Trust, and you won't be disappointed

So, every day I receive an email in my inbox from "The Universe"; you can substitute whatever you like for "Universe" -- God if you believe in Him, universe if you're more abstract, or even sixth sense if you don't believe in a higher power. I waver between Universe and God, but to me, they both mean the same thing: there is something much larger than me out there, something that cares for me and guides my journey through this crazy life.

Anyway, today's message was:

The more you trust folks, Jennifer, the less they let you down.

Which is not incidentally why I trust you.

Always,

The Universe

(Yes, your name is usually inserted into each message, which only makes it feel more real and true.)

I used to be really good at trusting... until I got burned one time too many. That combined with my need to be in control made me retract my trust in many situations. This message spoke to me today. It reminds me that I need to let go and trust people. I can't assume they are going to disappoint me. In doing that, I also need to let go of my crazy expectations.

This online world of ours is pretty crazy in that way. We let our barrier down; we trust people we have never actually met, and probably never will. Yet, we're oddly comfortable with that. I think it's good practice for real life -- finding that balance between trusting and protecting.

In that vein, I'd like to give a shout-out today to a girl who has earned my trust and become a true blogger friend to me. I have missed a couple of opportunities to meet her in person, but I believe, in the right time and place, we will get around to meeting. Christin, a.k.a. The Southern Wife, is a fellow runner, Christian, dreamer, traveler, PR wonder-woman and wine aficionado. (Wow, never really thought about how much we do have in common!) I read her blog daily, and although I don't comment nearly as much as I should, I keep her in my thoughts. I truly do hope we get to share a glass or two of wine someday while chatting about our lives.

Who has pulled down your barriers and taught you to trust?

#scintilla13: 7/1/13 - The day Reader died

This is not something incredible interesting that happened to me, as The Scintilla Project specifies for today's post, but it has me so overwhelmed that I had to share it. Plus, I'm sure it affects many of you as well.

So, here we go, an instruction manual on the day I found out that Google Reader will die.

1. Log into Google Reader to browse today's blog updates.
2. A window pops up informing you that Google Reader will be retired on July 1, 2013.
3. You can navigate to Google Takeout (has anyone else ever heard of this before? I hadn't), where you can download an archive of every RSS feed you subscribe to and your entire Google Reader life.
4. As of July, you are SOL and in search of a new RSS reader.

Ahhhh! Does anyone else have a good RSS reader suggestion??? I'm desperate!

What's Up, Friday?

Hello friends! I have been a little bit here, there and everywhere lately! I'm really branching out on the intrawebs: Facebook, Twitter, Blogger, Google Reader, Goodreads, #30BBM, Yelp, and a little mysterious side project. As a result, I haven't been posting nearly as much as I would like. It's been a challenge balancing it all, but I am having a blast!

Today, I thought I would participate with Lauren on Fill in the Blank Friday.

Photo credit: Caroline of Coeur de la Photography

1. My go to outfit for a dress-up occasion like a wedding is       a short, black, cocktail dress. I found it at White House/Black Market, and it has been a worthy LBD for many years now  .

2. This week has been    challenging. I haven't been feeling well. I've really tried to commit to #30BBM. Work has been busy. I haven't felt like running. Really trying to get back on track this weekend .

3. When it's dinnertime and I'm feeling lazy I'll usually eat     pasta. It is my go-to meal. Pasta, sauce or EVOO, maybe some meatballs or veggies thrown in. Easy peasy  .

4.  My favorite pair of shoes are   my running sneakers! They are so comfortable and supportive (man, do I sound like an old lady or what?), and they're pretty! I'm also still a big fan of my flip-flops in summer and my equestrian-inspired boots in winter .

5. A random item that I own that is completely unnecessary, but that I could never part with is   my stuffed animals. Completely useless, but I just can't bring myself to throw them away  .

6. My favorite person is      my BFF. I admire and love her so much. I owe her everything  .

7. If I were going to write my own blank it would say       You can carry only one thing with you for the next five years. What would it be?  

Have a wonderful, fun, refreshing weekend!

Alleluia! I'm back!

