Happy 2011

I am sitting on my couch gazing at the fireplace. The house looks like elves came and trashed. Fun was had. The munchkin had fun and crashed about an hour ago. We 'counted down' and had 'champagne'.
The entertainment of the evening was a few Batman movies. Once the little crashed, we out on Eureka, am working my way through season 1.
We had hors d'vores for noms and cake to celebrate the end of the year.

Hoping that 2011 will be a good year all the way around.

Happy New Year to all my friends and family, love you all!

Blonde moment

blonde moment of the day:
Goal is to be at work at 7 am. Reset clock to wake up earlier.
Blonde moment: Setting the alarms for 5:35 & 5:50 PM

Yup, thats how I roll

2011 goals

Every year I make a few resolutions (diet, debt) and each year they fall by the wayside.

I am telling the world that in 2011 I want to explore the corporate side of my company. I love the department I am in, but things have changed a lot this year; not just in my department. I think it is time to expand my horizons. There are fewer postings than there used to be, but I am going to look around.

I am going to start moving around more and eat healthier. Note, I am not saying the evil 4 letter word that starts with a D. One of the easier places to change is what I eat at work. Cafeteria eating is NOT the healthiest.

I want to put myself in a better spot finiancially in the upcoming year.

What kind of things do you want to accomplish next year?

Have a great New Year celebration, no matter what your plans.

Snow Globe effect

Did you know there is a phenomena when it snows? It is the snow globe effect. The snow blankets all sound and looks like a mad elf is shaking globe for all its worth. Right now the driveway and courtyard are a pristine blanket of white. You can just hear the howl of the wind through the windows.

It is so beautiful, I am the first to admit that I want to be curled up in the living room in front of the fire & either watching the snow or movies!

The weathermen have predicted 10-20 inches of snow state wide and have the potential to be in the top 10 storms in the state's history. I am very glad that Christmas & Christmas Eve were snow free as the 2 locations were not snow friendly to drive in.

Chatted with a friend who lives a few hours away who is also enjoying the relaxation of the snow (I hope). I hope it stays nice & quiet for her for the next few days.

Time to grab a snack- cheese ball from yesterday & homemade cookies may do the trick. Only made 1 kind this year - peanut butter blossoms.

Go. Enjoy the peaceful world that comes only when it snows. Maybe even say a little prayer that you get one more day for your holiday weekend. Eh, can't hurt, right?

The year Kenny Loggins ruined Christmas

I found this today and could NOT stop laughing, you have to check it out!

http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2010/12/year-kenny-loggins-ruined-christmas.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Hyperbole-and-a-half+%28Hyperbole-And-A-Half%29

Santa was here!

I have to admit, as we get older, the feeling of being amazed by Santa diminishes.

I had a wonderful surprise today, Santa came to the office!!!!!

I came into work same as always, logged on, went through my email and went to grab some breakfast.

I came back to my desk, and in front of me was a huge beautiful white poinsettia and a bag of gourmet chocolates with a card. I felt like a little kid on Christmas morning. I had the biggest smile on my face and felt a little giddy at the unexpected gift.

The gift was from a boss of mine that I am working on an internship with. I didn't even know that she was going to be in the office today.

Thank you again B, you made my day!

mashups... its whats for dinner

Mom & I are famous for taking pantry, fridge & freezer ingredients and mixing/mashing them up into a workable dinner. Doesn't always pan out the way you expect.

Tonight however was a good mashup. No meat, a touch high in sodium, but a very workable dinner in a pinch.

Butternut Stuffing "Soup"

1 box Stove Top Cranberry Stuffing
2 boxes V8 Butternut Squash Soup (4 cups)
1 cup frozen corn
1 1/2 cups frozen broccoli
1/3 cup broken pecans

Empty contents of stuffing box into casserole dish. Add contents of soup containers. Stir in vegetables and nuts.
Cook at 350 for 45 minutes till steaming. Spoon into bowls and enjoy!

Even have lunch for tomorrow.

Something Special

I have been working hard on a special gift for one of my BFFs. She & her hubs are expecting a beautiful baby in the first part of next year. (I hope near my birthday!)

