Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Vermont or Bust

Soon I will see you, little cabin!! Looks like we'll be driving into some snow on Thursday and experiencing Vermont at its finest as we ring in 2010! Looking forward to a long weekend up North. Typical VT vacations include lots of time in front of the fireplace, some walking on the frozen lake, breakfast at our favorite little cafe (perhaps some fudge on the way) and some home cooking! The juicer will join us, as well as miss Raina! She is a Vermonter at heart; I got her 9 years ago in St. Albans when I was a student at UVM.

This week is quiet at work. There's plenty to do, yet the motivation is lacking when it feels like the office is asleep! Pushing through...

Yoga last night with Vicky and tonight with Mitchel. Trying to get a bunch of classes in before the long weekend off. Bow to the lotus feet of the guru...

Happy New Year!

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Detox

I might have had the post-holiday blues. I woke up with a stomach ache and a less than bubbly mood, but I also woke up with the idea that a little detox would help get me back on track after the sweet holidays and shopping stress that always comes with the season. So, I dragged myself off to yoga, knowing I'd be glad I went once I got there. The Saturday morning class is a packed one. Good class, good teacher, at a good time. Tons of Surya Namaskars, some standing splits, half moons, and dancers pose, a little sweat and ujjayi breath, and my detox had begun!
Bob and I had salads for lunch (my body was like 'what IS this') and then ran over to the grocery store to stock up on beets, carrots, ginger, apples, spinach, lemons, and some other fruits to throw in the juicer we borrowed from my Dad. Y.U.M. My first juice was carrot-apple-ginger (and I certainly tasted that kick!) and his was spinach carrot ginger. He followed that one up with beet, spinach, carrot, and ginger. I sort of fell in love with the juicer and it's little robotic self, even with all the parts you have to clean and the neverending veggie juice that seems to seep out of everywhere!

I'm not feeling blue anymore. In fact, I'm feeling niiiice and mellow!

Yesterday was great; everyone seemed to enjoy their gifts and being together. The kids were over the moon about their new Wii and the little ones were glad to have the other to play with. Connor's congestion sounds better, too. It was a loud Christmas, as between my sisters, there are 6 kids under the age of ten! My nephew got a Red Ryder BB gun and he had the biggest grin on his face when he unwrapped the box. I think he was momentarily speechless, too!

I'm downloading music for my new iPod at the moment so I best get back to that. John Denver playing in the background, veggies in the tummy...I love the holidays...

Peace and Juice for the day after Christmas...

Thursday, December 24, 2009

'Twas the Night Before Christmas...

Merry Christmas Eve!

Two batches of fudge in the fridge, presents opened, soon it will be time to dress for Church!

This morning was morning yoga, where I confirmed a hamstring pull. I could not fully go into triangle pose or runners stretch on my left side. Better go easy so I can enjoy my 'winter session' of yoga! The more I go to yoga, the more I want to go, and the more I practice, the more present I get.

After class I loaded up my car with gifts to bring to my Dad's, where I'll spend Christmas! It looked as though I was packing for a semester abroad, the way my car was filled up to the ceiling! My sisters and their families will be there tomorrow as well, so I was distributing stocking stuffers and gifts for all under the tree. Hope, Ella, and Connor were there, so I got to spend a few minutes with Ella in her Santa dress (omg!) and baby Connor, who seems to be doing a little bit better now that he's trying out some antacid for his congestion. Fingers crossed it's reflux (sounds funny to HOPE for that) so that maybe this treatment will help him! He cracks a smile time to time and charms everyone. He totally knows what he's doing.
Then I drove down to Bob's, where we had a little lunch and exchanged gifts while sitting on his yoga mat. :) He'll be with his family tomorrow, so we thought we'd celebrate our Christmas today. He gave me a few wonderful things: Origins Night-A-Mins cream, yoga socks with gription and an iPod! That one was a surprise :) I'm slowing becoming part of the Apple World...

Tonight we'll have a meal before the 10 o'clock Mass. I can't believe the holidays are HERE! I love Christmas. I love ...well...honestly...not being at work. And I love that there's snow on the ground and fudge in the fridge and the Santa Tracker. Most of all I love that my family is together and I am present for today.

Happy Christmas, peace to all...

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Run Run Reindeer!

Oooh I just can't wait for Christmas. I love the atmosphere, the family, the warmth and I LOVE watching people open gifts! I'm still in the process of wrapping said gifts, which seems to last until the very last moment :)

Last night I decided that I would make fudge tomorrow morning to give to Bob's family on Christmas (he will be traveling to his brother's house) as well as a few gift bags for my family. I have never made fudge before; I'm looking forward to seeing how it turns out.

Here in the office today; the roads are quiet on the way in and each day there are fewer employees in the building. It's been a tough year around here, with layoffs and high stress but...we had business, which is great and something to be thankful for.

I best make my breakfast and get to work, but thought I'd wish a happy holiday and spread a little cheer. This is the time to be joyful, to be thankful, to be loving and calm. Enjoy!

Monday, December 21, 2009


Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat!

The countdown to Christmas has begun! Once again, I didn't realize how many gifts I bought until I started wrapping them all. I thought I started shopping early this year, but it looks like I made it just in time! Still waiting for something small to come in the mail; I fear it is buried under the snow bank in front of my house!

My semester is over, concluding my first year in graduate school. This was a tiring 3 1/2 months, but I came out on top, which makes the hard work worth it. It's still unbelievable that I'm not in class for a month, and I'm waiting to feel the release as I get into the groove of having a little time to myself (and those books I've put aside to read until now!) Thanks to all of my friends and family who listened to me whine...

I've jumped right back into yoga, celebrating my academic freedom and embracing the Self that existed before books and computers and deadlines and all of the externally interesting things that are in the world I inhabit as a student. Getting back to the studio has been grounding and inspiring, and I can't wait to get back on the mat already! It feels like I may have pulled a hamstring yesterday, so I might want to take it a little easy in the couple of days ahead.

We had some snow Saturday, and Bob and I just hunkered down at his place for the night. Sunday I met my whole family at my Dad's house to make cookies with all the kids. The little ones had a great time just...eating the sprinkles and sugar toppings, while the older ones were more artistic in their creations :) And Connor is looking like quite the little chubby bunny! He has those adorable little baby cheeks and was smiling for us!

