Make it simple

And the word for 2010 is SIMPLIFY.

This is an all-encompassing word for my life in 2010. I want so much to de-clutter. De-clutter my mind, my stuff, my attitude. I just want to be happy with what I have and embrace it. I want to literally get rid of those things that make my life complicated. I want to be happy with life as it is and focus less on how it should ideally be.

And thus, the reasoning for selecting simplify for this year.

I have a couple of books to help me with the organizing side of the word. They have layouts for the week to keep me on-track with my goal to live an ordered life. I selected Organize Now, The Life Organizer: A Woman's Guide to a Mindful Year, and One Year to an Organized Life: From Your Closets to Your Finances, the Week-by-Week Guide to Getting Completely Organized for Good. If the books become a burden and make life less-simple, they'll be out, but I have really enjoyed reading their perspectives about organizing and how it is a life-long process.

I am going to be journaling a bit more on paper this year in the hopes of getting to the core principles and values that I care about and to de-clutter my mind, get the stuff on paper.

And I am going to take the challenge of another 365 photo project on flickr. I loved doing this in 2008 and I enjoy looking through the album I made. If this becomes a hassle, I will bring it down to a weekly photo, but it wasn't a hassle the last time, it was something I truly embraced and I hope it can remind me to find the beauty in the simplicity of each day. I also think I will use Ali's soon-to-be-released digital templates to scrap this. I have much less room to scrap and a fabulous mac, so this may be my turn to dive into digital scrapping.

So cheers to 2010 and happy new word!

20 Questions of 2009

Ok, so I am taking a look back at 2009...


Inspired by Incourage, I am taking the challenge to answer these questions about the year. NOTE** I had no idea how deep this would be until I started answering them. So it is a little intense to me, but I am still going to share it, even if I feel it is a little revealing. I didn't think too much about the answers, just let them come to me.

Reflection Questions for 2009

1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year?

Easy answer - I married the man of my dreams.

2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened?

Easy answer again - being married to the man of my dreams. This takes lots of work, people. I think lots of other newlyweds have lied about that. And I so should write a book about it.

3. What was an unexpected joy this past year?

Getting a great promotion to further my career and help me be proud of myself.

4. What was an unexpected obstacle?

5. Pick three words to describe 2009.

Change (my '09 word), exciting, intense

6. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe your 2009 (don’t ask them; guess based on how you think your spouse sees you).

intense, hectic, adventure

7. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe their 2009 (again, without asking).

adventure, thrilling, experiment (cooking mostly for that one)

8. What were the best books you read this year?

God is Not Great

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Jesus Wants to Save Christians

9. With whom were your most valuable relationships?

My husband, my parents, really getting to know them better and watch the love grow

10. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year?

Marriage (next year should be a little more deep)

11. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally?

I learned that I have to change how I do things, feel about things, and live my life. This caused me to put aside my previous independence and embrace being with someone who loves me as I am, but needs my total commitment to him.

12. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually?

I shrunk here. Losing faith in a lot of things, especially where God is or isn't in my life. Not that I haven't searched, believe me, but I think that I am slowly moving to non-belief, which has become less frightening to me.

13. In what way(s) did you grow physically?

Eating better and dancing.

14. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others?

Embracing my parents as who they are and learning more about and appreciating Freddy's family. Learning how to be proud of the people in my life who make me me, who make us us. Finding women in my life who are true friends (Paige, Jamie, Katie come to mind immediately) and having couples we can hang out with and just be. Learning to just be friends without jealously, caring about keeping up with each other. Now that's freeing.

15. What was the most enjoyable area of managing your home?

Setting up my closets perfectly and eliminating stuff I didn't need when I moved

16. What was your most challenging area of home management?

Moving out of my lifelong home to start a new life was crazy. Everything needed a place and I needed to decide what came and what stayed behind. This was stressful and emotional, but worth it.

17. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?

Oh, so definitely gossip and caring about what people think of me. I need to get over these things.

18. What was the best way you used your time this past year?

My Antioch retreat in April. That was one weekend I didn't want to have, but it became a moment of grace for me. As I move through my faith journey, I have looked back at that weekend to find what impacted me the most, and that weekend wins. I try to hold onto the love I felt that weekend and I think I want it to bring me towards a belief, but again, I'm kinda ok if that doesn't happen I think.

19. What was the biggest thing you learned this past year?

Choosing change was the best word I could have selected for a year jammed with unexpected and anticipated transitions. I learned that although I don't like change, I can accept it and move forward with it, which was my goal.