I have decided to make part of her gift for the wee one, and last night I am happy to say I have finished part 2. I have one more thing that I want to attempt, but if it doesn't work out, I am ok with that. (not a ususal response for me)

I would love to share photos, but that will have to wait until everything is done- when mommy & the wee one have the gift.

If only I could get labels- Made with love by "Auntie Cathy" (just kidding)

Enough being vauge. Happy Friday

Newport - good eats

Last week I spent the week in Newport R.I. My family has a time share at Inn on the Harbor, right on Thames St. We had a harbor view, boat piers in front and other hotels on the side, not bad. Vacation was very relaxing and boy oh boy did I eat.

The great think about visiting after the season ends.... no crowds and great restaurant deals. Here are some of the places we went to last week.

The Red Parrot, Newport, RI

On Saturday night, we went across the st to Red Parrot. Had a window seat and laughed hysterically at some of the costumes we saw- togas, men in baby diapers, a crayon..... Had a really decent steak dinner and a drink called psychedelic iguana.

Sardella's, Newport RI

This Italian restaurant is much larger than it looks. Sardellas is a Newport staple and they have a deal 2 dinners + bottle of vino for $24. Meatballs w/ linguine, garlic bread, and Merlot... yummy!

Atlantic Beach Club, Newport/Middletown line, RI

Atlantic Beach Club is one of my favorites, we went twice this visit, we were lucky enough to hit restaurant week (started the day before we left). On wed night they have a special- all dinners (except lobsta) $12.95. Being a non-fish/seafood eater, of course I went for the fillet minion. SO tender, excellent dinner, and had key lime cheesecake for dessert. On Saturday afternoon, we went again (restaurant week) for lunch- this time 3 course lunch for $16- how can you go wrong? Cesar salad, Italian Steak Sandwich on chiabata bread, and pumpkin/chocolate bread pudding. I have a feeling, we'll be going next year too.

Ocean Cliff Hotel & Resort, Newport, RI

Ocean Cliff- Gorgeous hotel off of Ocean Drive that has a funky restaurant/bar called the Safari Room. Again had the $16 3 course lunch- NE clam chowder, roasted turkey/stuffing sandwich, and a truly excellent key lime pie. It may have been the best key lime I have had in a long time. The meal was not my favorite, but we had to go for the views and location.

The Grill at 41 North. Christie's Pier, Newport RI
This was by far the most expensive restaurant that we went to. I had a bit of sticker shock, steaks for $54 and the least expensive Merlot $74! Good thing for the restaurant week deal- 3 course dinner $30. (+$14 for a glass of wine). Had French onion soup (a bit of a disappointment), an amazing fillet minion with pumpkin mashed potatos, and a triple chocolate cup cake to round it out. The dining room was crazy elegant, this was my table (of course, no boats and at night) but a hell of a view. This restaurant was also the closest, right next door to the hotel. I heard rates at 41 north hotel go for $250-$1200 a night. Yeah, not in my budget!

After reading this, it should not come as a surprise I put on a couple of lbs (only 3) with all of these amazing meals. Now its time to take it back off.

I took some great photos of the crazy waves, I'll share more when I get them into the computer.

cany candy candy

I have a problem, I am an adict... A candy corn adict. What is wrong with me? I think I just bought the 6th bag this fall, they all go to work... But still. This time they are all pumpkins.

Stoopid twitter chopped the original msg and makes no sense.

I love fall!

Happy Friday!

Today is a happy friday,

I have a short day.

I am being treated to lunch at a great little restuarant as a thank you for a job well done.

It's raining again (well, maybe not so happy- heard that Heritage Pond is about 3 inches deep right now)

Munchkin is sleeping over tonight!

No immediate plans for the weeked :)

Why is Friday happy to you?

Still here

Hi- I'm still here.

Have not had much to blog about in the last couple of weeks. The beginning of the month was way to much. (see last post).

My cousin & her hubs are up from SC with their pups for the next week or so. We are going have a small cemetey service Grampa while they are up here.

Watching munchkin this weekend, thinking maybe of an Essex train ride.... we'll have to see what the time/weather allows.

