Christmas Crib

One of the shows that I always get sucked into but don't mean to--MTV Cribs. I've always wanted to shoot my own version. Maybe I'll do the full version one day but for now I'll just make you endure the Christmas episode.

Here is the tree. I'm not crazy about the location but my apt. is small and I only have so many options. Hopefully this is the last year in this apartment. Close up of some cookie cutters and the cute snowman that Angie got me last year.
The card table (all my cards are done and waiting to be sent out. The basket is really for ones I receive--I'm very popular so I might need a bigger basket. Ha. Ha.)
Cookie Cutter--Up close, Yo!
My favorite new ornament--from St. Jude. And my new prim plaid tree skirt that I got this past summer. Gracie thought she needed to lay under the tree while I was decorating it.

The small tree in my bedroom.

Thanks for stopping by the Christmas Crib! Next time, I'll show you the fridge.

They Call It Puppy Love....

Tobey is freakin' cute.

It's been a good weekend at the GFE. I relaxed and spent time with my family. I also got some projects done too.

Today was a milestone because I have officially lost 20 lbs with WW. I love that it happened right after Thanksgiving, too.

Tomorrow it's back to O-town to spend the day decorating for Christmas and laying on the couch reading Twilight (I'm going to try to read it--even though I have my doubts).

Hope you all had a great weekend!

Giving Thanks

I'm thankful for a lot every day of the year, but today I wanted to let you all know what I'm giving thanks for this year.

• I'm thankful that my family is healthy and lives close enough that I can see them whenever I want.
• I'm thankful that for my crazy and great friends that all make me laugh and make me a better person for knowing them and allow me to be me. (And this is for the friends that live close and the ones that are too far away to see everyday.)
• I'm thankful that I have a career that I love and that I work with great people.
• I'm thankful for all the kiddies in my life and for my friends for allowing me to be "Aunt Allison"
• I'm thankful that Obama was elected President. :)
• I'm thankful that Andi was so generous to let me keep Sadie because I freakin' love that cat.
• I'm thankful that my life is full and happy and I can find humor in just about everything.

I could really go on and on but those are the ones I want to share right now because I'm hungry and can't wait to eat some turkey. I hope you are all having a lovely day with friends and family!

Happy Thanksgiving!

...And Through The Woods

I got up early this morning and packed some clothes, my computer, other assorted projects, and two very irritated cats into my car to come over to the GFE for a few days.

It was snowing, a light snow. I'm not a big fan of snow in any form. I don't think it's pretty. I don't find it charming. Snow and I would get along great if it wouldn't get on me, my clothes, my car, or the roads/sidewalks. And because snow doesn't want to play my game, we are are sworn enemies. I was less than enthused about driving in snow to get here this morning.

Now, I've lived in NY long enough to be able to handle myself on snow covered roads but the roads from my apartment to the GFE are awful sometimes. It's just about 10 minutes of the trip (out of 40 minutes all together) that are just awful in snowy weather. It's all because of the drifts across the road (this is literally the place that the sun does not shine--I suspect that trolls live in the trees and constantly throw snow out on the road to irritate drivers. In the summer, they send out the deer.)

So let me paint the picture of what my nice morning drive consisted of. Two cats in the back. Sadie is whining LOUDLY and consistently for the entirety of the trip. Gracie gets carsick. BIG TIME. She is puking throughout the 40 minutes. And she's not quiet about it either. So between the two of them and the snowdrift-tastic roads, it was the longest 40 minutes in the car ever.

But I'm here at the GFE and thrilled to be away for a few days. I know I could just come over and back tomorrow but I just love coming to spend a few days with my family. There is something so comforting about being able to completely retreat from my normal life and routine.

Snow and puking cats and all...

Monday Night

I came home from work to find Sadie having a love affair with my LL Bean tote on my bed. It made me laugh. It's a tough life for a kitty.

