Average Things...

that would send me over the edge:

1.  a radio station that played only Kelly Clarkson and Adele

2.  banana or celery scented anything

3.  constant clicky pen clicking

4.  voice mail

5.  drawers that aren'y closed all of the way because there are clothes hanging out

Eager for nicer weather...

Since a snow day seems out of the question this year, I let my wallet lead me to spring!

Old Navy, on sale for $29.94 minus 25% and free shipping = $22.46

Old Navy, on sale for $24.94 minus 25% and free shipping = $18.77

My Sweet Mandolin

Since I loved on my other sister the other day, today is Amanda's turn.  Growing up must have been tough with an older sister like me, but somehow she survived and we are friends.  Amanda is an old soul, and that is one of my favorite things about her.  She is wise beyond her 24 years and always knows just what to say no matter what the situation is.

She is so generous with who she is, and everyone just loves her.  She is a beautiful musician and teacher.    While she occasionally is "tied up" and can't come to the phone when Nani calls, she somehow gets free.  I am amazed at the woman Amanda has become since her humble beginnings at Mandy's Much In.

Amanda loves old school stuff, like tea parties, crafts, and Jane Austin.  We both are anxious for her to meet her Mr. Darcy and sail off into the sunset.  Whoever ends up with Amanda will be the luckiest of all, after us, who already are.

How cute is she?

Top 5 of the Week

1.  Zumba class...I love it.  It is so much fun that it doesn't even feel like a workout.  We have been learning a new dance every week lately, and I love the challenge.

2.  Finishing the nursery...Tada!  I am so happy with it.  In fact, a large part of my good mood today was because I was so pleased with how it turned out.

3.  It is Friday night..and we have no plans.  I love Friday nights.  We will work out, have pizza, drink wine, and relax.  I want to spend an hour (or more) tonight reading.

4.  We are half way through the school year...hard to believe.  School is going well overall, and the year is flying by.  We have just 4 weeks until February break and 2 1/2 months until April break in Carolina.  Aside from the month of March, the spring semester flies.

5.  Dave won an award at school...he is being shy about it, but I am super-proud of him.  The awards dinner is 2 weeks, and I cannot wait to cheer for him!

Nursery Reveal!

Finally!  This post will be full of photos; I am so happy with the way it turned out.

Why I Love Jess

Since I know she is a faithful follower of my blog, this one is for you Jess!

My older younger sister, the one who is a lot taller even though she is younger.  When we were young, we used to pretend that we were twins.  She has always been my other half, and we compliment each other in pretty much every way.  We are each other's cheerleader, confidante, and best friend.  I have always felt lucky to have a sister who is so close in age that it seems that we are going through life at just about the same pace.

"Sisters don't need words.  They have perfected a language of snarls and smiles and frowns and winks - expressions of shocked surprise and incredulity and disbelief.  Sniffs and snorts and gasps and sighs - that can undermine any tale you're telling."  ~Pam Brown

She is just as goofy as she is serious.  She sees life through a different lens than I do, and she always sees the other side of the story.  She is the lover to my fighter.  She is generous with her time, creativity, and her personality.

"More than Santa Claus, your sister knows when you've been bad and good."  ~Linda Sunshine

"A sister can be seen as someone who is both ourselves and very much not ourselves - a special kind of double."  ~Toni Morrison

ABC List

Active
Bossy
Charismatic
Decisive
Energetic
Fun
Goofy
Happy
Ice cream lover
Just
Klutzy
Loving
Magical
Novel
Obvious
Pensive
Queer (as in odd) :-P
Rigid
Silly
Truthful
Unyielding
Vague
Wordy
Xerophilous
Yells
Zealous

Where is the snow?

I'm looking for:

Mostly because I need a snow day...or two...

My Pretties

(http://www.etsy.com/listing/89153994/coral-pretty-things-clever-words-print?ref=fp_treasury_7)

(http://www.etsy.com/listing/78169267/small-leather-journal-sketchbook?ref=cat1_gallery_23)

(http://www.etsy.com/listing/87217139/small-poppy-bowl?ref=sr_gallery_24&sref=&ga_search_query=poppy&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_category=ceramics_and_pottery&ga_facet=)

(http://www.etsy.com/listing/77517858/customize-your-own-text-pillow-cover?ref=cat1_gallery_34)

(http://www.etsy.com/listing/82131770/spinning-pinwheels-set-of-5-large?ref=sr_gallery_4&sref=&ga_search_query=pinwheels&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_category=paper_goods&ga_facet=)

A difficult week

When I arrived at school on Tuesday morning, I was greeted by my good friend Darlene in the parking lot. I was my usually friendly self, but her face was so serious.  She then told me that our school's beloved tech teacher had a heart attack and died earlier that morning.  We have an emergency faculty meeting before the kids came down the hall, and our principal gave us the sad news.  There were so very few dry eyes.