Maybe tonight I will go thru some of the pics I took on vacation & post some (depends on how they come out)

Someone is looking down on me. RIP Grampa 11/21/28 - 09/08/10

I made the tough announcement earlier this week while on vacation, but I wanted to take a moment to write down my thoughts. On Wednesday September 8th, in the late afternoon, my Grampa went with God, he is now up in heaven with his son and family & will be watching over us.

I found his obituary on Friday, and reading it I learned wonderful things about my grampa. I am so proud of the man he was. Check this out...

"Richard J. "Dick" Marshall, 81, beloved husband of Mary Jane (Mulrooney) Marshall, died peacefully Wednesday, at his home with his family by his side. He was born November 21, 1928 in Schenectady, NY. Richard was a graduate of Fairfield University, Class of 1951, where he received his Bachelor of Special Studies Degree. He served in the U.S. Army Reserve as a Staff Sergeant during the Korean Conflict. Dick spent his entire career in the Insurance Industry. After retiring after 30 years as Director for Royal Globe Insurance Company, he joined Frank B. Hall and Co. as a Vice President and Corporate Director, and retired after more than ten years as Senior Vice President. Dick was a member of and counter for St. Mary's Church in Simsbury, was an avid golfer, a member and Past President of the Simsbury Volunteer Ambulance Association and Past President of the Stratton Forest Homeowners Association. He also was a volunteer driver for McLean's Meals on Wheels and an active volunteer with Boy Scout Troup #176. Dick was a car buff, having owned more than 67 cars over the years, but the one he most regretted trading in was his '65 Mustang Convertible. "

I knew that he had been in the service when he was younger, but I never knew what he did. I knew that he was an active member of his local RC Church. I also knew that he always worked in the insurance industry, but I never knew he went to such heights. I know he was proud that I was following in the family footsteps by also having a career in the insurance business. He mentioned several times that when he was younger, he had given great thought to starting up an insurance agency, and he wondered what would have happened if that had been fact. He didn't know that his (ex) daughter in law and granddaughter would both have careers in the same business. I have to wonder as well.

My grampa was a HUGE car buff. It was a family joke that when he bought a car, it would last only until time for the first major service. Another story -he went out for milk and came home with a new car. I remember a year where he had 3 different cars. My Grandma was exactly the opposite, she liked to keep and maintain her cars for years. He learned very quickly, that while he could trade in cars (as long as they were his), her car was to be left alone. When he got bored in retirement, he worked for local dealerships as a car swap driver. He would be the man picking your new car up from one dealer & driving down to the local dealer- oh how he loved that job.

That man had a giant sweet tooth. His sweets of choice for as long as I could remember were gingersnaps (with coffee or milk), homemade strawberry rhubarb pie, cake, and ice cream. He would routinely get gifts of homemade sweets from my stepmom that he hoarded like a miser & would say that it was all his.

He loved all his family and when my niece was born, he was over the moon with being a great grampa. He had the great honor last year of walking my cousin down the isle for her outdoor wedding. It also happened to co-incide with his 56th anniversary with my grandma. He joked and asked me if I was going to be walking down the isle any time soon. While I laughed it off, I do know that if and when I get married, I will be missing him.

Shortly before Christmas last year he got the news that he had a melanoma that metacised to his liver. He underwent chemo, and a few months later, a grim discovery that he now had lesions on the brain. Radiation followed. Since the beginning of the year we saw the ravages that the cancers were taking out on him. About a month ago we realized that he was stage 4 and untreatable. He was a-typical from the start- he didn't suffer or have horrendous pain that many other cancer patients have. I went to see him at home right before vacation and said my goodbyes and kissed him. I knew that time was getting short, and that this was going to be my last visit. I wanted my memories of my grampa to look like he always was, not the man that was confined to the hospital bed in his home. My last thoughts of my maternal grandpa was hard, he had Alzheimer's and I remember him weak, frail, and not knowing who we were. I wanted better memories of my paternal grandpa.

I love you grandpa, and I know that uncle John and cousin Johnny have already welcomed you home.