I SURVIVED THE SIX WEEKS! And now I am back, and hopefully better! Let me tell you that the first week of going blogless for Lent was awesome. I had so much free time! But, by week two, I was missing you guys and this place in a major way. I became an incessant Facebooker and Tweeter (note to self: next year, give up all social media!). I cheated a tiny bit last week and cleaned up my Reader in preparation for today, but overall, I totally did without any type of blogging for the entirety of Lent.

The good news? I'm back, and I'm not giving up blogging in any way anytime soon.

The bad news? Well, I'm going to miss the free time, and to protect that time that I need to spend doing things other than hanging out in blog-land, I have had to make some tough decisions. I am back blogging here at Nifer Musings, but I'm not sure of my posting schedule yet (I do have some great things in store for you though!). Also, I am trimming the blogs I follow. It hasn't been easy; in fact, it's been really sad. I've unsubscribed to many blogs that I have been reading since before I started blogging myself. It needs to be done, and I'm sorry. If I'm not around your blog as much as I used to be, I hope you'll stick around here reading and commenting. The bonus is, now that I'm not reading as many blogs, I will have time to visit all of my commenters and comment back, which is something I've been wanting to do for a while.

So, we're still friends, right?

If you've made it this far, I'm glad you're still here, and I want to catch you up on what I have been doing since March 9 (seems so long ago, doesn't it???). For the sake of brevity, I'm using a bulleted list.

• I got back into freelancing for a local newspaper (I had been on a several months long hiatus).
• We resurrected "group night:" dinner every other week with two other couples we're friends with and went to high school with. This is my core group of friends, and I love hanging out with them on the regular again.
• Jed and I celebrated our three-year anniversary of dating! We played Monster mini-golf (since it was too chilly to play outside and enjoyed a romantic dinner at The Melting Pot.
• I joined a gym! I was in seventh heaven when I visited this place and signed a contract immediately. It is everything I have been looking for, 12 minutes from home. :)
• I got another eye infection. Nastiness. Now I am completely OCD about my eyes and contact lenses.
• I reunited with some old friends and made a point of hanging out with them.
• I bowled for charity (Junior Achievement) with Jed's company.
• I went to see my old cover band (ok, I was a groupie) and had an awesome night catching up with the guys and hanging out with my girl I don't get to do that with very often.
• We attended our friend's son's first birthday party. He is the cutest!
• My sister started taking up residence at my house every weekend...
• I started running and signed up for my first race: the Harpoon Brewery Annual Five-Miler on May 22! 
• I got a bad cold, which impeded upon training for above-mentioned race.
• I finally found a new primary care doctor... mandated by above-mentioned cold and the fact that I had to fly in four days with blocked ears and sinuses.
• Jed and I went to Orlando, FL, for my work trip. I coordinated my company's annual sales fiscal year kickoff meeting at the lovely Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center. It was kicka$$. I met some great people and learned what a 15-hour work day feels like.
• Oh yeah, and I went to SeaWorld for the first time where I fed dolphins and met Shamu!
• My mom and I attended an old coworker's bridal shower, and I was disappointed about missing her bachelorette party due to above-mentioned cold.
• I got my hair cut. Finally!
• I made my dad's ribs for the first time and successfully!
• We went to see the Pawtucket Red Sox play, in a luxury box, for Jed's 30th birthday.
• I finally finished reading David Copperfield.
• We celebrated a happy Easter with Jed's family and my family.

I think that just about covers it! What have all of you been up to? Tell me the highlight of your last six weeks!

Au revoir...

{Photo credit: weheartit}

Tomorrow is Ash Wednesday, marking the beginning of the Christian holy season of Lent. I realize that you may not be religious, be Christian, celebrate Lent, but that is the reason behind this post -- although not the subject of this post.

For those of you who may not be familiar with Lent, it is 40 days of prayer, sacrifice and fasting leading up to Easter -- the celebration of Christ's resurrection. It is common practice to "give up" something for Lent to facilitate a deepening in faith. In the past I have both given up something (nagging Jed last year) and added something (praying the Rosary daily, meditating on the Bible, attending daily Mass). I tend to take my Lenten sacrifice seriously and choose to devote myself to something that will help me be a better Christian; I don't give up chocolate, in other words -- even if it would help my health.