Speaking of babies, my cousin had her daughter today, at about 30-31 weeks. We haven't heard many details as of yet, including whether or not it was determined by the Dr. or if my cousin went into labor on her own. Keep her and her family in your prayers, and happy birthday little girl!

I've got to go to bed. I've emerged from present-wrapping Hell and should head to bed...I'll be a Christmas zombie in the morning!

xoxo

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Ding Dong Turkey

I just had this fantasy of actually getting some exercise this 'vacation' while I have a couple of extra hours off. I thought 'Hey! Getting to the gym would be fun! I haven't been there in eons!' and then the NEXT image that followed was the MASSES that will most likely be there the day after Thanksgiving. Imagine?
I think a walk around the block or some yoga at home might do the trick. Keep my holiday spirit up (by not having to be out in the eye for an eye shopping mania) and my weight gain down. Ha. Or at least try. It's inevitable this season, really.

Tonight after I leave the office it will be one stop at the grocery store (I'll be putting my shinguards, mouthguard, and helmet on beforehand) and then home, to bake and decorate some sugary treats. I've got this thing called homework hanging over my head, too, so I'll have to devote some pre-holiday time to that to. Don't want it to feel left out of the festivities :)

Tomorrow morning while I excitedly watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, I will roast some squash and prepare to head over to my Dad's house for the main meal. Most years we adventure up to Vermont for the holiday, but this year, since we have a new little turkey among us, we're staying local. Being able to watch the parade is a special treat because of our location - in VT we have a small TV that was born just for movies. In recent years we've 'seen' the parade but through a thick screen of static snow that is only made possible by various members of the family having to angle their bodies in certain ways for extended periods of time, somewhat encouraging the satellite reception to let us see a couple of the floats and maybe the Rockettes.

I hope everyone has a peaceful and warm Thanksgiving this year. Much gratitude for those I love and the food we will eat. Happy Holidays!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Quiet Please!

This morning I saw the Nielsens on The Today Show! I've been following Stephanie's blog since I heard about the plane crash she and Christian were in last summer. I think about them a lot, actually. I can't imagine what life is like, though it seems like their family is healing well and has so much support. She said her blog is like therapy for her now.

On my way to work this morning I was flipping the radio stations between one noisy place to another...until I just shut it off. The quiet was much needed, much appreciated, and I feel like it opened up a little space in my day. Allowed the routine transition from home --> work to take place a little differently this morning. Now I just need to turn off my Facebook addiction...ummm.

Now that my roommate has moved out, my house feels a lot different. So quiet. Often at night I'll put the TV on now, for a little noise, though I don't typically enjoy anything I find on there. I'm more keen to music but somehow have never really set up a user-friendly music system in my house. Maybe that's on my To-Do list for 2010.

Anyway, I just sat down at my desk, so I better get going, but wanted to note how much better it felt to just turn off the unecessary noise on the radio and possibly use it as a metaphor for life!
Happy Tuesday everybody!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

Turkey Day Countdown!

I'm so very tired this morning!

I feel badly even saying that, knowing that my sister has a new baby in the house which allows for very little sleep...
but it's true! It's my own version of fatigue, I suppose.

It stems from the fact that this week I've been working, going to class, and coming back to work to finish things up. It makes for a very long day full of brain power. Ha. Sadly, using my brain on a consistent basis tires me out...um...

It IS, however, Pizza Thursday! I am very much looking forward to sitting around with Bob tonight and sharing a pie. I will also see my kitty, who has been spending the week at his place :)
She'll be back on her home turf tomorrow. This weekend I have to clean out the storage room... start attacking some of those boxes that have just lived on the shelves for years. God knows what's in them. Chances are...I don't need it. My goal for my thirties was to be organized...and I'd say I'm making a pretty good attempt at it!

Back to work. I feel like I need 3 more cups of coffee just to get the day GOING. Wait until you see me at the 3:00 wall today. Oh boy.

Enjoy!

Saturday, November 14, 2009

She's leaving...in a Rav-4

So today, my roommate sets off for her new job in Pennsylvania! She'll actually still be connected to the company we both work for, but she's going on site of one of our clients in PA. She's lived here for about 7 months. I'm going to miss her! I'm excited for her, of course, but I was enjoying her company!

The movers are here now - two guys and a gigantic truck. She doesn't honestly have that much stuff, and has done a great job of packing, so it shouldn't be too long before they get it going. I'm laying low in my room to stay out of the way, though have my sneakers on and am a shout away if she needs me. I figure they don't need two people overseeing their work! Kitty is at Bob's house to keep her safe and keep all of us from having to think about where she is during the transition. She loves it there! He spoils her rotten.

The rest of the weekend will be homework, errands, visiting with my new nephew, and finally, to celebrate the close of the weekend, a kirtan with Bob about an hour from here.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Laugh a little, loosen up!


Going through my daily blogroll, I came upon on a topic I enjoy. The art of being positive!

It's funny because I have this great life, great family, good job, good friends, good...everything! And wouldn't you know how often I find myself being negative?

I wonder what that IS!


I'm thinking it just has to be about fatigue, or stress kicking in and clouding over my otherwise-present-happiness. Life isn't about being STRESSED, but it sure feels that way sometimes. Life isn't about being RIGHT or BEST but sometimes it seems that way too. It's about love, and family, and doing the next right thing. It's about new experiences and resilience. So how can we REMEMBER that it's about these things when 'stuff' hits and we're buried under it?


Probably the best advice I've gotten is to not take myself so seriously. It's only life, after all.

I'm happy with my little world and little dreams and little accomplishments.

I'm happy with a little house and one little cat and little job.

The energy I feel from positive people is amazing. The energy I feel when I give away my happiness is huge! Come on people! Let's stay positive! Let's give happiness the right-of-way and keep on keeping on!


Happy Wednesday everybody.


Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Slow Motion

This week is less hectic than last, and I feel it! I'm a little sluggish/tired/lazy. Last night after class I came home and read some homework books in bed for a while. When I got home today I climbed into bed, but moments later got up and started organizing some paperwork that needed to be dealt with for a long time. Did lots of laundry (blankets and towels) and cleaned/organized the house a little bit.
This morning I told my roommate I was going to 'hire a dumpster' and just start chucking stuff out my second story window. Anything on the floor, goes. It WOULD feel good though, wouldn't it?