I love this week because the students are going home for break so I can get out of my office at 5 pm on the dot. I was very productive tonight. I made dinner, made some muffins, treadmilled it up and packed up my fall decorations in preparation for Christmas.
My friend Tara gave me some cookie cutters that I'm going to put on my tree with some cute ribbon. I saw this in a magazine a few years ago and have been collecting rustic looking cookie cutters ever since. I think I have enough now to make it cute. I can't wait to put my tree up now...

Out With The Old

After the happy hour that lasted 7 hours on Friday night, I had a very quiet and productive weekend.

Saturday is one of the days I look forward to the most because it starts out with the WW meeting (I lost 4 lbs this week) and then brunch with the girls (or what I like to refer to as the binge). This week we checked out the new Walgreen's (yes, that's right we've never had one in town before) and then walked around a craft fair.

After that, I have been left to my own devices for the remainder of the weekend. Saturday night consisted of me laying in bed watching Samantha Who that I got from Netflix. It's a cute show.

Today was very productive. I went grocery shopping and stopped by my office to print out my Christmas card labels to do at the end of the week. Then I tackled my big project for this weekend. Cleaning out my closet and drawers. I figure since I'm losing weight, I'm going to be replacing my clothes slowly (Yay!) So I spent hours today trying on every article of clothing I own. (All while watching cheesy Christmas movies on ABC Family) Here is what I'm donating tomorrow. I had another bag of clothes that needed to be tossed completely and some that are going to the consignment shop.

This made me come to the realization that all the black t-shirts in the world take residence in my drawers. So if you need a black t-shirt, look no further. .

I guess it's my staple item. What's yours?

Thank You

I was happy to get my mail today to find that I received the lovely give-a-way from Nikes and Poytails. I didn't even realize I had won so I was excited when I found out. The lotion smells wonderful and it's great for carrying around in my bag. I drink a lot of water so there are lots of trips to the restroom and lots of hand washing so I need me some lotion to combat dry skin. :)

And I have decided I have a strong interest in really comfortable moccasins this year. I found these in Lands' End and I think I might need to purchase them. I've been wearing my heeled boots again and I have to say that although I like the way they look, they hurt my toes so I often find myself day dreaming of comfortable, sensible shoes like these. I might have to give myself a b-day gift this year.

I'm saving the Uggs for my Christmas wish list....

One a Day

I've always tried to take a multi vitamin but I sometimes forget and the bottle might go untouched for many weeks. So to make sure that I am indeed taking a vitamin everyday, I've implemented the use of this handy little pill organizer. It sits on my counter so I see it daily and can make sure that I'm taking my vitamin.

In the last two weeks, I haven't forgotten once.

Oh, how I love it when things are organized! It really does make life much easier. (And Gracie approves)

Taking the Cake

I heard about this at a WW meeting and wanted to try it out. It's a yellow cake mix and instead of adding the eggs, oil, etc. add a can of diet Sprite (or the Walmart version--Twist Up) and bake as normal. It sounds awful but I tried it last night and it turned out to be really good. And the best part it's only 4 points for a reasonable piece. I frosted it with fat free cool whip.

And I hear that if you want to make a chocolate cake to use a can of diet Dr. Pepper.

I may be the last person that's heard of this but I wanted to share it, just in case you are looking for a way to have your cake and eat it too. :)

Saturday and SU-nday

It's been a great weekend. I was on call all weekend for work and expected to get woken up with foolish college student stuff, but I didn't get called all weekend. (now I'll probably get called tonight)

Last night I took Ava (My friend Angie's daughter) to a hypnotist that was performing on campus. It was funny but I think it might have been a little over her head. It was still nice to hang out with her. It means a lot to me that she actually enjoys hanging out with me now, because she won't always think I'm so cool. I have convinced her that she's going to join my sorority when she goes to college. When I ask her what one she'll join, she always says "Sigma Sigma Sigma" It's so cute!

