issue in there. We have a ceiling fan/light, but it is virtually useless in the light department. We set out today to find new lamps, and also found a new bedding set! Target is awesome! The bedding set was $89 and the lamps were $30 each.
Here is the before:
Here is the after:
Close up of new lamps:
1. Our shoes
2. My purses/totes/etc.
3. The mail and magazines
I spent about an hour organizing my closet. My dad installed the shelves in our closet for us, and he is about 6 feet tall. I always struggled to keep my closet neat in part because I couldn't reach the shelves very well. Step One was lowering the shelves to a reasonable level for my height. What a difference! Not only can I better see my clothes, but I can use the top shelf for all of my shoes! Brilliant! I also purchased a tote for the bags that I am not using, and it slides nicely under my clothing rack.
Exhibit A:
Dave and I also have been toying with the idea of changing some parts of our bedroom. Lighting is a HUGE issue in there. We have a ceiling fan/light, but it is virtually useless in the light department. We set out today to find new lamps, and also found a new bedding set! Target is awesome! The bedding set was $89 and the lamps were $30 each.
Here is the before:
Here is the after:
Close up of new lamps:
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Ebay Gifts!
My youngest sister Amanda came up woith a very thoughtful birthday gift for me this year: an Ebay gift card! I purchased 2 paits of shoes! Love them! The first pair is from my absolute favorite shoe store--Aldo. I am not sure why or how my love for all shoes Aldo began, but they are #1 in my book! The second pair is Steve Madden. Unfortunately, they are a bit snug so I may only wear them for a short stint. Dave is not a fan of the cheetah print, but I love them!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)