My new nephew is doing a good job being a fabulous baby...crying and eating...I can't wait to see him and his big sister this weekend, hopefully (not to mention my own big sister!) I miss my other sister and her family...the kids had the icky H1N1 so we haven't seen them much recently :( They're on the mend though so I hope to see them soon!

More kirtan this weekend omg I'm in love! The feeling I get when I'm enjoying the music and the peace filled moment...is just so awesome. No word will really capture the feeling, so I don't know how hard I'll try to find the right one. I've always connected with Ram Dass' books and language - and now, as I develop more of a 'relationship' with Krishna and Bhagavan Das, Ram's old friends, it's fun to see my beliefs coincide with their particular teachings...wow

One of the writers of a blog I read was scheduled to have her son today. Thinking of her and her family...and all the new mamas out there! Especially the one closest to my heart!

Ciao

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

I met the man!

Today I met Connor David!! He is adorable, of course. He cried, and slept, and looked around, and ate, and slept, and sneezed. So fun to see a little blue capped baby again! Tomorrow he, Mommy and and Daddy will go home and big sister will meet him! It's too bad that children aren't allowed into the hospital right now because of H1N1, but hey. Here's to all the adults/kids/babies who won't get sick because of that rule!

This weekend will produce tons upon tons of baby blue gifts, of course! The true 'baby shower!'

I had a presentation in my class tonight as well as a paper due. Last night was a midterm in another class. This week wasn't my best, schoolwise, but I'd put anything aside for a new baby! I miss E, watching her yesterday was fun.

Tomorrow is Thursday already...somehow. With two tough schooldays behind me I feel like I can breathe momentarily, though it's not long before more things are due.

I've got to go to bed...I was wound up when I got home bc I saw the new little boy and then had dinner around 10pm and started emailing pics, etc. I really need to go to bed or tomorrow morning will be brutal. These past few days I have existed purely on leftover Halloween candy.

Happy birthday to my stepbrother - he turned 25 today! My life changed a bit when I turned 25. I made some smarter choices and started growing up (slowly, I assure you, but it began).

I get to see my boyfriend tomorrow night! I feel like SO MUCH has happened this week and it seems like it's been forever since I've seen him. It has only been a few days but I'm ready for a squeeze. He's been watching my cat the past few days, thank goodness!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Welcome to the world...little one!

It's a Boy!

Connor David was born at 5:15 today, November 3!
8 pounds, 6 ounces -- 21 inches

A boy! I'm so excited to meet him. Last night H called me around 10 and said 'I think my water is breaking...' so I hopped in my car and sped off to her house so she and J could head to the hospital to get checked out while I stayed home with a sleeping E. They didn't come home last night, so when I woke up this morning I knew that we were in for a baby today!
E and I had breakfast, played inside, and got dressed. By that time, Grandpa was on his way too!
The three of us, plus the dog, played outside once the sun came out. Then we read books, watched Sesame Street, and while E napped, Grandpa ran a couple of errands and I worked on homework.

Oh yeah - I had a midterm tonight in my DSM (Assessment) class!
It was actually during class that Connor was born; I had a voicemail afterwards. I worked hard during class and was rewarded with the announcement of this new little guy.
My midterm was really hard. The case studies, particularly, where we had to diagnose on the 5 axis. I'm sure for someone versed in the DSM this isn't as daunting anymore, but it seemed like I was just turning myself in circles, the more I thought about a case.
However: I got an A+ on the book review I wrote a couple weeks ago!

And now I need to be working on my presentation for tomorrow night's class. I'm beat from the anticipation and excitement from today but know I just have to get through one more day of class this week and then I get to meet Connor! And then I plan on sleeping until next Monday. I'll make sure to save some for H and J, too.

Love and Babies!

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Ghost-licious!


Wow. I really need to make (and ingest) this cupcake. Could it be...any cuter?
I can't believe Halloween is this weekend! I'm so excited. I'm mostly excited because my new niece or nephew is arriving any day and my semester is about halfway through.
I am in the middle of writing a book review and tonight I was REALLY not in the mood to look at it again. My paper-writing shelf life is extremely short at this point in my academic career. If I get stuck, I get demotivated times a bajillion. However, with some sweet-talking from my boyfriend, I worked on it for a couple of hours and actually made some progress. Next week I have a presentation, paper, and midterm all going LIVE.
Miss Raina Pants seems to be doing all right today and yesterday, though she has a couple of good days and then randomly has a bad day where she poops all over the place and hides in embarrassment. Sa-a-ad!
I swear I had something more interesting to say but I totally can't remember it right now. I need to go to bed, clearly! Tomorrow is work --> class --> more paper augh!! I might get spoiled with a squeeze from the bf but we'll see. I'll definitely see him Thursday night, so I might just have to wait!
"The obstacle is the path"

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Sunday Night Already?

Before heading up to bed, just wanted to recap the weekend and share my gratitude. What am I grateful for, you ask?

Meeting my sisters playgroup friends and enjoying a meal in honor of the little pumpkin that will be joining us soon! (17 days until it's due!) She looks so great!

Making progress on my book review (10 days until IT'S due)

Taking my sweet boyfriend to the movies and chowing down on Tandoori afterwards

Rainstorms and sunny fall days

The journey I'm on with my cat who is experiencing a little health blip. One day at a time little fuzzy!

$35 Uggs at Costco

Dinner with my Dad, stepmom, and stepbrother. In one weekend, I saw almost my entire family! Just missing were my sisters kids and husband. Feel better you guys!
I congratulated my Dad and Stepmom on ten years of stepfamily-ness. According to research, second marriages fail more frequently than first, and adding children to the mix increases the risk. The first couple of years are most challenging, of course, as adjustment is constant! Learning about my own life experiences from the experts gives me a sense of 'If I knew then what I know now..."

I can NOT stop eating lately. Is it the winter? Is it stress? Is it D) all of the above? Help!

Quick prayers and goodnight :)

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Honey Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins!

I just ate one.
I made them last weekend after finding the recipe in one of Bob's yoga magazines. So easy, and so yummy! We've eaten 10! I still have a couple at home.
Another food note (I just ate lunch, can you tell? I'm happily digesting): I LOVE Amy's organic soups. My particular favorites are her Fat Free Alphabet Soup and her Low Fat Minestrone.

