Rhythm

I really can't believe that it has been two weeks since I posted.
I have been working now for 1.5 weeks and I am tired. I feel like a kindergartner at school for the first time. The office is great and the people are really wonderful. Everyone is really nice and encouraging me to go back to school. I am seriously considering it and will make an appointment in the graduate studies office soon. I might start small and take a class that is not necessary for my major just to get back in the swing of school. It is so weird to be back on a campus but super rewarding at the same time.
So hubby is away at his second job... I hate and love it at the same time. I hate that we are apart and get nervous that he is okay but I tend to like time by myself too... then of course when he gets home we are always so lovey dovey... gross.
At least I have work to keep me busy. If I was home right now... I would be climbing the walls.
The picture above was taken at the Cheaptrick, Poison, Def Leppard concert. We went the night before I started my job... crazy right. YUP! Great time though and worth it. If you look closely you can see the ear plugs that I had to wear so that I could hear the next day.
Ciao
S

What a long strange trip it's been...

I got the job! I am so excited and proud to tell you that I am now a member of the president's office at the University of Hartford. I am the new administrative assistant and coordinator of public programs. Whoo Hoo!
The trip has been long and hard and worth it. I can't thank you all enough for EVERYTHING! You have been there for me through the thick and thin and for that I owe you.
My hubby has been my biggest cheerleader by far. Babe, I really am so grateful that I have you, constantly cheering me on, encouraging me to take my time and be confident. Even when I cried thinking that this would never end you were there to pick up the pieces and remind me that however long it took we would be in it together and stronger for it. Thank you and I love you.
Mom, Subey (my sister) and family... have been so great to me, treating every lunch and keeping my spirits up with pedicures and daily phone calls, pep talks when I felt like I had really reached the end of my rope. I am the luckiest of all to have you as my foundation and my support system.
Friends (whom I am so lucky to have and couldn't possibly name you all here because there are so many of you) that have made numerous calls, emails and letters on my behalf for jobs and connections and opportunities, and to just check on me; I am continually amazed at the lengths that people will go. I am truly blessed to have such wonderful people on my team, thank you all for your support and campaigns on my behalf.
I start Wednesday (yup, day after tomorrow). I've been home for so long that I felt that starting mid-week might be the best way to ease into it.

Ciao
S

GRRRRRReat Week

This has been (so far) a great week. Starting last Saturday when we got together with some of my favorite peeps to celebrate a birthday. We celebrated with TONS of food... there were turkey blt wraps, ham and cheese puffs, bread and sauce for appetizers. Pulled pork and smoked beef ribs and sausage, orzo pasta salad, tomato and cucumber salad and for dessert chocolate cake. Needless to say I was stuffed. Sunday I had the distinct pleasure of having out of state peeps over for lunch. Judy, Jeff and beautiful baby Olivia came over for some long awaited hang time. I haven't seen them since before the holidays. Olivia (above) has gotten so big and it was so nice to spend some time with her parents too! I am gonna have to plan a trip to Maine for later in the Summer. After they left I headed to my sisters house to babysit while she went to the EMHE wrap up party. I had a great time with the kids and a not so great nights sleep in my niece's bed. Man that thing is tough. But it is always fun to wake up with the kids and make a big breakfast and just hang out. The picture below is Julianna and Robbie washing the dishes (they did it without anyone asking). I came home later Monday afternoon just not feeling great. I could tell that I had a cold coming on and spent most of Tuesday and Wednesday resting and sneezing and coughing. Today I am feeling great and ready for the weekend.
Some news: Bad news: I had a trip planned to Italy (with my nephew and friend) and it is now canceled. These things happen. I was so honored that my family was going to treat me to this trip and I was going to get to spend some time with my nephew traveling around Italy, but sadly the plans fell through and it is not happening.
The good news: I hate to jinx it but I had a great 2nd interview today and I am a final candidate for a GREAT job... keep your fingers crossed.
Ciao
S

