I guess now, it would be more like goodbye, Fort Lauderdale, since I left quite some time ago. But when I took this picture...I was definitely saying hello :)
I took this picture on February 21st, I believe. I went to Fort Lauderdale for a few days for a work conference. It was a glorious change of weather from the frigid temperatures we'd been having in Kentucky.
When I checked the forecast, it wasn't great, so I left my beach attire at home. Judging from the photo, though, you can see I quickly wished I'd packed a bit differently! I sat outside just long enough to get a slight sunburn on my shoulder, but the weather was gorgeous. Plus, I stayed in The Westin (my favorite hotel)! Unfortunately I didn't have a great deal of time to enjoy the outdoors, but it was a good trip overall. I'm ready to go back :)
Don't get me wrong--I'm very glad to be back in Kentucky. Closer to family, closer to some friends, etc. But some times, there are things I miss about "my old life" in Connecticut. Because I'm feeling a little nostalgic, here they are, in no particular order...
1. My friends--Priya, Lauren, Dana, Michelle, Elizabeth, Alicia, etc etc etc.
2. Paul's Pasta--This was one of my favorite restaurants in Connecticut. All the ingredients were made from scratch daily. We would get take out a lot because it was really close to my house. We would eat there, in the restaurant, sometimes...but as my co-workers and I found...the waitresses really weren't that nice! They always seemed like they were "doing us a favor" or something, which really put me off. Oh well. I still miss the delicious food.
3. Rob Rivers Salon & Spa--You want the best eyebrow wax ever? You go here, to Rob Rivers Salon & Spa in Mystic, Connecticut, and you get the hook up with Danielle or Katie. I have yet to have a comparable eyebrow wax. Talk about spoiling me. I might have left there with two red stripes across my face, but there was nary a stray eyebrow. Here? I've yet to receive the same level of service, but perhaps I've yet to find my Danielle or Katie.
4. Valentino's Restaurant in Ledyard, CT--The best pizza, hands down. My co-workers and I went here ALL the time because it was just 5 minutes from our office. They knew my order like they knew their own name. I took my family here once and they LOVED it. In fact, they still talk about it. Mmm, I could go for a slice of Valentino's right about now!
5. A 35-hour work week and a supervisor who really didn't care if I left early on Friday. Need I say more?
Okay that's about it for now. I've got to finish up some schoolwork and call it a night.
If you are my friend on Facebook, you've already seen these photos. But he is cute so you can deal with seeing them again, right? :) Now, who is Will you might ask? Will is the son of Jonathan (my cousin) and his wife April. Will just turned 2 in January, and his older sister is Laurel (whom you might have seen before here on the blog).
A couple weeks ago, TJ and I babysat Will overnight. He fell asleep in the car, but woke up in the process of getting him inside. Here he is when we put him on the bed...
The following morning, Mr. Will had to take a bath...which I thought he might oppose but actually was excited about. He took his diaper off and had his leg up on the side of the tub, trying to get in! He enjoyed his bath, at one point acting like he was swimming. Bath time came to an end when he decided to make yellow water!
Will's clothes were still in the dryer though...for a couple of reasons that aren't worth getting into. Because it is winter and I didn't want him to be cold, I "dressed" him in one of my t-shirts. This is particularly funny because neither of his parents went to (the University of) Kentucky, but another university in our state. Hehehe.
(In this picture, he is standing on steps. Steps that go to our bed. For our dogs. That, for the record, I did not buy. Thank you.)
A little later, TJ decided to watch cartoons with Will while I worked on some homework. Here they are, engrossed in Monsters vs. Aliens.
Later, after we ate at McDonalds and went to Walmart, Will had to go home. He took a little snooze in the car. Notice the balloon...this is what he wanted at Walmart. Could care less about the toys, but wanted the balloon!
I hope you'll excuse the quality of these photos...all were taken with my iPhone. However, I thought they were too cute not to share.
I thought Will might misbehave a little, poop a little, etc...you know, typical baby things...and buy me some time. No. He did not come through for me. He was on his best behavior. He only pooped once (and it was pretty bad/awful/atomic/disgusting/vomit-inducing/etc). He didn't even throw a fit in McDonalds OR Walmart! These are good things, of course, that he was well-behaved...but I tell you all this for a simple reason. Later, after Will is back with his parents? TJ says, "I think I could do this."
