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12.30.2007

year in review

Personal only this year...


2007 has been a great year! We traveled to Ireland, and I got to at least 9 other states (NH, MA, DE, NJ, NY, CA, IN, DC, IL). Two of my uncles got married, plus a cousin, Trav's brother and two sets of friends. Our friend Bri became a daddy. We went to a few hockey games, a baseball game, a football game (two for Trav), I reconnected with an old high school friend, and cut my hair. I turned 25, Trav & I celebrated one year of marriage/7 years together, and the quads moved to Boston. We fixed up our bathroom some.

It has been a great year. And looking back on it I can't help but feel like a very luck girl.



A meme, from last year!
1. What did you do in 2007 that you had never done before?
Travel internationally with my hubby!

2. Did you keep your new years resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Hmm... sort of. I did declutter some, but not as I had hoped. So far I haven't made a resolution for next year, and I'm not sure that I will. Maybe its better to not and just attempt to be the best me I can be?!

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes! Brian and Stacey had their beautiful baby boy!

4. Did anyone close to you die?
No, we were lucky this year.

5. What countries did you visit?
Beautiful Ireland!

6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
A less cluttered and more "us" house. A better job.

7. What dates from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
Fall '07 and our trip to Ireland.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Hmm, I'm not sure. Maybe just enjoying life so much. It was a really good year.

9. What was your biggest failure?
I don't like to think about things as failures.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Ugh, so sick after Halloween... but otherwise, we were lucky again.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
Well, i didn't buy it (got it as a gift), but I'm super excited for new ink!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
Hmm, is this like who gets a gold star? Most of my family, all of my "thick and thin" friends, and definitely my husband.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
Nothing personal, but there were definitely a few appalling news items.

14. Where did most of your money go?
Paying down house stuff.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Our friend's weddings, our trip to Ireland.

16. What song will always remind you of 2007?
Hmm... maybe "Umbrella".

17. Compared to this time last year, are you: a) happier or sadder? b) thinner or fatter? c) richer or poorer?
a) Maybe a little happier, in general life is very good.

b) Hmm... hopefully a little thinner!

c) Richer I think.

18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Exercise... house fix ups.

19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Let things I can't control get me down.

20. How did you spend Christmas?
With my wonderful family and amazing in-laws.

21. Did you fall in love in 2007?
I fell more in love... if that counts.

Hm, 22 is missing.

23. What was your favorite TV program?
House, CSI, NCIS, and Scrubs.

24. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Hate is a waste of time.

25. What was the best book you read?
The last Harry Potter book... so sad its over!

26. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Lots of random "little guy" artists.

27. What did you want and get?
New ink (well, technically I'm getting it in '08 since my appt is next weekend... but I got the means for christmas)!

28. What did you want and not get?
A new job and a new house... lol.

29. What was your favorite film this year?
Harry Potter.

30. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I was 25... we had a great dinner at Morimoto's and celebrated with some friends.

31. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Not too much except for maybe getting more house stuff done.

32. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
Casual business comfort.

32. What kept you sane?
My husband, family, friends... I'm a lucky girl.

34. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
You know I still love me some Angie.

35. What political issue stirred you the most?
The war.

36. Who did you miss?
Hmm... no one really.

37. Who was the best new person you met?
Don't know that I met new people, but I've definitely gotten closer to some people this year, which was nice.

38. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007.
That sometimes you have to relax and let life take you where it will... to can't control everything and sometimes it's best to know when to let go.


Happy New Year Y'all!! :-)

12.28.2007

holiday stuffs, part two

Pictures from my parents camera, since I forgot mine:




Aren't we cute?

As an aside, I didn't end up making bread pudding... but my mom and I did decide that next year Trav and I would host Thanksgiving (with her assistance, of course)! Exciting... and scary, but definitely exciting!

Other quick notes... my ring is fixed, cleaned, and shined. It hasn't looked this nice since I first got it! Today is quiet and lazy.... with a four-day weekend ahead. And on that note, back to work for me!

12.27.2007

holiday roundup

Very sad news indeed: Bhutto killed. She was a very brave woman, and its sad her life was ended in this way.



On a nicer note... thank you for all the holiday wishes! We had a wonderful Christmas with both families. We saw most of Travis' family over the weekend and on Christmas Eve day. Christmas Eve night we headed up to my parents and spent the night there. It was very relaxing, and just what I needed. I feel 100x better this week then I did last week. I love four-day weekends, although coming back after them is always a little tough!