20. Create a phrase or statement that describes 2009 for you.

Learning the ropes, being myself, loving intensely.

Have a happy 2010!!

My word of 2010 post should be tomorrow.

Christmas Magic

So, I loved my first married Christmas. It was truly memorable and spent with those people Freddy and I love most. So here are some Christmas Q&As about me:

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?
wrapping paper with ribbon, ornaments, and printed tags

2. Real tree or artificial?
This year was the first time in my life for a real tree. Had a tough time decorating it (can't just bend the branches to get an ornament to stay put), but loving the it's organic look and amazing smell.

3. When do you put up the tree?
We put it up a week before Christmas this year, but would like it to be a week earlier if possible.

4. When do you take down the tree?
I like to leave mine up until January 6th, the Epiphany.

5. Do you like egg nog?
Absolutely.

6. Favorite gift received as a child.
I loved my dollhouse and American Girl dolls.

7. Hardest person to buy for.
My brother. He usually likes a gift card, but I like to give a little something extra.

8. Easiest person to buy for.
Freddy. I see what he needs and wants daily.

9. Do you have a nativity scene?

Yes. Mine is from my aunt and uncle and was an engagement gift. What I love is that it is small, so it fits nicely in the apartment. I will always cherish it.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards?
I like to pop them in the mail early December. Writing cards out is one of my favorite holiday activities.

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received.
I like everything I get, but then again I am very easy to shop for.

12. Favorite Christmas movie.
Always has been A Christmas Story and Elf is a recent favorite.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?
Usually the beginning of December.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?
Yup. If I won't use it, it is given to someone who will love it.

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas.
Freddy's Carmine's Garlic and Oil Pasta - It was a HUGE BIG hit this year with the family.

16. Lights on the tree?
Yes. Big, bold colored ones.

17. Travel or stay home for Christmas?
Christmas eve is with my husband's family and Christmas day was at my cousins, which is upstairs. It was nice getting to be kind of at home this year.

18. Open the presents Christmas eve or morning?
Christmas morning.

Joy

And so another Christmas fast approaches. My favorite memories of Christmas prep this year:

1. Buying our first tree as a couple and my first real tree ever

2. Re creating my starbucks wreath

3. Getting our Rarebits toile stockings

4. Freddy making dozens and dozens of cookies

5. Watching Elf with my cousins while sipping cocoa and eating apple crisp

6. Wrapping, wrapping, wrapping

7. Picking that one perfect gift for those we love

Have a fabulous Christmas and enjoy making memories.

I've never...

So, my husband has a bucket list of all the things he wants to accomplish, be a part of, or experience before he kicks the bucket and dies. I so admire that, as he has visions of creating memorable moments.

Today I have been inspired by Cathy's blog about the things I've never done and thought, that is an interesting way to reflect on experiences that I've never had.

In a way I feel like this is a confession on some level, maybe an explanation for why I am the way I am. So here is my list of nevers in my life:

I've never been on a blind date.
I've never tried drugs.
I've never had surgery.
I've never seen someone die.

I never adhered a bumper sticker to my car, but always made them removable.

I've never had a broken bone.
I've never been able to draw or paint.
I've never painted a room or refurnished furniture.
I've never owned a brand-new car.

I didn't go away to college.
I didn't live on my own before being married.
I've never been able to tackle clutter in my life.

I've never interviewed for a job that I didn't get.
I've never been a bridesmaid.
I've never not loved writing, just writing my name can be enough.
I've never liked my feet nor enjoyed shoe shopping.

I've never flown alone.
I've never donated blood.
I never met my grandfathers.
I've never prayed effectively, nor gotten much peace from it.

I've never had a pet.
I've never had many girls as friends.
I've never liked going to the beach.

I didn't have a sweet 16.

Not that this is negative, because none are regrets, just interesting observations.

So, what haven't you done?

Keep it together

So this past week included a harrowing moment of newlywed life. My husband was rushed to the emergency room because he was suffering from asthma and could not breathe. After being in the ER for a couple of hours, it was determined that he has pneumonia.

I'm not going to lie...it was one of those situations you cannot prepare for and that you dread. I have to say, I am incredibly grateful for Freddy's mom who swept in and drove us to the hospital and made sure that all the medical history questions were answered correctly.

Here's my hubby, hooked up to tubes, but still smiling :)

The lessons I learned from this not-so-fun experience:

-call doctors and nurses that you know and trust. They will be honest with you and prepare you for everything that will happen.

