I am in SUCH a good mood this morning!
I woke up at 6:30 and felt like I was ready to get up for the day... so I did. Y'all. I don't know what's going on in my head, cause come Monday morning I'll be kicking myself for not savoring those few extra hours I could have slept, but oh well. I figured that I could go to the early WW meeting at 8 (instead of my regular 9:30), so I got ready, headed out... and ended up being down 2.8 pounds!! So pumped. There was a man weighing in who lost and got a 5 pound sticker... and he was so excited. He turned to the woman next to him and says "Hey! I got a sticker! I lost 5 pounds and got a sticker!" It was pretty cute.
***continued on Sunday because we got busy and left right after I started typing this post yesterday, so I'll just run through yesterday while I finish up the Academy Awards.
This weekend has been SO nice and pretty and semi-warm! It finally really feels like spring is on its way. The sun has been shining, the snow is melting... I love it. I don't think that I realized just how much I was ready for warmer weather and sunny days until I actually got a taste of it these last couple of days. Today we actually reached 60 degrees! I was getting dressed this morning and briefly contemplated flip flops, then realized that might be taking it a bit too far.
I think that tomorrow I'll write a post about what I love most/ what reminds me of spring, just to keep the mood consistent.
I also think I'm going to do my first fashion review for the Oscars. I love watching to see what everyone is wearing and how lovely and put together they look. I'm really anxious to see who wins Best Actress (go Sandy, go!) and Best Picture (The Hurt Locker has our vote, for sure).
Time for bed, thanks to a hefty dose of cough syrup. My cough has been battling me the last few nights and I'm determined to win tonight!
my boy.
I have to dote on my boy for a moment.
I'm on my own for the evening, as he's at a work shin-dig for a coworker who's moving on in the company... to Nebraska. Anywho, tonight was the first night in a LONG TIME that I was on my own-- I cooked for one, made lunches for tomorrow, did a load of laundry, called and chatted with my mama, watched a movie on Lifetime Movie Network... and realized how quiet it is.
The whole idea of personal space kind of dwindled a bit for me after we made the big move in together. Morning, noon and night, we were together. The battles over insignificant issues began: do you NOT see the pile of white clothes that you just piled your black socks on? do you NOT see that convenient hook on the back of the bathroom door for you to hang that wet, soggy towel on? are we lost because that trail of crumbs you just left seem to hint that you're leaving a path from the kitchen... Oh, my friends, it has not been completely easy. We for sure have moments where we both have to hang in different rooms for a breather.
But at the end of the night I know that he's going to be there. After sitting here this evening without him propped up next to me doing his boy stuff... I kinda miss him. Not in that desperate, can't-spend-an-evening-apart kind of way. No, more like... those annoying noises that he makes when he's being a bit off the wall? They're not so bad. The whole monopoly that ESPN and The Discovery Channels have taken over our DVR? I really do look forward to watching the shows with him, despite my protests (I promise the protests are just for show 84% of the time. However, that whole 72-hour NFL Draft Combine fiasco this entire past weekend was an exception).
When it comes down to it, I'm pretty gosh darn lucky. While he may not be the most romantic boy in the world, he's always up and washing dishes as soon as we've finished eating the meals that I've cooked for us. I have a hard time staying awake past 10pm at my ripe old age of 24 and he stays up way later than I do, but I always get a kiss goodnight and an "I love you" (to him-- I hear it/feel it, even when you think I'm asleep. Sometimes I pretend that I'm just a tiny bit more asleep than I am because I heart that little moment so much).
So while the whole sweet-talker kind of guy is the one that I always thought I would end up, it turns out that the honest-to-goodness best thing that you can hear sometimes is "I can stop and pick up Robitussin for you on my way home tonight" after you were up half the night coughing with a cold.
That little offer might have just melted my heart a little bit.
I'm on my own for the evening, as he's at a work shin-dig for a coworker who's moving on in the company... to Nebraska. Anywho, tonight was the first night in a LONG TIME that I was on my own-- I cooked for one, made lunches for tomorrow, did a load of laundry, called and chatted with my mama, watched a movie on Lifetime Movie Network... and realized how quiet it is.
The whole idea of personal space kind of dwindled a bit for me after we made the big move in together. Morning, noon and night, we were together. The battles over insignificant issues began: do you NOT see the pile of white clothes that you just piled your black socks on? do you NOT see that convenient hook on the back of the bathroom door for you to hang that wet, soggy towel on? are we lost because that trail of crumbs you just left seem to hint that you're leaving a path from the kitchen... Oh, my friends, it has not been completely easy. We for sure have moments where we both have to hang in different rooms for a breather.