We both got some nice stuff... some clothes, cash, gift certificates for some new ink (yippee!), earrings, etc. Good stuff. And the fun continues this weekend... Willy's holiday party is on Saturday, before which I have a hair appointment and I'll be stopping by the tattoo shop to price out two designs. Then Monday night we're headed up that way again for a NYE party at a family friends' place. I'm excited for all of it.

The office is quiet this week... everyone (except for Miyano, who is in Japan until the 13th) is in at some point this week, but not all at the same time. Its kind of nice and lets me enjoy lunches out doing other things. Yesterday I did some shopping with a gift card I got to gap/old navy/banana republic. I got a great sweater and ordered some jeans from online (these and these... hopefully one pair will fit!). Today I'm going to run out and see a guy I know from the train, who happens to be a jeweler. Somehow I bent one of the prongs on my engagement ring! So I figure, I should get that fixed sooner rather then later!

Well, back to work for me! If I don't get back this week... have a very happy New Year!!

12.21.2007

merry christmas!! happy holidays!!

Gah! The week was so slow, but I still didn't get here to post. I'm still having crazy dreams that wake me up throughout the night... but at least no more about family members dying (last night, Ro was a monkey. just the cutest little chimp you ever did see...). They do leave me pretty tired though, and my stomach has still been rolling during the day. Perhaps a side effect of antibotic #2? I'll have to check. In anycase, I'm definitely looking forward to the four-day weekend ahead, and of course, the holidays. Hopefully I'll be much more well rested come next week.

Leaving work today at 3, and still tons to get done... so off I go. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays to all!!


Ps. Check out the Year in Pictures. Beautiful and heartwrenching all at the same time.

12.17.2007

mixed reviews

The weekend was a mixed bag. The laziness was good, the weather was gross, the couples massage on Sunday (an early Christmas surprise for Trav) was wonderful and relaxing, the leak in our roof that is going to set us back $900 is very frustrating. It all makes me feel very scattered, and my stomach a little knotted. Bah.

BUT the roof is being fixed today, and that makes me thankful for the fact that we do scrimp and save so much... thereby having a substancial savings that we can pull that from no problem. That, after all, is what it is there for.

Guess I don't really have much else to say this morning. Lots running through my head, but nothing I really want to put out there at the moment. I feel like I'm waiting for something, but I don't know what. It's an odd feeling. I'm eager for this week to be over so Christmas can get here already.

12.14.2007

mental stuff

I wanted to make a post just to point out this blog entry to people.

It's at Dooce, and I think you all know how I feel about Dooce/Heather. Like, if she were food I would weigh 900 lbs because I can't get enough of her. Yum, that Dooce sure is fattening, but I love her so... But love her, hate her, never read her before... you really need to read this post. You really do. Because she says so beautifully what I could not.

My family has a history of mental, uh, issues. My father is bipolar... I'm pretty sure his parents have some undiagnosed issues, and I've definitely suffered from bouts of depression. Heather is articulate, straight-forward, and gets the point across that whatever you are feeling there is no shame in getting some help for it. Be that therapy, drugs, herbs, or an alternative form of treatment... just get some help. There is no shame in needing a professional to help you with a disease.

Okay, have a great weekend and read that post!



ps. Who are you anonymous commenter? You creeped me out a little! :-)

12.13.2007

abstract day in the life

In picture form...







I actually brought in my camera the other day... I was taking it to the hockey game and since I had it, decided to take some pictures at work. Abstracts that make up my day.

Of course I completely forgot to take it out into Philadelphia at any point during the day, so I didn't get that aspect (I think I could have fun taking pictures around the trains, etc.)... but it's a start.

(Note: Didn't plan it this way, but another blog I read also did a similar post today. Except her's included pictures of, you know, her... and her big boobs, gorgeous hair, walk in closet with accessory wall {um, for real?!}, and slightly odd looking kids... I think they need to grow into their huge eyes, right now they look like elves. Anywhoo! Point being, this is more a "while I'm at work" day in the life, and pretty abbreviated... and it was just coincidence that its posted the same time. Not that any of you would have noticed if I hadn't said anything. Okay, end rant.)


