Out with the old and in with the new!!!

HAPPY NEW YEARS.
2009.... Bring it on.
Hope everyone had a safe and wonderful ringing in of the new year.
I wish you all the best of health and happiness.

Ciao
S

On the 3rd day of Christmas...

Christmas was wonderful all the way around. Santa was so good to me! He got EVERYTHING on my list.... Spending time with family and friends was GREAT. I'm looking forward to the New Years festivities...

The craziness begins

Making sure those ornaments were perfectly placed.


Happy Children...

Merry Christmas to all...

and to all a Good Night.
I am reminded today that even in this super trying time of being laid off and the economy being in the toilet; I am surrounded by amazing family and friends that love and support me. My sister called me a few hours ago just to tell me that she thinks I am brave. I don't think I am brave, but I am so honored that she (who is in my eyes the most talented and amazing mother) took the time (which we all know she has none of) to call me and tell me that. I was super touched. Yesterday my friend Ali called me to say Hi and see how I was. My friend Hana wrote me a note that reminded me that I am gonna get through this. Everywhere I turn are pillars of support and love to help me through every day. The calls and treats from Heather, Bridget, Jenn, Leah... you all mean the world to me. (Forgive me if I missed someone... there have been so many)
So Christmas or not .... Thank you. To everyone that calls, thinks of me, writes me notes, takes me out for coffee... Thank you.
To my Mom that never stops believing that I will make it.... to my husband (the sweetest of all) that will NOT let me be a grump for Christmas, or any day for that matter. Thank you. I really could not and would not be who I am without you.
So Merry Christmas/ Buon Natale, take the time to thank those that help make you who you are...
Love and peace,
Ciao
Stefania

Spirit? What spirit!

I'm all set with snow. It was magical for about 2 minutes and then was fun to look at (from inside) for about 15 minutes and now... I'm all set, thanks.
Hubby and I have been battling the snow for days now. Friday was the 1st snow day and we had a grand old time. Even though the weather dashed our plans of having the friends over for a delish dinner we still enjoyed the day. I made chocolate cake and that seemed to make it all better. We went out twice to clear the snow and still continued as we woke up on Saturday. I went to watch the kids in the afternoon and at my sister's house it didn't stop snowing at all. The kids kept begging me to go play in the snow and it was so cold I thought not... after about 20 minutes of all of them on their knees begging I finally gave in. Let's just say that they spent more time begging than playing. It was so cold (19 degrees).
Today... guess what?! More snow. We've already been out once to clear the walks and driveway and I sense that we will have to go out again soon. ugh. I love our house, I hate cleaning up after it.
On the Christmas news front; I'm still not done shopping. I am usually done by this time. Ugh. It really stinks. And I was going to go out today but I'm not in the mood to venture out in this weather. I'm a bit of a wuss when it comes to driving in the snow. Plus on the news last night they talked about the malls being jammed up because of the snowy weekend and people coming out in record numbers. Ugh. I'm going to try to get there 1st thing tomorrow.
So .... Merry Christmas peeps. We are just a few days away from the merriment and awe of the holiday. Enjoy your peeps! Spread the joy. Love, peace and alcohol! :)
Ciao, Buon Natale!
S

SNOW DAY

It's coming. It will be the first snow day in a LONG time that I am home with my hubby. So looking forward to it... and the 12 days that he will be home for Christmas break.
Seriously... I can't remember the last time that we were home together for more than 3 days in a row. Don't get me wrong it will be really nice to hang out... but we def have different views on "hanging out". I will post the stories that are sure to come out of the time.
Today I hung out with Heather... She is the wife of a friend from high school. She is super smart and sweet and great to hang out with. She has a cute daughter that was mesmerized by my voice. She couldn't stop staring at me. So sweet!
It was kinda nasty out today but I braved the weather and had a great day.
Yesterday... not so much. I spent most of the day home alone, cleaning. I finally went out late the day to try to get more X-mas shopping done and was not successful. I just couldn't get in the mood and spent most of the time fretting over prices and money.
Oh well there are good days and then not so good days.
You take the good, you take the bad, you take them all and then you have the facts of life.... hee hee.
Ciao
S

Transcending

One of my best ladies sent this to me today.
I want to share it with all the rest of the ladies in my life.
Mom, sisters, cousins, friends.... you all mean so much to me.