But at the end of the night I know that he's going to be there. After sitting here this evening without him propped up next to me doing his boy stuff... I kinda miss him. Not in that desperate, can't-spend-an-evening-apart kind of way. No, more like... those annoying noises that he makes when he's being a bit off the wall? They're not so bad. The whole monopoly that ESPN and The Discovery Channels have taken over our DVR? I really do look forward to watching the shows with him, despite my protests (I promise the protests are just for show 84% of the time. However, that whole 72-hour NFL Draft Combine fiasco this entire past weekend was an exception).
When it comes down to it, I'm pretty gosh darn lucky. While he may not be the most romantic boy in the world, he's always up and washing dishes as soon as we've finished eating the meals that I've cooked for us. I have a hard time staying awake past 10pm at my ripe old age of 24 and he stays up way later than I do, but I always get a kiss goodnight and an "I love you" (to him-- I hear it/feel it, even when you think I'm asleep. Sometimes I pretend that I'm just a tiny bit more asleep than I am because I heart that little moment so much).
So while the whole sweet-talker kind of guy is the one that I always thought I would end up, it turns out that the honest-to-goodness best thing that you can hear sometimes is "I can stop and pick up Robitussin for you on my way home tonight" after you were up half the night coughing with a cold.
That little offer might have just melted my heart a little bit.
A lucky girl I am, indeed.
the requisite "i've been gone too long" bullet post.
I feel like it's been so long since I've updated that I should just do a bullet-post... so I think I might.
*My slightly significant current devastation is that NOT A SINGLE ONE of my USB ports will recognize ANYTHING that I plug into them. No iPod, no iPhone, no camera... which means no pictures, no new running music, and so on and on. It's been rough, but I think I've reached the point of turning it over to the Geek Squad and letting them have at it.
*I have a job. Is it in publishing/journalism/PR/event planning? Nah. More like administration at Children's Hospital Boston... but I'm a fan so far. Everyone is really nice and the department is super interesting, plus it seems like moving up in the hospital is something they really encourage, which is always good to know. I wouldn't be opposed to working in PR for a hospital, especially one as reputable as Children's. But once the economy's better, publishing would still for sure be my ideal job.
*I graduate Friday, May 7. My parents fly in Thursday, May 6. They, plus my younger brother, plus my aunt, are staying here at our condo. Let the headaches begin. Don't get me wrong... I'm super excited for my whole family to finally get to come to Boston. It may just get a little intense at some times. I have a post or two tumbling around about what we're planning on doing, so I'll have to put that out there soon.
*I am going to start re-training to run several 5 & 10ks, and then another a half-marathin in October... the one that I had to miss last year. I pushed the training way too hard last summer, so slow and steady is the way I'll go this time. I have to get really focused about getting back in the gym consistently. We've been pretty good at getting there at least three times a week, but (before we moved in together) I went 6 or 7 days a week, mainly when I was training. That hardcore these days... I am not. Back into training I go though!
*We saw Shutter Island this weekend and it was really, really good. I also just started reading the book today (yes, even though I know what's going to happen), but Dennis Lehane (Mystic River, Gone Baby Gone) is one of my favorite authors and is truly talented at writing for this little thriller genre... so I'm excited to see how the book compares to the film.
*We also went to dinner at Texas Roadhouse, the first time I've been since December 2008 (not that I've been dreaming of it or anything). It was delish times a thousand.
I'm off for now. I'm making Beer-Braised Turkey Kielbasa with egg noodles for supper (mhm Weight Watchers friendly!!) and need to get The Boy in the kitchen. Considering I came home sick from work, I believe I'm just going to direct him through the kitchen.
Later y'all!!
*My slightly significant current devastation is that NOT A SINGLE ONE of my USB ports will recognize ANYTHING that I plug into them. No iPod, no iPhone, no camera... which means no pictures, no new running music, and so on and on. It's been rough, but I think I've reached the point of turning it over to the Geek Squad and letting them have at it.
*I have a job. Is it in publishing/journalism/PR/event planning? Nah. More like administration at Children's Hospital Boston... but I'm a fan so far. Everyone is really nice and the department is super interesting, plus it seems like moving up in the hospital is something they really encourage, which is always good to know. I wouldn't be opposed to working in PR for a hospital, especially one as reputable as Children's. But once the economy's better, publishing would still for sure be my ideal job.
*I graduate Friday, May 7. My parents fly in Thursday, May 6. They, plus my younger brother, plus my aunt, are staying here at our condo. Let the headaches begin. Don't get me wrong... I'm super excited for my whole family to finally get to come to Boston. It may just get a little intense at some times. I have a post or two tumbling around about what we're planning on doing, so I'll have to put that out there soon.
*I am going to start re-training to run several 5 & 10ks, and then another a half-marathin in October... the one that I had to miss last year. I pushed the training way too hard last summer, so slow and steady is the way I'll go this time. I have to get really focused about getting back in the gym consistently. We've been pretty good at getting there at least three times a week, but (before we moved in together) I went 6 or 7 days a week, mainly when I was training. That hardcore these days... I am not. Back into training I go though!