Work holiday party today which should be fun! Good food, holiday spirit. Plus, I smell so yummy today... I got myself this* (thanks gram!), which is lovely and makes me feel pretty. I didn't think a smell could make me feel pretty, but this one does! Okay, back to work.


* Except, dear god it didn't cost that much because, holy hell, really?! Do people pay that much for perfume?! I mean it smells REALLY nice... I haven't found one person who doesn't like is so far... and I've had a lot of people smell me, but it doesn't smell THAT nice.

12.12.2007

hockey!

Did any of you watch the Flyers vs. Penguins game last night? No? Well, I did! Live!
Woot!

These are from the warm up:



We knew it would be a good game when there was a fight 20 seconds in:



And it really was a good game. I'm not just saying that because we kicked ass either (or because of the 5or so fights!). :-) It was pretty fast paced, and high action. Some great saves, some great scores.




Trav and I had a lot of fun. Maybe I had a little more... ;-) but we both had fun.

12.11.2007

You've got Mail

Here is your virtual Christmas card (from our family to yours, internet)!


(They look even better in person.) Now that everyone should have recieved their Christmas cards, I thought it was safe to post my design. So here is your virtual holiday card.

Enjoy!


Ps. This video definitely made me tear up a bit... if I weren't viewing it at work I probably would have actually cried. It's not the first part that gets to me, but the second part, from the dog's p.o.v. Watch it if you've ever loved an animal.

12.10.2007

Tis the Season... part two

Aka. Just one reason why I love my husband...
Blurry, sorry! And ignore the one strand of Christmas lights that went out in the center, we are fixing them today...

He did this for me!! :-) What a great man.


Plus, my early Christmas gift which I wore to his work Christmas party on Friday night, and am actually wearing again today (the dress):

And two from the party:


What a handsome man. My appletinis and I had a great time.

We also have stockings hung in the stairwell with care (mine is full already!)... and stuffed snowmen... and a few other odds and ends. Yippee!!


Other bits from the weekend: Walked with Ro both Saturday and Sunday, so we logged 10miles this weekend. Not too shabby. Saturday night we realized that we didn't have any gas coming into our house... not cool since its what we use to cook and heat in our house. Called the gas company, who were great and came out very quickly... but we ended up being without heat/hot water/stove or oven abilities for 7+ hours. Finally they knocked on our door at 2a.m. and turned everything back on for us. Could have been a lot worse.
Otherwise, lazy weekend. Which I love! Travis made homemade venison sausage patties... yum!

Thursday is my work Christmas party, otherwise I have a quiet week ahead. Back to work!

12.06.2007

post overload

Just a quicky... I feel like I'm on post overdrive.

Last night was the third night in a row that I dreampt someone I love died. Very weird. First it was my brother, then it was Alex (of the quads), then it was my Uncle Wray. In all of them something prevents me from mourning. Wonder what it all means?

Also updated my links section... divided it up a bit and added a half-dozen new links. I think I read too many blogs. But they are all worth the read if you need a distraction.

Check out the pictures I posted below...

12.05.2007

its beginning to look a lot like...

Winter!!




Not the best pictures, but it was already dark when I got home. The last one is just funny because I accidentally let the flash go off and all I got was snowflakes!

Night all!

urgh

I really really need to do work today.... because honestly I've been pretty bad about it this week, and if my boss came up to me right now and said what have you done these past few days, I would have to answer, "not so much stuff, as not stuff?" (Althought I had an excuse on Monday because we had an event during the day that I had to help with... a big one, keynote: Ed Rendell, damn skippy.) And yesterday, well I got some done yesterday, but not enough and it's just so hard to concentrate.

Another trip to the dermatologist this morning... I didn't have to spend an hour in the waiting room this time which is nice, but still waited for a half hour in the exam room. She gave me a different antibotic, and some other creams, etc. Wish me luck.

This past weekend was good... saw a bunch of friends, relaxed, did a big food shopping and actually have stuff in our fridge now! Made a big batch of Cinnamon Bacon Carbonara, which is one of my favorites! I can't make it often though because it's one of those dishes I eat every meal until it's gone!! I finished it last night. Mmm.

Snow today (right now, in fact) and less then three weeks until Christmas!! Maybe some pictures if the snow sticks and is pretty. Ciao!!