When I realized that Ash Wednesday was this week on Sunday, I started wondering what I could do for Lent, other than the standard meat fast on Fridays. After listening to the priest's sermon at church, it came to me, maybe at God's suggestion.

I am going on a blogging fast for the next 40 days.

That's right, I am giving up blogging: writing, reading, commenting. All of it. There are a couple of reasons behind this decision that I'd like to share with you all -- my readers, who obviously find value in this blog.

The priest mentioned a digital/electronic fast: leaving the cell phone at home one day a week, not going online and spending the time in prayer or with family, giving up TV to some extent. While I cannot see myself doing any of that, pausing my life in blog world felt like the right thing to do.

I've mentioned struggling with my purpose for Nifer Musings, and I think stepping away for a bit will help me clarify that without the pressure of posting every day.

What I haven't mentioned is the nagging that blogging is slowly taking over my life. Jed sometimes complains that I spend so much time blogging and reading blogs. I do spend hours daily catching up on all your blogs and more -- careful to leave thoughtful comments when I can. I need to find a realistic, positive space for blogging in my life.

So, what am I going to do during those hours that would be spent in bloggy land? Well, I'll certainly be thinking about what I would be writing if I were blogging: developing ideas, creating a strategy for my blog, realizing which blogs I miss reading every day and those I don't notice their absence. I'll also be reading, spending time with friends, praying, living a full life offline.

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, and I truly believe that applies to this place for me.

I hope you all understand my reason for this fast, and I hope you will all be here after Easter when I return. I can assure you that I will miss writing and reading all of your blogs. I can also say with most certainty that I will be back; I am not giving up on blogging, and my intent in doing this is not to quit.

I wish you all the best over the next month and a half. Feel free to email me and let me know what you're up to; I will not be giving up email!

{Image credit: weheartit}

Holy cow! Where have I been?

• It has been over a week since I have posted, and before that, I can't remember how long. Clearly one of my resolutions for 2011 was not to blog more. LOL
  
  
  I have been thinking a lot about blogging and specifically my blog... while reading all of your blogs -- which you are so good at keeping fun and updated. What do I want my blog to be this year? What is Nifer Musings and how do I want to use it? 
  
  
  I realized I really do have a lot going through my head and a lot happening in my life, and this space is where I can hash it out, share it and, most importantly, store it for myself. I want this place to be somewhere I can visit as well as create -- a place where I can look back and remember what I did six months or two years ago.
  
  
  So, I'm going to try. I'm going to try to take more pictures and write about what's going on with me. Plus, I'll still post recipes and TV commentary and articles I find interesting. Oh yeah, and I still want to finish #reverb10. :)
  
  
  What has been up with you, peeps? It's been forever. Here's a little bit of what I've been up to...
  • The holidays were great. This was the first holiday Jed and I spent together, so we were busy shuttling between both of our families (we haven't quite gotten this down to routine/tradition yet). New Year's Eve was pretty quiet. We had Jed's college friends and their spouses over to our house for Chinese, movies, games and watching the ball drop. Everyone wore their PJ's and just chilled... with bubbly and beer of course!
  • Work is actually going pretty well. Q4 (we have an April 1 fiscal year) should be eventful, stressful and fun! I'm looking forward to the next couple of months.
  • I decided that I won't be running this winter with all the snow and cold weather we've been getting, so I got a monthly unlimited pass to the studio my best friend goes to for Zumba classes. Zumba seven days a week people! It's been great. I hope to continue in February and March then go back to Couch to 5K.
  • I also want to try out a new Yoga studio near my house for some Gentle Flow Yoga.
  • I'm on week four of reading David Copperfield. I started out strong, but now I'm slowing down. I need to pick it up again and read daily!
  • Last weekend, I went ice skating for the first time in probably eight years, and it was so much fun! I'm not a pro by any means, but my friend and I held hands and stuck together and had a great conversation too!
  • Also last weekend, I went up to Mount Sunapee in NH with my aunt and sister to ski! It was our first time up there, and it was great! The conditions were perfect. It was a bright, sunny day, and it wasn't even too cold! I will definitely be going back there.
  • I am very sad about my beloved Patriots. That's really all I have to say. I don't want to talk about it anymore.
  • Yesterday was my baby sister's birthday. She's 24! Jed and I headed to my parents' house for dinner and cake. We even got to bring Morris, which sis loved, and he was such a silly pup.
  • I can't believe it's Friday. I've been losing track of the date lately. On tap for this weekend is lots of Zumba (hopefully), maybe seeing Black Swan (can't wait, have heard such mystifying things about it!), going to a party tomorrow night for a friend's 30th birthday, and some skiing on Sunday.
  • It's snowing today. Again. But I'm not going to complain. I'm extremely fortunate that I can stay home and work when there's bad weather; I know not everyone is so lucky, so I hope those of you who have to commute in the snow are staying safe.
  • I'm going to have quite a few days off coming up. I have something like three weeks of vacation I have to use up before March 31, or I lose it. I just planned out 13 days off yesterday -- some of them for my upcoming long ski weekend at Mount Washington, NH. So excited! I have loved going up there for the past three years, and it has become such a nice tradition.
  I think that's about all with me. Let me know what has been going on with all of you! What's on tap  for the weekend?
  