*We saw Shutter Island this weekend and it was really, really good. I also just started reading the book today (yes, even though I know what's going to happen), but Dennis Lehane (Mystic River, Gone Baby Gone) is one of my favorite authors and is truly talented at writing for this little thriller genre... so I'm excited to see how the book compares to the film.
*We also went to dinner at Texas Roadhouse, the first time I've been since December 2008 (not that I've been dreaming of it or anything). It was delish times a thousand.
I'm off for now. I'm making Beer-Braised Turkey Kielbasa with egg noodles for supper (mhm Weight Watchers friendly!!) and need to get The Boy in the kitchen. Considering I came home sick from work, I believe I'm just going to direct him through the kitchen.
Later y'all!!
and the nominees are...
The Academy Award nominations are in and I'm PUMPED!! My BFF Sandy Bullock was nominated for BEST ACTRESS for The Blind Side. I would have been shocked if she wasn't nominated... but I might be a little biased. The movie was pretty fabulous, and her performance was kinda perfect for the part that she took on. Plus, The Blind Side itself was nominated for Best Picture!!
Precious was also nominated for several categories. Although I haven't seen it yet, it looks like an amazing movie. It's definitely an incredibly challenging topic to cover, but from what I have seen, the acting seems just superb. Mo'Nique, who plays the mother, was nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, and the film itself was nominated for Best Picture. The cherry on top is that Gabourey Sidibe, the amazing young actress who played Precious, is nominated for Best Actress as well! Congrats to her-- her first film ever and she's in a category up against Meryl Streep, Sandra Bullock and Helen Mirren. If that's not a compliment to someone's acting talent, to be in a category up against actresses such as these, then I don't know what is.
I also love me some Meryl Streep and, after reading Julie and Julia, fell in love with the movie even more. Meryl and Amy Adams both played just wonderful parts-- it's hard not to love them both! Meryl was nominated for Best Actress and, surprisingly, that is all of the nominations that the film earned. And just as a side note... this is Meryl Streep's SIXTEENTH nomination for an Academy Award. Fabulous!!
The Best Picture nominee list seems really, really long to me: Avatar, District 9, An Education, The Hurt Locker, Inglourious Basterds, Precious, A Serious Man, Up in the Air, The Blind Side, and Up. I feel like it's almost a given for Avatar to win, with all of the attention that it's garnered, but if anything, ANYTHING other than that movie won, I'd be pumped. The Boy and I went to see it when it first came out and, for as long as it was, I was just not blown away. Despite the graphics, which deserve recognition and credit, the movie was just way too long and didn't have the most amazing plot, which is always a huge turnoff for me in a movie. We actually watched District 9 a couple of weekends ago-- it's basically about aliens in South Africa that are put into a concentration camp-type setting. Horrible movie. No clue what An Education is about, or A Serious Man. Haven't seen Inglourious Basterds, although it's waiting for us in the XBOX. The Hurt Locker was interesting, about a bomb squad unit during the Iraq war. Precious, obviously. Up in the Air has George Clooney and I heard was kind of interesting... Up is the animated Pixar movie I believe... and The Blind Side of course.
Well that was a whole big schpiel about not much at all, hm? I'm already excited about the awards, although all that I ever really care about is seeing what everyone is wearing and the big category winners. Ah well... just another night to plan yummy food and drinks for :)
Precious was also nominated for several categories. Although I haven't seen it yet, it looks like an amazing movie. It's definitely an incredibly challenging topic to cover, but from what I have seen, the acting seems just superb. Mo'Nique, who plays the mother, was nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, and the film itself was nominated for Best Picture. The cherry on top is that Gabourey Sidibe, the amazing young actress who played Precious, is nominated for Best Actress as well! Congrats to her-- her first film ever and she's in a category up against Meryl Streep, Sandra Bullock and Helen Mirren. If that's not a compliment to someone's acting talent, to be in a category up against actresses such as these, then I don't know what is.
I also love me some Meryl Streep and, after reading Julie and Julia, fell in love with the movie even more. Meryl and Amy Adams both played just wonderful parts-- it's hard not to love them both! Meryl was nominated for Best Actress and, surprisingly, that is all of the nominations that the film earned. And just as a side note... this is Meryl Streep's SIXTEENTH nomination for an Academy Award. Fabulous!!
The Best Picture nominee list seems really, really long to me: Avatar, District 9, An Education, The Hurt Locker, Inglourious Basterds, Precious, A Serious Man, Up in the Air, The Blind Side, and Up. I feel like it's almost a given for Avatar to win, with all of the attention that it's garnered, but if anything, ANYTHING other than that movie won, I'd be pumped. The Boy and I went to see it when it first came out and, for as long as it was, I was just not blown away. Despite the graphics, which deserve recognition and credit, the movie was just way too long and didn't have the most amazing plot, which is always a huge turnoff for me in a movie. We actually watched District 9 a couple of weekends ago-- it's basically about aliens in South Africa that are put into a concentration camp-type setting. Horrible movie. No clue what An Education is about, or A Serious Man. Haven't seen Inglourious Basterds, although it's waiting for us in the XBOX. The Hurt Locker was interesting, about a bomb squad unit during the Iraq war. Precious, obviously. Up in the Air has George Clooney and I heard was kind of interesting... Up is the animated Pixar movie I believe... and The Blind Side of course.
