2013 is already proving to be crazy busy. My weekends are filling up with social obligations. I have a wedding to plan. We've had family sadness, though in the midst of that it was good to see family and feel a sense of closeness with them. The school semester is starting in a matter of days and I hope I am ready for it. We have plans to travel in the coming months. I feel like my 2013 is already getting booked and we're only 17 days in!
I am sticking with my goals quite well. The running has taken a back seat to the start of the semester, but when the days get lighter and things calm down, I will be running my little butt off.
I've only had coffee ONCE since I started, and that was the day I had to go to my step-grandmother's funeral and I knew it'd be a long day. This goal has been an easy one to kick. Next year might be harder, as 2014 is going to be the year of kicking caffeine.
The vegetables are also going well. Some days are a struggle to find a vegetable I ate so I'll try to make sure to have some carrots. I think once the semester starts I'll be able to find time to eat healthily again. We've been roasting a lot of brussel sprouts lately, which I love. I also have a pinterest board of plenty of tasty vegetable entrees to cook up this winter.
The sweater. That hasn't started yet. I think I'll be working on it this Monday when I'm at home watching the Inauguration. I need to find where I left off and my pattern directions again so I can pick it up. What's annoying is that I am quite close to being done, and yet I keep putting it off with Christmas knits and a cowl for me.
As mentioned, the beginning of the year there was some sadness. My stepgrandmother passed away suddenly. We were heartbroken, as she was very kind and loving. It was the first family loss Ricky and I experienced, and it's hard to think that she won't be at the wedding, just a mention in a program and a "oh Fran would have loved this!" It was nice to see the cousins on all sides of the family, and I was glad to be there for all of my family. January has proven to be sad and with loss two years in a row.
Wedding planning is going well, but no real plans to discuss or cool crafts to show off. I think we're getting closer to bridesmaid wear, flowers, and food. You know, the things people will talk about the next day when they're rehashing.
Reading for 50/50 is going really well. I'll post more books soon to review.
That's it, really. Just a life update for the three people who read this.
Showing posts with label blogs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blogs. Show all posts
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Monday, December 31, 2012
2013: Four Simple Goals
A blog I like to read called A Beautiful Mess blogged about the idea of Four Simple Goals. Since 2013 will be nuts and the year of The Wedding, instead of writing a huge long list of things I want to accomplish I decided to keep it simple this year. My goals are:
1. Eat (at least) one vegetable a day. I've been getting better about thinking about what I eat and trying to make better choices about what I eat. I've lost a few pounds (hooray!) as a result, so something must be working. I've been using an app where I can keep track of what I eat and what exercise I do, so it'll be easy to track this.
2. Quit coffee. I actually started this a few days ago, but the goal is to continue it into 2013. I haven't had coffee since Wednesday. So far so good! I'm drinking black tea, which is better because it's less sugar and cream and less expensive since I can just get a tin of it instead of spending $10-15 a week on coffee. The goal is to keep it going once work starts up again. I'm allowing myself to cheat on weekends when there's a fun latte with crazy flavors involved (i.e., Starbucks, Gulu, Jaho)
3. Finish my 5k goal and run the 5k outside in a race. As I've noted, I've run several 5k's in the gym alone on a treadmill. I'm also working on improving my time. I'm at about 40-43 minutes right now, which is decent. Once it's warmer and there's sunlight after work, I'm getting outside to keep it going and then I'll be signing up for a 5k in the spring or summer. There's a breast cancer 5k I'm looking at or the Fiesta 5k in June.
4. Finish the blue sweater and knit another fun sweater. The blue sweater is about 60% done. Maybe 70%. But then all my friends made an unofficial pregnancy pact and had babies, and those babies needed hats. So the blue sweater went into hiding in the closet. Well now most people have had their babies, so it's time I finish it and wear it! I also want to make another sweater for myself. I might just do a plain thing, I'm not sure. There are a few I'm eying and I have a ton of yarn asking to be used.
I'll keep this updated with how it's going. I'm also still doing the 50/50 challenge, but that I'll keep separate from my goals.