-be aware of your body's limitations, emotionally and physically

-bring food and water and your cellphone charger to the ER. You don't know when you'll eat and you will need to keep in touch with everyone.

-bring your own blanket (we thought of this and forgot it)

-deep breaths and little prayers along the way help a lot

-know that family are there for you, especially in the worst times. I am so grateful to all my close friends and family who checked in on us the past few days. It really made us feel loved.

-cherish every moment with those you love

Blog changes and the word

Being that I actually seem to be posting a bit, I have decided the blog will undergo some aesthetic changes. So, the next few days you may notice new photos and a different layout. It may be weird, but being that change is my word for 2009, this one should be easy to implement.

Speaking of the word...time to start thinking of a word for 2010. Selecting a word to immerse in for a year has been something I have tried for the past three years. In 2007 it was JOY, 2008 was PEACE, and 2009 is CHANGE.

Each year, focusing on the selected word has allowed me to think about where I can improve, how the sentiment or experience exists in my life and how to be grateful for it. I have some thoughts for 2010 and will share the selection on January 1st.

The idea for the word came from Ali's blog. She has several posts on this that may help you to select a word for your new year found here, here, and here.

Give and Receive

Ah, the holiday season aka shop till you drop time. Go to parties, eat, drink, try to be merry. Actually it is a fabulous time of the year, you just have to embrace the fun parts.

For me, shopping is my highlight of Christmas. I love getting the gift, making the tag, wrapping, and tying bows.

This year I am having a serious block on what to give as Christmas presents. So I present my favorite gifts that I have probably over-given, so can't use anymore. This is my 2009 gift guide:

A Lisa Leonard Necklace

Get any necklace she makes personalized with a meaningful phrase, your loved-ones' names, favorite words. I just love her stuff.

Starbucks gift card with matching mug

Easy and everyone loves it.

Your favorite book

Share one of your favorite reads, have discussions that can last after Christmas. Ah, the corniness is great, but I really do mean it.

Anything philosophy

Cute, sometimes meaningful, and something that one wouldn't buy herself

Framed family photo

I love this one. Sometimes people don't have a copy of a cool pic you took and often we don't have time to frame stuff. Pick a frame that will go with the recipient's decor to make sure it will be usable.

And if you are really stuck, there are always Christmas ornaments that signify something special that happened that year.

Our Little Corner of the World

So, life here is getting settled and slowly Freddy and I are throwing away boxes and living out of them a lot less. We are adjusting to getting dinner ready on time, cleaning the bathroom, and relaxing with each other. We did notice we lost the downtime we had before becoming newlyweds. Now we find there are always things to be done, so we have to take time to remember to stay calm sometimes (mostly me).

Here are some peeks into our place. I'm starting to get little touches of Christmas...getting into the spirit slowly :)

I was thrilled to find this wreath (the first real one I've ever had) and little tree to surprise me when I came home from singing Sunday:

Our living room:

A little display:

Our wedding photo with Freddy's parents' photo:

Freddy made this kPf photo for me last year for Christmas. It is surrounded by Freddy's bird prints:

Our kitchen table:

My collection of Starbucks mugs:

Thank-filled day

I really loved our first married Thanksgiving. Everything was just absolutely delightful and we had the chance to spend time with everyone we love.

First stop was our annual breakfast with our "family" hosted by Aunt Barbara and Uncle Brendan. Lots of laughs, especially during our bingo and slot machine games.

Here's Freddy with Aunt Barbara:

And with my dad:

And the whole group for our annual photo:

Freddy and I then went to dinner with his family. It was awesome, at a restaurant, great food, better company. Will post a photo as soon as I get it.

Then it was off to dessert with the Magistros. Just a great moment to see the family.

With Grace and Maria, two super cool and very inspirational young women:

Freddy got a little sleepy:

And my family all together:

Hope everyone had a great day feeling thankful.

Thankful 2009

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the year. I hope that it can always be a simple day with the people I love. The photo is from our annual breakfast '08.

Here is my 2009 I'm Thankful For...
1. My husband. He loves me, supports me, and cooks for me :)
2. Health.
3. Our apartment and making it ours.
4. Family members who love us, friends who are true.

Have a happy Thanksgiving!!!!

My virtual bookshelves

I am a reader and it was a little hard for me to donate a lot of my older/read books when I was moving out. I felt like reading them had been an accomplishment, but had to realize that they get buggy and had to go to people who might enjoy them.