Well that was a whole big schpiel about not much at all, hm? I'm already excited about the awards, although all that I ever really care about is seeing what everyone is wearing and the big category winners. Ah well... just another night to plan yummy food and drinks for :)
chipotle and the grammies
I had my first cooking casualty this evening. I was cutting chicken for our chicken stir-fry and the knife that I was using wasn't as sharp as it could be and when I pulled across and went back across one more time... it got me. I think I was in shock. It wasn't anything that Neosporin and a couple of Bandaids couldn't take care of, but still... I ran in the bedroom and yelled frantically at The Boy "YOU HAVE TO FINISH CUTTING THE CHICKEN! I JUST STABBED MYSELF," kicked my flats off and across the room, and hurried into the bathroom. He saved the day and fixed me right up (and finished chopping the chicken, no less).
I've since cozied up on my bed and am watching the red carpet arrivals for the Grammies. I have to say that I just switched it on in time to see Lady Gaga emerge from her limo in quite the atrocious outfit (as if we'd expect any less from her crazy self...). Am I the only one out there who just doesn't get the hype of Gaga? I mean, her songs are catchy and her fashion is just... well, in my eyes, a bunch of fashion DON'TS, but everyone everywhere is saying that she'll win everything tonight. Guess we'll just have to watch and see!
P.S. Giuliana Rancic is co-hosting the E! Red Carpet and I just heart her to pieces. After Sandy Bullock, I'd love to be BFFs with Giuliana. If you haven't watched her show (Sunday nights at 9pm on Style!) you absolutely HAVE to. She and her hubby are just way too cute together.
I also had Chipotle with The Boy for the second time in my life today. I was trying to be WW friendly and tried out the Chicken Burrito Bowl only with no rice... that was tough stuff for me. I LOVE their Cilantro Lime Rice so without it I had (because you're all so interested) black beans, lettuce, cheese, sour cream, chicken, and salsa... tasty! Speaking of tasty, I'm off to put together the deadly chicken stir-fry (minus knives).
I've since cozied up on my bed and am watching the red carpet arrivals for the Grammies. I have to say that I just switched it on in time to see Lady Gaga emerge from her limo in quite the atrocious outfit (as if we'd expect any less from her crazy self...). Am I the only one out there who just doesn't get the hype of Gaga? I mean, her songs are catchy and her fashion is just... well, in my eyes, a bunch of fashion DON'TS, but everyone everywhere is saying that she'll win everything tonight. Guess we'll just have to watch and see!
P.S. Giuliana Rancic is co-hosting the E! Red Carpet and I just heart her to pieces. After Sandy Bullock, I'd love to be BFFs with Giuliana. If you haven't watched her show (Sunday nights at 9pm on Style!) you absolutely HAVE to. She and her hubby are just way too cute together.
I also had Chipotle with The Boy for the second time in my life today. I was trying to be WW friendly and tried out the Chicken Burrito Bowl only with no rice... that was tough stuff for me. I LOVE their Cilantro Lime Rice so without it I had (because you're all so interested) black beans, lettuce, cheese, sour cream, chicken, and salsa... tasty! Speaking of tasty, I'm off to put together the deadly chicken stir-fry (minus knives).
what a whirlwind of a weekend...
I kind of can't believe that this weekend is over. I mean, despite the whole extra day and all... it went really fast.
Friday I spent the afternoon babysitting for the kiddos that I used to nanny for, and it was nice to get to see them for a bit. It seems like they get so big in between each time that I sit for them-- the 3 year old is talking up a storm and has SO much personality (I might have taught him how to say "Youuuuk!" when he showed me his Youkilis t-shirt), and the 6 year old kind of blew me away. We were driving home after everyone had been picked up and they were sort of talking about how they didn't have to go to school on Monday. I kind of assumed that the 6 year old wouldn't know why, but I had gotten as far as to ask "So do you know what holiday is on Mon--" when I'm cut off, hearing "YES Katie-- it's to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Listen-- we learned a song. I'll sing it." She proceeded to sing SUCH a sweet little song in complete honor of this wonderful man, and I was just pretty impressed. I remember singing songs like that when I was in elementary school, but I had honestly been cynically thinking that so many issues could be raised when speaking of MLK, Jr that the topic would just be pushed aside. It is so encouraging to know that the little, most influenced people are still being taught (and absorbing!!) such important things as this. It made my weekend.