1. Eat (at least) one vegetable a day. I've been getting better about thinking about what I eat and trying to make better choices about what I eat. I've lost a few pounds (hooray!) as a result, so something must be working. I've been using an app where I can keep track of what I eat and what exercise I do, so it'll be easy to track this.
2. Quit coffee. I actually started this a few days ago, but the goal is to continue it into 2013. I haven't had coffee since Wednesday. So far so good! I'm drinking black tea, which is better because it's less sugar and cream and less expensive since I can just get a tin of it instead of spending $10-15 a week on coffee. The goal is to keep it going once work starts up again. I'm allowing myself to cheat on weekends when there's a fun latte with crazy flavors involved (i.e., Starbucks, Gulu, Jaho)
3. Finish my 5k goal and run the 5k outside in a race. As I've noted, I've run several 5k's in the gym alone on a treadmill. I'm also working on improving my time. I'm at about 40-43 minutes right now, which is decent. Once it's warmer and there's sunlight after work, I'm getting outside to keep it going and then I'll be signing up for a 5k in the spring or summer. There's a breast cancer 5k I'm looking at or the Fiesta 5k in June.
4. Finish the blue sweater and knit another fun sweater. The blue sweater is about 60% done. Maybe 70%. But then all my friends made an unofficial pregnancy pact and had babies, and those babies needed hats. So the blue sweater went into hiding in the closet. Well now most people have had their babies, so it's time I finish it and wear it! I also want to make another sweater for myself. I might just do a plain thing, I'm not sure. There are a few I'm eying and I have a ton of yarn asking to be used.
I'll keep this updated with how it's going. I'm also still doing the 50/50 challenge, but that I'll keep separate from my goals.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
It only took three years but...
A common hot pants theme every single year is me mentioning that I want to try and run a 5k. In fact, you will notice that "running a 5k" and "getting rid of personal debt" are two of the most mentioned things on this blog. Well, I haven't really been able to make any progress on the first of those two... until today!!
I've been really good lately about going to the YMCA to work out and have been doing a lot more running. I noticed that I had been running too fast and losing steam and cramping up early, so I slowed down. Still running, but not as fast running. After all, I have small stubby legs. This made a HUGE difference. I was able to run comfortably for 30 minutes and get a good distance without feeling like death or legs falling off was imminent. Today, since we had enough time and I was feeling good, I decided to go for it and try to get to 5k on the treadmill.
And 45 minutes later, I had done just that. It felt great! I am insanely sweaty, but it felt really good. Now I just need to maintain that speed and have it feel good, and then try to either go longer or faster. Then it's time to hit the open road and get used to running while actually moving and pacing myself. This won't happen until it's warmer, though, because I am a pussy and don't like being cold.
So yeah, 3 years later... one (actually quite big) step closer to that 5k goal.
I've been really good lately about going to the YMCA to work out and have been doing a lot more running. I noticed that I had been running too fast and losing steam and cramping up early, so I slowed down. Still running, but not as fast running. After all, I have small stubby legs. This made a HUGE difference. I was able to run comfortably for 30 minutes and get a good distance without feeling like death or legs falling off was imminent. Today, since we had enough time and I was feeling good, I decided to go for it and try to get to 5k on the treadmill.
And 45 minutes later, I had done just that. It felt great! I am insanely sweaty, but it felt really good. Now I just need to maintain that speed and have it feel good, and then try to either go longer or faster. Then it's time to hit the open road and get used to running while actually moving and pacing myself. This won't happen until it's warmer, though, because I am a pussy and don't like being cold.
So yeah, 3 years later... one (actually quite big) step closer to that 5k goal.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Election Wrap Up: 48 hours out
It's been almost 48 hours since Barack Obama was re-elected for a second term. You wouldn't be able to tell that the election was two days ago from the constant stream of news coverage and strategizing STILL going on. I'm quietly blogging and reading up on things like pretty photos and animals, and not worrying about polls, theories, and states. Ricky is probably spending more time on the internet budgeting and looking at IMDB.
How do I feel, after my third presidential election that I've been able to vote in? Now that what seems like 8 years of campaigning is over?
To be brutally honest, relieved it's done with.