Looking forward to the weekend - hiking (or a movie, if it's gross out) with my two best girlfriends from work and then sugar-cookie making on Sunday! We usually make and decorate a bunch around the holidays, so that will be great. One of my friends (also my roommate) took a job in PA that starts in a month so she'll be leaving pretty soon. Not sure what the bf and I will get up to. We're in money-saving mode so we'll probably just hang low and maybe watch one of the episodes of Everest that they have on iTunes. I remember watching it on TV a while back.

I really just wanted to express my happiness about my muffins, but I really need to get back to work now!
Take care everybody, hope you're having a great day!

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Baba!

Going to see Bhagavan Das in NYC at the end of the month. I can't wait! I read his book 'It's Here Now, Are You?' this past winter and am fascinated by his lifestyle, especially his roamings around India in the 1970's. Of course, he's linked to Ram Dass, who is my fave as far as spiritual teachers go.

Had my midterm tonight - it wasn't too crazy hard but of course I blanked on the first question. It came back to me as I got into the groove, luckily. Now onto the next project! I'm kind of laying low tonight, though I need to write up a reference sheet for a book review I have due next week.

My friend had a great suggestion for today when I texted her that I was a little nervous about my midterm. She wrote 'Turn it over to your hp!' HP = Higher Power.
Thanks Jules!

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Tell me why....

..my cat finds it necessary to now poop all over the house. Mainly under my bed; however, last night she went for the gold and pooped on my roommate's bed. I repeat, on her BED.
Luckily it was on a fleece blanket so we could quickly toss it into the washing machine.
But hi.

I took the little fuzzbomb to the vet two weekends ago when this began. They did some bloodwork and tested her stool/urine but found nothing. Which then leads us to wonder if it's behavioral. I haven't been home AS much lately, but it's not even drastic enough for me to think it's really the cause of the issue. I can't necessarily say it's NOT, either, so when I am home I try to pay more attention to her. Also, today after work (which is in about ten minutes) I'm going off to buy a second litter box and place it upstairs so she doesn't have to go all the way down to the basement to use hers. Though...what's also interesting is that she still pees in her litter box (thank God); just poops out and about.
Sorry. I know it's not really a topic that we all want to read paragraph after paragraph about. I'm just rather perplexed.

I have a midterm tomorrow so tonight after I make my house more cat-poo-in-the-litter-box-friendly, I will be sitting down to review my notes. I'm being tested on divorce! I'm also preparing for a book review/presentation I have coming up in a few weeks - about the possibility for divorce outcomes to be positive experiences and what factors contribute. It's interesting, and I agree that people have been taught to have purely negative assumptions about divorce, and that sometimes assumptions can even shape the true experience. Kind of like...if you think negatively, what you experience is going to be negative. I've never experienced a divorce (I suppose not being married lowers my chance ha ha) but I can assume it's a pretty terrible situation, just for what it is. This book, Divorce Reconsidered: For Better or Worse, by no means discounts THAT fact, but it does talk about what helps and hurts in response to a divorce and that protective factors of an individuals life experience can assist in a more positive growth/learning experience from pain.

On that note. I'm off to buy litter for my stinky paws.
Pray for me and my midterm that we live happily ever after!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Sunday, October 4, 2009

For Better or For Worse

Sure, I'll write a little post, why not? I'm only supposed to be working on my book review! No big deal!
I'm realizing that as long as I give myself to write a paper, that's how long I'll take.

I had a marvelous weekend. So marvelous, that I'm rather certain I'll mourn the loss of it in the morning. Especially when I'm prying myself out of bed to go get on the treadmill. Last week I only managed to jog one time. This week I should at least try for two.

Back to the weekend. I'm still in it. Friday night was mellow, some homework, tea, TV with my roommate. Saturday me and the cat headed to the vet for an exam to make sure she's just pooping on the bathmat as an expression of irritation, not due to some physical issue. Any results from her bloodwork will be in tomorrow. Let's just hope she's mad!

Saturday afternoon was awesome. Bobby and I went to my niece's Tea-For-Two birthday party. Both girls, born a week apart this month, are turning two!! Ella was over the moon about new bottles and a doll carrier for her baby doll. She's going to be a great big sister, it's obvious! Ava would open a new outfit and immediately take her pants and shirt off, right in the middle of the pile of presents, in order to try the next one on.

This morning, it was off to church. Great sermon about marriage and divorce. Coincides rather smashingly with my graduate courses this semester. I like what the Pastor said - that sometime marriages get 'sick', and, like when people are sick, we do everything we can to help them heal, but sometimes, they don't, and the person, or the marriage, dies. It was nice to hear that this particular faith accepts divorce as reality, though of course doesn't encourage the overuse of it! It is rather disheartening, how MANY divorces take place.

Pumpkin patch, breakfast at Le Pain Quotidien. A barbecue grill relocation (porch project starts tomorrow!), a lovely shopping experience at Trader Joe's, and studying studying studying. Read for an hour. Had pasta w/ tofu (strange combo, but the tofu pacakge suggested it!). More work on my book review (little bit each night...it'll come together, I have faith!)

It was a beautiful day, weather wise, and I spent the weekend with loved ones. Cheers to Fall! Ew and cheers to Sunday night, I guess.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Java Jam

Just to put it out there early this morning, so I can move on with my day....
My office changed the roast of the coffee that we brew in the communal kitchen.
It's a dark roast, and it's disgusting.
Now, don't get me wrong, as I type this, I have a nice full cup of it right in front of me.
Desperate times call for desperate measures, people.

Something about slugging down bitter sludge doesn't make my mornings anymore.
However! There is a silver lining!
I DO have a coffee pot at home (so what am I complaining about, I'm sure you're wondering). I just...keep forgetting that I hate the coffee we have at the office, therefore leaving my wonderful coffee pot high and dry at home while I march on towards this morning madness.
Never again!!

Don't worry. I think one of the things that is telling of people who are really nuts is that they don't KNOW they're nuts. At least I have the insight.

Sunday, September 27, 2009

What I am is what I am, are you what you are, or what?

Sometimes, I don't like her. The part of me that's cranky and yells at her boyfriend or tries to tell him what to do. Or, the part that whines to her best friends about the silly dramas in her life or doesn't call her sisters as much as she should. I don't like the part of me either, that procrastinates schoolwork because she's scared of not doing a good job (so hell, why work on it at all?)
I do have to remember, however, that I like those parts because they're part of a whole, a human. Even a funny one at times, and one who tries hard keep things in order. She has lots of things on her plate, like work and school, which are great at making crankies, and things she'd like more time for, like friends, family, exercise, cooking and sleeping, and then the typical you're-an-adult-now-here-you-go stuff, like taking care of the house and saving money for the future. (The Jeep won't last forever!)
See, not it makes more sense to me, why she gets cranky sometimes...why the house doesn't get vacuumed as much as it maybe should, why sometimes she just wants to watch TV and eat a peanut butter sandwich and ice cream.
I guess I get it now, why sometimes the ugly parts show up first, but it doesn't mean I have to like it!

