12.29.2010

Thinkin about 2011

It is upon us. 2011 is gonna be a reality in like 2.5 days.... Any resolutions? Plans? Regrets?
Thoughts?
What is up for Friday night? Any big parties? Anyone headed to NY? We are laying low and hanging with friends. Looking forward to it.
What about Saturday? Does anyone have any New Year's Day traditions?
Hubby mentioned a "3 Stooges" marathon, and that sounds awesome to me. I am still under the weather so I'm not trying to do anything crazy. And hopefully by then our living room will be all painted up. I am so excited about it. Hubby is repairing the walls and sanding like a demon as I type. He is a rock star!

So, spill it, what's up?

Ciao
S

12.26.2010

SNOW DAY

Although it is not a school day it will be a snow day nonetheless and just as awesome. I woke up early and got to the store before the rest of the world woke up and realized that they are predicting 10-20 inches. I was glad to have gotten there before the rest of the world, but now I am walking around the house thinking of all the things I didn't get because I was still in the Sunday morning haze. Oh well. I am not going back out. The house is too cozy.
So here is a list of the things that I will be doing today:
  • playing with all my toys that I got for Christmas. New instant camera that I LURVE!
  • READING- my book is due at the library and I'm only halfway through it.
  • Resting because I still have a nasty cold.
  • Cleaning my office and bedroom. I would have liked to write vegging out in front of the boob tube, but hubby is working on the living room today. He is repairing the walls and prepping for the painting that we plan to do in the coming days.
  • Scouring all corners of the interweb. I got questions and dagnabit the interweb's got answers.
  • Cooking. I promised hubby we could have pasta tonight and I have some other stuff in the fridge that needs to get cooked so that I don't throw it out.
  • Maybe some laundry. Why not. It is always there and needing to get done....
  • Maybe some shoveling. We'll see how the cold holds up. I would hate to be on the mend and have this darn snowmaggedon get me sick again.
What are you gonna do today?

Ciao
S

12.24.2010

Merry Merry

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays and all that good stuff, from me to you today and every day.

Ciao, Buon Natale!
S

12.22.2010

Tis the Season

It's here Christmas week is here and about to be gone. I'm finally done with my shopping, tree trimming, staff partying and general merriment. I'm ready for the family togetherness and the cuddling and snuggling under the covers.
Bring it on.
I'm even ready for the first snow fall. I have to say that working for a university makes all the difference when it comes to snow days. Being married to a school teacher all these years and KNOWING that he would get snow days and I would not was always the BIGGEST BUMMER. Especially those terrible days where work really should have been canceled and it wasn't and I got stuck on the highway in terrible traffic because the governor let all the state employees go at once and it clogged up the highways so the plows couldn't get through.... I would call my teacher husband and he would be all cozied up on the couch and say, be careful, it's cold. It SUCKED. I do have to say though that he ALWAYS made sure the driveway was clear and the snow was taken care of by the time I got home.
But now... REDEMPTION is mine because I get snow days too. When the radio and news declare a nor'easter headed our way, you can hear me chanting "snow day!" right along with him and other teachers and students everywhere!
Hope we get one soon!

Ciao
S

12.16.2010

Done, Fatto, Fait, Tehty

Yup, it's true, the semester is OVER. I am so relieved. The verdict so far is one A and still waiting on the other class... and that one was the hard one. Fingers crossed.
So... now, I'm free to spend time doing other things... like laundry, and Christmas shopping, and cooking and going to the gym. Hmmm, not sure which is better.

:)

ciao
S

12.09.2010

Day off

I have a day off today and you are the first people that I thought of... don't want to neglect you any longer. I have taken today off to get some Christmas shopping done... ugh. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the holidays; the songs, the treats, the happy jolly. The thing I hate; shopping for other people. I am the one that laments over every gift, if they will love it, hate it, be indifferent to it. I spend a LOT of time trying to make sure that you get what you want and that you LOVE it.
For example a couple of years ago I bought hubby a robe with a hood. He had one when we first moved in together that ended up in the trash. (That's another story for another day.) The specialness of this request is that it was something that he had been wanting for a long time. He didn't ask for it right around the holidays, in fact he had probably not mentioned it for some time.
Now this may seem like a "Whatever S, you can find those everywhere and it's a robe for gosh sakes!" I say YOU ARE SO WRONG. You have obviously never shopped for this kind of robe for a man. I went to every fricking store that had robes, I inquired to all my friends and family... in the end I turned to the internet, spent a small fortune and bought the almost exact replica of the one lost so long ago. What I didn't expect was the absolute happiness and joy that he had when he opened it. I strive for that with every gift I give. I know that is unrealistic and that some people really just don't care. But, I do. So I am off today, with list in hand hoping to find that perfect something for everyone on my list.

So what's on your list this year?

Ciao
S

12.06.2010

Winter is here

It's official, there are flurries in the forecast. I have gloves on ALL the time. I'm wearing my long coat. It's here.
I love it, really... well, I'm trying to.
This time of winter is actually great and fun when it's still new. It's the depths of January and February that I'm really not looking forward to. It will be nice that I am only taking one class next semester so life can kinda get back to normal a bit. I guess there is hot cocoa and tea and snuggling under the covers. I guess I'm gonna need to find a lot more things to talk myself into it.
Don't get me wrong, I'm a New Englander through and through... I just wish the winter wasn't so... cold and long and dark and mostly slushy.

I'm still in the thick of things here with exams and events and whatnot!
Hope you have a great week!
Ciao
S

11.28.2010

Some things I've been meaning to tell you about...

There have been a few outings here and there that I've been meaning to blog about so here goes...
  • Hartford Baking Company. A new bakery opened up in nearby West Hartford and it is not in the center. It is on park ave which is awesome; not only because that means it is closer to me but also because it means that um... well... it is closer to me. I read about it and instantly was making plans to get there. Hubby and I stopped by on our way back from a walk at the res. And yes as soon as you walk in you are greeted by the delicious aroma of bread and coffee and sweets. YUM. We wanted to try the sticky buns but they had run out by the time we got there. Darn... But alas everything else we tried was DELISH. The coffee was yummy and the orange cranberry scone I tried was perfect. I will return.
  • Sakura Garden opened in Bishops Corner near my office. I was treated to lunch and was not entirely disappointed. The person that I was with does not like sushi that has raw fish in it so we only tried the shrimp tempura sushi and the California roll so I can't tell you for sure how the sushi was. The buffet was exactly what you want and expect from a buffet. It was nice that you could try everything that you might not want to order from a traditional menu... it's always what I love about a buffet.
  • Ginza opened in Wethersfield. YAY! I can't tell you how excited I am about this. There was a restaurant in the same place that offered sushi and we went there once but it wasn't the same. Ginza has a great menu and really delicious sushi and it is pretty close to home. Yay...
  • Charming Charlie a new accessories store that opened in Blue back square is my new favorite place... I mentioned it in my last post but it deserves a second mention. This place is amazing... kind of like a Piercing pagoda meets Claire's for adults. When you walk in the store is arranged by color. And the store goes on forever. It is great. They have all kinds of accessories, some shoes, purses, scarfs, tops... you name it. Love it!
  • Tried a new alcoholic offering. If you have headed into a package store lately you might have noticed a few offering out there... alcoholic whipped cream. We had a small get together a few weeks ago and it was the star guest. Caramel flavored alcoholic whip cream. It's called CREAM... pretty creative, no? Anyway... we weren't huge fans. This product is not supposed to be refrigerated ... ever. The flavor was okay, but there was a HUGE alcoholic aftertaste. Kinda like binaca... it stings. So... don't run out and try this... really. At $11.99 a can it is not that great. They do have a lot of flavors but I can only imagine that the medicine taste doesn't go away just because of the raspberry flavor.
That's all I can remember right now. As my mom always says... if I remember something else I'll call you right back...
Ciao
S

11.24.2010

No excuses

I don't have really good excuses for why I have abandoned you. I started a couple of posts and never finished nor posted them. Tomorrow is the colossal day of thanks and I'm sure that I've probably lost all my readers so I don't have anyone to thank... but I'll go ahead anyway...