And then I stumble upon goodreads.com. This place is too cool. I get to document all the books I have read, am reading, or want to read without really needing to hold onto the book itself. Just a great site.

I am still compiling my lists and want to review some of the books I read, but I am not going feel pressured to do so. That's also what's cool about the site - I'm not making it a chore. I think I have been adding books to my virtual shelf for a year, but I don't let it become an obsession. Reading and enjoying the books has to be the priority.

Ahhhh, time to go enjoy a few more pages of the Lady in the Tower about Anne Boleyn's fall with a cup of tea!

One Month Later

And so I have enjoyed one month of married life. And I must say, it is lovely.

Things I have learned:

-Life is easier when someone else loves to cook.

-It's fun discovering your dreams together.

-I like to keep things super clean. I never thought I would be like this, but I am a cleaning fiend. And I like washing dishes. I am sure that will get old fast.

-I miss my family and friends way more than I expected to.

-Freddy and I have different sleep schedules.

-It's an adjustment to feel settled. Just trying to say "my parents' house" instead of "home" has been hard.

-It is absolutely awesome to not have to leave Freddy (or have him leave me) and drive home each night.

One Month More

So, in one month I will be getting married. Ya know, when I picked my word for 2009 (change), I really had no idea just how many transformations would be going on in my life.

The obvious one is my marriage. Looking forward to starting a new life with compromise, shared dreams, and beauty. I know that there will be challenges. I know there will be some cloudy moments. But I also know that there will always be good things, even if I have to look a little harder sometimes. I know that Freddy is an incredible man who supports and loves me and for that I am most grateful.

Next is moving out. eeeek! I am slightly terrified about this. I have never moved ever. Not even out of my bedroom, so I am a little terrified of this. But it does give me a chance to clean out and simplify my life, focus on the things that make me happy.

And the one change that I didn't see coming was my new position at work. This was huge and came at just the right time for Freddy and I. A new desk, new office mate, and lots of new responsibilities and challenges.

One heck of a year of transformations...one month more to the big day!

Wedding Favors

So, I wanted to do something slightly different, but very me for wedding favors. And, after much deliberation and support from my fiance and friends, I am going for it....five handmade cards for guests to take home and send to those they love.


So, 100 thank you cards are completed and I have 400 to go! Very excited. The sage and chocolate satin ribbon to tie them with is ordered and I am just so looking forward to people getting to pass along some joy!!!

Summer Reading Update 1

So far, so good. Here are the finished books with short reviews:

Columbine – eh, it was good. I felt it was a little choppy, as the author constantly wrote about the event, then flash backed to before, then did psych profiles, then fast forwarded, so kinda annoying. I did love the last three chapters that discussed the event minute-by-minute and the updates of the survivors.

We Can Have Peace in the Holy Land – Also a little eh. Again, I think it was Carter’s re-write of his previous book, so nothing was new to me.

Wicked – Just fab. I loved the social justice piece of it, loved the witty language. Just a phenomenal read. Very engaging.

Current List:
The God Delusion – Still going strong with this. Deep man, way deep. The chapter I am currently reading is about morals, how we have evolved to acquire them. Interesting stuff.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows – This is a re-read. I read the book two years ago when it came out in eight hours non-stop, thus I have forgotten most of it. The 6th movie made me want to read this again so I can remember what happened.

Kill the Princess – A study of how women still need to conform to societal expectations. Verrrrry interesting.

Science of Good and Evil – An examination of how people live by the Golden Rule, why, the role of religion. A weighty book, but a good one. I am reading little bits of it, but mostly the God Delusion first. It does get odd when these two books quote each other.

Happy page-turning!

CD Storage Complete

So today I finally got to work organizing the massive CD collection. 4 recycle bags of cases, 1 broken nail, and 4 hours later I am finished. I ordered 4 storage cases and sleeves hoping to get my 300+ CDs in order. Woke up at 10:30 and got right to it. Gathered all CDs and divided them by genre. Then alphabetized. Then wrote order down (eventually I hope to put them in a spreadsheet to make easier to update) and began the painful process of separating the CDs from their precious jewel cases. For any CD that had the songs printed on them, they were easily placed in the sleeve. Those without, I had to pry the back of the case off and slice down the song order section.











I did keep all the booklets in a shoe box for now. Also kept all the cool Tori Amos CD cases. And ta-da it is finished.


And feels so flippin cool! Happy weekend all :)

Dwelling in Goodness

I am a total believer in Karma and I think it can only a good thing to spread joy, happiness, and simple goodness around. Can't hurt, right?