I'm relieved that I haven't seen a political ad -- each one nastier than the last -- on tv in two days.
I'm relieved to not have to watch debates or the pundits yell over one another about who's more right or who knows more when it comes to politics.
I'm relieved that my Facebook and Twitter friends are back to constantly putting photos up of their children instead of angry rants about politics and candidates who do or do not support their views.
I'm relieved that Ricky won't be so stressed (full disclosure: I told him he could start worrying about the 2016 election after Thanksgiving. He thought that was fair)
But on top of my relief that this whole song and dance is over, I'm also relieved that the candidate that I voted for won. And that candidates across the country who spread a message of limits towards women's issues or the LBGT community were told by their consituents that their message of limits were not welcomed or supported.
So in closing, I'm happy with the results, but so fucking glad it's all over.
Back to posting photos of Lewis.
How do I feel, after my third presidential election that I've been able to vote in? Now that what seems like 8 years of campaigning is over?
To be brutally honest, relieved it's done with.
I'm relieved that I haven't seen a political ad -- each one nastier than the last -- on tv in two days.
I'm relieved to not have to watch debates or the pundits yell over one another about who's more right or who knows more when it comes to politics.
I'm relieved that my Facebook and Twitter friends are back to constantly putting photos up of their children instead of angry rants about politics and candidates who do or do not support their views.
I'm relieved that Ricky won't be so stressed (full disclosure: I told him he could start worrying about the 2016 election after Thanksgiving. He thought that was fair)
But on top of my relief that this whole song and dance is over, I'm also relieved that the candidate that I voted for won. And that candidates across the country who spread a message of limits towards women's issues or the LBGT community were told by their consituents that their message of limits were not welcomed or supported.
So in closing, I'm happy with the results, but so fucking glad it's all over.
Back to posting photos of Lewis.
Friday, November 2, 2012
Why am I not doing NaBloPoMo this year
I've been hemming and hawing about whether or not I'd challenge myself to blog every day for the month of November. And Ultimately, I decided not to. Though it was sad, I think it's best.
I have an insane amount of projects going on. Getting married in a year. Completing a fellowship at work. Training for a 5k in the spring (this time I think it'll actually happen). Doing a fifty book and movie challenge. Writing for a new and cool website coming up (more on that later). And I just felt like the looming personal pressure to blog every day is too much right now.
That's not to say November will be a ghost town (though 2012 has been a big of a ghost town on this blog). It just won't be every day. Also, you may have noticed that on dryer days I'll just post a photo or a song, and i always felt like that was cheating. So if I actually want to post a song, I will. Just not to post for the need.
So it won't be a daily post, but I still think there's a lot going on in November for me to post often. I just finished book #5. I'll discuss the new blogging project I'm taking on. I'll be watching more movies to discuss. And I'm sure a lot of pretty photos of the area. Oh, and did I mention I'll be live blogging the election? Yep, that's happening again, though perhaps not as booze-filled since we'll be at an election night party.
So keep an eye out for fun things, and get pumped for a lot less random photos or songs on this site.
I have an insane amount of projects going on. Getting married in a year. Completing a fellowship at work. Training for a 5k in the spring (this time I think it'll actually happen). Doing a fifty book and movie challenge. Writing for a new and cool website coming up (more on that later). And I just felt like the looming personal pressure to blog every day is too much right now.
That's not to say November will be a ghost town (though 2012 has been a big of a ghost town on this blog). It just won't be every day. Also, you may have noticed that on dryer days I'll just post a photo or a song, and i always felt like that was cheating. So if I actually want to post a song, I will. Just not to post for the need.
So it won't be a daily post, but I still think there's a lot going on in November for me to post often. I just finished book #5. I'll discuss the new blogging project I'm taking on. I'll be watching more movies to discuss. And I'm sure a lot of pretty photos of the area. Oh, and did I mention I'll be live blogging the election? Yep, that's happening again, though perhaps not as booze-filled since we'll be at an election night party.