Thank you to all the bloggers out there that keep on blogging and keep me updated on your lives. I look forward to reading and really want to comment... I swear.

Thank you to facebook for giving me hours and hours of mindless stalking and renewing my fervor for checking in on people. I love to know what everyone is up to. I "like" every status... and when I finally think I might have an answer to "What's on your mind?" I suddenly have nothing to say.

Thank you to my DVR for saving and recording all my favorite shows and for always having something ready for me to watch.

Thank you to my library card for giving me an ENDLESS supply of reading materials and music to listen to (read burn).

Thank you to coffee for always being delicious and what I want.

Thank you to the new accessories store that opened between my home and my work; for giving my lots to put on my X-mas list and offering me some really great window shopping.

Thank you to the interwebs... you are truly special to me. Without you there would be no blog or bloggie friends or facebook... you are the answer to almost every and any question that comes up... you are the best.

Thank you to the colossal feast that we are going to enjoy tomorrow... my mouth is already watering.

And lastly... and most seriously... Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
I hope that you enjoy some time with family and friends and remember what it is all about... I am lucky and am truly thankful for all I have.

Ciao
S

11.07.2010

Weekend catch up

Another busy one folks.
Friday: Started the work day with a super duper long meeting in Cromwell... got back to work just in time for lunch. Awesome. Went home and chilled with hubby, made a yummy dinner of sausage and sauteed arugula and quinoa. Love it. Headed out to Windsor Locks to a bar.. yup they got em out there. Went to celebrate a colleague's engagement... hubby's teacher friend.
Saturday: Of course started the day at the gym with some water aerobics. Headed to the mall to get nylons and look for anything else worth adding to my wardrobe. Came home and did all the prerequisite wedding preparation stuff, painted my toenails, did a mini t-zone facial shaved my legs... if that is TMI... sorry. Went to a super fun wedding. Kyle and Kenny finally tied the knot! We sat at the rowdy table and had tons of fun.
Today was the end of daylight savings. Although it was awesome to have an extra hour of sleep it was super sad to look out the window at 5pm and see the darkness had set in. Ugh, wasn't quite ready to give up summer much less daylight.
Had a yummy breakfast at Agave and enjoyed the Veterans Parade downtown. Miss my downtown days.... but then I think of the traffic and the hefty parking bills... over it.
Spend the rest of the afternoon studying for marketing exam tomorrow night. Think I'll do ok.
Now headed down to enjoy some yummy homemade soup that hubby has had simmering in the crock pot all afternoon. Yummy.
Night
Ciao
S

10.27.2010

Anniversary days



Monday hubby and I celebrated 8 years of married bliss. We've been together a lot longer than that but I think the work started after 'I do', so I don't really count the dating years. He might think differently. We both had work and I had class after work on Monday so we we celebrated on Sunday instead. We planned to go out to breakfast, only my favoritest thing to do. Not sure why, something about the selection and the coffee and the toast... So we started in Manchester but the wait was abominable. 45 minute wait for eggs! I think not. So we ventured into Glastonbury and ended at Ken's Corner Breakfast and Lunch. It was delicious. I had eggs florentine; yummy!
After breakfast we headed to Belltown Orchard to pick some apples. It is a fall tradition that we have adopted for a few years now. Belltown is great because you get to ride a tractor all around the property and stop only at the apples you want to pick. AWESOME. The apple fritters are good too. We came home and I made my famous apple crumble. Best recipe ever.
Yesterday I took that day off that I've been needing. Work is kinda hectic and I won't have the opportunity to take a day off for a while. It was a perfect battery recharging kinda day... Finished my book, ran errands, visited a friend , went to Moms house to help them mount their new TV and had dinner with them. No complaints here. Now if the rest of the week can be smooth and wonderful like yesterday, we are in business.
Ciao
S

10.19.2010

Need another day...

I'm still feeling like the weekend got the best of me. I feel gypped. I need another day...
What would I do with another day...
* Visit some lovely friends that I miss terribly
* Clean my room... all under the bed and behind the pictures and stuff
* Hang with my mom. She has been asking for a computer purchasing date for weeks now.
* Catch up on homework (yup my inner nerd has been calling me out)
* Go to the movies
* Visit my sister and more importantly her children... oh how I miss them
* Take my camera out and shoot the world
* Clean up the computer (download all those pictures to free up some space for the new ones)
* Go to the museum to see MCEscher
* Go to the library and spend the day reading
* Two words... mani-pedi
* Shop for some new fall gear
*Make a phone date with some friends that live far and talk until the phone is too hot to hold (yes this has happened to me in the past)
* Clean out my closet (to make room for the new fall gear)
* Order a dumpster and go to town (should probable make sure hubby is not around for this one)
* Detail my car, inside and out
* Go through all the million magazines I have and get rid of the ones that I'm not gonna read.
* Get my hair did.

Ah... how I love to daydream.
Ciao
S

10.18.2010

Quiet morning

I had a super busy weekend so I made plans to go in late today... hence I'm still at home.
There is NOTHING like a quiet morning to yourself. I slept late and then went right back to sleep. Enjoyed a yummy cup of coffee cozied up on the couch with a blankie. Spent the morning picking up around the house and goofing around on the interwebs. Basically none of the things that I meant to do. And that is just fine.
Fall is in full effect; the leaves are brilliant, there is a distinct chill in the air and the days keep on getting shorter. Instead of dreading winter I am looking forward to the cold days when we are forced to stay home watching the swirling snow storms. I am avoiding thinking about sleet, frozen rain and below zero temps and instead forcing myself to think about tea, and hot cocoa... soup and stew. Reading books like crazy and watching all the movies we never got to during the summer.
Next weekend hubby and I are celebrating our aniversary... yippee. Really looking forward to spending some quality time with the hubster.
I'm gonna go enjoy the rest of my morning.... later peeps.
Ciao
S

10.09.2010

It's not my birthday...

I've been in a really quiet place lately. Today I'm sitting in my "office" and doing homework and other general internet/ quiet time stuff. I have my ipod on shuffle and this song comes on... (I've cut out some of the repetitive stuff)...

I’m having a private party
Ain’t no body here but me, my angels, and my guitar singin’ baby look how far we’ve come here
I’m havin’ a private party
Learning how to love me
Celebrating the woman I’ve become, yeah

I tried to call my mother, but
She didn’t get where I was going
I called my boyfriend and he said
Call me back a little later baby
I hung up the phone, I felt so alone
Started to feel a little pity
That’s when I realized that I
Gotta find the joy inside of me

I’m gonna take off all my clothes
Look at myself in the mirror
We’re gonna have a conversation
We’re gonna heal the disconnection
I don’t remember when it started
But this is where it’s gonna end
My body is beautiful and sacred
And I’m gonna celebrate it

All my life (all my life)
I’ve been looking for (I’ve been looking for)
Somebody else (else)
To make me whole (ooo)
But I had to learn the hard way (ooo)
True love began with me (ooo)
This is not ego or vanity (ooo)
I’m just celebrating me

Sometimes I’m alone but never lonely
That’s what I’ve come to realize
I’ve learned to love the quiet moments
The Sunday mornings of life
Where I can reach deep down inside
Or out into the universe
I can laugh until I cry
Or I can cry away the hurt

I’m having a private party
Ain’t no body here but me, my angels, and my guitar singin’ baby look how far we’ve come here
I’m havin’ a private party
Learning how to love me
Celebrating the woman I’ve become, yeah

Happy birthday to me
Happy birthday to me
Happy birthday
Happy birthday to me
Happy birthday to me
Happy birthday

Everyone needs a little quiet time.