So here is my simply good thing for this week. Freerice.com donates ten grains of rice for every question you get right to the UN World Food Program to help end world hunger. You can answer vocabulary, art, english, math, chemistry, and language questions. So you build brain power and help people. Love this.

Summer Reading

So based on a request from the wonderful Kate, here is my summer reading pile. There usually isn't any rhyme or reason as to why I pick such books and you will notice that sometimes huge contradictions exist. Links are to the books on amazon so you too can put them on your wishlist so that when you have to make a purchase for someone else, you can easily add one of these books to get the super-saver shipping when you spend 25.00.

Finished:
Shanghi Girls by Lisa See - I loved reading this account of two sisters as they move from China to Los Angeles. Moving and inspirational, but the ending slightly let me down.

Honky by Dalton Conley - This is SJC's freshman seminar choice and it was a touching memoir of a young white boy growing uo in the projects of NYC where he was the minority. Enjoyed this a lot.

Yes! Attitude by Jeffrey Gitomer - Adored this little book! Totally need to integrate some of the ideas. I just loved the anecdotes and advice.

Jesus Wants to Save Christians by Rob Bell - I struggle with my faith - A LOT, but Rob Bell's books always speak to me. Bell is a minister in Michigan and this book details how Christians need to reach out to the poor, displaced, disadvantaged. I was blown away by his message.

God is not Great by Christopher Hitchens - I told you, I read contrasting things. This book was a good read, though wouldn't say incredible. I did appreciate Hitchens' criticism of all religions, not just the top three we think of.

Currently Reading:

Columbine by Dave Cullen - I have been reading this for a few months. I like it, but find it a bit disjointed going back and forth in the story. But I love true crime books, so I'll eventually finish it.

We Can Have Peace in the Holy Land by Jimmy Carter - I love this man. The book resembles Carter's Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid that I read a year or so ago, so this is a little boring.

Wicked by Gregory Maguire - Loving this

Open the Door by Joyce Rupp - with my prayer group, we meditate on a day each week. This is a powerfully spiritual book and it is an awakening for me.

The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins - I know about evolution, but not enough. Dawkins knows a lot. And so I am loving how he discusses intelligent design vs. evolution in an easy-to-understand way with lots of humor thrown in.

To-Be Read
Simple Happiness by Jim Ryan - A recommendation from Paige.

20-Something Manifesto by Christine Hassler

The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy - I have owned this book for so long that the pages are yellow.

Dreams from my Father by Barack Obama - Started it a while ago and need to get back into it.

Son of the Witch by Gregory Maguire - Sequel to Wicked

The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale

Prayer by Joyce Rupp

I reallllly want a book club...anyone at all interested. I promise I won't make you read the boring non-fiction I do adore :)

Happy page-turning!

Me Right Now

Outside my window...bright sun, chirping birds

I am thinking...about how to store all my CDs and photos. Checking out storage options at the containerstore.com

I am thankful for...my still-going-strong car

From the kitchen...Zucchini pie for dinner tonight and birthday cake for Patty later.

I am wearing...blue top and paisley skirt with brown wedge sandals

I am creating...design team layouts for the store

I am going...to my prayer meeting tonight

I am reading... Wicked by Gregory McGuire and The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins. Wondering why I didn't read these books earlier in my life.

I am hoping...that I can start doing some laundry today. There's a mountain of clothes waiting for me.

I am hearing...The hum of the computer and my mom in the kitchen cooking

Around the house...Dad's watching Cash Cab, Aunt Rita is relaxing, Mom's cooking.

One of my favorite things...was having sushi for lunch today. So satisfying.

A few plans for the rest of the week...work tomorrow, swing dance lessons tomorrow evening, relaxing and cleaning Friday, BBQ Saturday. Loooove 3-day weekends.

A picture to share...My necklace holder basking in the sun

ok I'm back

So yea I took a very long blogging break. I have just not given it the priority it was, but I now realize how much I benefitted from it.

Things that have happened over the past few months:
1. I took ballet and loved it. It pushed me to take the time to care for my body and my instructor Miss Claudia was a true inspiration.

2. I have been reading constantly. Lots of books on lots of topics. Right now I am starting wicked. Yup I'm the only person who hasn't read that.

3. Freddy and I are taking swing dancing lessons. Totally fun.

4. Freddy became a pampered chef consultant so we have lots of cool gadgets. And he is doing something he loves.

5. Wedding planning continues and is going well.

6. Life is good.

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