I see spots

Fair warning- I got a little wordy

Every thursday since the start of the year I have been meeting my step mom and going for walks after work- inside or outside depending on the weather. Anyway earlier in the summer, I started riding my bike again ( maybe I should mention that it has been YEARS) since I rode. Can you say PAIN? The first ride was not so hot.

Fast forward 2 months. We decided to take a ride today in Farmington. My brother & niece came along for the ride. While I bring yoga capris and a tank to change into at work, I wasn't quite thinking it was going to be as hot as it was... Mid 90's and humid. We had an ambitious goal- riding from Farmington to Avon (Rte 44) and back. We came about a mile from that the first couple of rides. However the last 1/2 mile or so to Rte 44 severly kicked my ass. It is a decent hill that sneaks up on you. I down shifted to get the easier gears, but I was puffin. I made it to the top and we went down the hill towards the tunnel under 44. The tunnel was going to be our turn around point - Munchkin loves going thru tunnels. Well, on the other side of this lies a couple of benches & a picnic table. The other 2 kept on riding, but I needed a break. Got off the bike- wobbled a minute and sat on the bench, also thought it would be a good time to grab a drink of water. A couple of minutes passed & they came back, Patty was worried I fell- I said instead I just needed to recharge.

After we hopped back on the bikes, I powered up the hill on the other side of the tunnel. Well, I started to any way. My burst of energy was very fleeting, another damn hill. Got to the top of the biggest hill and had the pleasure of zooming down. At the bottom of the hill we have to cross a fairly busy road, but a break in the momentum was not appreciated. Why do you ask? Well, there is an itty bitty incline on the other side and I felt like I slammed into a mountain- 0 energy and the group was getting further and further ahead. I checked my mirror and noticed an ambulance behind me- (had a fleeting thought that someone called it for me- lol). I met up with the other 2 in the parking lot for the trail and said, "I'm spent". We decided to push on (plus we were still several miles away from the cars). We advanced to one of the 4 road crossings on the way back and as I rode up, Patty was giving my brother the keys to the car- he was going to head onto the car & give munchin a chance to get out of the carrier. Patty was going to ride back with me.

We went slower, and I kept telling myself that if it became too much, they could come back & pick me up. We chatted & rode, stopped for a couple of minutes where I went from bike to bench- for more water & to gather more oom ph. Before I knew it we were back to the parking lot. I got off the bike and walked it to the back of the car. Then the fun began.

My first inkling that I way over did it was the slightly woozy feeling- walked over to the bench & went PLOP- sat very heavily on the bench. Sipped my water, I knew guzzling it would not be good. Decided sitting straight up wasn't working so I leaned over- much better. A couple of minutes later I sat up- still woozy but I thought a bit better, but was apparently just waiting for woozy's cousin nausea to get there. Oh holy crap I felt shitty real fast. I almost wanted to get sick, just to make it go away. I was panicking at the thought of getting in the car & driving while feeling like this, so I knew I was going to stay there a bit. All the sudden sitting up was NOT good. I stretched out on the bench with my eyes closed & focused on just breathing & praying for a breeze to cool me down. Opened my eyes after a few minutes & saw little itty bitty dots in the sky- nope not back to normal yet. After about 5 minutes more I slowly got up and started walking around- slow, but progress. Finally, felt better. I felt bad that I didn't help load up the 3 bikes, but I knew I was in no condition to help.

As soon as I got home, a cool shower called- wonderful feeling. Now I am just really tired!

Ended up riding 9 miles in about an hour and 15 minutes in 90+ degree heat. I am spent, but so happy that the butt doesn't hurt!

Happiness is a deep armchair and a cafe mocha and listening to the rain.

what a yarn

I always seem to have yarn spawning in this house. From ideas of projects to new kinds of yarn in pretty colors, it is everywhere!

Slowly but surely I am finding patterns to use all of my yarn. So far we have a blanket, washcloths, and maybe a daring sweater to the mix.