Ciao
S
(the song is by Indie Arie, Private Party)

10.03.2010

Highs and Low

I was riding that high for a while before it crashed. I'm just not sure where are the happiness went. I'm having a not great day and really want to just get back into bed and declare it a do-over. Not gonna happen though. I've got homework and laundry and a family get -together to do. Hate the to-do's.... oh well. Put on a happy face and get through it.
Fall is here and I'm trying to enjoy it. Next week we go back to the football game and this time we are ready. This week doesn't seem so stressful so it is probably a good time to step back and choose happiness.
What I really wanna do:
* go apple picking
* make apple crisp and eat it with yummy vanilla ice cream
* make chili and pumpkin muffins
* go to a fair and eat a smoked turkey leg
* drink hot coffee and cider and tea all day long
* go for a walk and shuffle through the leaves on the ground
* get up early, get in the car and drive. Get out when we get there and just take a deep breath. Then, turn around and come home.

Ciao
S

9.24.2010

September

It's hard to follow up on that last post. I still feel lucky but now I feel bad if I complain... dang.
Oh well. September has continued to be a long and chock full month. Last weekend was so super fun and full of activity. Hubby and I are season ticket holders to the newest football craze, UFL; Go HartfordColonials!!! Saturday was the first game and what a super good time. We weren't quite sure what to expect as far as tailgate and pre-game; so we made some mistakes: 1) we did not bring any food 2) we did not bring any beer 3) we did not bring lawn games, tables, blankets, music or anything overly fun. We did bring some bottles of water and skip-bo. We are huge skip-bo fans so the card game was fun as always but you try playing in the back of your car, while 14,000 people are grilling and tailgating. The kids in the car next to us were laughing at us, not with us, I'm pretty sure. We walked around the parking area looking for any folks that we knew were coming to the game. We didn't find anyone but we witnessed all sorts of "tailgate" fun. It looks like pretty serious business. Huge flags, lots of beer, some beer pong, grills of all sizes and flavors and lots of food. The smells were amazing. This is not just dogs and burgers my friends. There was seafood and steak and sausage and kabobs. This is gourmet back of the car goodness. After spending some time exploring we made our way into the stadium and into the food line. You try walking around all that tailgating and not get hungry. We had sausage and peppers that left a LOT to be desired. Especially after witnessing the food goodness right outside.
The game was AWESOME! The Colonials played a great game. I enjoy football and let me tell you live football is even better. The only thing that got really lame towards the end was the live feed. There is a guy that stands near the edge of the field and whenever he crosses his arms it means that the station that is televising the event is on a commercial break. The game would have ended a half hour earlier if it wasn't for that dude. I did not like him and was getting kinda cranky towards the end of the game. We stayed until the last few minutes and then ran out trying to get ahead of the parking lot traffic. The best parts of the game were: 1) the canon being shot for every TD 2) the people we sat with were awesome 3) of course getting to spend some time with hubby. Things I learned: 1) Bring some food to "tailgate with". I think we will start small next time and just buy some grinders or something and then maybe buy a portable grill in the future (maybe). 2) Wear a hat during the game. We sat on the sunny side of the stadium and although it was cool and cloudy out, my face was tight and red the next morning. 3) Do not eat the stadium food.
The other super fun awesome event that we attended last weekend was the wedding of our friends Todd&Rebecca. The wedding was at the NewHavenLawnClub. Beautiful venue, great people, awesome wedding. The ceremony was really sweet and so full of love. Todd chose his 6 year old son as his best man; so adorable. The food was good, the band was fun and the company was even better. I got to hang and dance and celebrate with some seriously great people. Some that I haven't seen in a really long time.
I can't believe that was already a week ago. On to the next wedding couple. Going to a bridal shower tomorrow at one of my FAVORITE restaurants AGAVE! Love it. I am really excited for Kyle&Kenny; super cute couple.
Okay peeps, have a great weekend.
Ciao
S

9.16.2010

Feeling pretty lucky

Throughout this bought of crazed life business I am happy to say that I feel pretty lucky. I know that I am knocking on Murphy's door by saying this but I do.
Hubby and I have been together for 15 years this year and we still laugh at each other and sit through lunch having a million stories to share. Don't get me wrong, it isn't always that way but it always ends up that way and isn't that the most important thing. I love my job. It isn't the most glamorous or most challenging job that I have ever had. But the community is amazing and the folks that I work with on a daily basis are wonderful. I get to go back to school for a steep discount and that is also pretty cool. Not only it is a great benefit of the job but it is so rewarding in it's own way. I never thought that I would go back and here I am. It's not easy but it feels right.
About 5 years ago I suffered from a herniated disc and it was crazy painful. I elected to not have surgery and manage it on my own through chiropractic care and exercise. I can say today that it was the best decision. I feel great. Once again, this isn't always the case but I have learned a lot about my body and limitations and to me that was much more rewarding that undergoing a "quick" fix that might not have been quick or a fix.
I have never been one to go forward with life full speed ahead and make peace with my decisions. I have always fretted over every decision, doubting the outcome. But from where I stand right now I'm pretty happy with where I am. It only makes me that much happier to see where we go from here. I know that I will still fret and second guess myself, but at least I can rest assured that no matter what the decision, it is always the right one.

Ciao
S

9.14.2010

September is kicking my butt

It is one of those months that is CHOCK FULL of fun, and work and other crap that isn't fun.
Today though.... today was one of those rare days that was a sneaky treat. Hubby and I had an unexpected lunch date. It was wonderful. I'm pretty sure if he's reading this he is rolling his eyes, but I had a wonderful time. First it was DELISH. We went to GinzaJapanese restaurant in Bloomfield. If you haven't gone... GO. I had a special roll called "Out of Control" and hubby had the angry dragon (which is pretty appropriate if you know him) and we both thoroughly enjoyed them. It was a beautiful day and we were joking and laughing and just happy. Yup I said it... we were both just happy (and no sake was involved!). I'm feeling pretty lucky today, even in the midst of a CRAZZZEEE month I am happy. This upcoming weekend we are headed to a football game and a wedding. I will tell you all about it next week.
Ciao peeps. Smile.

S

9.05.2010

Today

Today was one of those days that you dream about. One of the days that you feel like you want to bottle up and take with you for always.
I worked yesterday so I was super tired and when we finally made plans we had to get going right away to get to where we wanted to go in time. We originally had plans to go to the Woodstock fair but because of reasons too numerous and not story worthy we weren't going. Instead we decided to go to the HillStead Museum farmers market and then go to RosedaleFarms vineyard for a wine tasting. Last week I met an Italian exchange grad student at the University and invited her to spend the day with us, turns out it was her birthday, so I was super happy that she wasn't alone today. When I studied abroad I spent my birthday there and remembered how lonely it was. Interestingly enough I also remember that we had a wine tasting that night as well.
We started at the farmers market and had a really wonderful time tasting all the cheeses and checking out all the gorgeous produce. There were peppers the size of a small child's head. I bought some manchego cheese from BeltaneFarm... delish. My girlfriend bought some cow's milk cheese from another vendor. That vendor also sold lamb sausage that we really want to go back and pick up. HillStead Museum grounds are gorgeous. The day was so bright and breezy and beautiful. From there we drove through Simsbury to get to RosedaleFarms. Gorgeous drive. The wines were wonderful and we bought some super expensive produce to make a caprese salad for dinner. When we got back to my friends house we cooked eggplant on the grill, made the salad, smoked/grilled some burgers, sausage and steaks. It was a meal fit for a king. All the while drinking really good wine. We ended the gorgeous meal with an apple pie. I am so stuffed. And so happy.
My new italian friend had a fabulous birthday, I soaked up an amazing day. Really truly what more could a girl ask for.
Ciao
S

9.04.2010

Looong weekend

Hi Peeps.
Today marks the beginning of a long weekend. Oh the thought. I love it! I, personally, think every weekend should be three days long, but that is neither here nor there. This weekend is the emotional end of the summer and beginning of school, although most people have already gone back to school. Today is a gorgeous day, so get out there and enjoy.
Today I am assisting on a wedding photo shoot. I have been doing a lot of these this summer and loving it. Today is no difference. Tomorrow we are headed to the Woodstock Fair. I've never been and look forward to spending some time with friends. Monday I will be home catching up on homework and housework and married work.