12.04.2007

tis the season

So we haven't decorated yet... no christmas boxes have even been pulled out of the basement (or the closet? where are our decorations?). I always kind of felt guilty about not decorating our house more. I want a real tree! A big one! Perfectly done up with lights, delicate glass balls, and some ornaments that mean something (like the one I bought in Ireland! Because, wait... why did I buy that?). But in truth the most we normally do is put out our stuffed snowmen, our two foot mini-tree, and hang out stockings. And on the outside? Well you can see the fake candles we stick in our bedroom window... and that's about it.

I read that to have a truly stress-free (or at least, less stress) holiday season... one that is full of the things that matter, like family, friends, and goodwill towards men... you should pick the two "Christmas to-do" things that matter most to you and not worry about the rest. Example, baking cookies to hand out... decorating your house perfectly... sending out 70 christmas cards... etc. I've already done the 70 (yes, 70) cards, they were mailed out yesterday. I'm not sure what my second thing will be, but decorating the house the way I wish it could be decorated? Not it. And I'm going to do my best not to feel bad about that. Instead I'll enjoy my parent's tree, and their beautiful garland. We will hang up stockings and fill them with little things for each other. Maybe I can even get a wreath! For our front door!

But secretly I will still want a big, live tree.



Happy Hanukkah!



ps. Maybe baking a fabulous desert to take to my parent's... or one each to take there and to Willy's, maybe that will be my number two? Doesn't this look divine?! I do love bread pudding (with no raisins... that must be noted)! Cheers!

11.29.2007

sleepy sleepy

I'm so tired today! I feel like I'm moving in slow motion. Bah.
BUT last night was great and definitely worth the slow start today. Last night I got together with a friend of mine from high school, Vadim. We haven't seen each other since the summer following my freshman year of college, so it had been quite a while. But we had a great time! We spent a leisurely two hour dinner catching up and talking about what we were doing now. It was a lot of fun and we plan to do it again in a few weeks with our significant others in tow.

The restaurant was great too! We went to a place called 1225 Raw... we loved it. Great place (small, but funky - great decor), awesome food, good service, and the price was not bad. We each paid $40, but the actual bill price was $68... and about $20 of that was our (two) drinks. So not bad at all, especially to be completely stuffed afterwards.
We started off splitting the rock shrimp tempura plate which was amazing and bigger then I thought. I had miso soup, a salmon avacado roll, and some mut-su sushi (a white tuna, so good). He had one of their special rolls, which was HUGE! and delish. I'm a big sushi eater, it's my favorite kind of food... but that really filled me up (which is good). Plus, just a nice atmosphere. I highly recommend it.

Other news, that antibotic I'm taking has started making me nauseous... I'm supposed to take it definitely without dairy, but also without food if possible. For the first week or so after I took it, no problems. I'd take it with a glass of water before I left in the morning (around 8) and eat something when I got to work (around 9). Now I'm not even off the train before I start feeling barfy. No fun. Only about two more weeks until I'm done... hopefully I won't yack on the train before it's over. Wish me luck.

In nicer news, I am definitely in the holiday spirit! Cards are almost done (actually waiting to get ten more in the mail because we were short!), and I'm just feeling that warm loveliness that comes with the season. It makes me appreciate my fellow man a lot more... and hopefully it will give me a bit of energy/drive to dig out some Christmas decorations this weekend. It definitely helps that I just got a call from the scholar I was doing work for, and I will have a hand delivered check tomorrow! Perfect timing to pay off the Christmas gifts credit card payment. Now that is Christmas spirit worthy!!

Okay, back to work! Ciao!

11.27.2007

gah!

Didn't mean to leave that non-entry, entry up for a week... but damn does time fly. With Thanksgiving, and enjoying my four-day weekend, and then a busy Monday.... well this is my first chance to get back.

First off, glad to get some positive feedback on the new banner... I'm considering changing all the rest of the colors (background, etc.) too, but damn does that involve a lot of messing around that I don't have the time/energy for at the moment. Changing the background involves changing two panel colors, which then means messing with the text colors to make sure its readable, and the link colors, and the text title and side bar title colors, plus date and time stamps, entry seperator symbols, and tag colors. So, perhaps more changes in the near future... as time and patience allows!