I am working on a blanket right now for the munchkin using Lions Brand Homespun. Right now I have 3 colors (bubblegum, Hepplewhite white, and a sunny yellow). The yellow is actually over 3 yrs old. I had knit my very first blanket when the munchkin was still incubating. Her mommy somehow turned the blankie into a poncho... anyway, I had bought Lions Brand Homespun Baby for a steal and had 3 small skeins that I never used. I finally have a use now! I am thinking of having 4 yellow squares surrounded by the pink and all whip stitched in white. I am thinking of calling it the lemonade blankie. Photos will come when done. Right now I think I am about 1/3 done.

I have some cotton yarn in a vibrant red and variegated green (key lime) that I think I am going to knit up into cleaning washcloths.

I have some super soft yarn in off white and light yellow left over from a couple of blankets. Today I found the cutest pattern for a cardigan. The pattern called for cashmere, but one of the reviews made the sweater with the same yarn I have. I think that may be my next project.

I know I have to pare down the yarn, but it is just so hard. I am trying to be better about only going to the craft stores when I have a specific project in mind.

Speaking of buying, I am waiting for a circular knitting needle set to come in. My company gave me a reward that I redeemed for an Amazon gift cert. I used it to get a 13 piece set of 40 inch bamboo circular needles. They should be in next week. This will be the first time I have used that kind of needle. Lets see how I like it. Now if I could only get cute stitch markers we would be in business.... will keep the eyes peeled.

randomness

I should not be allowed to shop before I have eaten dinner. I am just dangerous. Last night I went to Target after work for a couple of things. I needed to stop at the pharmacy, and I decided while I was there I was going to pick up some stuff like shampoo/conditioner and the like. I knew I was going to get a box of unsalted butter because I had less than 1 tablespoon of it in the house and I forgot to get it at the grocery store this weekend. Not a bad list, I should have been out within 10-15 minutes tops. So how is that I gravitated to the food isles?

I managed to leave with 2 bags of goldfish- the S’mores adventures & cheddar, and Oreos….. What is wrong with me?!

At least I didn’t go completely insane (only a little).

Tonight is the weekly dinner with Munchkin & P. This week we are going up to Winsted because P is finally back to work!!!! I think pizza & garden salad is on the menu tonight, I have to go past Portabella’s Restaurant in New Hartford, I see a good meal tonight!

I think I may have started to crack. I walked past a co-worker today and said Happy Friday…the only problem, its NOT Friday, its Wednesday. Sigh…

Huzzah!

Last weekend was a blast. A road trip with scenic drives of NJ and NY with debauchary smack in the middle!

Did you know that the Garden State & I -287 are not the same thing? LOL! My chicky in the box is not so sure, she had me take a nice long drive on Rte 80. I made a scenic drive of I-87 to I-84 on the way home to avoid hellacious traffic, what a wonderful ride!

I made my second journey to the land that time forgot, and by that I mean the New York Rennaisance Faire in Tuxedo NY. It is a fantasy, no other words can describe it. Anything goes and the goal of the day is fun!

There were throngs of excited fairgoers in garb and not, excited little princes/princesses dragging their parents from a shop to a show and back again, and baby dragons all around. Don't forget to toss in a couple of camels and exotic birds of prey. And you can't forget the marshmallow throwers- back to their old tricks.


This year I purchased the 3rd piece of garb, a floor length lavender skirt to complete my costume. A lady - not quite, but I am trying. I might pass off for a fair maiden......

The stores they have there are wonderful, from fantasy outfits, masks, all things piratical, fairy shops, to artisans and jewelers. The store with the best name is once again M'Lady's Panties.... is it pronounced M'Lady or Mmmm Lady's Panties? The debate continues.

The shows are very diverse and entertaining from a knife throwing show with father and son, a brave/mad man balancing flames on his head while juggling more fire, a chicken show, acrobatic/fire eating/stilt walker show, to of course the joust, and all things related to the Queen's court.

The ogre on the Kissing Brigde seemed to be MIA, but many smooches happened regardless :)

Our motley crew initiated/hazed/scarred a couple of new comers this year. I jest of course... It was great to meet The Ginger Pirate in person- a great guy and a hell of a photographer! Thanks for the photos by the way, I didn't think to take pictures this year. I think UConntam had a good time too, she beat me in time of getting garb together, she came in full garb.... one of the nicknames was Puss N Boots (it all went downhill from there)

The night before the faire, I stayed at Chez D in New Jersey. Had a wonderful time meeting the momma & grandmomma of one of my really good friends. How can you go wrong with dinner al fresco, bonfires, and breakfast in the garden?