Monday, September 21, 2009

Look alive!

Wow. Well, I sure don't feel well! Of course I realized this AFTER I got to work, so now I'm stuck. I hate leaving work sick. It just seems a little messy.
I wasn't feeling well yesterday but by bedtime, and this morning, I felt better! Wahhhh
Hmph. Maybe I should have stayed home.

I would have dragged myself to class tonight anyway, so I supposed it's all well and good. At least this way I'm right here and just have to live through the day and then...two hours of class. Please God, let it go quickly...

Happy Monday! hahaha
*barf*

Friday, September 18, 2009

Clearly...

I'm really exciting on Friday nights.
When I got home from work I...swept and mopped the floors, cleaned the bathroom (attacked the ever-resistant orange crap in the bathtub tile) and vacuumed. Also washing my sheets and other random articles of clothing that have just about taken up residence in my laundry basket.

And THEN...wait for it....I'm going to...

*STUDY*
Wow. The funny thing is, I like nights like this. My roommate will be back in a bit; she left for a jog. My boyfriend will be on his way shortly too, and we'll go for dinner and a jaunt around our beloved Whole Foods. Don't need anything. We just go and browse and sometimes leave with a bar of soap or a bag of cereal (Three Sisters brand; try it sometime!)

Tomorrow will be more studying + a birthday party. I love Saturdays!!
Finally. The weekend. I think the Friday night scrub down makes me feel a bit like I'm purging the week and taking on the freedom of the weekend. A little transition ceremony, I suppose.

Happy Friday!

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

whoa whoa whoa whoa whoa

This week is going by so fast. It's Wednesday (almost) already! Two classes down, one to go. Getting to work early so I can leave in time for class. No small feat with deadlines and deliverables! Makes for long days, too. Tonight was the night that the reality of my workload hit - I opted out of yoga so I could stay in and organize my calendar and thoughts on my upcoming assignments. I was feeling overwhelmed, which often just paralyzes me. When I recognize that that's happening, I have to focus and pick some specific task to work on. Just keep on truckin' and it all gets done.
Tonight I started outlining one of my books for my Divorce class.
My feelings about marriage go back and forth as I read all this data. Some of it is promising, some of it is depressing, some of it is just downright frightening. All of it, however, is real. I can only hope and expect to see a variety of situations in my future practice as a therapist.

I should do Happy Homemaker Tuesday (is that taboo? I missed Monday). I find it amusing, given the fact that I haven't cooked in a while and I don't have many 'crafts' on hand, except to fix the silverware drawer (um, not a craft). See?

The weather: Beautiful! Today was warm (high 70's?) and sunny. Tomorrow...ooh I think it's supposed to rain. High near 70.

One of my simple pleasures: Playing with Raina and her laser toy. Cats + lasers crack me up. Great study break. Good exercise for her, too. Her and those baggy armpits she has.

On my nightstand: Huh. I'm noticing the eclectic mix going on. Moisturizer, a tupperware that housed trail mix before I inhaled it during my class, two tent stakes, my glasses. More permanent fixtures: my lotus jewelry holder, lamp, and old picture of my grandparents.
I think this category is usually reserved for books? I have too high of a stack to go on TOP of my nightstand. Instead, they live on the floor in front.

On my TV: This is where this list gets embarrassing. I do it to myself. Anyway, there's nothing on the TV. Dust. I watched it last Friday, actually. Say Yes to the Dress. Some brides scare me.

On the menu tonight: Frozen waffles with a smidgen of peanut butter. I'm a grad student.

On my To Do List: Fix the broken silverware drawer. Study. Vacuum. Clean the windows. Study.

New recipe I tried last week: I didn't! Mwah ha ha

In the craft basket: Why am I even filling this list out?

Looking forward to: Celebrating H2's birthday this weekend and Saturday morning yoga.

Homemaking tip for the week: Put away a ton of money and hand it over to the association so they can fix the deck.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

I want this hat!


As I was in child's pose, first pose of the morning, I had this experience of my Third Eye looking straight down through my mat, through the wooden floor, and into the inner workings of the brick building in which the Yoga Joint is housed; it was such a gift to open to. I had woken up this morning and of course, contemplated staying in bed, letting the rain start my day slowly. However, once I found myself amidst Tracy's beautiful back bending class, I knew it was where I was supposed to be today.

Her classes test my strength and at times I'm wondering if she's simply creating Twister poses in her head and instructing us through them out of sheer wonder if our bodies can possibly twist that way.

They do. If not, we laugh. We rest. We breathe.



Monday, September 7, 2009

Feel Your Way Away


I was cheering on a Daddy longlegs this weekend and trying to encourage him to NOT head straight for a cobweb. He was feeling around with his big weird legs and I was saying 'Feel your way away' over and over again, not realizing that I must have sounded...how do you say...crazy? Meanwhile, Bob was trying to get my attention for something and I was busy rooting for the bug. Eventually, he found his opportunity to mimic the way I was saying 'Feel your way away' and now I have it in my head. Still 3 days later.


Oh, the end of a long weekend. And man, has it been long! I feel like I was last in the office in another lifetime. It was only four days ago!

The camping trip was a success! I heart mess kits and sleeping bags and S'more sticks (thanks Justin for assisting in the stick hunt). We set up camp in no time and I picked up my books. Yes, homework came with me into the woods. The weather was beautiful and our campsite was in full-sun both days. Think we got a little bit of color out there! Thank goodness for the single cup Keurig machine and the outlet in the back of Potato's truck. Helped us along on a 3 mile walk Saturday morning to a nearby stream.

Our second night, HJE came by and we played on the playground up the hill for a while. Ella made her first s'more and had a blast playing in the tent. Hope said maybe next year they'd come and stay a night!