Mr. B was an amazing man.  He was so up-beat and had a contagious smile.  The kids and the staff loved him We would always talk about baseball and give each other a hard time since he was a Yankee fan.  I still can't believe I am referring to him in the past tense. Ugh.  Since he was the tech teacher, he frequently made things for people.  He made me a 2-foot long pencil with my name engraved on it.  For those of you who don't know me, I love novelty items and this pencil is right up my alley.

Once the students found out, all hell broke loose.  The grief was overwhelming.  I am not a public crier, but it was tough to stay strong when everyone was breaking down.  It broke my heart to see the kids so upset, but it was also a testament to how loved he was.  He was such a happy person who never seemed to be down in the dumps, and we are trying to take his attitude and apply it to his death.  I think he would want us to carry on and be happy that he lived.

I hope he is in heaven with Joe DiMaggio, snow mobiles, and all the tools one could ever want.

Potent Potables

I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.
Thomas Jefferson

Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.
John F. Kennedy


Everyone here has the sense that right now is one of those moments when we are influencing the future.
Steve Jobs

Pick the day. Enjoy it - to the hilt. The day as it comes. People as they come... The past, I think, has helped me appreciate the present - and I don't want to spoil any of it by fretting about the future.
Audrey Hepburn

Odd Twist of My Mind

When I get ready for work in the morning, I like to dance around to Lady Gaga and Katy Perry.  Don't worry, I do this after Dave leaves for work.  So as I am dancing around to the very catchy Judas song, I started to think about him.  He is one of the most famous traitors of all time, perhaps the worst one.  I began to wonder, who would win an unpopularity contest between Judas and Benedict Arnold?

Let's start with Judas...He was recruited to be a disciple, but his betrayal was always part of the plan.  Seeing how his betrayal led to the death of Jesus, it seems like a no-brainer that he would be the winner.  But then again, maybe not.  While his role in the whole thing was despicable, it was essential.  If he had not betrayed Jesus, there is no telling how the Bible might be different.  Had he taken the proverbial high road, what would have happened?  I would think loyalty to Jesus is a quality that would be essential in a follower, right?  And yet, if the plan was already laid out, Judas had no choice but to live it out.  Imagine being him?  Talk about a tough lot in life and death.  You'd be the one chosen to betray God, would end your life wracked with guilt, and despised for the foreseeable future.  Ever wonder if Judas asked why he drew the short straw?  I wonder.  Was he a bad person, or was he just human?

So on to Benedict Arnold...I had to do a bit of research on the man whose name is synonymous with traitor.  After reading that he largely defected due to his claims of unfair treatment and the accolades which he felt he earned but never received.  So in other words, he was a traitor for pride.  I had always assumed that he was a traitor due to a moral obligation, to follow his heart.  In reality, he was allowing his ego to control his actions.  Arnold ended up leaving the US (obviously), and living the rest of his life abroad.  What I found interesting was that Arnold's co-conspiritor was executed for espionage, and yet Arnold was rewarded with money and prestige in England.  The only upside to Arnold's betrayal was that it was discovered before any troops were killed.  I am not saying that I agree with his plans or his actions, but he went down in history as a traitor who was not even successful as one!  I would think that if you are going to risk all that you are for a cause, that your plan would be a bit more fool-proof.  One website said that Arnold "died as he lived, a man without a country."  In my research, I was unable to find out if Arnold ever regretted his actions.  I would find him a bit more sympathetic if he had expressed remorse.

So wins the biggest traitor contest?  Benedict Arnold by 30 pieces of silver.

New Years Eve Spirits

As you know, I bartend during the summer.  While I am not much of a cook, I do think I am pretty good at mixing up an enjoyable drink or two.  For our New Years Eve celebration, it was my job to come up with a few cocktail ideas.

The first one was a Dark and Stormy (source: foodnetwork.com)

Ingredients

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 (4-inch) piece ginger, sliced, reserve 4 slices for garnish
• Ice
• 1 liter seltzer water
• 4 shots dark rum
• 4 lime wedges, for garnish
• 4 small skewers

Directions

In a small pot over medium heat, combine the sugar, water and theginger. Bring to a boil then shut off the heat and let cool to room temperature.

Fill 4 glasses with ice. Pour seltzer water into the bottom third of each glass. Add 1/4 cup of the gingersimple syrup to each glass and gently stir. Put a teaspoon upside down over the glass and pour 1 shotof rum over the spoon, so that the rum stays separated from the seltzer.