Ciao
S

8.27.2010

Resolved...

As all resolutions generally go.. I'm already failing.
I haven't updated in almost TWO WEEKS...
My newest resolution is to start the resolutions on Sept 1st. That at least gives me a few days to shake out the cobwebs and start everything in the same week...school and resolutions.
What have I been doing for two weeks... well let me give you the highlights:
* Enjoyed a gorgeous day at Bishop's Orchard winefest. Good wine, good friends, super delish jerk chicken for dinner.
*Shot a wedding with Jenn. Great location, rainy ceremony, long ride home. I always enjoy working with Jenn. She has a great eye and really gets her clients! Love it. (two more this summer!)
* Had dinner with Mom.
* Long overdue drinks (or um decadent dessert) with a good friend.
* Walk with a friend.
* Babysitting on a terribly windy stormy day.
*Swimming with a few little ones on a terribly windy and stormy day. ;) My youngest nephew took great pleasure in running and jumping into the pool into my arms. I dissolved in laughter every time at his funny faces and the deluge of water that rained over me with every jump. I could have done that for hours.
* Not enough hanging with hubby. He went on tour and then I was a busy bee. We will see each other sometime in 2011.
* Book club was small but lovely, as always. Delicious dinner and super yummy delish rhubarb dessert (mental note get rhubarb and make something yummy!).
* Tonight I'm going to visit Jenn and Margeaux with Colleen. I haven't seen them in a few weeks and I can't wait to snuggle that cutey! Margeaux too! :)
So glad that it is Friday. It has been a super duper long week and I am looking forward to having some down time before school starts.
Hope you all enjoy the weekend.
Ciao
S

8.13.2010

Resolutions

I tend to think that resolutions are better set in the Fall than in the dead of winter. There is still hope in the air in the fall. Here we go...
I resolve:
* to get my mantra on.... I was so much happier when I chanted "choose happiness" on a daily basis.
* to stop putting shtuff off. What am I really waiting for. Perfect does not exist. NOW is gonna have to do.
* to be patient. This Fall promised to be BUSY. I am back to to school, teaching another class, going to a couple of weddings, assisting a couple. All on top of being a regular ol' married family cleaning lady. UGh. Therefore I resolve to take a deep breath and not sweat the small stuff (I think this might be the hardest one).
* to remember that the gym is not about getting skinny.... but about sanity and strength and having time for myself.
* to continue to be fiscally responsible. Hubby and I made a vow to one another to curb the spending and I think it is working. It is not easy, therefore the resolution.
* to say No. I am the social butterfly that wants to go to every party and get together for lunch and drinks and dinner... and that does not jive with the other resolutions. This does not mean that I won't still do those things, but I will try to make sure that I am not doing those things instead of studying and going to gym.
* to take better advantage of free things in my community. This supports the fiscal responsibility.
* to slowly and surely clean out my office, closet, drawers, purse, attic... Get the drift! Dang. I swear that there are piles everywhere and I'm not sure what is in any of them
* burn all my photos on to DVDs. My computer has got 3 years worth of pics. I'm scared to even mention it, in fear of my computer crashing. Really need to get on that.
* to be a better blogger. I want to tell you more about what I'm doing, reading, eating and watching.


Ciao
S

8.09.2010

Best. Night. Ever.


If you know me, read this blog or can even read... you know that I am slightly obsessed with Suzanne Vega. Earlier this year I blogged about my long and twisted sad story about missing concert after concert. Not any longer. Guess what I did last night!!!
So here is the story. I am signed up on the SV website to receive emails concerning upcoming concerts. The week before last, while on vacation, I received such an email. Much to my surprise there were two concerts listed in CT (the closest I can usually get is NJ or NY). One in Ridgefield and one in Norfolk. Since I was on vacation I couldn't really focus or get a handle on what dates and where these towns were. I was satisfied that they were in CT and after vaca was over.
When I got home from vaca and defogged, I once again noticed the email from SV. I quickly put an APB out on facebook if anyone wanted to go, especially my BF since we were canceled on last time. No answer. I texted another friend and tried to guilt him into going... he was busy. I therefore quickly considered this one another missed opportunity.
Until.... late Friday night got the "Someone posted something on your Wall..." Yes, BF wants to go and wants to buy tickets ASAP. Whoo hoo!
We made plans to meet up at Inifinity Hall in Norfolk, CT to see the beloved Suzanne Vega. Whoohooo!!!
The venue was totally awesome and the staff there was really nice. We had a little time to catch up before she took the stage. When she did it was mesmerizing. Everything I hoped it would be. She did a super sultry Caramel and played lots of greats. The comes intermission. We walked a bit outside, took the obvious pictures in front of the sign, walked back inside and noticed these gorgeous photos hanging along the corridor.

Really amazing stuff; Aretha, Ray Charles, Bob Marley, Jerry... we walked to the back the gentleman back there overheard us commenting on the gorgeous photos wondering what archive they came from. Turns out the announcer used to photograph for Rolling Stone and these were all originals. He is a great photographer. But it also turns out that the very nice gentleman was selling CD's and that after the show SV was going to be signing them. What what!!???!! We go back to hear the second set and it is better than the first if that is even possible. SHE PLAYED MY FAVORITE SONG. YES THE ONE THAT THIS BLOG IS NAMED AFTER. I ALMOST FELL OUT OF MY SEAT. The song is not that popular and it is really old so I didn't expect her to play it. I had already resigned to screaming it out during the encore... but she played it and it was AWESOME.



Needless to say we were first in line to get our cd's signed and BF told her the story about the canceled concert and we were way to excited for her. Check out the pics.


Ciao peeps.
S

8.06.2010

Lists

I know you must miss me. It's been a looong time since I posted, but I was busy on vacation.
I haven't downloaded the photos yet, somehow laundry and dates for drinks seemed a bit more important. So here is a list about what I miss about vacation:
- high fives from Olivia
- high tide
- low tide
- I just finished my vacation book (The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets Nest) and miss it
- Iced Mocha
- Gelato (no we didn't go to Italy but P-Town had some pretty authentic gelato)
- Walking down Commercial Street
- sitting on the deck drinking limeade
- Skipbo
- Olivia... and Judy and Jeff
- Yummy croissants from delish french bakery, PB
- the beautiful sunsets (almost every night)
- The Loose Chanteuse and date night with hubby
- All the yummy food
- French 75
- the itsy bitsy spider
- coffee at Joe's and then even better coffee at the other place

Things I don't miss:
- the hard as a rock bed
- heat rash
- all the rude tourists (read= people that aren't staying in P-Town that are just there to see) that don't pay attention to where they are walking
- the creepy masseus guy
- $2.25 laundry that costs $3.25
- all the bird poop that covered the car (ewwww)
- not getting the suggestion about the best lobster sandwich in town until the last day, and it was already closed.