...online, that is. I go to Polyvore and it leads to shopping, thus why I haven't visited PV in quite some time! The first two items are from Ann Taylor and the rest are from J. Crew.
I like shopping in-store because I can try on immediately, and if the item doesn't work, I don't buy it. I also like trying it on at home though, because I can look at it in different lighting as well as pair it with something I already own to see how it will look. Of course there is always the risk of ordering the wrong size (I currently need to return 2 prs of yoga pants to VS because they're too long *insert sad face here*). In store there is the benefit of no shipping charges...but online there are often discount codes and free shipping. Obviously, online shopping also saves me the trouble of driving to the mall, finding a parking spot, etc (which is really not a big deal--the mall is honestly like 2 miles from my house)
Another thing I hate about actually going to the mall? This is really stupid, but I always find I'm comparing myself to others. I'll see other women and think "oh she looks so stylish and nice, I look like crap," even if I feel I've taken the time to look semi-cute. Again, this is dumb because it is just a matter of my own insecurities I'm sure, but still. Who likes feeling that way?!
Alright, back to the books and studying and "making decisions" for my fictitious company. Two of my group members are coming over later today so I need to get ready for them, too...
In keeping with all the other cool kids in the blog-iverse...I thought it only appropriate to post "a year in pictures." 2009 was a good year, albeit one full of changes.
January 2009
We rang in 2009 at the home of our friends Steve & Alicia. (and I fell in love with their brown leather couch.)
We got a new dog! Taffy, on the right, was transported to us from Tennessee. We found her on Petfinder.com, the same site we used to find Lilly.
February 2009
Lilly and Taffy wished the bloggers a Happy Valentine's Day! :)
My hubby surprised me with calla lillies--same as our wedding flowers--and a Red Door Spa gift certificate for Valentine's Day! (I apparently didn't take many pictures this month)
March 2009
After a weekend of really warm temperatures...we got over a foot of snow!
We celebrated hubby's 28th birthday at Mohegan Sun
April 2009
Taffy got caught tearing up her toy
We went to our friends Chris & Priya's house for Chris's birthday (he is standing, 2nd from the left)
With friends Alicia & Priya...miss them *tear*
May 2009
I joined Priya and her Dicey Divas for Bunco...and filmed her "Mini Bar in a Box" video.
Some of my family came to visit! This is my cousin's daughter at the beach in Rhode Island...
...and this is their son! He loved chasing after those birds!
A week after my family left, I went to Kentucky for my cousin Stephanie's wedding! She looked absolutely beautiful!
June 2009
I got to hang out with my friend Elizabeth, a former co-worker who moved to Boston for the Northwestern MBA program. This was shortly after she'd returned from a trip to South America--for school! I don't get to do things like that in my MBA program. Dang!
A wedding shower was held for my friend and co-worker Dana. Her wedding was in mid August and I was unable to attend because of all the back-and-forth traveling :(
July 2009
Well...while I might not have done much, Taffy sure was busy with the flip flops! July marked my last day of work at United Way as I prepared for our upcoming move to Kentucky. I did not do nearly enough to "prepare" in terms of saying goodbye to friends, etc. I'm still sad about that. Time caught up with me. I'm still hoping for a 3 day weekend and a cheap flight...
August 2009
After looking at what felt like a hundred houses...we found it! :)
We also celebrated my mom's birthday. (This photo caused me to realize my hair looked yellow.)
September 2009
Apparently, I took no pictures...?! We closed on our house, had furniture delivered...it was a busy month!
October 2009
I met UK basketball player Perry Stevenson (fyi: he is 6'9...18 inches taller than me!)
I decorated my porch for fall
We went to Midnight Madness, the opening night of UK Basketball
and I met my brother's girlfriend :)
November 2009
I was able to go to my brother's Senior Day and see their performance.
We had my family over for my Dad's birthday
We were also able to celebrate Thanksgiving with our families for the first time since 2004
December 2009
I allowed Ann & her husband John to talk me into eating at the sushi place...but I got chicken! ha!
I dyed my hair back pretty close to my natural color.
I went to my first "Ugly Christmas Sweater" party! This is my old roommate Deborah!