So keep an eye out for fun things, and get pumped for a lot less random photos or songs on this site.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
So Meta
We saw a picture my friend Megin put up of her fiancé Jon creating a cartoon version of himself. She called it meta. Ricky decided to take it further by drawing a cartoon of himself while looking at Jon drawing a cartoon of himself. The result is pretty great.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
2012 Election Night Coverage is ON
Loyal and early readers may remember that Election night 2008 I spent it making tasty food, drinking a lot of wine, and drunk dialing Tim, Michnya, and Michelle.
This year election night cover is ON. Don't think that me being four years older and wiser and me settling down with a fiance and cat is going to make me not spend the whole night recapping the night with electoral vote counts and photos of what was going on. We're not sure if we'll be watching it at home or watching at Erin's house with Buffalo dip. I think for Ricky's sake, it'll depend on how well Obama is doing so he's not too bummed at a friend's house. Either way, I think I'll be making mitten cookies and a board. The low rent version of this...
If we watch it at Matt's house, maybe I'll send him out on the street to do off site coverage.
I also downloaded Blogger for my phone so I can blog the night away straight from my fancy phone no matter where I am. Technology at work four years later! Progress!
I also took some time to reread my 2008 series and it's amazing how different things are since 2008. Most of my friends have since gotten married and even had children. I work at a dream job in Boston. And I met the love of my life and we've adopted a cat that we love (perhaps too much) and are making a great life together. So yes, Mitt Romney, when you ask if your life is better than it was four years ago... I'd say yes.
This year election night cover is ON. Don't think that me being four years older and wiser and me settling down with a fiance and cat is going to make me not spend the whole night recapping the night with electoral vote counts and photos of what was going on. We're not sure if we'll be watching it at home or watching at Erin's house with Buffalo dip. I think for Ricky's sake, it'll depend on how well Obama is doing so he's not too bummed at a friend's house. Either way, I think I'll be making mitten cookies and a board. The low rent version of this...
If we watch it at Matt's house, maybe I'll send him out on the street to do off site coverage.
I also downloaded Blogger for my phone so I can blog the night away straight from my fancy phone no matter where I am. Technology at work four years later! Progress!
I also took some time to reread my 2008 series and it's amazing how different things are since 2008. Most of my friends have since gotten married and even had children. I work at a dream job in Boston. And I met the love of my life and we've adopted a cat that we love (perhaps too much) and are making a great life together. So yes, Mitt Romney, when you ask if your life is better than it was four years ago... I'd say yes.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Every Sunday Morning...
I drink coffee, read Post Secret, and listen to this song. It's a really nice to start the last day of the weekend and prepare for the week. I highly recommend it.
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Coo, what a sight!
I do promise I have several more favorite things to discuss, but I wanted to send a HUGE appreciation out to Robert Sherman. The Sherman brothers pretty much wrote the soundtrack to my childhood. There is somewhere out there a VHS tape of me and Pete jumping on the couch enthusiastically to Step In Time.
When you read a list of all the Disney movies The Sherman brothers penned music for, you'll be amazed. Mary Poppins. Parent Trap. Jungle Book. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Bedknobs and Broomsticks. The Adventures of Winnie the Pooh. And I'm just skimming the surface!
I highly recommend renting the Sherman Brothers documentary, because it's fascinating. It displays all the songs they wrote together, but also shows the strained and complicated relationship the brothers had their entire adult lives. It's amazing.
The passing of Robert Sherman yesterday seems to close out a "deaths from my childhood come in threes", with Jan Berenstain and Davy Jones last week.
Here's a favorite of mine from Mary Poppins:
Thursday, March 1, 2012
MFT Day 24: Pinterest
I know I know...
Somehow my "I will be diligent and write every day!" mantra derailed last week. For a weekend with not a lot going on in it other than The Oscars, it was pretty busy and lacked time and motivation to think of my favorite things I want to share with you. But because I don't want this dragging along all summer (hello, favorite song meme?) I'm going to write something up today and probably tomorrow night. Saturday is Jess' wedding, and I can guarantee that I will not have enough time to write something. So this sadly stretches into March, but I'm okay with it.
Today I'm going to talk about Pinterest. Many months ago my friend Kirsten mentioned that she had gotten an early invite to this new website where you pin your favorite things on boards you create. I was intrigued, so she passed an invitation along to me. I am now HOOKED.