  
  P.S. Sorry this post is wacky with format... had some Blogger issues!
  
  

Relationship Lifesaver

Today I'm really grateful I found this blog. That's all.

Hello out there!

Wow, it feels like it has been forever, doesn't it?

I can explain my absence in two bullets.

1. I was on vacation for a week, cruising the beautiful, albeit sometimes sketchy, Western Caribbean with some of my bestest friends.
2. This post, by Matt Cheuvront of Life without Pants.

There have been a couple weddings during my absence, so I want to congratulate Brown Girl, Rachel and Christin on their nuptials! I can't wait to see more pictures and hear more about your special day and honeymoon! 

My vacation was excellent. It was one of those "bucket list" trips -- even though I didn't intend it to be -- where I crossed off quite a few things on my bucket list. I will be collecting pictures this upcoming weekend, and as soon as I have sorted through them, I will share.

Vacation and travel always makes me put things back into perspective. I get a new zest for life, and I re-prioritize. It never lasts, but I guess that just means I need to travel more often! :-) This blog is certainly a priority, as is reading all of your blogs, but I have had some other things higher on the list.

Work has been crazy busy. I feel like I'm putting in twice as many hours as I actually am, but I guess that means I'm being productive? I like being busy at work; it makes me feel useful and accomplished.

I've also put a new priority on sleep. I'm trying to form healthy sleep habits getting eight hours a night, winding down before bed, not pushing back bedtime to squeeze in one more thing, etc. I've also been focused on my goal to read more, so I've been trying to make more time to read daily. Plus there is the cooking, spending time with Jed, catching up on TV... not all more important than blogging, but certainly what I've been up to.

Finally, I'm really unplugging, as Matt writes in his post. Besides work, I've been avoiding my laptop. I haven't really checked Facebook. I've only logged on to Facebook once since I returned from vaca. I gave up catching up on my Reader and marked most of the items as read... without reading them (highly unlike me). I love being present online, but I don't want that to come at the expense of being present in real life.

So, don't panic if you don't see me around all the time. I'm here. Chances are I'm reading your blog. I'll post when I have something to post, and I hope you'll stick around to read it. 

Keep in touch, and know I am doing my best to do the same!

I'm not supposed to have favorites, but I do.

It's time for another Friday Fives, and this week forced me to do something I have avoided doing in all the time I've been blogging: go back and find my favorite posts. I dreaded this, and I'm not quite sure why because it wasn't that hard to do. I'm sure there are other posts that received more comments, or even additional posts I really love, but I chose these five as ones that really stood out in my mind. I think these five posts really show not only who I am, but what I wanted this blog to be.

Remember, if you play along, click the "5" to visit our lovely host, Beth.

of your favorite posts that you have written on your blog

Boston Stay-cations

This was my very first post on this blog, and it's an article I wrote for another publication that I loved so much I wanted to share it with the world. It was this article that inspired me to start a blog -- a place to showcase my writing and share my random thoughts.

Hugging Taboo?