You probably don't understand most of this, but rest assured that vacation was AWESOME!!!

Ciao
S

7.16.2010

Mini vaca

This week I went on a mini vacation to Vermont with my Mom. My sister and her family have been going for years, and for years the kids have been begging my mom to join them. We finally decided that it was time to go. On Sunday we got in the car and ventured North. It was a 4 hour drive and the scenery was spectacular. Driving through the mountains was wonderful. My only complaint was that the Sunday drivers were out and driving real slow. We made pretty good time on the way up and were already swimming on the lake by 11:30am.

Monday we decided to spend the afternoon in Burlington. We drove to the Echo museum and spent a few hours touring their wonderful exhibits. It is a real hands on kind of place so the kids had a blast. Afterwards we walked around and had dinner on Cherry Street and dessert at Ben and Jerry's. Tuesday, our last day, we ventured back to the lake and paddled around and made friendship bracelets and read and got some sun. A really wonderful little mini vacation. Got me ready for the real thing.



Ciao
S

6.20.2010

Today

I know, I know... I said that I was taking a mini break... but still. I had to post about today.
Starting with yesterday... yesterday I thought that we could wake up today and go to the center to see the traveling wall and maybe do the grocery shopping and maybe take a walk... but today... today I woke up and decided that today I was just gonna do today.
I've been so busy lately that I have forgotten to just stop and be in the moment and enjoy that moment for everything it is worth.
Today instead of looking at the alarm clock and figuring out what needed to be done and when, I looked at the clock and went back to sleep and couldn't have told you what time it was all day.
Today instead of worrying about meals for the week and snacks and groceries, I cooked what there was in the fridge and ate whenever I was hungry. It was delicious and satisfying.
Instead of being stressed about school and vacations and events and exams, I slept late, read my book, puttered around the yard a bit, watched a movie and drank a whole pot of coffee.
Today instead of worrying about life and time tables and years flying by, I loved every minute of spending the day with my love. Tomorrow is for tomorrow but today was lovely!

Ciao
S

6.13.2010

Vacation

I know I've been MIA for a bit. Been kinda busy with school and been thinkin' my posts are a bit lame. I don't really have much to say and I'm not sure why.
Lately I've been starting so many posts and never posting. Sorry.
This last one was all about the upcoming vacations and how excited I am and all that jazz. And then ... I never posted it. I reread it and thought... LAAME!!
So... in an effort not to be lame... I may take a bit of a vacation from blogging (although that does seem a bit lame).
I need to remember what this space is and why I want to continue. I'm thinking... redesign and new ideas and all that...
This is not about you... it is all about me.
Ciao ... for now.

S

6.06.2010

School

I'm going back to school to get my MBA. I'm about 1.5 classes in and it is hard to stay positive and be happy about it. I know I made the right decision and have enjoyed meeting new people. Going back to school reminded how great it is to learn to expand your mind... yeah all that is great. The problem is that I am an "ENDS" oriented person. If I knew exactly what it was I was working towards it might make it easier to keep working. My whole reason for starting right away was that if I waited for a reason to go back to school it would take forever to finish. This way at least I might be half way through when I finally realize why I'm there. But dang... it is hard.
Especially when it is summer time and there are lots of things to do and people to see and places to go... so glad this is my only summer class.
Back to homework...

Ciao
S

5.31.2010

Random love

A list of random love:
* Right now my hubby is downstairs cutting up fruit for a fruit salad.
* Hiking is good for love and serenity.
* New games that the whole family can play.
* Being the greatest aunt because I wasn't afraid to teach my nephew to drive.
* Pulling up to my sister's house and having children throw themselves at you while screaming your name.
* Cleaning out a pile of junk and finding an old gift card with money on it!
* Looking forward to walking in the evenings.
* Sleeping with the window wide open.
* Not caring about having to get up early to go to work tomorrow because it has been such a lovely weekend.
* Visiting friends that put on a spread to make your mouth water and calling it "light snacks".
* Taking an evening stroll by the ocean.
* Putting plans back in place and life into perspective.
* Counting down the days to vacation.
Ciao
S

5.24.2010

New post

I keep checking in on all my peeps to see who posted what and what everyone is up to... and realized it has been over a week since I posted.
So here are my happenings (in list form):
- Finished one class, got an A
- Started my next class (and actually just finished the first homework assignment)
- Made super yummy fish tacos for dinner the other night
- Spent Friday near the shore with one of my besties H.
- Watched "The Fantastic Mr. Fox" and thought it was fantastic
- Watched "My Sister's Keeper" and did not like the changes from the book
- Counting down the days until VACATION
- Am on mini-vacation today, continuation from Friday... 4 day weekends are the way to go!
- Planted the tomatoes, basil and peppers. Hubby is in charge of keeping it alive this year.

More soon!
S

5.17.2010

Moving on...

What a lovely weekend. The weather was delicious, the events were great, and yet it doesn't feel quite complete. I'm really not ready for Monday this week. Can I take a rain check (although I REALLY don't want it to rain), can we postpone? Can I a get a weekend redo?
Oh well.
This week I am looking forward to:
- tonight I get to hang with Colleen and that mean I get to see her cute little Nolan, and that can't be bad.
- I only work 4 days this week. Yahoo!
- AND I'm not working next Monday so super long weekend here I come.
- Friday I got a hooky day coming my way and I get to hang with the lovely lady H! So looking forward to that.
- My next class starts, and although that doesn't sound like it belongs on this list; it means that I am slowly progressing through grad school and that is something to look forward to.

Ok, that's enough. I'm ready for Monday now.
Ciao
S

5.09.2010

Mom,
Wow what a year. Last year at this time I was still searching for my next opportunity, and you were there by my side every step of the way. I was a stronger person knowing that I had you there for me. From you I get strength, respect and unconditional love. Not a day goes by that I don't sing your praises or want to call you to share my stories. 'Thank you' and 'I love you' don't begin to express my love and gratitiude. I look forward to this day and everyday that I get to tell you and world how great you are.

Sister-
You are the mother that everyone wants to be. I'm not sure I ever told you, but a couple of years ago I entered you into a "Mother of the Year" contest. I wrote about your dedication, your encouragements, your creative nature and how much love you have and share with everyone.

Mothers-
To all my friends and family. I wish you the bestest, happiest Mother's day. A few shout outs to the new moms; Colleen, Cindy, Louisa and Kate; Sara with the newest addition; and of course the moms to be Jen and Heather. There are so many amazing moms out there, I hate to leave anyone out. If I missed you; a very special shout out to you! Happy Mother's Day to all!

Ciao
S

5.06.2010

Today....

The final exam is next week and the take home part of it is a DOOZY!!! Dang. I am struggling. The final, in class will be hard but manageable, I hope. Then 9 day break and the next class starts. 6 weeks, two nights a week for 3 hours at a time... did I mention, 3 HOURS AT A TIME, AFTER A DAY OF WORK!!! Hmmm... that will be interesting.

My aunt left today. It was so nice having her here. I will miss her. I will have to start a savings account called "trip to Italy"!!

And..... drum roll please.... THEY ARE DONE PAINTING THE HOUSE. It's done! All done. It looks AH-MAY-ZING!!! Really and truly. Make a drive by and tell me how awesome it looks. The company did a great job, but really truly the guy that deserves all the credit (besides my hubby for talking me into it!) is Mezinho (not sure really if that is how he spells it)! He was the head guy in charge, below the head head guy, and was the one that did all the work. He is new to the area and able to do all kinds of work. I recommend him highly for all your painting needs (indoor and out), he is able to do landscaping, tiling, stone work... you name it, he is up for it. Let me know if you are looking.