Put slice of ginger and lime wedge onto each skewer. Garnish each drink with the skewer and enjoy.

The second one was one I merged a recipe with my own idea.  I combined frozen blackberries with Creme de Blackberry and Prosecco.  

2011: Year in Review

2011 Year in Review

1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?

I became an aunt!  While I already have 2 nieces and 2 nephews by marriage, it felt much different when James was born.  It has been a lot of fun having a baby in the family.

I also began seeing a life coach.  There was a time when I was in a place of despair, I reached out and found Julie.  After 2 sessions with her, I found a very peaceful place, and I hope to stay here.

We also joined a new church.  Dave and I were raised with different religions and neither of us felt compelled to convert to the other's religion.  As a compromise, we "tried out" a Methodist church and have found it to be a good fit.  I believe that God is everywhere and that no one religion or church own's God's presence.  I love our little church, and I look forward to going every week.

At school, I am teaching a new class: AIS.  I have 2 groups of 4 students, and I love the small group instruction.  It is very different from teaching a class of 20, but I am enjoying it.  My morning class is a bit more challenging than my afternoon class, but I like it all the same.

2. Did you keep your New Year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? 

Yes and no.  I did quit the golf course!!!!  I was able to get a job at the Victoria Pool, and I really loved it.  Just knowing that I didn't have to deal with my old boss made the switch worth it.  I did make less money because the season was shorter and we had a wet summer, but it was still worth it.

In terms of diet and exercise, I have not been great.  I do get to the gym a few times a week, but I eat everything!  I am at my heaviest, and I hope to lose 7-10 pounds this year.  I had success whenI was using sparkpeople.com so I think I will try that again.
3. What places did you visit? 

~Maine

~Boston

~Washington DC

~North Carolina 
4. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?

Same as last year, I would REALLY like a baby! <3

5. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?9/24: My 30th birthday and surprise party

9/9: James was born

7/5: Our 3rd wedding anniversary
6. What was your biggest achievement of the year? 

My biggest achievements are that I met and went beyond my reading and writing goals!  I set out to read 25 books this year, and I read 28.  I have also been writing up a storm, both in my journal and on my blog.  
7. What was your biggest failure?

I still really struggle with money management.  I feel like I am living paycheck to paycheck, and I dislike that.
8. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Aside from a few falls and a sinus infection, 2011 was another healthy year.
9. What did you get really, really, really excited about? 

~our night in Boston at the Fairmont on Copley Square (where we were engaged!) and the tour of Fenway Park

~our annual camping trip with John and Jenn

~my reading and blogging

~Zumba

10. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder?
happier
b) thinner or fatter? 
fatter
c) richer or poorer? 

poorer

11. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Travel!  Last year I vowed to take a few day trips, and we didn't take any.  We also didn't get to see a game at Fenway like we usually do.

I spent more time with my sisters this year, and I want to continue doing that. We always have the best time, and we say that we should hang out more often.
12. What do you wish you’d done less of?

For one, trying to analyze our adoption.  I even used an Excel spreadsheet to track placements.  I stopped doing it because it literally drove me insane.  It was demoralizing to see all of these other families being selected while we are still waiting. 

I also wish I spent less time with people who bring me down.  As time goes on, I hope to put a greater distance between people who aren't good for me.  2012 will be all about positivity, and if you're not on board, get out of the way!
 
13.  What were your favorite TV programs?

~Modern Family

~Glee

~SATC

~Law and Order: SVU

~Keeping Up with the Kardashians

~NFL

~MLB

~Bones

  
14.  What did you do for your birthday in 2011?

I turned 30 this year, and my birthday was great!  Dave threw a surprise party at Limoncello and our families and friends were all there.  It was amazing to see everyone, and I had a wonderful time.  In terms of gifts, I got a monogram necklace from Tiffany's and a Jacoby Ellsbury jersey.  We also took our camping trip with John and Jenn the weekend prior.

15.  What is a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011?

I've learned (and am still learning) that I can only do what I can, but I cannot force other people to change.  In that same vein, there is a feeling of relief when I release the responsibility to where it belongs: on the people needing change.  It is not my personal job to fix things for those people, while I sometimes wish I could.  There is a freeing feeling in letting life take over.  Sometimes no amount of action will bring about what I want, so I just have to wait and see how life plays out.
16.  My goals for 2012:   

~a healthier diet and weight

~have a baby

~keep reading and writing

~love more

~have more followers on my blog ;-)

Happy New Year!  May 2012 be the best year yet!