Coincidentally, this was my second ever post, and I still think of this news story. Again, this post is a great example of the direction I wanted to go with this blog. I don't talk about current events nearly as much as the journalist in me would like. I'll try to do better with this, but now I spend so much time reading all of your amazing blogs, I don't read the news as much (shameful confession).

Lost, but never forgotten

This post is so dear to my heart. I think of it -- and the events that inspired it -- often. I became vulnerable by posting this; I shared a piece of my heart and soul I haven't bared in a while. I wrote this for me, knowing that no one would truly understand the meaning behind it.


Blind-sided
Another very vulnerable post. I posted about the events in this post as they happened, but it wasn't until I wrote this post that I put my true feelings out there. I was honest. I wanted to capture the moment. I wanted to document this huge event in my life.


As we are
I could have chosen several other posts over this one, but they all kinda lead back to this. I have to remember the theme of this post every day. It's so important to me, yet it is also so difficult for me. I, we, have gotten better though. I don't often talk about my relationship in depth... ok, I don't ever talk about my relationship in depth on this blog, but I do like to share the valuable lessons I am learning along the way as well as the struggles I face.


I hope you enjoyed the trip down Nifer Musings memory lane!


Have an awesome weekend!

"Bachelorette" Men Tell Nothing New

We are one week away from finding out Ali's fate on The Bachelorette. Will it be Chris or Roberto? I have no idea; I like them both, although I'm slightly more attracted to Roberto. I'm hoping Ali knows! Ha ha. I really think she would have picked Frank if the whole thing didn't go up in flames in Tahiti, and that would have disappointed me to no end. I lost all respect for Frank when he started whining about the other guys' existence in Ali's romantic life.

Also in one week, we will be introduced to The Bachelor Pad. Lord help us. I'm not quite sure what the purpose of this show is -- something about $250,000 -- but it looks like a shit show. Seriously. First of all, last night's previews showed that both Craig M. (who was not in attendance for The Men Tell All) and Jonathan, a.k.a. "The Weatherman," are on the show. Whoa... I wonder if their drama will continue. I don't know if I could take much more of that. Second, Jessie, from Jake's season of The Bachelor and of I'm-going-to-rat-out-Justin-to-Ali fame, is on the show. I read, last week, that after last night's filming of The Men Tell All (ugh, they said nothing we didn't already know), Jessie and Kirk "felt a connection." Yes, Ali's "friend" Jessie from last season is supposedly dating Kirk, the fourth-to-last guy Ali eliminated. Hmmm... interesting. I'd like to see how this plays out on the new show.

Ok, about last night's episode.

Kasey proved he can come up with a catchy, original tune when he sang to Ali, after EVERYONE blatantly made fun of him all night to his face.

Justin didn't show, Frank didn't show and Craig M. didn't show. Three guys I really wanted to see.

Chris, a.k.a. "The Phantom," spoke more than anyone has ever heard him speak. His phantom segment was probably the funniest part of last night's episode. That had me rolling.

I was shocked Jonathan kept his mouth shut as much as he did.

I wanted to hear more from Ty. I liked him.

I also wanted to hear more from the guys that were cut right away. Like the "Outdoorsman." Is that a profession? Legitimately? Someone please explain to me what an outdoorsman does because I really always considered that a hobby, not a career.

The best part of the show was Chris Harrison. He should win an Emmy. I love that guy, and he would be the one I would hand the last rose to if I was a bachelorette. He has been there for Ali so much, and he's pretty cute.

Did you guys bother tuning into last night's special episode? Will you watch next week's finale? Who gets your vote: Chris or Roberto? ... Or maybe someone who was already eliminated?

Sorry if this post is a little all over the place. I'm sick (again!), and I'm a tad scatter-brained. Oh, and before we wrap, I'm sending a huge congratulations and best wishes and a happy birthday to the Lawlors, who welcomed Baby S this morning!


{Image via Ali's Bachelorette Blog}

Making my way back with a fill-in-the-blank Friday

Wow, I have missed being here! *deep sigh* I haven't had much time over the past two weeks to update the blog, but now that I'm here, I realize that I haven't totally felt like myself without posting. This is a piece of me -- part of my figurative home -- and I'm not quite sure when or how that happened!