Pictures definitely to come. Just as soon as the exam is ovah!
Ciao
S

5.03.2010

May day, may day....


May is here, my mini-vaca is coming to an end and the house is almost done.
Mini-vaca was AWESOME. I really couldn't have asked for a better break. I relaxed, I window shopped, I spent lots of time with the famiglia (family). I got a facial (stay tuned for the review), I spent time with Jen, and Nolan and his mom.

Book club was awesome... gosh, it went by so fast. I suspect the next couple of weeks will too. School is ending and Commencement is almost here. Yowser. My next class starts before the end of the month and I will take it for 6 weeks, 2 nights a week 3 hours at a time. So really if you don't hear from me... be nice.

Ciao
S

4.29.2010

Vacay days


I'm on a mini vacation. AND LOVING IT.
Yesterday I took the fam (Mom, Aunt and Uncle) to Clinton Crossing for a little retail therapy. I swear I could live in the Kate Spade store. I TRULY love her stuff.
Today I am hanging with the painters at the house. I threw the doors open to let them paint them while I enjoy the GORGEOUS day we are having. The wind is blowing a little gentler than yesterday and it is a perfect excuse to sit and enjoy the open doors.
I'm also doing some laundry and some vacuuming to pass the time. As soon as I can close the doors I will head out, get the car looked at, pick up the dry cleaning, and then hang with the fam a bit until I get to go visit with Nolan and his mom. Then, oh glorious of days, it is bookclub tonight. Yippee.
Tomorrow is facial and then a long walk around the reservoir and who knows what else. Maybe reading my book in the sunshine!
Saturday and Sunday are chock full of family fun! Saturday night we celebrate my niece and my sisters' birthdays and Sunday is a family tradition of sorts... we celebrate the patron saint of Pratola Peligna. Mass in the morning and then food and music and fun all afternoon.
I am so excited!
Ciao
S

4.28.2010

Online Auction

In memory of Darlene Ann Smith.
Please bid!!!

Online auction.

Ciao
S

4.24.2010

Gift Weekend

I was supposed to work this weekend. All day today and most of the day tomorrow; and then yesterday evening I was told, "Don't worry about this weekend, I can take care of it. I'm sure you have better things to do than this!" Whoa. Gift weekend for sure.
I'm home, relishing the "free" time and besides homework, trying to figure what I am gonna do. Hmmm....
Right now the house is getting painted (outside) so I am desperate to get out. All of the windows are covered in plastic, so the sun can come in but you can't see out. It is kinda like a cocoon. This morning I stepped out on the front porch to shake out the table cloth and there was a guy out there. He totally startled me. I couldn't even tell there was anyone out there. But the house looks great and will be done soon! YAY!

Ciao
S

4.22.2010

Bad Day

The day before yesterday was the worst day ever. Started bad, ended bad. Trying really hard not to let it ruin my whole week, trying really hard.
On my way into work I was the most obnoxious driver. I was behind a woman at a light and she was stopped at a green light, so I started honking... obnoxiously. She was stopped because there was an ambulance coming. The whole intersection was stopped, patiently. EXCEPT ME. I was mortified. Even now, writing it, I am embarrassed.
Came into work and was intent on not letting this day get worse. Until it did. Ever call, email and action that I made had some sort of mistake in it. I had to do everything over and over and over. UGH. Then my student worker decided that it was "bring your friend to work day". Now don't misunderstand, he is a great kid and has always done the work, and been an all around good worker, so when I saw that he had a friend with him it didn't really phase me. I went to lunch and all was well. When I got back and "the friend" was still there and they chatted the whole time, I was totally miffed. I knew that it was more my "mood" than anything else. The rest of the day continued on as the beginning. Just crap. I was late for class so I missed the part where the professor explained that the homework that was due could be handed in next week because....
I went home looking forward to a quiet night at home.
NO SUCH THING.
Not really sure what made me think that my home life would be immune to my bad day. TERRIBLE DAY. It was almost like a countdown, 10...9...8...7.... and there was the fight. Stupid fight, I'm sure. No real substance to it. As far as I could tell anyway. Hope this doesn't spark another... "What do you mean, no substance..."
ugh.
Calgon, I'm insisting you take me away!
At least yesterday was better. Have a great day y'all.
Ciao
S

4.17.2010

What about prom Blaine? What about prom?

It is officially prom season. I almost missed it until I pulled onto my street last night and saw a tons of gals teetering on impossibly high heels, and boys with top hats and sneakers. Ahhh... the age old American tradition. I ran in the house and hubby and I watched from the window as all the couples converged on my neighbors house. Then a party bus showed up and the street was clogged with parents with cameras.
This morning as I was leaving the house I saw a corsage in the street, all torn to bits. For sure thrown in some poor boys face.
Ahhh... prom season.

Ciao
S

4.09.2010

4.9.10

Today marks the beginning of my month of madness. Really it started on Monday, with the studying and the lecture and the exam... but today my aunt arrives. She and her husband are celebrating 50 years of married bliss and as a gift her children are sending them to spend a month here in the States. They are Italian and don't speak any English. And they are staying with hubby and me for two weeks. AND THEY ARE STAYING WITH US FOR T W O WEEKS. Don't get me wrong. I am very excited that they are coming for a visit and I'm sure we will have a great time. But... 2 weeks is a long time. Especially that it is during the month of madness... I have another lecture coming up, I am involved in the search for our new provost at the University which means that I have to work over a weekend. Plus school is ending therefore I have a final exam to worry about. On top of all of that I decided to take a trip with them to Niagara Falls. Yup. It'll be crazy.
So if you don't hear from me this month; or better yet if you see me and I have that "glazed" look in my eyes... poke me to make sure I'm awake and then call me May 17 when things wind down.

Ciao
S

4.02.2010

April

April showers bring May flowers... but we were a week early.
Gosh the rain the past couple of weeks was depressing. It was so hard to keep happy.
But today... TODAY is glorious. I got to take today as a vacation day; at the last minute. There is nothing like a day off when you didn't think one was coming. Next week is gonna be a doozy so I am spending this weekend trying to rejuvenate. Not easy knowing; I have a lecture on Tuesday, so spending Monday night studying, Wednesday taking the exam that I spent Monday studying for and then Friday my aunt arrives and the fun begins.
Last night was book club. Good book, great girls, de-lish food and a huge glass of wine. A great night was had by all.
Today, is gonna be a good one. Hope you all enjoy the fabulous weekend.

ciao
S

3.14.2010

Bookclub, smoothies and curls

This weekend has been pretty laid back. I met with the "adventure book club" at Perk on Main in Durham. The adventure was crepes! One of the families in the book was french so we had crepes for lunch. Then I headed to my sister's place to hang with the kids and help my niece get ready for her "someone special" dinner dance.











Ciao
S

Bookclubs

Here are the pics from last book club and lecture.



We ate delish spinach pie and polenta. So yummy.