Ciao
S

Christmas Edition

Welcome to the Christmas edition of getting to know your friends.
Here are my answers....

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper unless it comes in a festive bag.

2. Real tree or Artificial? Real

3. When do you put up the tree? Within 10 days of Christmas. (Yesterday)

4. When do you take the tree down? We keep ours up until 3 Kings Day for the Befana (1/6)

5. Do you like eggnog? Yes (spiked with amaretto!)

6. Favorite gift received as a child? Boom Box

7. Hardest person to buy for? Mom

9. Do you have a nativity scene? The tiniest one you ever saw.

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Gosh... definitely the stuff that doesn't fit.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? A Christmas Story

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? When December begins (except this year)

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Yes... the stuff that doesn't fit!

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Zuppa di pesce (Fish stew)

16. Lights on the tree? Red

17. Favorite Christmas song? All of them, I love to sing X-mas tunes.

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? A lot of both!

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? Maybe...

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel

21. Open presents on Christmas eve or morning? Morning (hubby always wants em on X-mas eve)

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? Commercialism and money.

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? Hubby and I buy one every year that has some significance. Every year when we trim we remember the stories.

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Fish

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? Already have it.....my hubby, good friends and family! A job would be nice too!


Merry Christmas!
Ciao
S

Rainy Days

This is the third rainy day in a row. On the first one I went to the mall for some retail therapy. Not the happiest as I felt guilty about every dollar... but it's the season! Right? I got some good deals.... so that helps.
Yesterday I went to visit my dear friend Alison and her kidlets. Adorable is all I can say! We had a great time catching up and spending some time listening to the kids negotiating, playing, sleeping (or trying to) and then lots of hugs as I walked out the door.
Today...I'm a wife. Cooking and cleaning is on the roster for the day. I bought some yummy eggplants last night (my favorite and hubby hates them!). So today I will attempt eggplant parmigiana... yum. I've never made it (see note about hubby hating it) but I've been known to throw down in the kitchen, so should be fun. And it's a great day to turn the oven on. So I might throw a batch of cookies in there as well... we'll see. ;)
Ok peeps... I'm running out of ideas.... Next week is looking kinda bare. I need some inspiration on things to do (cheap things please).... I have a few must dos... but beyond that I may be stuck here. Any ideas? I've been to the library, mall, visit Mom (she may be getting sick of me), visit Alison (which I will continue to do)... Anyone else need a visit?

Ciao
S

Wow

I got this on another blog...



Whoa.
Ciao
S

New week

Hey there peeps.
The weekend was pretty much uneventful. I spent some time at Hartford Stage with Santa on Saturday; I gave him my list ;) and then Tina and I went out to dinner and spent some much needed time catching up. We went to a restaurant downtown and were completely surprised at the line of people waiting to be seated as we were leaving. Yesterday I realized they were all there to see Ms Tina Turner at the XL Center. I read the review and at 69 it sounds like she delivered quite a show.
Sunday I went to visit my Mom for a delicious cappuccino. She got a new machine and it really does make a wonderful cup of coffee. We made graola together and trolled for some presents on the internet.
So really that is all. I made some tasty shrimp for dinner. We watched the final sprint on the Amazing Race; my favorite show. I love to see where they travel and what they have to do when the get there. Hubby and I always talk about which tasks we would do and how we would run the race.
So today Monday.... week 2. I can't believe that week 1 flew by so quickly and all I really did was stay home and send emails... ugh. I need to concentrate on getting out of the house. Today I will and not just to go to water aerobics. ;)
Ciao
S

TGIF

Ok... yup I know... I missed another day. I'm giving up on the daily posts, it's too much pressure.
Yesterday was uneventful... except for a visit from Jenn. Which was so nice. I missed her more that I thought. I took for granted that I could call out to her at any point all day long. I'm super excited to join her book club. I've wanted to join a book club for the longest time and was so jealous to hear the stories of her club. Yay!
I didn't really do much yesterday... which was ok. I need these days of lounging as much as the super productive days.
Today my mission is to GET OUT of the house. I've been home all week except for water aerobics on Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday I went to Staples to get envelopes. Yesterday I went to water aerobics and that is ALL. SAD yes. So I'm gonna go get dressed and go visit my Mom and maybe go grocery shopping or something...