Yesterday we woke up early, packed up, and headed home. Sad. I ended up cleaning my house a bit and continuing with homework. Bob came by in the afternoon and we just mellowed out. He was exhausted and ended up going to bed early; I trucked along in my book for school and then switched over to Ram Dass for a while once I was in bed. Thank you Amazon Kindle for the iPhone app! Would like to balance my school-reading with good ol' fiction (or spiritual guides, eh?) once in a while.

Today, Bob wasn't feeling so hot so we did a lot of nothing (which was just perfect for a Labor Day) and I finished the book I started this weekend for my Divorce class! We did get out for a little bit; went out to a boat sale nearby, then to our favorite natural food shop for a piece of pizza and Stop and Shop for the basics. After an afternoon nap (on his part), he took me out for dinner and we watched a Walt Disney Goofy cartoon - The Art of Skiing - before he left. I'm officially 30, but sometimes I feel about 7. And I like it that way!

I feel like I could do better in terms of the way I'm blogging tonight but I'm too tired to rewrite in order to sound more exciting, ha ha. This will have to do! It's time to pack my school stuff up for tomorrow and get a good night's sleep. Whoa. It's only 8:40! Guess the weekend tired me out more than I realized :)

Happy Labor Day!

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Ruh Roh

Last night I was driving home from class thinking 'What have I gotten myself into? Is this really what I want to be doing?' I still had enough logic to realize that I was starving and tired and this was affecting my mood. And, I had just received the second syllabus of my three classes and most likely just feeling a little overwhelmed. I certainly DO want to be in grad school. I DO want to have a job that is more meaningful for me.
It was kind of a scary moment - that brief second guessing about the decision I've made. Maybe it's just that I haven't made a big decision in a while, so I'm just making sure I'm on the same wavelength as my insides.

Tonight I will head over to my boyfriend's place and we'll get the truck all packed up to go camping for the weekend! I'm looking forward to it. The nights have been cool, which is always really nice when camping. I'll miss the cat, of course. I always do!

I am feeling pretty lazy about getting myself off to work this morning. I should keep moving.
Have a great day everyone!

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Yahoo for Yoga!

Remember that blog where I was like 'I'm going to right about my journey with movement and exercise and blah blah blah'...That's great and all, but then I pretty much stopped exercising after that. ha ha ha. I've walked here and there (does all day at Disney count?) and made a commitment to exercise a couple times a week during the school semester. It sounds silly, like, 'wow, you really can't find time to exercise?' but I've noticed, during previous semesters, that it really is hard to find the time! The key is to MAKE the time and make moving a priority.
So anyway.
Last night I treated myself to a yoga class at my favorite studio around. It was lovely! I wanted to set my mind on the right track before getting swept away in the semester. It worked! I'm refueled and remotivated to stay close to my center and keep my body strong during this time.

PS: I'm so excited that it's September. I worship Fall.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

I'm going camping!

And I can't wait!
It's still a week away.

I haven't been in a long time though - and I'm looking forward to two days of peace (and music? Wait no, that was in the 60's). I plan on...not doing much. Maybe taking a hike on the trails around the campground and I'm sure reading a bunch. School will have started by then and I have plenty of reading to get done in the next few months. Why not start while hanging out in a tent?
Potato likes to read a lot too, so I imagine it will be a quiet time (complete with S'Mores). HJE might come by for a walk around the campstie and a S'more!

Before I get too ahead of myself and focus on the weekend after this one, I suppose I should take a look at what's coming up in a day! Spending the weekend with bf's family - first, a birthday party for an aunt on Saturday (get in the car, we're driving about an hour) and then Sunday, we'll help his brother celebrate his first child's first birthday! Love those kinds of parties. The kids are so wide-eyed at the pile of presents but mostly...that cake that is placed in front of them, ready to be destroyed...

Talked to my roommate yesterday about what's to come - she moved in about 6 months ago after a breakup and we had figured she'd be with me about 6 months while she figured out what she wanted to do next. The end of Sept will be 6 months and she is going to begin looking. It will be weird having the place to myself again, though I do like it - and I can make the mess I might need to make during a busy semester. However, I'll miss having her around, she's a great roommate!

All right...back to work...

Friday, August 21, 2009

My Own Private Safari

Meet Halla, my new giraffe. When I returned home from Florida, and walked through my front door, carrying my suitcase and bulky carry-on, dirty and loopy-tired, I found this in my living room, provided by the one and only Bob (aka Potato). What more could a girl ask for? I thought I was pushing it by asking for a giraffe for my birthday, but somehow, Bob came through. I've named her Halla, which is an African name meaning 'Unexpected gift' and she stands about 4 feet tall. Just tall enough to scare me everytime I see her out of the corner of my eye. Apparently I'm not quite used to having her around. Even Raina, my lovely little feline, does a doubletake once in a while. Halla just towers above her.

That's right. It was my birthday. The big 3-0. I think I DO feel a little different. I'm not sure I can explain HOW, but something about being in my thirties sort of interests me. I feel like I'm 15, so maybe it's just the meshing of numbers that's got me.

Happy Friday everybody!

When The Student Is Ready, The Teacher Appears!

So I picked up my textbooks for Fall semester. There are 11. Should I be worried?
One of them is the DSM-IV, which is daunting enough in itself.
I'm pretty excited though, aside from the initial 'fear'...and the fear is really just about a) having time/energy to get all the reading/comprehension done and b) doing well. I'm pretty sure I can and will do both, but there's always just a bit of 'okay we can do this' kind of pep talking before the semester starts. It sort of...takes everything out of me to be in school and have a full time job. Which reminds me, a friend of mine who has been in a few of my classes also has a 6 year old daughter to take care of on top of work + school. I can't imagine. And cheers to her for doing it! Oh - she also just got engaged, so a wedding plan is probably in the makings right now. Busy much?
Classes start September 1.

So happy it's Friday today. Tomorrow I hope to secure a campsite for Labor Day weekend, and maybe swing through some apartments for rent for Potato - and then we'll end the day with dinner out with my sister and college roommate.
Sunday I plan on sleeping. ha ha. Oh yeah and reading the DSM-IV.

Oh I didn't even tell you about my trip to Florida and/or what I came home to...

Monday, August 10, 2009

Makin' the bacon...so I can bring it home


Happy Monday! Happier that Monday is OVER! Spent the weekend in the hills of PA at a friends hunting club. It's 4 miles up a windy dirt road, nice and deep into bear country. We got our weekend's worth of bears, including a mother bear and her three cubs! They're thought to be about 6 months old. It's quite the experience, standing around the campfire while bears chomp on corn in the distance. I definitely kept one eye over my shoulder!