Thanksgiving was great. Very nice trip up to my parent's with great food, and of course, fun with the family. We stuck with tradition and watched "Miracle on 34th St."... it starts with the Thanksgiving Day parade, so we always watch it on Thanksgiving, to kick off the season. I know it drives Trav a little crazy, he thinks its way too early for Christmas movies, but I love starting the season off early. It gives me the warm fuzzies... ;-)
I also asked my mom if she could write out a "Thankgiving prep schedule" for me, listing everything she does to get ready for the day. From when she moves the turkey from freezer to fridge, to when she makes the pies, and when she starts the gravy. Everything. She has it down to such a science, why mess with perfection? I figure eventually Trav and I will want to host a meal or two ourselves, and I'd like to have a set game plan... Maybe even next year?

Friday morning, Trav was up at 3:30a.m. to head to the Game Stop, where he stood in line for the chance at getting a Wii. Luckily, he was successful! So much of the rest of our weekend was spent alternating between chores and playing on the Wii. My mom, brother, and I joined Trav for some more shopping a bit later in the day (around 10ish)... we headed to Barnes & Nobles (I got a book and a present for my dad, my mom got stuff for all of us), Sears (another present for my dad), Kohl's (my mom and brother took care of me), and Walmart (a milkshake from their McD's... hey, I was hungry!). That night after headed back to our place, Trav and I also hit up the Best Buy (mp3 player for me), Target (baby shower gifts), and grocery store. A very successful day I would say!

Saturday and Sunday were much lazier. Lots of chores, Wii playing, and relaxing. I did a 4.3mile walk on Saturday which was nice. I also got most of our Christmas cards addressed and written out. I just have to weigh them, buy postage, and stamp them. Then we can send them out. Sunday I had a babyshower to head to for Trav's cousin. The only time the whole weekend I remembered to take pictures, was at the babyshower... and they are just some shots of the mom opening presents (so I won't even post). All in all though, a great four-day weekend.


The Eagles game offered a pleseant finish as well. Even though we lost, I'm sure all Eagles fans are with me on saying that the game was a DAMN good showing!! We really gave New England a run for their money! Something only one other team has really done this year. Hopefully this is a turn around for us (I know, talk about too little too late... but I'll take what I can get). I honestly wouldn't be upset if McNabb had to sit out another game or two. I would love Feeley to have more opportunity to prove himself. Plus they whole team seemed to really step it up with him at the helm. Hopefully we'll play consistantly at this level for the rest of the year.


Well, so much work to get done today... so I should get back to the grind.

11.20.2007

new banner...

Not sure how I feel about it, but the old one had to go...

thoughts? suggestion?


ps. real post below

tuesday tuesday?

Opps... well I haven't exactly been ignoring this place, but just unable to find time/energy to post. So let's see, what's new.
First, feeling about 99% again! Which is great. No more hacking up a lung all the time, although I'm still coughing some in the morning. Sleep has been easier, and I just feel so much better overall. I think my body is appreciating the slower pace.

Thursday, the Annual Dinner went well. Everything on our side went smoothly, the Westin was amazing as always, and even though the speaker wasn't the best, it was still good. I have awesome coworkers too, which always helps.... and we had fun having a celebratory drink at the bar, post-dinner (sorry, low res pictures, I only had my old camera with me).

The biggest downside for me was the fact that my new shoes broke me in instead of the other was around. My left little toe is still blister-covered.

Friday I got to sleep in some which was also good! The weekend, and Lehigh/Lafayette was a lot of fun... waking up at the crack of dawn on Saturday to drive up, not so much... but it was great to see everyone. Trav and Pat left after the game (we lost at the last moment, very disappointing) to head to Jersey, they stayed the night there before heading to the Steeler's game on Sunday (bummer of a loss on that one too!).



Lehigh is beautiful this time of year!!
I hung out at Psi U for a while, then McGrady's (a bar, one of my old "haunts") which was a lot of fun with Slink Ed & Bo, then left and headed down to Ro & Pat's, to hang out with Ro. We saw License to Wed (pretty funny, but I was unsure of it the whole time... the ending redeems it a bit), drank Pina Colladas, and talked. We woke up on Sunday to no power, but it was back pretty quickly. We headed out to my place next so I could change clothes, then to brunch, then did the 5-mile trail in Riddley Creek State Park. It was nice to walk again after so long of not having the time to do it! And I felt good doing it too... which was a nice change after how weak I got while sick (out of breath after walking two blocks, horrific). Hopefully we'll walk this weekend too.