Ciao
S

Some pictures to make you smile.

Day 3

Sorry if I got a little snippy at the end of that last post. I'm crazy.

Today was GREAT. Christen is by far the absolute best! She called within moments of getting up in Nevada and talked me through an A-MAZING cover letter and proofreading my resume. We were on the phone for 2 hours!!!
I feel really confident now and have been emailing like crazy the rest of the day. Calling peeps and generally just sending this amazing letter out to everyone.

Other than that and that was pretty much most of the day...
I've been cleaning and laundrying and facebooking. And... apparently coming up with words that do not exist. Can you tell that I needed the help!

Ciao
S

Day 2

I know I know I missed day 1.... I was going to try to post every day but apparently that already didn't work.
So yesterday is what I am calling day 1. I know that is has been a week since I was laid off but I really was in a daze until yesterday.
Day 1: Was ok. I helped my sister out with some stuff during the day and that was a drag. Every moment that I was away from the computer I kept thinking that I could have been doing something else... resume, letters, searching, contacting... anything. In the evening I went to the gym and that was great. There is something so great about getting into the water and moving and swimming. I spent some time with Bridget before and after and that was great. She is great.
Day2: Today... I'm home today.... all day. I really am not good at this. I'm the type of person that makes a million lists and then doesn't really do any of them.... I do stuff organically. Which means as I come upon them or as I feel like it.... organically. But there is a lot to do so... see ya.
Oh and by the way... Yes I will be writing a LOT about being home and being laid off. There aren't really a lot of things else to talk about so if you get bored or are all "Gosh does she have anything else to talk about!" The answer is not really. So check me later when I get another job...
ciao
s

Resume

Stefania is dusting off the old resume and getting ready to start hunting... and she hates it. (I can't help but writing in 3rd person... thank you Facebook).
I hate hate hate looking for a job...
Every part of it SUX.
Searching; trying to mold yourself to fit every description or reading all the opportunities and realizing that there isn't much out there for you.
Applying; I have no less than 7 versions of my resume and they all seem the same. Ugh. I can't write a resume (or cover letter for that matter) to save my life. Checking and rechecking each line to make sure that it reads right and is grammatically correct and expresses the jobs that I did.
Waiting; this has got to be the worst part. Sending a resume and cover letter and then siting by the computer waiting for a response... any response. Thinking should I call? Should I email again? What the hell should I do?
Getting the call; and waiting again for an interview. Getting ready for the interview is the worst for me. I feel so vulnerable and exposed. And those of you who know me know that when I am feeling that way the babble turns on exponentially. I can't seem to stop talking. Well I guess that happens a lot more than just at interviews but that is neither here nor there.
Waiting again... ugh. I'm not really sure that I am ready for this.
The thing I hate the most.... feeling like reading my resume is not knowing me at all. How do you express in a resume or cover letter (DON'T GET ME STARTED ON HOW MUCH I HATE HATE HATE COVER LETTERS) who I am. That I am a hard worker and never give up. That I love to learn. That really I am the BEST person for the job...
ugh
ciao
s

Black Friday

I have never ever been one to go crazy shopping on this day. I like to spread my shopping out and go when I can and get things that are special to each person.
Really this is the first year in a long time that I am even home on this day (I would've been regardless of being unemployed... they are closed today).
Will I go shopping? Probably not.... but I am meeting my sister at the mall to help her out... is it the same thing. We'll see.
NPR has been trying to get this day to become the day of listening... so grab a family member brew a pot of coffee/ hot cocoa/ tea/ hot toddies... and sit down and share some stories. Don't email them, text them, post them to facebook... spend some time today with those you love and get to know them again. I bet there is a story or two that you will hear that you never knew.
Today my best friend from high school is coming over with her new daughter. I am so excited to meet her and fawn all over her and hear all her stories about motherhood.
A very close friend from college that generally calls California his home, will be in the neighborhood as well. If I had to guess the last time I saw him.... gosh it is way too long. I look forward to seeing him and spending some time hearing all about life on the other coast.