Thanks everyone for the fantastic weekend! I know I am leaving things out, but this is the best I can do for now.

Splish Splash

I love hearing the sound of rumbling thunder while I am laying in bed. Usually. But when it is a work day and I am woken up at 6 am, I start to wonder.

I questioned my sanity this morning as I was showering in another thunderstorm about 40 minutes later. Though about trying to outwait it, and then realized I could be sitting there a while.

I was warned about putting on shoes that could get wet so I could get through Heritage pond to my car. Armed with an umbrella and an armful of bags I make the walk/splash to the car. As soon as I neared the car the sky opened up AGAIN with downpours. Ok, time for the big umbrella. After a slow ride in to work switched umbrellas and splashed my way into the office.

As I am sitting here, I am listening to downpour of water on the roof above me. Man oh man it is coming down in sheets- sounds like a dull roar on the 3rd floor.

Am I the only one who gets a little freaked out taking a shower in a thunder storm?

curl up & dye

Saturday I had my seasonal (?) appt with Katie at the salon. For the last 5+ yrs I have been highlighting my hair, and I love it! The blonde just makes my hair look better. I do however try and stretch the appointments as much as possible- usually about 3 times a year- at $100 a clip it still adds up although I know it's a great price. Its amazing, I get painted with blueberry blue goo, and it comes out a gorgeous color- happiness!

I so wanted my hair straightened yesterday, but with it being crazy hot/humid, it wasn't fair to straighten it- not to Katie who would spend about 45 min on it, or me. Like she said, it doesn't matter what kind of frizzproof claims the product may have, as soon as I sweat, the curls would come back.... se la vie, maybe I'll tackle it some weekend when I can devote 1+ hour doing it myself.

I don't know what Katie uses in my hair, but I can never duplicate the curls she can get- no curling irons or poodles were harmed. I swear.

Netflix & Wii

Wow, I have to say, I love that I can sometimes get a wireless signal for the wii- it means I can watch netflix instantly.

Why only sometimes you ask? I have a secured network that is in my room, yet many times the signal is unavailable, I don't know if it is the problem with AT&T or if it is somehow my neighbor. It seems like his signal overrides the strength of mine and while I can use the desktop to get online, mom's laptiop & the wii cannot always connect.

Anyhoo, the neighbors were away this weekend so today I Od'ed on netflix- watch Man Vs Food and get grossed out.... and hungry. It like an accident, I just can't pull myself away. Found the first season of the A-Team, watched a couple of episodes this weekend. Tonight I started watching Rescue Me. I love this show, it makes me wish I had cable to watch it! I think I watched 7 episodes today- sucked me in, obviously didn't get much done today.

Rain rain,,,,,

It started raining about 30 minutes before I left work today. Light rain- no big deal..... not for long. It's a good thing, we really needed the water.About 20 minutes after I got home, the skies opened up.

In the apt complex I live there are 5 buildings and most have courtyards at the insides of the building. Our courtyard has a wee problem with drainage when it downpours for any length of time, the good thing is that it does not last long.

I went to the front door & snapped this picture of some of the flooding we experience. The water was about 2 inches deep for the most part.




We had a few rumbles of thunder, but not a bad storm.

I decided tonight to get a workout in on the wii- got my workout clothes on and went downstairs to work out. I got in about 20-25 minutes and had fun with hula hoop and step class when the power went. The first time it blinked & was back on within a minute. I powered the wii back up and was just getting started w/ another step class session when the power went back out this time it didn't come back on.

I think it's amazing how used to ambient light from outside we are. Normally if all the lights are off in my apartment, I can still see to walk around. When the power went out, not only could I not see the hand in front of my face, I could not see to walk into the dining room and walked into my couch.... not one of my better moments.