This is is moving a bit slowly, but since it's only a three-day week... I can deal!! I can't wait for Thanksgiving... one of my favorite holidays. Lots of food and family, a great combo. Plus a four day weekend. But for now, back to work!

11.16.2007

women

creatures of true emotion,
beautiful, open, genuine
sometimes sunshine and rainbows
sometimes storms and rain and howling
pink and grey, comfort and strength
ultimately, breakably human.


Real post later... have a great weekend.

11.15.2007

14hr day

Today is the big day at work and I'm not worried at all! It should be great. Although I did start off the day by "biting it" in the lobby... ouch. How the hell do women walk in high heals everyday?

Went to the dermatologist yesterday and got some heavy-duty antibotics and some face creams that she thinks will help my face clear up. Looked up the antibotics, apparently they are also used to treat malaria!! Awesome... I can check malaria off my list of worries for the next two weeks!

Finished my work project last night (hallelujah!), and if I make it through today's 14hr day, I'm home free. :-) Woo! Wish me luck I don't break my ankle in the process!

11.13.2007

*scratch scratch scratch*

Two nights in a row now I've been unable to fall asleep until after one in the morning. It makes for unpleasant waking. Last night I had to get up around midnight to lotion myself into greasy oblivion. It is definitely winter skin weather... that time of year when the cold/hot/cold/hot change between outside and inside dries you up like a prune bone. And itchy, oh the itchy. Hences the getting up at a hugely inconvinient time to smear myself with rich, white tea goodness (smells delish! feels even better! Also have this for the eyes, because the eyes need mositure too). Today I've been downing huge quantities of water also... rehydrate from the inside out.

In any case, I'm tired and itchy... but my extra outside-work project is almost done, and our work's big annual dinner is almost here. This weekend will be relief of the utmost. Imbibing too... it's Lehigh/Lafayette time again.

Well, I need to eat and get back to work... but back later this week. Ciao!

11.12.2007

past

First the inconsequential weekend details:
Got my hair done on Saturday. Woot! About time, much needed... the hair was too light after I tried to use some Color Opps to remove the red in an attempt to get things closer to my natural color. Instead I ended up with this weird, slightly orangish brown color (like so, but it was much worse in person). I'm wondering if that's why people kept telling me I looked pale. In any case! I saw my hair dresser who mixed me up a color that I am very happy with and that we think is very close to my natural color:


It's much more brown with a hint of red, then red with a bit of brown like it was before. Clearly I'm very happy, but seriously enough about my hair!

I also saw my parents, wished my brother luck with his play that night, and headed home to cook some yummy Baked Mac & Cheese, then work my ass off on my stupid work project. Still not done, but almost there. Grr.
I also ordered our Christmas cards... we're doing picture ones for the first time this year and I'm really excited about it. I'm sick of boring dollar store holiday cards. I downloaded a free trial of Adobe Photoshop to play around with and came up with a design. When all was said and done I was pretty proud of them, so I showed them to Trav to get some imput before actually ordering anything. My much anticipated responce, "Nice, just don't spend too much." Thanks babe, really.
BUT cards are ordered!


So now on to the post I was actually meaning to write. Lately I've been thinking a lot about the past, and about what makes us all who we are. My mom's parents both passed (under very different circumstances) when I was in high school. My gramps was writing out stories of his youth before he went. I never felt closer to him then when I was reading those stories... but after he passed, they were packed away and forgotten about, until now.
Lately my uncle has been sending emails to the family with stories from his childhood... fun stories that reveal parts of his parents (my grandparents) that we might not have seen on a day to day basis. They reminded me of my gramps' stories, so I asked my mom to dig them up again. I'm interested in rereading them, maybe finding something in them that I didn't get the first time around, or wasn't ready to see as a slightly depressed 17 year old.
My Gram... in Mexico...
Gramps' shadow as he takes the shot.


I love this picture... my gram is so young and beautiful.
My grandparent's grew up in a tough time... the depression, the war. In some ways, they had to be greatful for the war, because that's where they found each other. My gram treated my gramps when he got malaria. They had an amazing love, raised four beautiful kids together, and it was her death that killed him.