Saturday we went to the Winter Jubilee Beer Fest in downtown Boston with The Boy's cousin and his girlfriend, and his other cousin and two of his friends. To sum it up... pictures were taken on another camera, it started out fun, the night went downhill REAL fast, and hangovers were setting in by 7pm (I suppose that's what you get when you buy tickets for a beer festival starting at noon...). We ended the evening with Domino's Pizza and were passed out by 10:30pm. Big party people, we are indeed.
Sunday was spent recovering and getting The Boy's grandparents house ready for his Pop to head home from a short vacay at the hospital. Thank goodness things are recovering well and he's resting (so-much-more comfortably) safe and home sweet home. We headed home afterwards to watch the Cowboys game (which we will NOT talk about), and so I could make a pot of my sauce with turkey meatballs (delish!). Also, The Boy and I FINALLY finished up The Sopranos. The series ended, I knew what was coming, he did not, the anger flashed, the disappointment settled... and we went to bed.
We woke up this morning to lots of snow and headed into Boston for the Bruins game/ The Boy's Christmas present. Sad thing: a sausage on a roll with peppers and onions is twelve points. A Sam Adams is 4 points. Within 15 minutes, I had consumed more than half of my daily points. As painful as it was to point that mess, I did it and I am SO proud. In the past, I so would have just acted like it didn't count and just ignored the fact that I consumed all of that mess... but today I did not. We broke out the indoor grill and made chicken fajitas... and they were fabulous. The Boy handled the chicken and I sauteed up A TON of peppers, onions, and mushrooms (more veggies + less chicken = fewer points), measured out my cheese, sour cream, and spicy fat free refried beans (holy moly, my own heaven... 1/2 cup = 1 point) and went to town. I was famished and threw mine together before I could take a picture, but The Boy came walking in with his plate and presented this to me:
I mean really-- how tasty does that look?! It was so good. He had my fresh guacamole on his, but after the whole (fabulous) sausage and peppers fiasco, I had to abstain from the guac.
We have to be up and at 'em by about 7:30 in the morning, so I'm going to fill out this little thing (because I love them), finish watching some new show that he DVRd ("American Pickers") and head to bed.
Bits and Pieces of Me (that kind of sounds disturbing...)
1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought? Fleece Christmas tree pajama pants? Really?
2. How much cash do you have on you? Nada. I never, ever have cash. Lots of change, no cash.
3. What’s a word that rhymes with DOOR? Sore.
4. Favorite planet? I'd have to say earth because I'm not so big on the astronomy thing (supported by the fact that I had to Google "astronomy" and make sure that I was not meaning "astrology"...)
5. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell phone? Unknown, which turned out to be a nanny agency.
6. What is your favorite ring tone on your phone? I was lovin' my Christmas songs this year-- Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree for my parents, Merry XMas (War is Over) for my main tone.
7. What shirt are you wearing? a black spaghetti strap top-- bedtime!
8. Do you label yourself? As unemployed with a Bachelors Degree? Sure do.
9. Name the brand of the shoes you’re currently wearing? not a thing-- like I said, bedtime!
10. Bright or Dark Room? I'd have to like the dark, for sure.
11. What do you think about the person who is to your left? It's The Boy-- he's pretty neat.
12. What does your watch look like? When I wear it, I believe it's silver with an ivory face.
13. What were you doing at midnight last night? Sleeping-- we're getting old :/
14. What did your last text message you received on your cell say? The last message received would be a picture my brother sent of my dad yesterday, wearing his old-timers Cowboys helmet. Needless to say, it didn't work.
15. Where is your nearest 7-11? Near The Boy's parent's house.
16. What's something that you say a lot? "Oh man!" or "Oh geez..."
17. Who told you he/she loved you last? My Mama.
18. Last furry thing you touched? Probably the blanket I'm covered up with right now.
19. How many drugs have you done in the last three days? A few things here and there for an unsettled tummy, and the pill that prevents the babies.
20. How many rolls of film do you need developed? I have a ton from soooo long ago back home, but nowadays I am of the digital camera.
21. Favorite age you have been so far? Despite the no-job situation, I'd say 24 is looking pretty good.
22. Your worst enemy? Carbs... yet they're my sweet best loves.
23. What is your current desktop picture? Me and The Boy during my first trip to Colgate.
24. What was the last thing you said to someone? "What's the point of this? What do they do with this stuff once they buy it?", in reference to the American Pickers show I mentioned.
25. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to fly what would it be? For sure the million dollars.
26. Do you like someone? I'm lovin' The Boy.
27. The last song you listened to? Not quite sure... whatever was playing last on the radio in the car.
28. What time of day were you born? Around 8pm I believe.
29. What’s your favorite number? I like 7 and 52-- completely random and unimportant.
30. Where did you live in 1987? On the Northside in Temple!
31. Are you jealous of anyone? People who can effortlessly run for miles on end, and the teensy girls who can pack away pasta with not a bit of evidence on their bodies... not that I'm hostile or anything.
