9.07.2011

Back to work

I started back at work last week. Not easy, but I work with some pretty great people and that makes it better. I started on a Thursday so that I could have a really short week to start and not be too overwhelmed.
Late last week hubby got a gig on Governors Island near Battery Park in Manhattan. Before we were married (9 years this fall) I joined him at a gig in Bridgeport, hated it and decided that this was something he could do alone. But this time it sounded like fun. It was called Rock the Bells, and was headlining some of my faves from back in the day... Cypress Hill, Erykah Badu and Ms. Lauryn Hill. Needless to say it was also going to include a trip to the city and I rarely wanna miss that. We stayed in a super swanky hotel in SoHo and got to have dinner, together, alone before the madness of the concert began. Madness it was, and fun, and tiring, and dusty. The only thing I will say is that Governors Island is really beautiful and the bells were truly rocked. Before we returned on Sunday we got to have brunch with our fave NY couple Adam and Meredith. Delish and nice to catch up.
Although the trip was short and was mostly spent working, it was nice to have one last jaunt before getting down to real business. We are both back to work and I will start class again next week. It's been a really rainy week and that has been just fine because it matches my and hubby's mood. Looking forward to sunny skies.
Ciao
S

8.28.2011

Natural Disasters

The fact that we have had two "natural disasters" in one week feels very natural for my life right now. I am still really raw from losing my daughter but trying to do my best to move on. I have good days and bad days and mostly the good days are winning out.
On Tuesday of last week the East Coast felt the strongest earthquake since 1944. The center was in VA and tremors were felt all over the east coast. My hubby and I were both home and neither one of us felt anything. My mom was at an appointment at the hospital and felt it very strongly and was really nervous when the offices were evacuated.
This weekend was hurricane Irene. They had been talking about this hurricane all week and I was pretty sure that we wouldn't get much. We usually don't and I was hopeful that history would prove me right. My bestie and her hubby live near the shore and were nervous about the thought of an evacuation. Since we had double date plans for Saturday anyway they decided to bring an overnight bag and their dog "just in case." We started the weekend out in our brand new wellies that my bestie bought us to round out our hurricane preparations. Mine are purple and I luv em!
Saturday afternoon we went started out at the local burger joint for some nourishment before the movie. The movie was so supremely not great that I won't even tell you which one we saw. We were there with 2 other people. I was so SURE that the movie theater would be packed considering the rainy day and that Irene wasn't supposed to come for hours yet. The theater was deserted. Mental note for the next hurricane. We all went to bed Saturday night anticipating the worst according to the news.
Sunday we woke up (I was the last to get up) to some heavy rains and winds. We still had power, thank goodness (coffee maker needs power). I made a yummy breakfast of ham and cheesy eggs and my bestie made a super yummy tomatillo salsa. Very tasty. We love to cook when we are together. We spent the rest of the morning watching the weather station and anticipating the storm. The rain was heavy and the winds were strong; just not hurricane strong. For lunch we went all out and made homemade tortillas, steak, baramundi for tacos, couscous and more yummy tomatillo salsa. Yup I said homemade tortillas... DELICIOUS. For dessert I made banana bread from scratch and we topped it with caramel ice cream.
The winds died down, the rain stopped and Irene passed. We never lost power, our property sustained very minimal damage and we were all safe and stuffed.
You definitely want to get stuck with me and my bestie in a storm. Hope you are all safe!
Ciao
S

8.12.2011

Journey

I have always believed very strongly in the fact that we all have a story and a journey that we are on. No two stories are alike and everyone has to explore their own journey.
Having said that I have always been obsessed with my own journey and what path to take and what implications that would have. There aren't a lot of decisions at this specific point in my journey, but never before have I been so anxious to see what is next.
I am so grateful for my hubby who lets me be as emotional as I need to be, who understands that every minute is a different obstacle and who pushes me to be as strong as he knows that I can be (even in the moments when I don't feel so).
I am blessed with a mother, mother-in-law and sister that stand by me, cry with me and hold me up. Everyday there is love, courage and strength.
Daily there is a pile of cards that come in the mail to offer hubby and me sympathy and strength in this tough time that we are going through. We are humbled at the love that we have been shown.
I don't know where this journey will lead us but in my heart I know my daughter will light the way.

S

7.31.2011

Pain

This is truly the hardest and most painful post to write. I buried my daughter yesterday. She was stillborn last Monday. I am still waiting to wake up from this terrible nightmare.
Yesterday we put her in the ground with my father to watch over her. She was so little. There are no words to make this better. I am praying that time can heal this wound.
My husband held her and told her of the love that we have for her. He whispered her name Luciana Fiona Campbell to her and stayed with her until the last moments.
I thank you all for the love and flowers and cards. Every little thing helps us to get a little stronger.

Ciao
S

7.19.2011

OMG

I am so excited... the creator of Sassy and Jane Magazine (one of my all time favorite magazines that was discontinued) has a website that is AWESOME!
yayay

Check it!

Ciao
S

7.15.2011

Fun fun

Two names you are called that are not your real name:
1. Fania
2. Zia

Two things you're wearing now:
1. gauchos
2. flip flops

What are 2 of your favorite things to do:
1. read
2. dinner with friends

Two things you want very badly at the moment:
1. to have all the laundry and cleaning done
2. to take a nap

Two things you did yesterday:
1. grocery shopped
2. worked

Two things you ate yesterday:
1. leftover ice cream cake
2. leftover pizza

Two people you last talked to:
1. My mother
2. My sister

Two things you are doing tomorrow:
1. EXTRAVAGANZA!
2. Water aerobics

Two favorite holidays:
1. Valentine's Day
2. Thanksgiving


Two favorite beverages:
1. Coffee
2. Red Wine (obvs not lately)

Two people no longer alive that you'd like to talk to:
1. my Dad
2. my nonna

Just thought it would be fun to do some of these old questionnaires.