Ciao
S

Always look on the bright side of life...

Go ahead... whistle that tune. You know you want to.
So when you get lemons, make lemonade; when someone closes a door, open a window; He/She has a plan; this was meant to be; this is your path, a better opportunity will present itself... any other sayings to add... did I miss any. Send em my way because boy oh boy do I need them. I got laid off. There I said it. My company has been having tough times as of late and had to lay off 6-7 people and "there are more to come". I still can't help but be PISSED OFF. I had terrible dreams about beating people up and I thought the whole thing was a dream until I woke up and there were the unemployment papers and damn.... it is my reality.

Ok enough of the pity party... I'm gonna pull myself up by my boot straps, I will fall on my feet, I will make lemonade, I am a capable, strong, talented, smart and confident woman that has the world as her oyster.

So here is my silver lining list:
• I can join Jenn's book club. WaHOO!!!
• All that time that I have been complaining about not having... poof, here it is!
• More time to read, work out, cook, clean, visit, catch up on movies and TV, sleep in, stay up late...
• Um two words... Daytime Television!!!
• I can wear jeans all day everyday!
• More time on facebook and blogger. AIM anyone...
• It is a great time of year to stay home be cozy, bake, craft and be a homebody.

So don't worry about me but also don't expect a gift for X-mas either. :) My gift is my time... so come on over... let's hang.

Ciao
S

Not much to say..

I know, it's a first.
This is what's going on:
• Went out for potato soup with Jenn and Colleen yesterday evening and it was wonderful. Great to finally meet Colleen, and nice to spend some time away from the office with J.
• I just got home from the movies with Heather. We have these random movie dates and they are super fun. We went to see Happy Go Lucky at Cinema City. I had a free ticket from over the Summer and was able to use it. So with a $3 cup of coffee and a purse filled with contraband movie snacks, it was a pretty cheap afternoon of entertainment. The movie was good. Poppy was happy to say the least. We loved her outfits and her breathing habit. She was a loud breather (you know what I mean).
• I got may hair done today. Not that you could really tell. Same old color, same old cut.
• Tomorrow is all about laundry and staying home. It is too darn cold out there.
• I am looking forward to a short week next week. Friday will be the first time since 2000 that I have had the day after Thanksgiving off. It's a whole new world.
• I'm reading Sloane Crosley, I Was Told There'd be Cake . It is a collection of essays. In the past I've always stayed away from collection books.... I need it to be one story from beginning to end. I read it like a book and can't handle the different topics. But this is good and worth the exception.
• The holiday season is here and here to stay. My neighbor has X-mas lights up. ugh. I wasn't really ready but then again when am I ever ready.
• I missing my peeps these days. Ali... haven't seen you in forever. Can we please change that? Nina, you look amazing and I am always checking for updates. D&D if you are still reading this... consider yourselves invited, whenever however, let's just get together already. Jenn and Colleen, cheers to new friends. Coleen consider yourself stalked. :) Not really sure who else is reading... Tina are you still there? Christen? Anyone... Bueller? Dween... are you out there?

Well.... I guess I did have a lot to say after all. No jokes please.
Ciao (the picture is Jujubean and me from babysitting last weekend. We had fun in the Photo Booth.)
S

Weekend News

I had been looking forward to this weekend for a LONG time.

I babysat my sister's kids overnight on Friday and was supposed to be leaving for Suzanne Vega concert as I type this.
Babysitting was so fun. Jujubean was at a birthday party when I arrived and Mom and Dad were still home so the first hour or so was just with the boys and Mom. It was fun to reconnect with my sister and brother-in-law. He had just gone skydiving the weekend before so had great pictures to share. K and R had lots of stories to share from school and daycare.
R just talks and talks even though I barely understand him. K is in second grade now and loves to tell stories and jokes. G is a teenager and a great one at that. He is so grown up. J got home from her party... not sure if you've ever heard of these parties... Daisy Do's (not sure how they spell it... don't care). The girls ages 4-8/10 go to this place and get their hair, makeup and nails done. It's kinda scary... she looks like a clown when she walked in the house... but boy was she happy. We had to take pictures of her hair.