I love that I can collect favorite ideas and images in one place and recall them visually. I have a saved file on my browser for recipes, but I feel like they don't pop as much as when I can see the picture of the meal or dessert. What's key is that Pinterest saves the link the photo came from, so when I click on the photo of the cake batter milkshake recipes, I automatically am there. (PS, I will be trying this soon) I've also been using it for the following uses:
--planning trips. I used Pinterest last summer to plan my trip to Burlington, by pinning images of stores I wanted to go to and sites I wanted to see. I'm also planning my return to the Hudson River Valley with Ricky and our trip to Buffalo for Erin's wedding.
--design ideas for future homes. I've been getting ideas for paint samples and layouts for when Ricky and I eventually move. I've also found several nice bureaus I want to get soon.
--gifts for people. Ricky has his own board where if I see an idea for what to get him, I'll save it for a future event. His 30th birthday is coming up, so right now there are several things on there that he'll probably get.
--pretty things to look at. Hey, sometimes a girl just wants to look at a board filled completely with puppies and flowers.
Many of my friends are using Pinterest for helping them plan their weddings as well, which is brilliant. You can see all the great ideas you have for dresses and flowers and decor, receive feedback, and have the original links to the source.
So in short, I love Pinterest for how easy it is to sort, organize, and display ideas I have.
Somehow my "I will be diligent and write every day!" mantra derailed last week. For a weekend with not a lot going on in it other than The Oscars, it was pretty busy and lacked time and motivation to think of my favorite things I want to share with you. But because I don't want this dragging along all summer (hello, favorite song meme?) I'm going to write something up today and probably tomorrow night. Saturday is Jess' wedding, and I can guarantee that I will not have enough time to write something. So this sadly stretches into March, but I'm okay with it.
Today I'm going to talk about Pinterest. Many months ago my friend Kirsten mentioned that she had gotten an early invite to this new website where you pin your favorite things on boards you create. I was intrigued, so she passed an invitation along to me. I am now HOOKED.
I love that I can collect favorite ideas and images in one place and recall them visually. I have a saved file on my browser for recipes, but I feel like they don't pop as much as when I can see the picture of the meal or dessert. What's key is that Pinterest saves the link the photo came from, so when I click on the photo of the cake batter milkshake recipes, I automatically am there. (PS, I will be trying this soon) I've also been using it for the following uses:
--planning trips. I used Pinterest last summer to plan my trip to Burlington, by pinning images of stores I wanted to go to and sites I wanted to see. I'm also planning my return to the Hudson River Valley with Ricky and our trip to Buffalo for Erin's wedding.
--design ideas for future homes. I've been getting ideas for paint samples and layouts for when Ricky and I eventually move. I've also found several nice bureaus I want to get soon.
--gifts for people. Ricky has his own board where if I see an idea for what to get him, I'll save it for a future event. His 30th birthday is coming up, so right now there are several things on there that he'll probably get.
--pretty things to look at. Hey, sometimes a girl just wants to look at a board filled completely with puppies and flowers.
Many of my friends are using Pinterest for helping them plan their weddings as well, which is brilliant. You can see all the great ideas you have for dresses and flowers and decor, receive feedback, and have the original links to the source.
So in short, I love Pinterest for how easy it is to sort, organize, and display ideas I have.
Friday, February 17, 2012
MFT Day 17: Hunter Boots
Work has been a bit crazy, so I am (I fear) permanently behind a day. I'll try to catch up, but if not... I'll just write #30 on March 1. And so it goes.With the weather on in the background, and the fear of snow coming over the weekend, I am writing about my hunter boots. Walking to work was proving to be rough on my feet and socks, mainly because they kept getting wet all snowy winter and muddy spring. Many students were wearing Hunter Boots, and looking adorable while doing so. I asked one of them about it, and they came highly recommended. The one rainy day well over a year ago, I trekked to The Tannery and picked myself up a purple pair.
This was an excellent decision.
I love how simple they are, but that they look classically British. I also like how they keep my feet dry. Sadly, because they are only rubber, my feet aren't always super warm in the cold snow, but I just layer socks and then take off a pair at work.