Here is another:(got this one from here)

Tell me about the shirt you’re wearing?
It's one of my maternity shirts that I love the most. It is purple and kinda striped. VERY COMFY.

What’s currently bothering you?

Being stuck here.

What do you currently hear?

Listening to Pandora. Great station with all my favs... currently Madonna.

When was the last time you had your hair cut?

Funny that you ask... can't remember so I'm going in for a trim tomorrow.

When were you last outside?

This morning when I got to work at 8am. I wanted to go out at lunch but last time I did that and sat on a bench outside my office reading for a bit I came in with ticks. Yuck. Not doing that again.

Are you wearing shorts?

Well, it depends if gauchos can be considered shorts. I don't think so...

Does the thought of marriage scare you?

Nope.

What did you do today?

I've been at work all day... working on this during my lunch... yeah...

Look to your left, what is there?

My office phone, that hasn't rang more than 4 times today.... just sayin.

What time did you go to sleep last night?

I got into bed at 10 and read and chatted with hubby for a bit.

When is your Birthday?

February 17

The way to win your heart?

Just be genuine and real.

What are you going​ to do this weeke​nd?

Tomorrow is Extravaganza and that means cook out. Come over if you want.

Were you happy when you woke up today?

I guess, I was on my way to work.

Have you ever crawled through a window?

I think so. Vaguely remember that...

Would you ever donate blood?

I’ve tried and passed out. Never tried again. Not a fan of passing out.

Has anyone ever mistaken you for a family member?

Nope

Do you have reason to smile right now?

Yes, I am growing a baby girl and will get to meet her in less than 2 months.

What do you do when you’re stressed out?

Cry, pick a fight with hubby, become very quiet and introverted.

Would you honestly say you’d risk your life for someone else?

Absolutely.

Do you open up to people easily?

Sometimes. I like to meet people and be open but the secrets are kept close to the vest.

Has anyone upset you in the last week?

Yes. Probably. Most likely my husband.

What is the last pill you swallowed?

Prenatal vitamin this morning.

What was the first thing you thought this morning?

Already, ugh.

Who do you blame for your bad mood today?

I’m not in a bad mood

Where is the person you like right now?

He's home... hopefully getting stuff done.

What was the first thing you did this morning?

Took a shower.

Do you care of what people think of you?

Probably more than I should.

Who was the last person you took a picture with?

At my baby shower this past Sunday I took a bunch of pics. I think the last one was a group pic with my sister and cousins. Very nostalgic.

What are you looking forward to right now?

It's 3:35 on a Friday afternoon in the middle of SUMMER.... I am dying to go home.

Do you miss someo​ne?

Not any one person in particular.

Does your crush like you?

Most days

If you could go back in time and change something would you?

Yep.

Do you hate smokers?

Nope. I hate the smoke.

Ever had a near death experience?

I almost drowned once as a 5 year old. I have vague memories of it but still love the ocean and love to swim.

Something you do a lot?

I twirl my hair and play with it ... A LOT!

Last person you cried in front of?

I'm sure it wasn't long ago... maybe a day or two at most.

Have you ever been to a tanning bed?

Yes. Once. Got a bad rash and never went back.

Does anyone hate you for no reason?

I'm sure there are haters out there.

Have you ever kissed someone whose name starts with the letter J?

Nope

What are you stressed out about?

A lot of different things... hmmm probably the child care thing the most.

What was your favorite grade?

Gosh I think I hated them all equally until I got to college.

When is the next time you’ll see your best friend(s)?

I get to see a lot of them tomorrow at EXTRAVAGANZA.

Favorite number?

7

Ever been in love?

Yep

Are you wearing make-up?

Totally forgot this morning. I look scary.

What were you doing at 11:30 last night?

Sleeping and probably tossing and turning.

What’s the last thing you said and to who?

I just said to have a great weekend to my coworker. She just left.

Do you sleep on your stomach?

I used to. Now I try my hardest to sleep on my side.

What do you hear?

Still listening to a great Pandora station. This this seems a little redundant.

Are you ticklish?

Yes, some would say on the inside too.

Last time you saw fireworks, with who & where?

Probably at last year's Extravaganza... yay.


Ciao

xo

7.12.2011

Happiness

Last night I walked into our bedroom and my husband was grinning... at nothing in particular and I asked him, "What's up with you?"
He answered,"I'm happy." So then I was grinning too.

This past weekend was my first baby shower and it was the epitome of happy for me. My mother and sister and her family literally showered me with so much love I was overcome with emotion the whole day. My sister's husband and kids spent the whole weekend preparing the house for the celebration. When I came down right before the guests arrived there were flowers, balloons and rubber duckies everywhere. They did so much work and it mean so much to me. I am overcome with emotion just writing this (but I guess that doesn't mean much considering I am 32 weeks preggo and spend a lot of time crying). I feel really lucky and happy and truly blessed.
I got to visit with friends and family that I haven't seen in a long time and we were celebrating the soon to be arrival of my daughter. We recalled stories of us growing up, everyone gave their advice on baby gear and 'get some sleep now'. Best of all was the collective oohs and aahs over the cute outfits. The best part was getting home and not really sure what I was gonna do with the million and one presents that were full to the brim in my car until my hubby pulled into the driveway two minutes behind me from being away for essentially two weeks. That was happiness.
The coming weeks are filled with visits and showers and friends and family and I am so happy. I'm so excited for this little lady and the family of love that she gets to enter into. She is already so loved.

hope you're having some happy too.
ciao
S