When we have no electricity, I get antsy- I have to get out. A few winters back, we lost power and the expected outage time was 7-8 hrs- went to a hotel. Yes I know, the princess came out in full force. Tonight I decided to get in the car & went for a drive- 3 reasons- to see how widespread the outage was, moving air, & to charge my cell phone because using it like a flashlight is a great way to drain the battery. Got home about an hour ago and the power had come back on a few minutes before we got home.

As of now, all is well and am nice and cool thanks to the central a/c, and the alarm is set for the morning.

I'm still here, just have not had the urge to update.

Personal life is boring as always, but am slammed and challenged at work which is a great thing.

In the last 3 weeks, have been put on projects, taken off a project, playing catch up and generally trying not to run away screaming from work.

Munchkin is overnighting it here and am getting a bit of me time now that she is sleeping.

I am off to bed too, I have a feeling tomorrow is an early wake up. Hmmm what to make for breakfast for us girls -- waffles maybe? I have 1/2 of a loaf of homemade bread made last night- maybe french toast?

Happy 4th, and stay cool.

Accountable

So, I signed up for the Biggest Loser Club (BLC) online to help spur me into eating better and losing weight. I also made a weekly date after work with a walking buddy each Thursday. And while the walks have been awesome, the eating and holding my self accountable have not. I have not been recording my meals the way I should- meaning about only 25%.

I am trying to eat better, but I am taking the meals on the fly, meaning no planning ahead. This does not work for me. I think I have to plan out what I eat at least for 2 meals a day to make sure that I am eating healthier.

Since we have moved to the new building I am getting breakfast daily in the cafe and seems like lunch 3 days/week. Morning rut has become 2 eggs scrambled, bacon and a bagel. Not the best choice. Unfortunatley the thought of daily oatmeal does not appeal in the least.

The BLC provides a menu daily that you can edit or make your own meals. I am going to take a better look to see if these menus are something that actually appeals.

On the walking front, I am meeting my walking partner every thursday and we have been averaging btwn 2-3.3 miles each week. While that is a phenominal walk for the very sedentary me, I want to be more active, because I feel better already even with that little exercise.

I am taking a moment here to write that I am going to start holding myself more accountable starting NOW. Am still in the planning stages on how to accomplish it.

Happy Easter!

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter.
My day started off with sleeping in till about 9, a leisurely breakfast of soft scrambled eggs, toast and fruit, then the busy took over. We got together at the house in New Hartford for a pre party egg hunt for the girls (Munchkin & her friend L) This was the first time I saw her dress since we bought it months ago. Ain't it cute!

Just like last year, Munchkin proves she LOVES egg hunts and goes at it 150%. She blew past L on the hunt. After they gathered all the eggs, it was time to discover the treats inside- stamps, stickers, socks, flower seeds, and yes a little bit of chocolate :)

This year we had a new addition to the spring menu of ham, twice baked potatos, salad, glazed carrots, and ambrosia...... it is MEAT. Dad stepped up and decided that the day would not be complete without a gastronomic feast of pork. All things pork.

You have to forgive the squints- the deck is like the sahara in full sun at high noon and no shades today to boot. There is the new dish, getting it's final glaze.

Can you guess what it might be?

Have you ever heard of The Bacon Explosion? It is a dish like no other. Dad did a great job, and I had to try a little piece.

In between all of the eating we had fun with balloons- rocket, and the shaping kind- Target had a cool little kit I couldn't pass up. We also did a second easter egg hunt for the Munchkin leading to yet another basket of goodies. Best part was the adult annual Easter Beer hunt :)

Most of the family was able to come today, Liz & her hubby were sunning it up in SC and C was a bit under the weather. My brother invited his girlfriend A, who is such a great girl for him and a lovely person too!

Grampa did good today, just have to learn how to make him down that water better.

Towards the end of the day, we took a walk through the woods at Fox and Goose's wooded glen home looking for treasures and bunnies.

All in all a really good day!

work clothes

Got the official email that when we move to the new office that jeans will no longer be accepted. CRAP!
Looking in my closet, I have 3 pairs of dress pants (one of which requires heels) and 2 pairs of casual chinos (both LB & happen to have carco style pockets) which I don't really wear anymore. Oh yeah, I do have a pair of Dockers that I just boght from Macy's. I am thinking of getting a couple more pairs of chinos because I am not really caring for the dress pants any more (they are like 5 yrs old).