Our new couch was delivered. Five of the 7 pieces were damaged. They were re-ordered but I made them leave what they delivered. It was 3 days before Christmas, family was coming, and my dad had already helped TJ move our other furniture upstairs! Anyway--I still like it :)
We celebrated our five year anniversary! This photo was used on our Christmas cards which I got out way late...and didn't even manage to get them all sent out (sorry!)
Group shot of extended family on my mom's side. My dad would not be in the picture ("I need a haircut.") Turd.
Our "family" Christmas tree with all our ornaments!
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Obviously, I'd like to take more pictures in 2010. You're probably thinking "geez, this was a ton of pictures!" but I felt like I didn't have a lot to choose from some months. That is one of my goals for the upcoming year. I'm not huge on "resolutions," but I do think it is important to think about your goals and objectives. I've thought about them, I just need to give some thought to my strategies...but perhaps that is another post for another day.
What are your resolutions, or goals for 2010? Share them with me in the comments below!
Unless I want to get a lump of coal in my stocking, I figured I might ought to share something with you guys here. I've planned to do this at the end of 4 months anyway...and now is that time. Yes, I've been keeping something from you, my readers, for four months. But no, my eggo is not preggo.
My hubby and I have been living apart for the past four months :( But not for the reason you might think. We are not having problems. We were apart due to his new job. When he got out of the Navy, he took a job with a major defense contractor doing computers/network security/etc. He will be primarily working from home with occasional travel to military sites. He is a network engineer and as such works with a lot of other engineers, assistants, tech writers, etc. Because he will work so closely with these other individuals, his boss felt like it wasn't a good idea to start him off working from home. Otherwise, the tech writers and fellow engineers would be like, "Trevor? Trevor who? We don't know no Trevor!"
Sooo...given all that, hubby was living in a 400 square foot studio apartment outside of Boston since he started his job in mid-August. We closed on our house September 8th and our stuff was delivered on September 9th, and that is where I've been since. It has been lonely. He has been here some of the time of course (the whole week of our house closing, the whole week of Thanksgiving, plus some weekends), but primarily it has been just me. Hence the reason why I didn't want to post this all over the internet back in August, or anytime since then.
But as of last Friday--December 11th, our 5-year anniversary--he's back, baby! He's got his "home office" all set up and the house is a lot less quiet but more like normal :)
This photo from my work Christmas party last Saturday...
This photo from my old roomie Deborah's Ugly Christmas Sweater party last night...
I've tried to be concientious and not make this totally obvious in my posts here, but needless to say, I'm glad he is back :)
Ten on Tuesday is hosted weekly by Chelsea over at Roots and Rings. This week's Ten on Tuesday questions come from yours truly :) Visit Chelsea to read her answers to Ten on Tuesday and to visit other ToT participants!
I'd love it if you'd leave me your answers in the comments, or link to your blog :)
1. Cost aside, if you could go (back) to college for anything besides what you currently “do,” what would you study?
If I went back to college...which won't happen because I feel like I've been in school forever...I would probably study graphic design. It is something that has always interested me...but then again I might study something like nursing or dental hygeine. How awesome would it be to work 3 days a week and still make good money? It'd be pretty awesome, LOL. Not gonna happen though. My bachelor's is in Psychology and my Master's (spring 2010) will be in business.
2. What do you do for a living? Do you love it/hate it?
I work in marketing/public relations for a "quasi" government agency. I don't want to get too specific because...it would be way obvious. I've only been there a couple months, so I'm still feeling things out, but I like it fairly well thus far. Over the last few days my responsibilities and "to-dos" have increased...exponentially. Hopefully it will work out for the best :)
3. What is your favorite Christmas ornament? If you don’t celebrate Christmas, what is your favorite holiday tradition?
My favorite ornament is one my mom bought me when I was a senior in high school. I was actually in the hospital at the time and my mom bought it at the hospital gift shop. It is a little white dog with grey coloring on his head, sitting in front of a red gift. She bought it because the dog on the ornament resembled my real-life dog at the time. Because I'd been in the hospital for so long, I hadn't seen him and really missed him. This year when we (TJ and I) were putting up our tree...at first I couldn't find the ornament and got upset. Finally, I located it. That dog is still alive, and he is very old and in poor health. When I saw him at Thanksgiving, I cried :(
4. Name something you could literally do without for the rest of your life.
Neck pain. This is more of a whine, so I apologize. My neck is hurting right now and I could really do without it! I have too much on my plate right now to feel bad.
