small things

I am thankful for many many things, but this morning, it is something small.

I am thankful for the ability to work from home. I don't have to worry about driving into the office on bad weather days - I know what the roads in my town are like, but the capitol city is always a wild card. Right after getting off the highway, there is a brief steep section that you have to get up/over (that is mostly an overpass at that).

I will work cozy at home today, thank you.

random thoughts

So, wow- its officially Fall today- time to openly appreciate all things Pumpkin can offer  ;P

In all seriousness, I can finally open my pumpkin coffee :)

Instead of pulling out longer sleeves and starting to put away summer clothes, I am thinking of what to pack (other than 2 bathing suits, crops, and dresses). I can't wait for this getaway, and its almost here!

This afternoon's plans include grocery shopping, knitting and dodging raindrops.

On another note, UConn plays Michigan tonight. While I love my alma meter, we do not stand a chance in winning, but it would be nice if they gave a fighting chance. Is this how Yale felt?

Things afoot

Time is flying and things are afoot- less than a month until vacation and busy, busy times at work. Will be sure to keep to my gym days to keep me on track.

A few shots taken last month (how is it September already??)

Something New - owww

So I joined the fitness center at work and after having a fitness assessment, had a workout designed by one of their trainers. I went yesterday morning at 7 to learn the circuit. Included- squats with 20 lb dumbbell, reverse lunges, 45 lb chest press, 60 lb lat pull downs, another machine and then a couple of exercises with a stability ball. I was sore when I left and walked to work- no match for this morning.

Ouch.

Ouch...

Do you know how painful it is to get up/sit down/stairs when your thigh muscles are tight/sore/screaming?

May go tomorrow just for a little cardio. Don't know if I can do a squat or reverse lunge yet. Can do the rest of the circuit though.

Scored at Old Navy- yoga capris, 2 sports bras and a black T to supplement my current supply of workout clothes- I am looking forward to seeing if I can fit in a workout tomorrow!

Completed Baby Project #2

Last fall I was blessed to be part of a beautiful wedding celebration  in the VA countryside when my cousin and her love pledged their love to friends and family. Their honeymoon apparently was a busy one and they were surprised and blessed with a wee one several weeks ago ;)

Baby H was a bit impatient (like mommy) and demanded to make his appearance earlier than expected. I can't wait to meet him :)

I was going to have his gift done prior to his arrival, but instead he came first. His welcome gift is now en-route to his house and I can share my 2nd baby project of the year :)

the blanket is beyond soft and snuggly!

How do you say goodbye to someone when their time comes too soon? My Aunt Terri was a dynamo, a homemaker, entertainer, and lover of animals. She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend.

She and my uncle turned the family homestead into a showplace, inside and out- all done with love. She always had animals around of the four footed variety and loved to have them underfoot. They raised 2 wonderful boys who have grown into incredible young men.

She loved Halloween,it was her favorite time of year.  A few years ago she threw a big Halloween bash complete with a fortune teller and  of course costumes were a requirement. We all had so much fun. 

She had an illness that she never spoke much of, one developed while a young teenager. In the last year she had her medical struggles, but never made a big deal of them- she preferred to be quiet about it. Last fall we learned that a transplant was going to have to be a reality, and this spring it came to be an urgent requirement.

We got word last weekend that it was go time, and the family descended to the hospital for support (for her, the boys, and my uncle). The surgery was delayed several times - waiting for the donor hospital to get the process started. She finally went down to the OR the next morning for her procedure. Despite the efforts of her excellent medical team, she slipped away from this world.

I am not a very religious person, and struggle to understand the reason why He called her home. None of us were ready to say goodbye- especially her boys.

You know there are risks for any surgery, especially one as long and complex as this one. Yet, we didn't think this would ever be a possibility. We fully expected to hear she was in recovery and that she made it through with flying colors.  It seems like a horrible nightmare that we can't seem to wake from.

Aunt Terri, I will miss you greatly, and hope you are now at peace and pain free. I will miss your smile, your loving nature, your sarcasm and sense of humor (the Donovan genes are strong there). I hope you have reunited with Grandma and Grandpa, Speckles, Tucker and Murphy, and are now watching over your family. We'll miss you.



Completed Project #1

Here are a few shots of a gift I made for Baby J a couple of months back. Can't wait to meet him :)

Teaser

Here is a peek on a welcome baby present in progress!

click click click

Got surprising (and wonderful) news that my cousin's son is making an early entrance. I have been working on his welcome blanket since April. I have to get cracking to finish.

This time I will have to take a photo. I made a similar blankie for a handsome little man born last month, but forgot to take a photo before I gave it to mommy.

Time to crack the whip and get to work. (And saying a little prayer for my cousin)

Pre- Vacation prep

I think its funny how when going on a big trip, you always end up shopping beforehand.

Next month am taking a big family vacation and so far I have bought 2 jackets (one lined & waterproof and one a canvas trench), new sneakers, and 2 tops. I have a feeling more will follow.

Don't even get me started on toiletries- we have TSA restrictions, and I am not a light packer- this will be interesting.

Have a great afternoon and THINK SPRING!!

Great night

How can we be creeping up on the end of February already?? It seems like it was just January...

For my birthday, my M got tickets to Straight No Chaser at Beacon Theatre in NYC (which just so happened to be on Valentine's Day). What a beautiful location. I had never seen them live, and was excited to see the show.

It was amazing, they are great performers and love playing it up for the crowd. I wish in retrospect I had taken time off either that day or on Friday- it made for a VERY LONG day....felt bad about getting M up so early and out the door, but hey a girl has to get to work!

 I got to spend a really great night with my man :) What a great present!!

93 days

93 days from today I will be on my way to the Emerald Isle!