Ciao
S

3.07.2010

Weekend Weather


We have been blessed with some super amazing weather this weekend. Hope that it is indicative of the weather we will be getting and not some crazy fluke. It is New England after all and you never can tell!
I am trying to get all my cleaning and tidying up so that I can go for a walk. Yeah! We'll see.
I have had a super awesome weekend so far and I don't want it to end. I was so tired Friday night. I came home ran straight up stairs to change into some comfy clothes, warmed up some yummy leftovers and deposited myself on the couch. Ahhhhh..... so nice.
Saturday was filled with fun fun fun. Hubby and I went to visit my mom at the salon where she shaved his head with a straight razor. My hubby always has his head shaved but every now and again he wants an old fashioned straight razor shave. Afterward we went to the grocery store and battled the lines. Dang... two weeks in a row I went to the store in the midst of crazy weekend shopping. Hate it! Back to the house for some unwinding, then DATE NIGHT. We aren't the weekly date night type so when we do designate a date night it is always fun. Originally we were going to a bar to see a band... those plans changed so we were on our own. My ipod has been screwed up for awhile so we went to the .... MALL. We are both mall haters. Not so strong on my end because after all I do know that mall=clothes and makeup and shoes.... but not a fan. The store was jam packed but I was able to recycle my old ipod and get a spiffy new purple one! Love it. Then we ventured to the jewelry store to replace a ring that hubby has beat to heck. He is really hard on jewelry.
Last but not least we were walking back through and hubby saw a hat that he liked. I must preface this story with the fact that hubby really REALLY loves hats but he has the biggest noggin and it is NOT easy to find his size ANYWHERE. So... the fact that he saw a hat in this particular store... I was already chuckling to myself because this is the type of store that doesn't really carry large sizes. We walked in, walked around and I expected to walk out... but hubby found a hat, popped it on his head and.. it FIT. Not only did it fit, but it was BIG. I started laughing; uncontrollably. It was just so funny that we happened to be in that store and found a hat that fit and looked great on him. The icing on the cake was that it was on sale and only cost $15. I mean HILARIOUS!

Ciao
S

3.05.2010

My new BFF

Last night was the much anticipated lecture by Kelly Corrigan at the University. It was my first big lecture in Lincoln Theater and with an author. To have it be Kelly Corrigan was the icing on the cake. I have been a fan since the first time I saw Transcending on Youtube. I don't know when it was, but I remember it. Once you see it you won't forget it, but you will watch it more than once. It was so touching and moving. When I got here and learned that I would be involved in this lecture I was ecstatic. To top it off I introduced the book to book club and invited them to the lecture as well. My mom was there with her best friends and my best friend made it too! Everyone had a great time.

She was an inspiring speaker, she made us laugh and cry. I was lucky enough to spend some alone time with her and she is one of us! She is down to earth and easy going. One of those people that you instantly want to be friends with. She invited me to friend her on facebook… it's official we are BFF.
Ciao
S
PS. Thanks to all that joined me! Hope you had as great a time as I did.

3.02.2010

March, March, March, March, March, March....


Yay. MARCH!
I am so glad that we are getting closer and closer to Spring! This morning even smelled a little like it. I heard birds chirping and the sun was shining. The days are longer. There is so much to be happy about.
Last week and last night were a doozy of a week.
This week I am excited about a lecture on Thursday night.
Kelly Corrigan is coming to speak at the University. I read her book, have watched pretty much every video available of her online... and I get to be her escort while she is at the University! Hello! Super exciting.
So, if you are in the area and able to join... you can reserve tickets at 860-768-4228.

Hope to see you there.

Ciao
S

2.25.2010

Just wanted to say Hi!

I didn't want a whole week to go by without sending a quick shout out to my peeps.
What's up?
I've been super duper busy this week so not much to report without complaining... and I don't want to waste your time with a lot of complaining so I won't.
Here are the good things:
- Friends gathered to drink in my honor. Chocolate martinis and dessert, what more could a gal ask for. The headache the next morning was not the more I was asking for, but the party was lots of fun. Dance party and laughs are the words that spring to mind!

- Family brunch on Sunday to celebrate my birthday and my moms'. My sister put out quite a spread and we feasted. Afterward the ladies took a quick trip to the mall. We NEVER get to spend time just the three of us, so it was quite special.

- Last Friday I spent most of the day with one of my closest friends. We shopped and ate and talked and walked and spending time with her is like getting a massage and seeing a therapist all at once!
- I'm back at the gym. I am so excited to get that time back again. I am so glad, you don't know how much I needed that.
- The days are getting longer! Whoo hoo!!! Yippee!
- Although it has been rainy and gloomy this whole week, at least it hasn't been snow!
- This year may have started out a bit rocky but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. All things happen for a reason and I'm going to make this reason a good one.
Ciao peeps.
S

2.17.2010

Birthday


Today is my birthday. Hubster and I have had an amazing day.
Started out with my hubby making me breakfast. Very super deliciuous. We had one appointment to get our taxes done and the rest of the day was all ours.
We got in the car and headed out to the northwest corner of Massachusetts. We were going to North Adams to visit Mass MoCA. We are always good road trip partners so the trip was fun. Driving up the mountain in Mass was amazing. We really enjoyed the scenery.
We arrived at MM by noon and enjoyed some light lunch in their eatery, Lickety Split. Can't believe we passed up the ice cream. Next of course was the gift shop. A girl could go broke in there. Great assortment of stuff from kids stuff to kitschy rock stuff. I got a gorgeous blue bag... my book bag ceremoniously broke in the middle of the snow storm last night. Not a good idea to hit the gift shop first as we had to lug the stuff around, oh well.
The exhibits were really great. I love contemporary art. Hubby, not so much, but he appreciated it nonetheless. InVisible: Art at the edge of perception was super great. The Sol LeWitt installation was really cool too. To see his early work in the same space as his contemporary work was very interesting. We headed out at about 2:45.
I could feel my 3pm coffee fix getting the best of me so hubby tried his best to remember where that coffee place was. The first place we pulled into was closed. Oh well. We kept on driving... hairpin turn is very scary. Then in the distance COFFEE. So glad we found this place. Coffee was DE-LISH. Shelburne Falls Coffee Roasters, you can smell the coffee roasting next door. We even bought some to bring home.
We got home at about 5pm. We were both hankering for sushi, but not really wanting to drive to far to get it. I searched a little online and found Sapporro Japanese Restaurant in Wethersfield. The reviews were really good, so hard not to try it out. There weren't a lot of people when we got there (never sure if that is a good sign or not). We got three rolls and a soup to share. Everything was good and we had a great time. Best part is that they give you complimentary bread pudding with ice cream for dessert. Yum.
Now we are home and I'm a year older. Yay.

We talked a lot about this coming year and what it will bring. 2010 has already proved to be a doozy so we are ready to see what the rest of the year will bring.

Ciao
S

2.14.2010

Valentine's day!


Whoa, this week really turned out to be a doozy. So glad that it is over and we are all in one piece. Some things will be drastically different around here, but we will be better for it. I won't explain but know that we are on the mend.
So on this last day of the week of love, I remind you to choose love. It is a choice... just like happiness and fulfillment... you can choose love. It isn't always the easiest choice but it is your choice.
I love therefore I am. :)

Ciao
S

2.13.2010

Random Love

* my job- this has been a tough one for me. Lately I have notice that it isn't just growing on me, I love it. Being in higher ed is really great and I am excited that it has given me the opportunity to further my own education. Lucky me. The people here are amazing and the work itself is interesting.
* cooking- I love love love to cook. Everyday if I could. It is one of the things that I miss most about being home. When I was home I could have a meal ready for hubby every night of the week. I love that. Not because of the wifely duty of it but because it meant that I got to cook every day; plan menus, taste and try new stuff.
* I really truly love dark chocolate, almost to the point where I don't want milk or white anymore.
* The children in my life. My friends kids, my sisters kids, random kids that I see in stores. I really love children. Their innocence, unbiased emotions makes me so happy.
* This blog and reading blogs in general. Bloggie friends... love ya!
* Snow days... when you're finally home in your comfy sweats and you can watch the snow swirling. love it.
* The cape. For a couple of years we went every summer... then had to take a couple years off for various reasons. This year we go back and I am ecstatic.