5. If you were going to have any kind of “cosmetic procedure,” what would it be?
I would totally have a nose job. I hear it is painful, but I have hated my nose for a really long time. I would deal with it. I think :) I will probably never do this, though, because I don't really have that kind of money to throw around on something that will cause me pain, put me out of work, and generally make me look bad for a little while.
6. Do you have any “collections”? (comic books, shoes, etc.)
To be honest, I don't really. You'd think I might have asked this question because I had some awesome collection to talk about, but just the opposite really. I am not a big "collector." When I was a child I collected silver spoons...you know, the kind you get from landmarks and such. I do have a big of Parisian/Eiffle Tower themed stuff, so you might say I collect that, but mainly I like it for decorating. I think it really bugs my mom and my grandmother that I don't collect anything...I'm a minimalist in their minds! I don't really think I am, my style is just different than theirs.
7. At what age did you get your first cell phone?
I think I was 15. I started paying for it myself when I was 19. There was actually a reason why I had it though, it wasn't "just because," and I wasn't allowed to use it much. I think I only had like 60 minutes a month or something.
8. What is currently in your purse (or pocket or backpack if you’re a guy)?
Oh geez. Wallet, keys, hand sanitizer, chapstick, 2 kinds of lipgloss, lipstick, compact, mirror, tweezers, pencils, pens, USB flash drive, business cards, the usual...oh and receipts. Somehow I always have receipts in there.
9. Are you a neat-freak or a slob ? *this applies to house, office, car, etc.
I'd say I'm pretty middle-of-the-road when it comes to this. I'm definitely not a slob, but am not as much of a neat freak as I sorta wish! I wish everything were always put away...never out of place...but as it stands right now, I have three textbooks and a novel on the coffee table, as well as two coasters, a can of Sprite, and a camera. Jacket is on the back of a kitchen chair. My bible and random pieces of mail are on the kitchen counter closest to the garage door. Just stuff like that...but all my dishes are in the dishwasher, so that's one thing, right? :)
10. What kind of parent do you think you will be? If you’re already a parent, what is your style?
I must admit, this really makes me nervous. I am really scared that I won't be a good mother. That I'll smother my child or be a helicopter parent, or that I'll be one of "those" parents--ya know, that teachers dread and other parents despise. I'm afraid I'll be inconsistent...or be too lenient and nice in an effort to not have my child(ren) dislike me. I want to teach my child to do the right thing, to be polite, to respect others, and to generally be someone others look up to. I do NOT want my child to be spoiled, but that is also something I worry about. I don't spend a ton of time thsomething inking about it or dwelling upon it since it isn't something "on the forefront" or anything like that, but it is something that crosses my mind from time to time.
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Oh and in other news, I did decide to color my hair this weekend! It is quite tough to color your own hair (or perhaps I'm just inexperienced). For comparison...some "before" pics. In this first one, you can't tell too much because it is pulled back, but here is my hair on Friday night, when I went out to dinner with my friend Ann...
This picture is from Thanksgiving and you can get a better idea...with my little buddy Laurel :)
Here is the "after"...I took this spur of the moment last night to show my friend Megan, who provided me with guidance through the process :) It is much, much closer to my natural color.
What do you think? I won't be offended, I promise (as long as you're polite haha)...I'm still deciding on it myself. Part of me thinks it looks better lighter (but that could be because I haven't seen this color in so long), but another part of me thinks it looks better and more natural. Still deciding!
Last night I was up way, way, way too late. It is my own fault. You see, I had a paper due at midnight. I have been a really poor planner and major procrastinator these past few weeks, so I was up late. The paper was submitted around 12:30. I can only hope she doesn't penalize me TOO much for that.
After staying up so late, I was worried I wouldn't wake up on time this morning. I had a training class at 8am so being on time was pretty important today. Not that it isn't important most days, but you get my drift. So I got up on time, got ready at a reasonable pace, etc. One of my dogs had been downstairs getting a {LARGE} drink of water. When I went into the closet to get dressed, she followed me.