You can't really see her hair in the pictures but the look on her face says it all.
After dinner Mom and Dad left for their wedding weekend (J cried for 20 minutes) and we wound the evening down with popcorn and a movie. By the end of the movie all the kids were asleep except the littlest one. He was wide eyed watching the action scenes and exclaiming "Whoa" after every action packed one.



I put them all to bed and found out my concert was canceled for today. I'm still bummed about it. My best gal and I had lofty plans for the weekend.... dinner, concert, hotel room so we could have an extra drink and not have to worry about the drive home followed by a day of shopping. I'm still taking the day off tomorrow so we can hang and I can have the mental health day that I truly deserve.
Saturday was filled with hours of building a Teenage Mutant Teenage Ninjas puzzle, Noggin with R, G was at a swim meet and K must have asked when he was coming home every 15 minutes the whole time he was gone, and lots of laughter. I was woken early in the am with J jumping on my bed screaming "This is the best day of my life"... how could I not have fun. My mom came to change shifts with me at about 5:30.
Today I spent cleaning, and recuperating... those kids are energetic.

I'm home now... not leaving for my concert. Oh well.

Ciao
S

Happiness

Wow, I've been tagged and by the beautiful and talented Jenn .
This comes at a really good time because I am guilty of forgetting the things that make me happy. I have a feeling that we are gonna have really similar lists...

So here are the rules:

(1) List six things that make you happy
(2) Pass on to 6 more bloggers
(3) Link back to the person who linked you
(4) Link to the people you are passing it on to and leave them a comment to let them know.

Here goes:

1) Those quiet moments when you're with the people you love. You just know that whatever they say or do, you are gonna smile. When my mother, sister and I are around a table or are together and just are... When my hubby and I don't have to exchange words, but we know what the other one is thinking. When one of the kids comes and sits on my lap or gives me a hug... just because. That makes me so happy.

2) Working out.... I may not look like I am a work out a-holic but I love love love leaving the gym or the pilates studio completely sweated. I love walking in the woods, walking around the track, walking on the beach, just getting moving and being active.

3) I love cooking, eating and discovering exotic foods and restaurants. I grew up in the kitchen and it is by far my favorite place to be. Especially when I am surrounded by friends and family and we are cooking together or about to sit down to a meal together... that means family to me.

4) I love family. I am blessed with an amazing husband and really amazing family. I cannot go a couple of days without talking to my sister or my mother. I also attach myself to other families and try to adopt them into my own. I am of the school of thought "The more the merrier".

5) I love to read. Books, magazines, blogs... I have always been an avid reader. Being transported to another country, language or even just state or being makes me happy.

6) I am at my height of happiness when the house is clean and there are clean sheets on the bed and the coffee is fresh and I can sit and enjoy the peace and calm. I just love that feeling that everything is in order and I'm ready for anything. And then of course clean sheet night is the best night sleep this side of Ambien.

It turned into a list of the things I love but you guys get the gist.

Ok bloggers.... get to it.
Not sure I can name 6...

1) Rose Colored Glasses
2) Whole Self
3) The One Little One
4) Journey
5) Anyone else out there reading this... consider yourself tagged
6) You too...

Have fun peeps.
Love,peace and Happiness.

Ciao
S

New pictures

Halloween was FUN!



Mixing costumes.
Monsignor Paul




I was dressed as "Top Chef", my hat said "I have a culinary boner.... and if you look really closely you can see it.



and the dancing Sarah Palins.





Hanging with the kids was even more fun!



R giving Mommy lots of kisses.

Ciao
S

Whirlwind week....

Between the hour change, the excitement of the election and a CRAZEEE work week, I am done, bushed, wiped, cooked, zombiefied. On top of all of that my back is a mess these days. I was walking like a duck on Monday when I finally made my way to the dr. She said that I popped my S1 or SI joint.... basically the joint in my pelvis that connects my BUTT. Whew what a week. It has been surreal to say the least.
This weekend is well deserved and I hope to make the best out of it. Today is supposed to be Fall BBQ day with some friends but the rain might wash away those plans. Tomorrow is football and walks with friends and maybe a coffee date thrown in there for good measure.
To start I am meeting my sister in a few minutes to hang with the little ones while she gets her hair done. I can't wait....