Last winter, when we had countless snow days, I joked that my snow day attire was as such:
--leggings
--big sweater/tunic and sweater
--Hunter Boots
--hat and mittens
This was so shovel out my car and around the apartment, walk to get coffee, and then walk to get a bottle of wine. This look served me well.
A blogger I love reading, Elsie from A Beautiful Mess, recently blogged herself wearing her berry Hunter Boots, and I love the look of it. I am tempted to get a black and white striped dress and pull it off on my own.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
MFT Day 3: mustard yellow sweaters (ideally from J Crew)
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| Photo credit: What Would a Nerd Wear. CHECK IT OUT!! |
I recently made myself a cowl in mustard yellow, along with thrifted my very own J Crew cardigan in mustard cashmere. There's also one at the thrift store around the corner from where I work that I've been eying and will probably snatch up today.
I know I'm not alone on this, because when you google "J Crew mustard yellow sweater" you get hundreds of different results. In doing so, I also found a blog called What Would a Nerd Wear that I'm in love with and will now be following. I think we may be clothing kindred spirits. (that's where the picture for this post are from)
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
MFT Day 2: photos of baby bunnies doing cute things
1. They are mean.
2. The chew on everything.
3. They shit everywhere.
So in the end, you wind up with a giant pom pom who shits everywhere and destroys your wiring and molding.
This revelation, though, has not stopped my love of photos of baby rabbits who are doing cute things that litter the internet. Seriously, google "baby bunny" and watch the cuteness the image results will garner. If you're feeling sad or happy or whatever, you will immediately feel better or even more better than you were already feeling at the sight of a bunny clapping hands. Or eating a carrot. Or playing with a flower. Or sleeping together. Yep, pretty much one of the best things ever.
Monday, January 30, 2012
A new 30 day challenge
Further proof that, yet again, Julie Andrews playing Maria Von Trapp is the answer to all of life's problems.
Friends will know that January of 2012 has been a very, very hard month. It's been long, tiring, tear-inducing. I'm very glad to be saying goodbye, as are my brothers and mum/Leo.
Ricky keeps telling me that good things are to come, and we both need to pick ourselves up by the bootstraps and try to embrace the rest of 2012. I think he is right. I think while it's easy to be bogged down by the bad, it doesn't help anyone.
This morning while getting ready for work, I thought of a new 30 day blogging challenge for myself. And yes, this is inspired by The Sound of Music. Every day for 30 days I'm going to blog about some of my favorite things. It could be a song, a whole album, a person, an article of clothing, a feeling, a food, a painting, a brand of yarn. Anything. It's to change perspective and for myself to think of something good and happy and wonderful every day.
I'll be starting this whole process tomorrow. I'm starting on the 31st because there are only 29 days in February. Also, because I'll be starting on Jess' wedding weekend on the 1st, so that way I'm not frantically trying to blog something before going to Gloucester for a rehearsal/rehearsal dinner. This could be an interesting month of posts, or it could be painfully boring. Only time will tell.
Friends will know that January of 2012 has been a very, very hard month. It's been long, tiring, tear-inducing. I'm very glad to be saying goodbye, as are my brothers and mum/Leo.
Ricky keeps telling me that good things are to come, and we both need to pick ourselves up by the bootstraps and try to embrace the rest of 2012. I think he is right. I think while it's easy to be bogged down by the bad, it doesn't help anyone.
This morning while getting ready for work, I thought of a new 30 day blogging challenge for myself. And yes, this is inspired by The Sound of Music. Every day for 30 days I'm going to blog about some of my favorite things. It could be a song, a whole album, a person, an article of clothing, a feeling, a food, a painting, a brand of yarn. Anything. It's to change perspective and for myself to think of something good and happy and wonderful every day.
I'll be starting this whole process tomorrow. I'm starting on the 31st because there are only 29 days in February. Also, because I'll be starting on Jess' wedding weekend on the 1st, so that way I'm not frantically trying to blog something before going to Gloucester for a rehearsal/rehearsal dinner. This could be an interesting month of posts, or it could be painfully boring. Only time will tell.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
What a crock...