32. Is anyone jealous of you? I hope not... although I am a pretty lucky and blessed girl.
33. Where were you when 9/11 happened? Sitting in my World History class in the L-Wing... I'll never, ever forget that.
34. What do you do when vending machines steal your money? Hasn't happened in forever and ever, but I probably mutter at it and look crazy as I give people "Poor me-- give me sympathy" looks as they walk past.
35. Do you consider yourself kind? Absolutely.
36. If you had to get a tattoo, where would it be? It would be SO tiny and on the very low part of my front right hip.
37. If you could be fluent in any other language, what would it be? Well I've spent enough time working on French, so I'd have to go with that.
38. Would you move for the person you loved? Of course.
39. Are you touchy feely? Very much so-- love my hugs and kisses!
40. What’s your life motto? To be happy, healthy, and have faith!
41. Name three things that you have on you at all times? My rings (one from my parents, one from The Boy), my phone, and a bottle of water.
42. What’s your favourite town/city? I looove me some Austin, Texas. And you can't really beat New York City either.
43. What was the last thing you paid for with cash? I added value to my train card with cash...
44. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper and mailed it? The main person I write letters to is my Grandpa, and it's probably been too long since then...
45. Can you change the oil on a car? Um, no, but I know how to watch the sticker and make sure when it's time to take it in.
46. What's one thing that you will never talk about on your blog? Anything super personal about my relationships (in any and all regards).
47. How far back do you know about your ancestry? Bits and pieces on my dad's side, nothing on my mom's side. Lots of Scottish and Irish, a wee bit of German...
48. The last time you dressed fancy, what did you wear and why did you dress fancy? Probably my plum bridesmaid dress for my cousin's wedding.
49. Does anything hurt on your body right now? My lower back has been bothering me, but it's only because I'm an old lady...
50. What are you going to do now? Turn myself over and head to sleep!
Friday I spent the afternoon babysitting for the kiddos that I used to nanny for, and it was nice to get to see them for a bit. It seems like they get so big in between each time that I sit for them-- the 3 year old is talking up a storm and has SO much personality (I might have taught him how to say "Youuuuk!" when he showed me his Youkilis t-shirt), and the 6 year old kind of blew me away. We were driving home after everyone had been picked up and they were sort of talking about how they didn't have to go to school on Monday. I kind of assumed that the 6 year old wouldn't know why, but I had gotten as far as to ask "So do you know what holiday is on Mon--" when I'm cut off, hearing "YES Katie-- it's to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Listen-- we learned a song. I'll sing it." She proceeded to sing SUCH a sweet little song in complete honor of this wonderful man, and I was just pretty impressed. I remember singing songs like that when I was in elementary school, but I had honestly been cynically thinking that so many issues could be raised when speaking of MLK, Jr that the topic would just be pushed aside. It is so encouraging to know that the little, most influenced people are still being taught (and absorbing!!) such important things as this. It made my weekend.
Saturday we went to the Winter Jubilee Beer Fest in downtown Boston with The Boy's cousin and his girlfriend, and his other cousin and two of his friends. To sum it up... pictures were taken on another camera, it started out fun, the night went downhill REAL fast, and hangovers were setting in by 7pm (I suppose that's what you get when you buy tickets for a beer festival starting at noon...). We ended the evening with Domino's Pizza and were passed out by 10:30pm. Big party people, we are indeed.
Sunday was spent recovering and getting The Boy's grandparents house ready for his Pop to head home from a short vacay at the hospital. Thank goodness things are recovering well and he's resting (so-much-more comfortably) safe and home sweet home. We headed home afterwards to watch the Cowboys game (which we will NOT talk about), and so I could make a pot of my sauce with turkey meatballs (delish!). Also, The Boy and I FINALLY finished up The Sopranos. The series ended, I knew what was coming, he did not, the anger flashed, the disappointment settled... and we went to bed.
We woke up this morning to lots of snow and headed into Boston for the Bruins game/ The Boy's Christmas present. Sad thing: a sausage on a roll with peppers and onions is twelve points. A Sam Adams is 4 points. Within 15 minutes, I had consumed more than half of my daily points. As painful as it was to point that mess, I did it and I am SO proud. In the past, I so would have just acted like it didn't count and just ignored the fact that I consumed all of that mess... but today I did not. We broke out the indoor grill and made chicken fajitas... and they were fabulous. The Boy handled the chicken and I sauteed up A TON of peppers, onions, and mushrooms (more veggies + less chicken = fewer points), measured out my cheese, sour cream, and spicy fat free refried beans (holy moly, my own heaven... 1/2 cup = 1 point) and went to town. I was famished and threw mine together before I could take a picture, but The Boy came walking in with his plate and presented this to me:
I mean really-- how tasty does that look?! It was so good. He had my fresh guacamole on his, but after the whole (fabulous) sausage and peppers fiasco, I had to abstain from the guac.