Ciao for now,
S

Election Day

As if I had to tell you... today is the day that we as a country decide who our next leader will be.

Get out and vote people. You have this right, use it.
As my Mom said last night when we chatted, "vote for the right guy".
As I replied, "You bet I will!"

Ok peeps it's up to you.

It's your duty, it's your priviledge.

Ciao
S

November 1st

Hello and welcome to November.
A new month. Here comes the holiday season fast and furious. There were chocolate Santas at the grocery store last night and a Salvation Army bell ringer in the Center today. Wowee, that happened fast. Soon we will start to stock the shelves with Christmas gear in August, unless that is already happening.
Girls night last weekend was tons of fun. We ate lots of chocolate, drank delicious sangria and played Cranium. Fun was had by all. At the very end of the evening I whipped (more like dragged, it's so heavy) my wedding album, volumes 1 and 2 for the ladies to see. It really was a beautiful day and brings back amazing memories.



Then on Sunday the mister and I went apple picking. We had a grand old time pickin' and eating lots of delicious apples.
Last night was Halloween and it went by pretty uneventfully.... the man has been home sick for a couple of days so he stayed home and tricked the treaters and ran errands... got the computer back, cut my hair and went grocery shopping.
The store was completely deserted and I was so excited, until I got inside and realized that all the counters were closed and my list was drastically cut; and I have to go back. UGH.

Today we are dressing up and headed to a Halloween party.... check back for pictures.
As the leaves fall and the days get shorter and colder I am thinking of the last months and the holidays and Family. Wishing you all cozy nights and clear crisp days.
Don't forget to vote on Tuesday.... and vote with your brains.
Ciao
S

To my one and only...

Happy Anniversary. Today marks six years that we "tied the knot". Although we've been together a LOT longer than that, our anniversary marks the beginning of our life together.
Thank you. You still make me giddy and laugh and I'm so happy that we have the next 100 to look forward to. Especially when we start to plan our second wedding on the "beach" in Jamaica. Don't think I have forgotten the promise that you made me on the beach on our honeymoon... I'm holding you to it. :)
Love you,
me.

S

AIDS Walk

Every year the mad hatters unite wearing similar hats and walk the course at the reservoir on Farmington Ave in West Hartford.

The team

And me....
It was kinda chilly but we had a great time anyway. D&D stormed the course and were already in the car headed home to smoke that pork before we even hit the finish line.
And Boy oh boy were those pulled pork sandwiches worth it.

After the walk I headed North with H to visit with the kidlets. I missed them and knew that there were home alone so we surprised them with cookies and hot cocoa.
We went for a walk and played some Wii. I never could play video games.


And that was my weekend. I know it's Wednesday.... and I'm already looking forward to this weekend.
Friday hubby and I are celebrating 6 years of wedded bliss. For those of you that realize that our anniversary is on Saturday.... Saturday night is ladies night... It's a long story that revolves around my talking too much.
If you're around on Saturday and can prove that you've got ovaries come on over... it's ladies night and we are drinking wine and eating chocolate.

Happy hump day!
Ciao
S

This month in pictures

Girls Day

Family hair cuts

Joe and Kyle's birthday celebration!!!

Just chillin

CAKE!

AWWWW!!!

Ciao
S

Politics, just my opinion.

We are weeks away from voting for the next leader of the free country. Everywhere you go, if you ask for it or not, you will here opinions... Everyone has an idea of how it should be or who will do a better job... Most interesting is that everyone thinks that if the other candidate wins it is going to make it a living hell.
I say that if we survived the last 8 years we can survive anything. I am really interested to see how the next few weeks play out. On Nov 5th, if the world doesn't come to a screeching halt, I know that history will have been made, in my lifetime and in an election that I voted in.
Just my opinion.
Ciao
S