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| Guinness beef stew with cheddar biscuits. Mmmm |
So far, I've only made one thing, which is a Guinness beef stew. I was surprised at how easy it was to make a delicious flavorful stew! I got up early and set it up, and then in 8 hours dinner was done and amazing. I also made cheddar biscuits using an Irish cheddar I found, to keep the country of origin-theme going. All in all, it was a huge success and a hit in our household.
I'm a little leery of leaving something on all day when I work in Boston, for fear that Lewis could get into it or that it could set the house on fire. I know that everyone does this, and it's probably me just being nervous, but I feel like so I don't fret all day, this will be a weekend cooking option only.
I think I'll try making something over the long weekend, perhaps a soup or a slow cooked chicken. I've been reviewing my slow cooker cook book and all the blogs and websites online for new recipes that I never thought to make until this winter. Bean stews, pot roasts, pulled pork... you will all be made and devoured soon.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
It's been real, 2011...
...The other night, Ricky and I were discussing 2011. It wasn't an awful year, but it also wasn't the easiest. We both had to face some tough things in our lives, though I feel the experiences made us grow as people in the long run. We've also grown quite closer, helping each other out when things got tough. These experiences, though, are a bit personal, and not meant to be written about in a public blog. But if you know either of us personally, you know it's had its ups and downs. There were tears, and stressed sighs, and harumphs from both of us all twelve months. Speaking with some friends of ours, it seems the whole year was rough on many people. I, personally, am ready to be done with the whole year and start fresh.
That being said, 2011 had its high moments. Our trip to Vermont was the loveliest few days I've ever spent. I fell in love with Northern Vermont, and if we could I'm pretty sure I'd change my random musings from the 0-1-9-7-0- to random musings from the 0-5-4-0-1.
We've discussed a return to Burlington soon for another vacation, so I'm sure there will be more stories and photos from Lake Champlain in the months or years to come.
We also adopted this little guy:
And any year which involves that face has its merit. Since February, Lewis PizzaCat has charmed and snuggled his way into our hearts. He's grown up a lot since this photo was taken (from 1.9 lbs to 11 lbs) but he's still the snuggly baby we adore and obsess over.
So, 2011, I am glad you're going to be over. You were rather unkind in many parts. I'm hoping 2012 is bright and fresh and new and exciting. I have high expectations for sure.
That being said, 2011 had its high moments. Our trip to Vermont was the loveliest few days I've ever spent. I fell in love with Northern Vermont, and if we could I'm pretty sure I'd change my random musings from the 0-1-9-7-0- to random musings from the 0-5-4-0-1.
We also adopted this little guy:
And any year which involves that face has its merit. Since February, Lewis PizzaCat has charmed and snuggled his way into our hearts. He's grown up a lot since this photo was taken (from 1.9 lbs to 11 lbs) but he's still the snuggly baby we adore and obsess over.
So, 2011, I am glad you're going to be over. You were rather unkind in many parts. I'm hoping 2012 is bright and fresh and new and exciting. I have high expectations for sure.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Friendmas
We're going to my friend from high school holiday party tonight -- dubbed Friendmas -- and the cookies are all packed and ready to go. Chocolate and peppermint and gingerbread with lemon icing. I hope they are well received!
I always enjoy Friendmas, because it's a nice way to see old friends and catch up when not at a wedding. We're all just there to hang out.And now that people are settling down and pairing off, it's also nice to have a big ol' party with spouses and what not. There's also a lot of good food. And it's in Beverly. So a pretty winning combination.
The rest of the weekend will be quite busy, so it's good to have this party tonight. Christmas Eve is devoted to Ricky's family, and Christmas day to mine. A lot of running around and time in the car, but it'll be good.
I also finished all my Christmas knitting, and they are blocking. Tomorrow will involving taking photos to document projects, and then I'll share them here. I must say, I think they all turned out quite nicely.
I always enjoy Friendmas, because it's a nice way to see old friends and catch up when not at a wedding. We're all just there to hang out.And now that people are settling down and pairing off, it's also nice to have a big ol' party with spouses and what not. There's also a lot of good food. And it's in Beverly. So a pretty winning combination.