Love ya,
S

2.12.2010

Bookclubs



I am so super lucky to belong to 2 great bokclubs right now. One is made up of all amazing women. We are all about the same age, same stage in life and generally like to read the same things and drink the same kind of wine. I have been a part of this group since last January. They started 5 years ago from a Craig's list posting. I know, can you believe it! They are a very loyal and caring group. I am thrilled to have them in my life.
The second book club is much smaller and more intense. We incorporate an adventure with every meeting. I probably shouldn't have joined this club because I started graduate school at the same time, but how could I resist. Adventure book club! It's awesome. On top of the adventures, these people are amazing! We never run out of things to talk about and I love having an excuse to hang out with them. Of course the other best most loveliest thing about book clubs is the reading. I love to read and always have. Growing up I lived two blocks from a library and went there as often as possible. I was starting to get into a rut with the books I was reading and love that the book clubs force me to read things that I may not have otherwise picked up. Yay.

Love
S
(I think I'm up to date on the postings. It's been a rough week people but thanks for hanging in!)
And in the pictures above, we are not full groups.

2.10.2010

Friends



I am the luckiest when it comes to friends. I have found some of the most amazing friends in the world, and some in the most unlikeliest of places. The other day hubby and I were driving home from a birthday party and we both felt so lucky to know the people that we know. We are collectors of people and we love it most when our friends make friends. Friends are the family that you wish you had.

Love
S

Sister


Again, I know that you hear more about my sister and her family than any one else, but they are awesome. My sister is the most hard working, loving, loyal, caring person that you and I both know. She can cook, she is crafty and creative. We always have fun. Her kids are also loving, creative and caring. I try to spend as much time with them as possible because they mean the world to me. We may not be a large family but we love each other so much.
We talk almost every morning. It is my favorite part of the day. I get to hear the meltdowns and what the kids are eating and wearing. I wish we lived closer so that I could "just drop by" but we still get to see each other pretty often. I wish everybody had a sister like mine, and they had a family like hers... you would feel so lucky... like me. I'm also lucky that I have gotten to be such a large part of the kids lives.

Ciao
S
(oh and another thing I love.. that has only entered my life today... SNOW DAY! Yippee. Hubby is a teacher and has always held snow days over my head, until today. My first official snow day! Whoop whoop!)

2.09.2010

Mom



I know I know, I say this more than you want to hear it. But really, I love love love my Mom. She is amazing. I have always (and will always) aspire to be as strong, smart, loyal and loving as her. We could sit here all day talking about my mom and what she has accomplished in her life, and it still wouldn't give you any idea of how amazing she is. Today I can tell you that we are best friends and talk almost every day. We weren't always best friends, and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. She was a strict mother that demanded respect and it is why we are so close today.
She supports me in my every endeavor and is there for me through every "bump" in the road.
Love you Mom.

S

2.08.2010

Love



This is the week of love. I can't help it... I am in love.
Every day I will tell you about my loves.

Hubby,
truly truly truly love him.
Every time I think, "this is it, this is gonna be the thing that tests us, that tells us if we are gonna make it as a couple." He totally blows my mind and makes it look so easy. He may not love V-day and want to buy cards and flowers and take me to dinner, but that doesn't matter one iota cuz he has SO much love for me. He gives it to me all day every day in the ways that count the most.
In our little personal jokes that no one would understand and I'm not about to explain. In the pot of coffee that he insists (and I do too, cuz he makes a mean brew) on making every morning. In our daily texts that are about nothing but that I can't live without. Love you babe!
I love love!

Ciao
S

2.07.2010

Suzanne Vega


This is a long and twisted love affair.
I have ALWAYS been a fan of SV... as you can see by the title of this blog, I love her lyrics and own almost all her albums.
A few years ago... gosh it must be almost 6 by now, she had a concert at the casino near here. I really wanted to go but couldn't find a soul to go with. Sadly I had to miss it. I promised myself that that would never happen again.
Lo and behold she had a concert at a not so near here venue a few years ago and I asked my BF to go. We made all sorts of plans... take the day off to drive there, spend the night so we wouldn't have to drive back so late at night. I lost my job and still, the up and coming concert was a beacon in the dark. A few days before the concert I got an email from the ticket company saying that the concert had been canceled. My cry of despair rang out in the night. I was SO peeved.
This past Summer there was some talk of a trip to Europe... my mother wanted me to go with her, my nephew was making a voyage and needed some "guardianship" AND there was a concert in Europe. Really was this going to be chance? Nope... those plans sizzled fast.
A few months ago an email arrived in my inbox... A Suzanne Vega concert has been posted near you... I was nervously excited. Would this opportunity come my way again? So soon... I asked around... no takers. Really ... no one? One taker, but life got in the way and we never made plans.
Again this week an email graced my inbox. I'm so bitter by now... this is ridiculous... of course the only concerts in my 100mile radius are on nights that I go to school. Ugh. Seriously! My only consolation prize is that she has some new albums coming out and there are some available on her website, signed. Could I even... would I even...

Ciao
S

1.31.2010

Best week Ever!!!

This week goes down in history as one of the best weeks ever.
Saturday 1/23: Adventure book club. We had a wonderful lunch at It's Only Natural, and then headed to Wesleyan to see a documentary exhibit. Not loved by all but stimulated a great conversation for the ride home. Went shopping at SYMS (one of my fav stores) and then home to hang with the hubby. We were supposed to head to a friends to hang but hubby wasn't feeling well. So instead stayed home and made a DE LISH panetonne bread pudding. YUM!

Sunday: Woke up fairly early to clean the bathroom and get some stuff done around the house. Went to the movies with my girl H to see It's Complicated... We both really loved it and welcomed the belly laughing that ensued. We both had errands to run at Target, so we got to gossip and vent and hang just a little longer. I finished the afternoon with a coffee and sweet at my fav bakery... Vida Doce. I seriously cannot get enough of this place. LOVE IT!
Monday: Came home to a quiet home and prepared for 1st MBA class. Went to sleep early.
Tuesday:Started the afternoon with some yummy falafel from Tangiers and ate it in the car listening to Fresh Air. Ahhh... In the evening, 1st MBA class... what can I say... I'm a nerd at heart. Let my inner geekness shine!
Wednesday: BOOK CLUB. Great group of girls, great wine, designated driver... what more can I ask for.
Thursday: Got together with two lovely ladies. One that I have not connected with in a long time and then my lovely lady H. We met at Sukothai for dinner and closed the place down. Thursday was a crazy weather day and the evening proved to be just as CRAZEE. When we got there it was quietly snowing and was quite lovely. We were seated in the window seat and were able to get a front row seat to thunder snow. All of a sudden there was a flash of lightning and clap of thunder that barely made us jump from our seats. One minute later the ground was covered in hail. Lightning and thinder snow is nutso I tell ya!
Friday: Home to hang with my man. It was a cold one so we cuddled up and watched Project runway!

Saturday: Another busy weekend. Gym in the morning. Then off to a baby shower for a lovely book club lady. Luck baby! After the festivities I hung out at the bar with some other lovely book club ladies and had a decadent afternoon with them. Headed home a little later than I thought but wrangled up the hubby and headed out to dinner and drinking with some friends. We headed to the Cambridge Brew House in Torrington. Pretty long to drive for pub food that wasn't off the charts. The beer was good and the company was AWESOME. We always have fun!
We headed back to our friends basement bar for Cafe Patron shots and then the party started.
Sunday: TODAY! I finally stop and realize how freaking tired I am. Hubby and I went out to run errands and came home to make a vat of our famous chili! We work great together in the kitchen (among other places!) and make a mean chili. Heat warning!!!
Hope you all had a great week and are gearing up for another!
Ciao
S