She also proceeded to gak all over the floor.
Awesome.
If that weren't awesome enough...when I finally got that taken care of and came downstairs, my other dog had pooped in the floor.
I know you wish your life were so glamorous. Be jealous.
I just wanted to wish all my bloggies out there a Happy Thanksgiving! I hope each of you has a wonderful day with your family, friends, or whomever you're spending this day with.
Later today we are going down to have Thanksgiving with my family...well actually my dad's extended side of the family. They've only started doing this in recent years, and I've never been since I've lived away, so it will be my first time experiencing the hoopla. I have had a bad headache since yesterday so I hope I can at least have a good time. Anywho--I was all pumped to sleep in today, but that didn't happen. For whatever reason, I woke up around 5:45 (actually I had to use the restroom). When I got back in bed, I couldn't go back to sleep. Instead of laying there tossing, turning and eventually waking my husband, I just decided to get up. Now I'll probably crash around 2pm, haha.
How many of you are going shopping on Black Friday? I am not about to get out in that mess! I know lots of people do it for the "thrill" but I just get really agitated and irritable. I don't feel like there is anything I need THAT bad. I'll save my energy for when I have kids who want a "must have hot item" that is nowhere to be found except a 2am Toys-R-Us mob scene! By that time kids won't want toys though...as my 7-year-old cousin has requested an iPhone for Christmas! (which he isn't getting)
Have a fabulous Thanksgiving everyone!
*If you have no idea what the title of this post means, you need to watch one of the best movies ever, You've Got Mail! The scene happens in a grocery store and if you'll notice...the person who says it is now on Grey's Anatomy :)
Seven Quick Takes is hosted by ConversionDiary. Visit to link up with other "quick-takers!" :)
1. I have had a long week--I've already worked 38 hours and still have a full day to go! On Tuesday, my day started at 8am, and I did not get home until 10pm. No lie. You want to hear the cherry on top of that story? My boss called in sick that day. I normally would not even mention this if it weren't becoming such a pattern...ayy. Anyway, I probably shouldn't complain about my long week, because I'd say my husband has easily worked 50 hours this week, AND I'm thankful just to have a job.
2. Remember I mentioned like a month ago that my Blackberry was official a junk paperweight? We JUST NOW got a refund. Seriously! The good thing, though, is that we did get the refund, so all's well that ends well I suppose!
3. I am 26 years old, but for the past 2 weeks I have been taking my blood pressure daily and keeping a "diary." It is not good, people, not good at all. When I went to the doctor a couple weeks ago (about my allergies), they said my BP was high and to ask the doctor about it. So I did. He goes "oh yeah...and it was a little high last time too." High BP runs in my family, so this sucks. I should be more proactive about it and exercising more, but I haven't. It isn't that I don't want to--I just need to MAKE time.
4. When I had such a long day on Tuesday, my mom came up to "babysit" her granddogs. I didn't want them to be alone for such an extended period of time with no potty break, so I asked her, and she was like "YEAH!" I think all parties involved enjoyed themselves, haha. I felt bad for her though...because she got home even later than I. I told her to just stay the night, but she had to go home. I'm sure the dogs got NO treats or anything while she was here...ha!
5. Earlier in the week, I registered for my final two MBA classes. They start in early January. It will be (another) tough semester, I'm sure, but I'm just trying to keep in mind that it will be my last! I debated on just taking one class (the required one), walking in May graduation, and finishing up with an elective in summer. On the one hand, I just want to get done, but on the other hand it would be nice to have a little less pressure. I'll probably just stick with my plan for now, unless something changes.
6. I found out today that I'll be going to St. Louis for work in early December. I've actually never been to Missouri so that will be another state to cross off my list! I purchased my plane ticket for just $165 AND I have a nonstop return flight. Hooray for Southwest!
7. I think I need a personal assistant. The problem is I am not that cool, nor can I afford one. Right now I need the oil changed in my car, my dogs taken to the vet, my house cleaned, my groceries purchased, dry cleaning dropped off, and several other things that keep getting pushed back. I'm not a total diva, I promise. I just have homework...which I should be doing now...
On that note, peace out bloggies! Have a great weekend!
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