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.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

Good things

Lots of cool things happened this month, so here's a quick review:

Feb 1 - Polar Bear Plunge!!
This has been one of Freddy's dreams and we plunged for Make-A-Wish. such an exhilarating experience. More photos to come, but this is us getting ready for the dip. Thanks Lauren for capturing this!

Feb. 6,7,8: Donna Downey scrapping adventure
While I am a creative person, I don't tend to go too far out of my box. My weekend with Donna was inspiring and all around amazing. I am very motivated to capture the special moments of my life. Here's me with Donna:

Feb 8: Farewell to Florence. As you know, I have been praying with a group of women for almost 2 years. Florence, a strong, compassionate and affirming woman is moving to Savannah later this month. We had this great surprise party for her, bringing together the many people whose lives she has touched. Florence is next to me in yellow.


Feb 13th Valentine's Day
Enjoyed yummy ramen noodle shrimp pouches prepared by darling Freddy and flowering tea.




Feb 14th Death by Chocolate
My Aunt Barbara and Uncle Brendan hosted a murder party. Freddy was a puppeteer and I was a chocolate maven. A completely funny night.





And then this weekend. No photos, but a lot went on. We celebrated Freddy's grandpa's 70th birthday and attended a benefit for a friend's niece. And today, well I got up at noon and now I am blogging.

I do have a huge recommendation for everyone, though. How I never saw this documentary before is a mystery, but thanks to Patty for suggesting I see it. Unchained Memories on HBO is readings of slave narratives by black actors. I was completely moved and stunned. If you have 73 minutes, watch it.

My favorite things

I thought I would post some of my most favorite essential items in my life right now. And being that it is winter, many of them are posted because they are practical. Just so no one gets offended, people do come first, I totally believe that. This is a simple fluff post.

I adore my Hearthside slippers from LLBean. Warm, cozy, and slightly stylish. When I come home, they go right on.


philosophy's pure grace perfume. Clean, soap and watery fragrance.



My Judith Ripka pearl/Diamonique necklace. Love this for every day wear, can dress it up or down.

My Eddie Bauer 700 down fill coat (mine is chocolate and larger than this tiny available photo). This has been a seriously cold winter and this coat has kept me toasty warm.



Super soft and uber-comfy pjs. a must for me.


Tazo Passion tea. Full flavor, caffeine-free, perfect for evenings reading.



And as all of you probably know, Vera bags. This one, the Gabby bag in Hope Garden is my new fave.

So....share some of your faves with me!!

taking time to create

When I was younger I was never considered artistic. That was my brother. He is an incredible artist and I never had what it took to cultivate that. I was always the crafty one. I made friendship bracelets, lanyards, stamped cards, beaded jewelry, painted clam shells...and all of these I tried to sell as a little kid. My poor family members had to buy all the stuff...my parents still use the box stitch lanyard key chains for the boat :). But throughout high school I lost that crafty side. I don't even remember having many hobbies in high school that involved creating anything.

In college I met Freddy and his mom, Sandra started scrapbooking. I remember seeing her albums and thinking how amazing, cool, fun that hobby looked. Little did I know it would become a huge part of my life. I started taking way more pictures, switched to a digital camera, and started to look for fun moments to scrapbook. I love this hobby because I am creating for me and my family. I am not looking to sell stuff to people, but I am instead preserving memories. I am so fortunate to be on a design team at a local scrapbook store where I get to create even more cool stuff.

So today I encourage you to create something. It can be poetry, a picture, scrapping, some skill you are talented at already and want to develop further.

Here was my creation today. Simple, fun.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]