I guess I have to do more shopping. I wish I liked the way I looked in skirts more, but that time will come.

Saint Patrick's Day

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

If you are Irish, celebrate your heritage.
If you arn't Irish, you can be, at least for today!

Where is your green today?

Lunch @ Cuckoo's Nest in Old Saybrook. Yum

Molly

Meet Molly. She and two of her friends came to live with us yesterday.



After 5 LONG hours of wait, they arrived.




How beautiful is that!

I predict long naps to be coming in the future

pst: Molly is the couch....

Yawn!

I have had such a problem focusing today! I don't know why I am dragging so much.

wait I DO know... it's because my dumb ass read a whole book last night- would not go to sleep till I read the WHOLE book!

I was uber productive earlier this week, and I gave myself a day to be less productive. Its never going to be a good day when you are dipping into the candy at 9am to stay awake- and I was still drinking my coffee!

I predict tonight will be an early night, my goal is to FILE MY TAXES!

Hey brain- repeat after me, no reading tonight!!

Knit one purl one.....

I finished it! I finished off the blanket about a week ago, and I just finished the preemie hat tonight. I like how they came out, I still have to block them- hopefully they don't change too much. I have to thank my neice for my model, I think she is just the right size.

meh

I don' t want to go walking after work today... tired and sugar crash is coming. But, have already agreed....

Will also try to not think about the face that both of my feet are hurting, maybe advil will take the hurt off.

Brain is leaking from the ears- did an astounding amount of work today, but the sugar and caffeine consumption started at 9:30 am to keep myself awake and somewhat focused.

meh

so cute

I can finally say that I have been to Cheesecake Factory.
All I have to say is WOW!

I went on Friday afternoon with my mom for a birthday lunch. Each person decides where to eat for that special birthday meal.

The menu is insane and trying to figure out what to eat is almost impossible. You WILL NOT go home hungry. If you do it is through no fault of the restaurant.

We decided to get a delicious white bean hummus dip with flat bread as an app. We had a heads up that the portion sizes are massive, so we split an Asian Chicken Salad. We each ate a large plate full and had leftovers. Those leftovers were enough to overflow a large dinner plate. Made a decision to try the corn fritters they had as a small plate- not my fav.

Now of course you can't go without having cheesecake. But how do you choose bwtn 20+ flavors?? I was torn btwn 3, and made a split decision to get the Godiva chocolate one- OMG it was amazing.

It was cute, I got sung to and they gave my plate a special touch : )

Strength

I blogged very briefly before about Grandpa. We got some devastating news after Christmas. Grandpa had a liver biopsy done before Christmas and we were waiting for baited breath for the results. His doc had an MRI done because they wanted to see where the Melanoma had metastasized to. The bad news is that it has spread to his liver.

The black and white is. Stage 4. Inoperable. Liver Cancer. No radiation. Chemo only. Doctor has said that without chemo he may have 6 months. Not an easy diagnosis to take for anyone.

I had a chance to talk w/Grandpa right after the diagnosis and he has decided to go for the chemo, he said what to I have to lose? We are very fortunate that he is completely a symptomatic with this insidious cancer- has not felt any pain or discomfort or problems which makes the diagnosis that much harder. He did say though that if this had come a year ago he would not have considered the chemo after seeing what it has done to friends and family.

Every family gathering is going to be doubly important this year. I am trying very hard not to over think or let the what ifs take over. I want to be strong.

Had a chance to hang out w/ dad for a bit tonight, he went to go see grandpa at home earlier tonight and said he is doing good but tired, said is taking more naps. Did you know chemotherapy comes in pill form now? Found out tonight that Grandpa is done with chemo until next month. Takes his chemo like a one a day vitamin. Lets hope its beneficial & that he doesn't need to go in for the chemo in liquid form. yet.

I am very proud of my grandpa for his strength and courage.



This photo is from my cousin's wedding in June 09

still thinking

I have been thinking of a post about Grandpa, but not ready to put anything in writing yet.

For now, will remain busy at work and enjoy dinner tonight w/ the family