I can't believe how grown up she is now. When I first moved back to O-town she was so little. Here is a picture of when wewent to DC a few years ago. That was the trip that she put both her legs in the same leg hole of her skort and screamed bloody murder about it at the airport. Good times.

Today was a great lazy Sunday. I woke up early and watched a movie before I headed out to go to a play on campus. Then I ran to the mall with my friend Sabrina. Here we are in JCP. Tonight is all about relaxing. I'm watching my Syracuse Orange play LeMoyne. I am excited to finally be in basketball season. I even put on my favorite shirt to watch even though I'm not worried about this game. At all.

Hope you all enjoyed your SUnday too!

Kitty Box

Gracie thinks she's so cute...... and so do I.

Happy Saturday!

Numero Uno

Happy Birthday to You...

Happy Birthday to You...

Happy Birthday Dear Colleen...

Happy Birthday To You!

How cute is she?

Cut It Out

I used to be an RA in college and I was also an elementary education major. So I spent a good majority of college cutting things out of construction paper for bulletin boards or class projects. And I loved it. There is something so soothing about doing a task like this. It's kind of like vacuuming or organizing a drawer. It's just non-thinking fun.

Although I work with college students now, and I don't really have to do these kind of projects anymore, I still find myself volunteering to do things like tracing and cutting out 75 stockings for a "Fill-A-Stocking" project that will be happening soon. The students looked at me like I was nuts when I said I'd make them, but I assured them it was no problem. And it wasn't. It's a perfect TV watching project. (I know...I'm lame)

It makes me think of the good 'ol days of student teaching and door tags. awww, the memories.

So, the moral of this story...if you need a bunch of things cut out of construction paper, I'm still your girl.

See, I Knew It

Don't knock those trendy, oversized purses — they could save your life

I love the Today Show. This morning they had a story that had a happy ending and further proof that accessories can change your life. (Just in case you don't want to read the entire story--a college student was being mugged and her large handbag got the bullet instead of her).

So I thought I better do some research into a new bag....

...It could save my life.

Here's To You

I walked into the office today and said "Happy Veterans Day" which was met with head tilts from my coworkers. Not because they didn't know what day it was, but because I used the word "happy" before it. I had a moment that I doubted my understanding of this holiday. I immediately googled it (because that's how I learn all my cool stuff) and then proceeded to call my father (a veteran) to get the final ruling. (I don't believe anything unless my father has endorsed it--except republican ideology. hee hee). He agreed with my use of the word happy.

Veterans Day is for remembering people that currently serve and have served in our Armed Forces. Yes, we pay tribute to those that paid the ultimate sacrifice but there are millions of living veterans across this country and we should take a moment to thank them for the service they've given to protect our freedom and rights.

So I want to take this moment to publicly acknowledge my father and his career choice. It was him that taught me to always stop and face the flag and put my hand on my heart during national anthem. And to this day, I still tear up when the first notes begin to play. It was him that taught me what it means to be patriotic. I'm very proud of him and his wonderful career in the Air Force.

So today, on Veterans Day, I thank him for all he's done in his service to our country. And I do it, happily.

A Star is Born

Congratulations to Courtney and Mark and Lucy for little baby Brodie. He was born early this morning.

7 lbs. 5 oz.

I can't wait to meet him!

Domestic Bliss

I have been so busy lately so it was nice to stay home today (minus the few hours spent at work for Open House).

I remember when I was little, I couldn't understand that my parents didn't want to run all over the place. I wanted to go places and to do things, but they just wanted to relax and stay home to get stuff done around the house. I was young, I didn't know the joy of being relaxed.

I can completely understand that in my adult life. I really value my time puttering around the apartment. Give me my sweats and put my hair in a pony and I'm happy. My afternoon included making some apple crisp, crocheting a blanket and reading, doing laundry and watching my Netflix. It was great.

What do you do on your perfect relaxing afternoon?