Busy Busy Buzz Buzz

These weeks can't go by any faster. The nights are filled with water aerobics, theater, shopping, planning, meeting.... And the weekends are filled with shopping, cleaning, football, sleeping, hair cuts, new phones and meetings. Please don't ask me to do another thing. But I really miss you and would LOVE to hang out! Just like me. Planning too much and then when there is nothing to do wonder what is wrong with me. I have this problem with staying still for a minute. Almost to the point of forgetting plans that I have already made.
Good news... my very best friend Judy had her beautiful baby girl this week. Brought tears to my eyes. Mom and daughter are home doing well. Can't wait to go see them.
Hubster might be away for our anniversary this year so I have decided to resurrect an age old tradition (from the Worcester days....) FAVORITES. I'm sad that my lady L won't be able to join.... but sweets there will be many more to come. Here is the quickest explanation of faves that I can come up with ... Girls nights theme parties!!! It started when I worked at Davis with a bunch of women that were around my age. We decided to have a party with the theme being something that was our favorite. The first party was "Bring your favorite..." and we all brought something that we loved.... I brought brownie sundaes and Lady L. She was/is my favorite friend. The parties grew from there... favorite potato dish, favorite Madonna, favorite pajamas... and I have the polaroids to prove it. SO... if you're reading this and you wanna come to FAVORITES.... leave me a comment with you email address and when I finally get around to the invites you will surely get one. (The photo was from Maine this past July... it is in honor of the newest addition to that family! Welcome Olivia! Can't wait to meet you!)
Ciao
S

Thank God It's Friday

Although I was only at work for 3 days this week it felt like a full 5 day work week. UGH. So glad that it is Friday and even more glad that there is an open bottle of really tasty wine just waiting to be poured and enjoyed.
I've been experiencing some technical difficulties with a certain external hard drive that was a gift from my hubby last X-mas. I know, Yes that was a long time ago and Yes it has taken me a really long time to get to it and Yes I do appreciate the man and all he does for me. At the time that he bought me said drive I wasn't quite prepared to use it... meaning the computer was NEW and didn't need any external anything, but now 5000+ photographs and some thousands of songs later, Yes I'm ready. For days now I've been hooking this thing up waiting for it to appear on the hard drive, Yes MACs do that, to no avail. I called tech support... warranty was up. I could hear the loving husband say I told you so....
I was determined to either get this thing to work or get my money back.
Emails went back and forth; they told me to try these 5 things and if tht doesn't work get back to us and return it (if your warranty is in effect). AH! I didn't know what to do. Last chance... try it on the PC. I did.... guess what. It worked and then brought it back to the trusty MAC and you'll never guess what.... it works. My best guess... instead of standing it upright it works best sitting on it's side. YUP, you read me right.
Now I can't seem to figure out how to use it. HELP.
Have a great weekend.
Ciao
S

Summertime.... and the livin' is easy.

Wow, what a great weekend.
Had the house to myself Friday night while the hubby blew off some steam from school. Saturday we cleaned and shopped and went to the casino to see Carlos Mencia with D&D. We had a great time people watching and laughing our butts off at the show. Came home super late and slept in on Sunday. Spent the morning cleaning some more and had some friends over for an impromptu dinner... Delicious. I made some pretty tasty banana ice cream, with dark chocolate and walnuts. We watched a movie and went to bed pretty early. Today I got up early, washed all the floors in the house and went to visit my sister. It was my brother in law's birthday yesterday so we had a little family BBQ (minus the hubster; he had previously scheduled programming today). The kids are doing well and all had school stories to tell. The puppy is getting big and quite mischievous (he fits right in). I'm home now and cannot believe that there is still another day to be had to complete this amazing weekend. The ladies and I planned a small girls days. It started a couple of months ago when we decided that it would be fun to have a "play hooky day", but since we are all working women we planned one instead. So tomorrow morning we are meeting for breakfast and good ol'fashioned ladies day out. Yum, I'm so excited. Hope you had a great weekend too!
Ciao
S

First meme, then you!

I found this over at Confessions of a Young Married Couple...

I am: a wife, sister, daughter, friend.

I think: happiness is a decision. So make it!

I know: I will always try my best.

I have: lots of natural hair colors.

I wish: I didn't have to go to jury duty in a couple of months.

I hate: ignorance.

I miss: my nonna.

I fear: fear itself.

I hear: my alarm in the morning and groan.

I smell: clean sheets and am happy.

I crave: chocolate... ALOT.

I search: for my long lost friend from grade school.