We have to be up and at 'em by about 7:30 in the morning, so I'm going to fill out this little thing (because I love them), finish watching some new show that he DVRd ("American Pickers") and head to bed.
Bits and Pieces of Me (that kind of sounds disturbing...)
1. When you looked at yourself in the mirror today, what was the first thing you thought? Fleece Christmas tree pajama pants? Really?
2. How much cash do you have on you? Nada. I never, ever have cash. Lots of change, no cash.
3. What’s a word that rhymes with DOOR? Sore.
4. Favorite planet? I'd have to say earth because I'm not so big on the astronomy thing (supported by the fact that I had to Google "astronomy" and make sure that I was not meaning "astrology"...)
5. Who is the 4th person on your missed call list on your cell phone? Unknown, which turned out to be a nanny agency.
6. What is your favorite ring tone on your phone? I was lovin' my Christmas songs this year-- Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree for my parents, Merry XMas (War is Over) for my main tone.
7. What shirt are you wearing? a black spaghetti strap top-- bedtime!
8. Do you label yourself? As unemployed with a Bachelors Degree? Sure do.
9. Name the brand of the shoes you’re currently wearing? not a thing-- like I said, bedtime!
10. Bright or Dark Room? I'd have to like the dark, for sure.
11. What do you think about the person who is to your left? It's The Boy-- he's pretty neat.
12. What does your watch look like? When I wear it, I believe it's silver with an ivory face.
13. What were you doing at midnight last night? Sleeping-- we're getting old :/
14. What did your last text message you received on your cell say? The last message received would be a picture my brother sent of my dad yesterday, wearing his old-timers Cowboys helmet. Needless to say, it didn't work.
15. Where is your nearest 7-11? Near The Boy's parent's house.
16. What's something that you say a lot? "Oh man!" or "Oh geez..."
17. Who told you he/she loved you last? My Mama.
18. Last furry thing you touched? Probably the blanket I'm covered up with right now.
19. How many drugs have you done in the last three days? A few things here and there for an unsettled tummy, and the pill that prevents the babies.
20. How many rolls of film do you need developed? I have a ton from soooo long ago back home, but nowadays I am of the digital camera.
21. Favorite age you have been so far? Despite the no-job situation, I'd say 24 is looking pretty good.
22. Your worst enemy? Carbs... yet they're my sweet best loves.
23. What is your current desktop picture? Me and The Boy during my first trip to Colgate.
24. What was the last thing you said to someone? "What's the point of this? What do they do with this stuff once they buy it?", in reference to the American Pickers show I mentioned.
25. If you had to choose between a million bucks or to be able to fly what would it be? For sure the million dollars.
26. Do you like someone? I'm lovin' The Boy.
27. The last song you listened to? Not quite sure... whatever was playing last on the radio in the car.
28. What time of day were you born? Around 8pm I believe.
29. What’s your favorite number? I like 7 and 52-- completely random and unimportant.
30. Where did you live in 1987? On the Northside in Temple!
31. Are you jealous of anyone? People who can effortlessly run for miles on end, and the teensy girls who can pack away pasta with not a bit of evidence on their bodies... not that I'm hostile or anything.
32. Is anyone jealous of you? I hope not... although I am a pretty lucky and blessed girl.
33. Where were you when 9/11 happened? Sitting in my World History class in the L-Wing... I'll never, ever forget that.
34. What do you do when vending machines steal your money? Hasn't happened in forever and ever, but I probably mutter at it and look crazy as I give people "Poor me-- give me sympathy" looks as they walk past.
35. Do you consider yourself kind? Absolutely.
36. If you had to get a tattoo, where would it be? It would be SO tiny and on the very low part of my front right hip.
37. If you could be fluent in any other language, what would it be? Well I've spent enough time working on French, so I'd have to go with that.
38. Would you move for the person you loved? Of course.
39. Are you touchy feely? Very much so-- love my hugs and kisses!
40. What’s your life motto? To be happy, healthy, and have faith!
41. Name three things that you have on you at all times? My rings (one from my parents, one from The Boy), my phone, and a bottle of water.
42. What’s your favourite town/city? I looove me some Austin, Texas. And you can't really beat New York City either.
43. What was the last thing you paid for with cash? I added value to my train card with cash...
44. When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper and mailed it? The main person I write letters to is my Grandpa, and it's probably been too long since then...
45. Can you change the oil on a car? Um, no, but I know how to watch the sticker and make sure when it's time to take it in.
46. What's one thing that you will never talk about on your blog? Anything super personal about my relationships (in any and all regards).
47. How far back do you know about your ancestry? Bits and pieces on my dad's side, nothing on my mom's side. Lots of Scottish and Irish, a wee bit of German...
48. The last time you dressed fancy, what did you wear and why did you dress fancy? Probably my plum bridesmaid dress for my cousin's wedding.
49. Does anything hurt on your body right now? My lower back has been bothering me, but it's only because I'm an old lady...