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

Is here in CT. My sister and her biz are sponsors for this amazing show and charity. I love watching the show and always wondered what it took to "get one of these done".
I had the amazing opportunity (thanks to my sister and brother in law) of visiting the site as a VIP. All I can say is that is was WAY cool and amazing and awe inspiring and muddy. Here is the story as I know it.
It is all about timing; one month to draw the blue prints and get the specs for the house, 106 hours to build it, 1 day to move out, demolish and and cart away the debris. They had a VIP party for the sponsors with dinner and DJ and everything. We got there at about 6pm... well back up a minute. We had to park a few miles away at a parking lot, shuttle bus to the site which only takes you three blocks away from the actual house. We walked by all kinds of equipment, the design tent, lots of porto pottys and then to the actual house. We were in a tent across the street. The whole neighborhood is enveloped by this endeavor... all the neighbors are involved if only because huge trucks are parked on their lawn. When we arrived the foundation was already set and the floor was down; by the time we left about 4 hours later the whole first floor was up... walls and everything. They work so FAST. We didn't get to see any "celebrities" but we got to meet the builder/ saint and some producers.
Before we left we got some photo passes and got to cross the volunteer threshold and go onto the actual build site... so very cool. We talked to one guy that said that a house like this could actually take up to a year to build. All the inside stuff for the house was already on a truck waiting already mostly assembled. Can't even begin to imagine what it takes to be a project manager on the project like this. CRAZZYY.
So enjoy the pics and I will let you know when it airs.
Huge kudos and applause to all those involved especially my peeps; Robert Charles Photography: Susanna, Ed, Bob, Leah and everyone else. Thanks again for including us!
ciao
S

Hapy Father's Day

It's soggy and rainy and not such a splendid day today, but a good a day as any to honor our Fathers. Mine is my Mom. She has been there for me as a Mom, Dad, friend, travel companion, psychologist, cheerleader... you name it she has done it for me. So on this day (and every other day) I honor her! To the other Dad's in my life... the uncles, family friends and various people like teachers and bosses that have either knowingly or not gave me some nugget of advice and helped me along; today I honor you. AND to the Fathers in my life... I also honor you! Lots of honors being handed out today; I hope you all have a great day despite the sogginess... at least you don't have to mow today :)

Ciao
S

Dinner and build a bear

On Sunday we had some friends over for dinner. I had some pineapple and pork and wasn't sure what I wanted to make, and came across this recipe.
Chili-rubbed pork kebabs with pineapple salsa. All I can say is yum yum yum. The salsa is almost spicier than the kebabs. Here is the recipe:
1 pineapple, cut crosswise into 1/2 inch thick slices
1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
1 cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 tablespons olive oil
1 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt
3 tablespoons chili powder
4- 6 ounce boneless pork loin chops, cut into 1-inch cubes (I used pork tenderloin)

Heat a grill to medium-high. Grill the pineapple slices for 2 minutes per side. Cut into small dice, discarding the pieces of core. In a bowl, combine the pineapple, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice, pepper, 1 teaspoon of the oil, and 3/4 teaspoon of salt. Set aside. Combine the chili powder and the remaining teaspoon of salt in a large bowl. Add the pork and the remaining tablespoon of oil and toss to coat. Thread the pork onto skewers. Grill the kebabs, turning ever 2 minutes, until cooked through, about 15 minutes total. Serve the kebabs alongside the pineapple salsa. Enjoy.
This was a delicious Summer dinner.
Yesterday I joined my mother, sister and the two youngest kids and our family friend and her daughter at build a bear. Never before had I witnessed such a thing. Crazy I tell you. The kids had a great time and we went out to eat at a new restaurant at the mall. We were all impressed. I had risotto and salad and although the risotto was a little oily the lunch was great. The kids got mac and cheese and pizza and the servings were huge.
Not much else to report these days. Just finished a great book... Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen. Really great read and I recommend it to anyone. Unless of course your are afraid of the circus or elephants.

ciao
S

Summer is right around the corner

The days are getting long and hot, shorts and flip flops are the daily uniform.
Hubby is counting the days til school gets out. You can smell the charcoal and gardens in the air. Everyone is planning their getaways. Ahhh... the sounds and smells of Summer. Lovin' it!
Been kinda quiet round here... just the way I like it. No noise = no problems.
I've been visiting and getting together with folks and that is always fun. Lunch with Hana was soul soothing. Pizza with D,D,D and H was fun fun fun and fun! Spending the day running around with my sister and the kids to swim meets and soccer games and free ice cream was oh so tiring but oh so fun. Trip to Cabela's with Ed and Bridget was ... well... what can I say about Cabela's... hmmm. The company was great! :) Playdate with Leah is always just what I need even if I was a space cadet. The coffee date with my cousin and her kids was a blast. It never ceases to amaze me what an amazing family they are! The kids are adorable and my cousin is a sweetie. We don't get together often but when we do it is always a treat.
So... plans anyone... I know there was a bbq coming up either Fri night or Sat that I might crash... book-club ladies. I've been wanting to get out and see Ali and the kids... anyone else up for a visit?
The pic at the top is a gift that hubby brought home from his recent trip to Maryland... he was right... I have been crabby! The other pics are self explanatory!