I wonder: about everything.

I regret: starting smoking (even though I'm not smoking now).

I love: my peeps.

I ache: for my peeps in Europe, it has been so long.

I am not: able to hook up this external hard drive to my laptop! UGH.

I believe: in love.

I dance: whenever I get the chance.

I sing: best after a bucket of margaritas.

I cry: at almost anything.

I fight: with my husband the best.

I lose: only what I'm willing to lose.

I win: because I am loved!

I never: ask for help when I need it. I am stubborn.

I always: second guess myself.

I confuse: bands all the time.

I listen: to children and smile.

I am scared: of horror movies.

I need: chocolate... alot.

I am happy about: about everything because I made that choice (see above).

I can usually be found: with my peeps.

Hi, Long time no hear.

Boy this Summer has been flying by and what have I been up to?
working, working and more working. I picked up another water aerobics class, been reading like crazy, watching and watering the new garden, missing the hubby when he is away, got sick, loving some fro yo and rice cakes, missed girls day and was really bummed about it, reading about letter boxing, meeting the newest addition to my sister's family .... Galileo the puppy. Trying to plan a hooky day with the girls and one with the hubby.... that's pretty much it.
What about you?

Ciao
S

Last days of July

I caught a Summer cold and feel like crap. Third day this week. ugh. Really hating it. Today on top of it all we had an all day training at work. Hardest thing to sit through with a foggy brain. Great training though and lots to think about and learn. Afterwards I was walking around the office and I broke my shoe. Super bad luck. I had to limp around for the rest of the day.
So glad that tomorrow is Thursday; looking forward to a weekend. Hopefully to rest and catch up on all that has gone by the wayside because of this cold. Believe me there is plenty to do.
I want to congratulate my Mom... she signed the papers this week that make the sale of her salon final. I remember the Summer that she opened the doors; and I am just as proud of her today. It was 1991 I was in middle school and she opened two blocks from the house. When I finally got my license we were able to share the car because she walked to work. I remember going there the day of my wedding to get my hair done, sitting there playing with my niece and nephews while my sister got her hair done, bringing my hubby there to get his head shaved... There are so many memories all good and now this change will allow my Mom more freedom and peace of mind about her work. She has worked so hard and for so long.... she deserves it. Love you Mom, can't wait to come and visit the new digs to get my hair done; I need an appointment.
Ciao
S

My creation

My creation
Originally uploaded by StefaniaC

I got this mosaic thingy from Boho Girl. It's fun... try it.
Here´s how you do it...

Type your answer to each of the questions below into Flickr search, using only the first page, choose your favorite image, copy and paste each of the URL’s into the mosaic maker
http://bighugelabs.com/flickr/mosaic.php
(3 columns, 4 rows).

The questions:
1. What is your first name? (Stefania)
2. What is your favorite food? (ice cream)
3. What high school did you attend? (Kingswood)
4. What is your favorite color? (Purple)
5. Who is your celebrity crush? (Philip)
6. Favorite drink? (water)
7. Dream vacation? (South America)
8. Favorite dessert? (tira mi su)
9. What do you want to be when you grow up? (Photographer)
10.What do you love most in life? (Friends)
11. One word to describe you. (Outgoing)
12. Your Flickr name. (StefaniaC)
1. a Stefania, 2. Castles on the Beach, 3. IF YOU GO DOWN TO THE WOODS TODAY......., 4. Just an Orchid, 5. Philip, 6. Positano, 7. Run ! / Argentina, 8. tira mi su**, 9. FIRE SHOT, 10. Friends silhouetted, 11. Outgoing Waves, 12. icy berries

Extravaganza!!!

It's that time again...tomorrow is EXTRAVAGANZA!!!! The only difference is the hubster is away and I have to host the party on my own. I'm a little overwhelmed considering the man left a mess before he left, although he did do some chores that I did not want to have to deal with so I thank him for that... I've been busy every night this week with work out and finally tonight I am home to clean, organize, shop, cook (or at least plan the menu) and of course relax from a long hard week. Last year I was able to take Friday off and let me tell you how much work there still was to do.
Anywhooo... if you're around and looking for some fun, fireworks and food c'mon over!!!
Ciao
S