50. What are you going to do now? Turn myself over and head to sleep!
one month (and one day) away from valentine's day!
It's official y'all. I'm goin' stir crazy. I have run out of things to do in this condo all day long.
Someday, when I'm a mama, I for sure would love (if we're blessed with the right circumstances) to be able to stay home with my babies. I've heard that that's a job all on its own, but at least I would be BUSY. I have cleaned, baked, organized, cleaned up the kitchen, planned recipes for the next week and a half, run through my blogs... and it's only 1:41pm. I need this job asap. I gotta get out of here.
Also, this whole being stuck inside all day thing does not support interesting blog material. The Boy and I are heading to the gym this evening and then back home to make BLTs and tomato soup for supper. I might be saving all of my points today to spend on that tomato soup (with crushed up saltines, of course) by itself. I am snacking on a nice bag of broccoli with a 1/4 cup of part-skim mozzarella cheese.
It's amazing what thinking of what you're putting into your body does to you. My mindset has completely changed. Doing the whole Weight Watchers deal, where you write down every. single. thing. that you put into your mouth. It really brought to attention not only the portion sizes that I was eating but also all of the mindless snacking. I'd walk into the kitchen and have a few crackers, a tiny piece of cheese, a fruit cup, etc. (not all at once, but spread throughout the day)... that all adds up. I'm becoming very obsessive about it, in a good way. I've learned to eat zero/low point snacks instead of just not eating (like I did before), eating high fiber vegetables with meals (to fill me up, instead of having the carbs/starches)... and it feels so good.
In other thoughts...
One month from tomorrow is Valentine's Day!! I am THE holiday nerd who just gets beyond excited for holidays such as Valentine's Day... I love to do the baking and the decorating and buying the gifts and making homemade stuff... I feel excited just talking about it. I've already got ideas going for The Boy's gifts and surprises... and I love that. I feel like there are only a few days/holidays each year when a surprise for a significant other can really be justified, and I mean really-- when the day revolves around pastel-colored candies and flowers and cupids, surprises and sweet stuff are just an understood necessity. I love Valentine's Day for all of these reasons... and this one:
I haven't been this excited for a movie in a really long time. I mean, just look at the cast! The Boy has already agreed to go see it with me-- I mean, really. A boy can't complain when the female cast consists of Anne Hathaway, Jessica Biel, Jessica Alba and Jennifer Garner, a boy can't complain about being dragged to the movie.
I've just gotten myself way too excited about Valentine's Day and am off to search for recipes and ideas. I'll start saving the points for VDay treats now...
Someday, when I'm a mama, I for sure would love (if we're blessed with the right circumstances) to be able to stay home with my babies. I've heard that that's a job all on its own, but at least I would be BUSY. I have cleaned, baked, organized, cleaned up the kitchen, planned recipes for the next week and a half, run through my blogs... and it's only 1:41pm. I need this job asap. I gotta get out of here.
Also, this whole being stuck inside all day thing does not support interesting blog material. The Boy and I are heading to the gym this evening and then back home to make BLTs and tomato soup for supper. I might be saving all of my points today to spend on that tomato soup (with crushed up saltines, of course) by itself. I am snacking on a nice bag of broccoli with a 1/4 cup of part-skim mozzarella cheese.
It's amazing what thinking of what you're putting into your body does to you. My mindset has completely changed. Doing the whole Weight Watchers deal, where you write down every. single. thing. that you put into your mouth. It really brought to attention not only the portion sizes that I was eating but also all of the mindless snacking. I'd walk into the kitchen and have a few crackers, a tiny piece of cheese, a fruit cup, etc. (not all at once, but spread throughout the day)... that all adds up. I'm becoming very obsessive about it, in a good way. I've learned to eat zero/low point snacks instead of just not eating (like I did before), eating high fiber vegetables with meals (to fill me up, instead of having the carbs/starches)... and it feels so good.
In other thoughts...
One month from tomorrow is Valentine's Day!! I am THE holiday nerd who just gets beyond excited for holidays such as Valentine's Day... I love to do the baking and the decorating and buying the gifts and making homemade stuff... I feel excited just talking about it. I've already got ideas going for The Boy's gifts and surprises... and I love that. I feel like there are only a few days/holidays each year when a surprise for a significant other can really be justified, and I mean really-- when the day revolves around pastel-colored candies and flowers and cupids, surprises and sweet stuff are just an understood necessity. I love Valentine's Day for all of these reasons... and this one:
I haven't been this excited for a movie in a really long time. I mean, just look at the cast! The Boy has already agreed to go see it with me-- I mean, really. A boy can't complain when the female cast consists of Anne Hathaway, Jessica Biel, Jessica Alba and Jennifer Garner, a boy can't complain about being dragged to the movie.
I've just gotten myself way too excited about Valentine's Day and am off to search for recipes and ideas. I'll start saving the points for VDay treats now...