From a piece entitled Eddie (my gram):
By Christmas time I was doing well and then I realized I was totally in love with this girl and asked her if she would go to dinner with me. She said she was going to visit her aunt and uncle for Christmas in Los Angeles and I was really devastated. Then she said, “would like to go with me”. My life began and I would never be the same.
...
When we returned to the hospital we went out every night, sometimes off the base and sometimes we just walked and made stops at the slop-shut (a navy word for a place to sit and have a beer ). After two weeks we were totally in love and I asked her to marry me.
...
When we got to our room that night after our wedding Eddie said to me, Oh, what tangled webs we weave, when we practice to deceive. The only reply I could think of was, The optimist fell ten stories, and at each window bar, shouted, all right so far. All through our lives we used those verses to say to each other, remember our promise.


I can't wait to spend some more time with the young man that became my grandpa.

Do you have something that links you to the past?
(More to come, I'm sure.)

11.09.2007

getting there

Feeling better, voice is getting better... still not 100%, but I'm getting there. And besides a hair appointment (a desperately needed hair appointment, its been 12 weeks!!), I have nothing planned for this weekend. Just sleeping in, relaxing, and finishing up this damn project for work... such a relief!!

This morning I was waiting for the train and I could see my breath steaming up the air. I can't believe that it is so cold already. The leaves aren't even all changed or off the trees. I feel like I got jipped of fall this year. Like it was warm too long, and then it got too cold, too fast. Maybe I was just too busy and didn't really get to notice fall. That's a sad thought.

You're only young once, and I want to do all I can, while I can (hey, it's not like I could reschedule the weddings anyway)... but I suppose you just need to slow down sometimes. I think my body passed on that message loud and clear with my recent bout of sick. Either way, here we are, half-way through November (less then two weeks until Thanksgiving) already. I do love the holiday season... Thanksgiving and Christmas are two of my favorite holidays... I guess I really love the ones full of family and food. And they do offer the perfect opportunity to slow down. It's just crazy how fast this year is going.

In a bit of randomness... I've been trying to comment a lot more on other blogs. It's funny, because I know I wish people would comment more here. People that say, "oh hey, I was reading your blog and heard about blah blah blah blah" (*mumble, mumble* StaceyEspoPat *mumble, mumble*)... but how can I really say anything if I don't practice what I preach. So, more comments all around! Sprinkled liberally like salt and pepper. Spice everything up a bit. I already apparently caused a bit of unintended controversy on one blog I read, but boy did I get you a lot of comments Donkey!! No?!
Also, I like to let people know that I'm there and reading... because honestly, daily post or not, I have my routine and check everyone's blogs first thing in the morning. It's better then a cup of coffee... and so the more you post, the better for me.

Stella for instance... I'm so glad she's back and posting. I think she's a bright, insightful poster. I do admit that I fall into the "i read her blog so I know what's up in her life and feel connected" trap (sorry lady...), but I just love to read what she has to say, and I'm bad when it comes to the picking up and calling thing (does anyone else hate the phone sometimes?). But she inspires me plenty (nyc personalities post for ex.)... indirect inspiration, but I think I'm going to feel out the boss man for some blue hair. What can I say, I like wearing my crazy on the outside. Will have to think on this more because of the possible job searching et al., but the idea is planted.

Now I have to get back to my busy day... but this felt very nice.


"She just wears her crazy on the outside
Most of us try to keep it hidden under our skin
Crazy has a way of crawlin out into the open
No matter how you try to keep it in..."

-- Chasing Elvis "Looking for Elvis"

11.07.2007

still whispering

So, let me tell you... it's hard work talking like this. It's tiring, and I can't wait to be well again. I can't wait to not sound ridiculous (though I do sound so much better then yesterday)!! I'm taking multivitamins, airborne, tylenol cold (plus head congestion), and sucking down many halls cough drops. Here's hoping it all kicks in soon.

Now, as promised... my Babwa in Indy:

Arrival night... we were tired
(that is babs and I, plus her boyfriend, Chris).

Looking better the next night... dolled up for the dinner.

Babs hair is fabulousness.

Gracie, the kittie...

Gracie, hiding.

My babs and I.

Chris rocking it out on the drums during the dinner.

Such a cute couple.

The Indy part of my mom's fam.

I really had such a great time.

Oh another note, only 54 days left in 2007... which means only 48 days left until Christmas!! Wowza! (I will take this or this please. Fabu.) Normally I would have started shopping already, but with all the happenings, I can't even believe it is Novemeber. As soon as my extra work project ends, the shopping will start. I do love this time of year.

Back to work for me... ciao!