Arriving on Friday, I spent the afternoon settling into my bunk, (which I shared with my sister, brother in law and 2 year old niece), sitting on the much loved adirondack chairs on the front porch, and just catching up with the others who made it this weekend - college roommates, friends, family. Even played my first game of Ladder Golf.

Saturday, everybody split off here and there and hiked, took the ATV out for a dozen spins through the trails, had a yoga class by the pond (impromptu gathering!), beaded bracelets, shot discs with some bangin' rifles, and just enjoyed the outdoors and each others company. Meals are brought and prepared by the various guests over the course of the weekend. Saturday night is the clambake, which is much anticipated and drooled over. Don't forget the S'mores for dessert! Sunday we prepared our 'famous' (well, with a couple of the other guests) yogurt/fruit/granola breakfast.

I'm back to work for just 2 1/2 days and then I head to Orlando with two girlfriends for 5. Trying to organize my life into those travel-approved ziploc bags. Humph.

Will miss my cat and boyfriend (who will be spending the time together) but am really looking forward to lounging in the sun for a few days!

There is a birthday happening somewhere in the mix of all that. It starts with a 3 and ends with a 0 and I'm not sure how I feel about it...

Anyway.

Since I've been away/am going away, there have been no trips to the grocery store lately, which is making mealtimes rather interesting. However, tonight I whipped up my trusty ol' Obamalette (first time it was made and enjoyed was the night he was elected into office). Omelettes are the answer to leftover woes and creativity cravings! Mine housed turkey, corn, sprouts, tomatoes, and cheese....

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Oh Libraries, how I love thee

Last night I headed to my favorite library in the town where my boyfriend lives. It's big and beautiful and has a great music section too. To start my fabulous adventure, I returned a book I've had out for approximately...two years. Paid a nice fine for that. However, once I got that out of the way, I was clean and clear and ready to browse and borrow to my heart's content!

I found the first item of interest upstairs in the music books section. 'Girls Like Us' - about Carly Simon, Joni Mitchell, and Carole King. I've seen it a few places and am so psyched the library had it. No forking over cash for that one! Then, Potato and I browsed the music cd section. He found a couple of concerts on DVD, and I found Raising Sand - Robert Plant and Allison Krauss. I just popped it into my computer. I'll let you know how it is :)
We browsed the Travel section and dreamed our way through India in the guidebooks. There I found 'Holy Cow', which is the story of a woman's journey through India. Love those!
Then I looked for Anthony Bourdain's 'Kitchen Confidential' to no avail, though they did carry another of his books, 'The Nasty Bits'. I didn't take that one out, nor did I look for the book 'Julie and Julia'. I didn't want to get totally up to my eyeballs in books (though I already am anyway).

Currently reading (and loving): My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult.
Up Next: Twilight and New Moon (for my Florida vacation)
Followed by: Girls Like Us and Holy Cow.

See you in a few weeks. Until then, I'll be buried in a book!

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

The Fruits of Nature

Good morning!

3 cheers for my relationship! 6 months, 2 hot dogs, 2 teapots, 1 job, 100 bars of soap later, we're in a good spot. It's a relationship that just sort of...happened - no pressure, no games, we're just happily chugging along. Let's see where it goes, shall we?


I haven't run in about a week. I did, however, go for a hike on Sunday with a friend. It was raining, though somehow while we were in the woods we stayed dry. The mosquitos! Now those were another story. It was totally worth the bugs though - being on a trail, stomping through mud and passing over streams - there is nothing else like it. One of my favorite shorter hikes in there loops around a pond and is just gorgeous in the winter!


Enough of my forest fantasies for now - best get ready for work!
(Also fitting is the fact that my oldest sister is in VT right now - I am definitely jealous and hoping she's enjoying it)


Strawberry love!

Friday, July 31, 2009

Oil change, License, and Coffee, oh my!

I have some horribly boring errands to run in the morning...like the DMV, and getting my oil changed...however, this doesn't change the fact that I love Saturday mornings! Does this mean I'm a true adult, when I like waking up early to run around town 'getting things done'? No more Saturday morning cartoons, hey? This time, I'm the animated character. More java, please.

Sunday I'm headed on a hike with a friend in the morning - we're going to a spot I grew up right around the corner from. It's pretty and you can pretty much choose a hike anywhere from 1/2 an hour to half a day! I think we'll pick a loop that will take an hour or two (depending on how hot it is by then, perhaps!) In the afternoon, I believe a birthday celebration is in order for one of my closest friends and coworkers. We have the same brain when it comes to many topics. She's one of those friends - the ones I get along with so well and think so much like that...I can't believe it took so long to find her. You know what I mean?


I better get this snoozefest in action. I have to be up bright and early to be first in line for a license renewal. Should I do my hair like...this?

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Dear Santa...

A Little Left of Center

The good:

I started my packing lists for Pennsylvania and Florida!
I saw a baby bunny in my neighborhood!

The bad:

My house is a mess. A royal mess.

The ugly:

Three letters: P.M.S.
Uh oh.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Success!

I would like to thank TJ MAXX for:

1. the first two books in the Twilight series
2. two bras ($15 total)
3. awesome gold Guess sandals
4. twin bed sheet set
5. small lotus tealight candleholder which will now become my ring/jewelry holder at night.

*Most* of these items fall under the *need* category. Let me explain! ha ha

1. I have been thinking about enjoying Twilight on my upcoming vacation. Both books were a total of $10. How could I resist?
2. No explanation needed, most likely.
3. I wear the same black leather Gap flip flops to work pretty much every day.
4. BYOBedding to the hunting lodge I'll be headed to next weekend and I don't own twin sheets.
5. I can't explain this one...I can only say that it was only $5??

PS: The pre-vacation crunch isn't my favorite, though I'll smile my way through it because...I'm going on vacation! I can't complain about the prep involved. That's just silly!

Drink up!


Water, that is. Hydration is key! And I've noticed it's easier now that I carry my trusty Rubbermaid to work. I'm sort of a nerd, but it made me feel better to see another girl in my office the other day carrying the same one, ha ha.

I have a jog scheduled for tonight, at the gym. First is dinner at my dad's with the whole family. He's back from Seattle! He was out there on a business trip, so he missed last week's 'Summer Wednesday'. It will be good to see him again!