LOL

There are very few shows that make me laugh out loud. But The Office and 30 Rock are two of the best shows on TV right now. If you don't watch either, you really should. Get on Netflix and get the seasons you missed too. They really are that good.

The Winner Is...

Yes we can.

Not surprisingly, I'm pretty happy today about the election results. I spent last night glued to TV with a glass (or a bottle) of champagne in hand and tears in my eyes as I listened to our President-Elect address the nation. It was amazing! I fell asleep hopeful and satisfied. Now, I know that many people in my life don't agree with my political views (most of my family and a few friends) so I won't use this as my forum to talk about my views because I respect other views and there are some issues that I'm quite conservative about. I just want to remember how I feel today. So there. I'm done now. Until the inauguration.


And speaking of winners, I received an award! It's my first blog award too. So thank you to The Randomness of Meghan. She has a cute blog and I really enjoy reading and am glad she likes mine too. :)

I would like to pass it on to:
1. Frogspot because I absolutely wish I could be as clever as her when I write. I heart her!
2. The Pink Owl because she's always got cute nails and fun things to say.
3. JadedJill because she's super sweet and keeps it real. :)
4. McPhee Family Adventures-- she's one of my favorites and I love the pictures of the kids.
5. Brock and Ava because she got me into this blogging business and I love it thanks to her.

I Voted Twice Today

I woke up excited this morning. I headed down to the polls, after I stopped for a pumpkin coffee. (I wasn't sure how long the line was going to be so I wanted to make sure I was caffeinated.) I was pleased that I only had to wait for 1 other person in front of me. So my vote is in. I am properly adorned with the "I voted" sticker and ready to watch the results as the day progresses. I love election day. It makes me happy to be an American and to take part in our history. I know I sound cheesy but I'm pretty sentimental about these things.

I'm also sentimental about this little cutie Colleen. My friend Beth's little girl is entered in a radio station Baby Election. How cute is she? Go vote for her here. She's baby number 4. I love election day!

Election Eve

Tomorrow is a big day. A day we've been waiting a long time for. Tomorrow evening we'll finally know the answer to the question that has lingered for the last two years. There are many things that a girl has to do to prepare for a major political event.

• Eat a nutritious meal. Or eat Chicago Deep Dish pizza in honor of Senator Obama. There was a McCain option too but the Obama choice was more WW friendly.
• Read up on all the important issues.
  
• Called the Board of Elections again to be reassured that I am indeed registered to vote.
  
• Got my electoral map ready to go for tomorrow night. I'm the nerd that actually marks off the states as they report in. Don't sweat me.
  
• Washed my hair so I'd have cute hair in the morning. I think election day equals nice curls. Besides I'm sure that the local newspaper will snap a photo of me going into the booth. Obviously.
  
• Painted my nails this great new shade It's important to have a nice clean manicure for selecting an elected official.
  

Happy Voting to All!

Fight Song

Do you have a fight song?
I do.

During my first semester of grad school (6 years ago--wow I can't believe it's been that long) I wasn't sure that I had made a good decision to go back to school and give up my job to be a graduate assistant. I had moved to a new place and wasn't convinced that I loved it. I was not feeling my new life. I was sitting in my car one night feeling sorry for myself because I had a huge paper due and I lived in a tiny studio apartment. It was awful and I wanted to pack it in and leave. I happened to hear a song on the radio that surprisingly turned it all around. The lyrics were the exact words I needed to hear at that moment. And though it took a little adjusting, I didn't give up and ended up finishing my degree and was very happy in school and in life. And you might wonder what lyrical genius helped to change my entire attitude about my graduate school career...

Look.. if you had.. one shot, or one opportunity
To seize everything you ever wanted.. in one moment
Would you capture it.. or just let it slip? Yo..

That's right. Eminem's Lose Yourself became my fight song. To this day when I am feeling down and unsure about something, I dig out my 8 Mile Soundtrack (yes, i bought it, don't judge) and listen to it loudly. And somehow I'm comforted.

Yo.