The rest of the weekend will be quite busy, so it's good to have this party tonight. Christmas Eve is devoted to Ricky's family, and Christmas day to mine. A lot of running around and time in the car, but it'll be good.
I also finished all my Christmas knitting, and they are blocking. Tomorrow will involving taking photos to document projects, and then I'll share them here. I must say, I think they all turned out quite nicely.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Would this be a good gift?
It looks so cozy and wonderful! What a great throw this would be for a bedroom or living room. And I think it'd be cute to do it in something that refers to their wedding colors. It calls for big needles and knitting double, so it'd be a quick knit.
The yarn it calls for is wonderful (Cascade Magnum) and all the supplies total of about $160-180. So it's a pricey blanket, but I feel like something homemade could be more meaningful than a check. And... I can knit, so I sometimes feel like for all these events it'd be great if I could my powers for good. And I know from experience that when I made my friend Jaime a baby blanket for her baby shower, she really appreciated it and it gets a lot of good use.
But is it cheesy to make a blanket for someone? Do people getting married just want money or something more practical like wine glasses?
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Now that Thanksgiving's over...
...it's officially time for two things in my book.
Listening to Christmas music on WODS. (I realize that I posted that carol earlier in the week, but that was inspired by a conversation I had recently)
(I wish they'd play this)
Drinking Hood Egg Nog.
(Side note, when I tried to find a picture of Hood Egg Nog, the first one I clicked on was from this blog last year. I am nothing if not consistent)
I bought my first carton of egg nog last night, and today when running errands we listened to carols. It's nice to start getting into the swing of things!
A&J King was selling egg nog cheesecakes, which I can't wait to try. They looked incredible this afternoon. I'm also tempted to try and make my own egg nog and see how it shapes up. Mmmmm
Listening to Christmas music on WODS. (I realize that I posted that carol earlier in the week, but that was inspired by a conversation I had recently)
(I wish they'd play this)
Drinking Hood Egg Nog.
(Side note, when I tried to find a picture of Hood Egg Nog, the first one I clicked on was from this blog last year. I am nothing if not consistent)
I bought my first carton of egg nog last night, and today when running errands we listened to carols. It's nice to start getting into the swing of things!
A&J King was selling egg nog cheesecakes, which I can't wait to try. They looked incredible this afternoon. I'm also tempted to try and make my own egg nog and see how it shapes up. Mmmmm
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Thankful
While taking the train into work this morning, I began to make a list in my head of things I am thankful for in 2011. I think 2011 has been, at times, even more emotionally trying than 2010, so I feel perhaps even more thankful than usual for these things:
Ricky
Lewis PizzaCat
Alva (still healthy and happy as a clam!)
My health and the health of my family
My friends
Having a reasonably priced apartment
My love of knitting
My job
The YMCA
Shopping local and the growing popularity of that concept
Friends being in love (but that being said, I am thankful that I don't have to go to another wedding for 4 months!)
Freshly baked goods
Hot tea
Tasty wine
My apartment appearing more and more like an adult lives there and not a college grad with a non-matching set of furniture
Millie
Foliage
Long weekends to Vermont
Farmer's Markets
Salem Restaurant Week
Warm wool socks
Mashed potatoes
The Landry brothers
Netflix
Comfy shoes
Blogs that post pretty things (looking at you, Apartment therapy)
Pinterest
Not moving in 2011
TBTL
Ricky
Lewis PizzaCat
Alva (still healthy and happy as a clam!)
My health and the health of my family
My friends
Having a reasonably priced apartment
My love of knitting
My job
The YMCA
Shopping local and the growing popularity of that concept
Friends being in love (but that being said, I am thankful that I don't have to go to another wedding for 4 months!)
Freshly baked goods
Hot tea
Tasty wine
My apartment appearing more and more like an adult lives there and not a college grad with a non-matching set of furniture
Millie
Foliage
Long weekends to Vermont
Farmer's Markets
Salem Restaurant Week
Warm wool socks
Mashed potatoes
The Landry brothers
Netflix
Comfy shoes
Blogs that post pretty things (looking at you, Apartment therapy)
Not moving in 2011
TBTL
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