As for my jog, I'm pretty tired these past couple of days. I don't know if it's because I've started working out more regularly and I'm just adjusting or what. I've been sleeping well and having totally vivid dreams. Tonight, since I'll jog later, starting around 8 pm, I'll probably be up late, too. I should use the time to start planning my packing for my upcoming trips to PA and FL (which are just a couple of days apart). I'm aiming for 2.5 miles. If what happened the other day happens again, where I can add another .5 mile, that would be cool, but I'm not going to bank on it. I'm not there yet in terms of my personal training schedule, so I'll just see what happens :)
The pre-vacation crunch is always a little crazy. This weekend, my bf and I are going to scope out a few campgrounds in the area. We want to get a simple trip in the works - just get a night or two outside. There are a couple of campgrounds he knows of, as well as one my friend went to recently. Fun! I haven't been out under the stars in a long time!


Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Here Comes the Sun doo doo doo doo


When I finally opened my eyes this morning (that jog yesterday sort of kicked my butt, I do believe...followed by Anthony Bourdain at 10, which, let's face it, is now 'late' for me by the time it's all said and done) my gaze stopped at: my yellow polka dot bikini!


I never thought I'd own one. Better yet, I know I'll never look like the girl in the picture above. Ha!

Anyway, I went a little swimsuit crazy at the beginning of summer. I wanted/needed a new one and also have a trip to Florida booked for August. I ordered a few suits online, ripped open the packages, tried them on, thought about them, strategized (wanted to make sure the most expensive one was really thought over) and ended up returning 2 out of the 3 I bought (expensive one included, yippee! ha ha) So then I had left one cute two piece (boy shorts) from the Gap. I decided I wanted an additional style (preferably a tankini) for any days I might be feeling less than bikini-ish (which are most, by the way). I found myself downtown Westport one afternoon and stumbled into...SALES! J Crew had some serious sales. Each piece of my yellow polka dot number was less than $20! That's a serious steal, if you ask me. And what bathing suits SHOULD cost, considering there's not much to them. I also went next door to the Gap and found a simple black tankini that landed right around the same place, price wise. I'm so happy I started early and did a little shopping around the matter. I found the best deals and some cute style variations! So now I'm 3 suits deep (plus an old one that isn't totally trash worthy yet)!!

Florida here I come! It also makes me feel good to know that I've been working out and I think it will make my few days in a bathing suit that much more...relaxing!


Off to the office, yellow polka dots dancing in my head!

Monday, July 27, 2009

Dog Tired

I upped my mileage by .5 mile tonight! It's funny where my brain goes while I'm running and how my thoughts change. In the first mile I was thinking about fall (triggered by an old episode of Friends shot in the Fall) and how much I love it.
I love summer too; it's just that every season I get a little thrill thinking about what's to come.


When I stopped thinking about the weather I turned inward, to the aches and pains I was feeling. Specifically, how much I had to go to the bathroom. It's all coming back to me now. I remember this from my previous running days.


Second mile in, post-bathroom break: Feeling good! People watching, mostly. Listening to music. Glad to have my first mile and a half over with. Then I'm walking a few minutes and thinking 'I think I can do another half mile...the last five minutes of my workout...' It felt like I could run with ease tonight. Many times, not so much. I'm only up to 3 miles now, total running and not all in one straight shot, but that's major progress for me! I like how Danica from chicrunner.com advised to just start out slow, and not push past the goal of the day. Otherwise, all the pain you feel the next day is associated with the jog and makes it harder to want to get going again. So true! So I stopped after that half mile (and who are we kidding here, I was totally spent!) Another trick that seems to work for me is walking 5 minutes inbetween miles or after my first 1.5 and before my second mile.


I also just want to mention that my dad was a runner back in the day - in his 30's I think. He ran a few marathons (I can hardly imagine running one) and belonged to some running clubs. He ran the Honolulu Marathon (year?) and said that he and a few running buddies would get up at 4am to run to the clinic that was a few miles away. That way they wouldn't have to bother with the bus out to the clinic, then the scheduled run, then the bus back - they could just run there and have transportation to the clinic and their run done all in one shot! Also, it was early enough to beat the mid day Hawaiian heat. As I told Potato the other day, I have runners in my blood. Somehow, running makes me feel a little closer to my Dad.


Next up: shower, dinner, laundry, and my favorite travel buddy, Anthony Bourdain!

Make less of yourself, so God can be more

On the tail of a joyous eating filled weekend, and the brink of a running revival, I have decided to bring my experiences with movement and mindfulness here, to share with you guys! (whoever you may be..Bueller, Bueller?) Also, I think it will be pretty cool for me to be able to look back to my older posts and see my journey unfolding. It has been just about a year since yoga has become a significant part of my life. Not just yoga class, but understanding of the term in itself and how I interpret it into my being. The growing awareness I experience as I practice yoga is beautiful, totally amazing - surprising, painful, exciting! It certainly is one to document.


And running? It's been years since it was a true part of my life. It's time to say hello to it again. I love the community of runners. I love the way I feel my mind becoming fine tuned as I run. My patience and faith is tested. I learn the difference between fatigue and pain. And in the meantime, I tone up and reenergize. Wake myself up a little.


Maybe I'm just feeling inspired today because it's Monday and I need something to keep me interested, propel my week a bit. It is, after all, Motion Monday and I need to move!

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Hot Diggity Dog


Welcome to my new blog! I have just arrived from tumblr.com. If you want to catch up on the random ramblings of my previous-life-before-today, type in http://www.rainapants.tumblr.com/ and you'll see what I've been up to!


The hot-weather-weekend is drawing to a close, so I thought I'd highlight a few elements I'd like to remember.


The Good:


Making my way through the hot dog staples of Mamaroneck and Port Chester, New York on Saturday afternoon with my boyfriend (nickname: Potato). Had my first Walter's hot dog while sitting on a park bench on the hill across from this favorite dog stand. Hot and toasted with mustard = two thumbs up! Next stop was Pat's Hubba Hubba for a chili and onions dog. Spicy! Funny little hole in the wall dog dive - every stool was filled up. We enjoyed our dogs with some good ol' fruit punch!


Hell, it finally feels like the dog days of summer are here. What better way to celebrate?


The Bad: The stomachache I had after eating said hot dogs (the dogs were great - I was just FULL!)


The ugly: Setting a mouse trap in my house; cleaning up Raina's yack