I hope to get back on a regular posting schedule. What that will look like going forward, I'm not quite sure of yet. Some of the weekly features may be leaving or changing, and I'm hoping to get out some new and different content.

All I know for sure is it's good to be back here, and I hope to keep coming back!

So, let's get to the fun. As I'm sure many of you know, Lauren at the little things we do hosts fill-in-the-blank Fridays every other Friday, and I love playing along! If you want to join the fun, you can click over to Lauren's blog to grab the blanks and link up your post. I'd love for you to let me know if you do so I can come check out your blanks!

1.  My favorite thing about this week has been     my central air in this heat wave! Seriously, learning the ropes in my new job. I got a new job! I still work for the same company, but now I am in the marketing department handling internal communication, which represents a huge career step for this writer and communications guru. I couldn't be happier, although that's what's been keeping me away from all of you the past couple weeks .

2.  The weather this week has been      HOT! I'll second that, Lauren! Monday was oppressive outside - 95 and humid - and Tuesday was even worse! I think we were at a 105 heat index. This weekend we're supposed to be getting cooling rain .

3.  The last (interesting) item I received in the mail was    the Yankee Candles I ordered from the annual sale online  .

4.  The last movie I saw was       The A-Team. I wasn't quite sure what to expect going in (I watched the show, but I was, like, three at the time), but I really enjoyed it! It was the perfect mix of action/comedy  .

5.  If I could be doing anything I felt like today I would     not be working and laying on the beach reading a book. It's the perfect beach day. Ok, all week has been perfect beach days because it's been too hot to be anywhere else outside .

6.  As a teenager I was    such an angst-ridden drama queen. I kinda want to vomit a little when I think about how much harder I made life for myself  .

7.  I wish I could trade lives for the day with    Oprah. I'm dying to know what a day in her life is like. It must be incredible   .

Have a great weekend! I'll be attending a legitimate keg party tomorrow (yes, I have not been to one of those since college, should be interesting), and we'll be having dinner with friends, possibly, tonight and Sunday night. Looking forward to a fun weekend with fun people!

Did you know I'm a fabulous Sugar Doll?

Well, according to Lyndsay at He popped the question... She said yes! I am! She bestowed The Fabulous Sugar Doll Blogger Award upon me, and I'm so honored! Please go check out Lyndsay's blog. She's a new-to-the-scene blogger who writes about her upcoming nuptials.

There are rules that go along with every award -- the blogger version of the acceptance speech. The rules for this award are:

1. Thank the person who gave you the award. Thank you Lyndsay! You are super sweet, doll!
2. Share 10 things about yourself. See below.
3. Pass this award on to 10 bloggers whom you recently discovered and think are fabulous.
4. Contact these bloggers to let them know they won the award.

I'm going to pass this award on to the following fabulous sugar dolls who are relatively new to my blog roll:

Amy at just a titch

Dorkys at Dry As Toast

Rachel at Confessions of a Jersey Girl

Lauren at the little things we do...

Shelley at Hand in Hand

Julia at The World is My Oyster

Classy in Philadelphia

Claire at bicoastally

Jen at Jen but never Jenn

Gwen at Gwen in Love

Please also go visit each and every one of these ladies because their blogs and lives are so different, but they are all FABULOUS!!! Congrats Sugar Dolls. :-) 

Now, 10 things about me... sigh...

1. I pretend I can read way more blogs than I actually can. My reader is maxed out. I have 1000+ new items. No lie.
2. I both hate and need change. I love being comfortable, but then I get bored and I feel I'm not living up to my potential.
3. I am a writer who sometimes hates to write.
4. I will scream if a bug/insect sneaks up on me.
5. I love my dog like I imagine I would love my first-born child.
6. A lot of people say this, but then they never mean it. I mean it: If I could travel 300 days a year, I totally would. I never get tired of vacation, and I never want to come home.
7. I prefer cruising because it makes me less stressed; I don't have to plan hotels or restaurants. I actually have time to relax.
8. I MUST have eight hours of sleep a night, otherwise you'll end up with a very cranky Jen.
9. I'm a week into Couch to 5K, and I have completely surprised myself with my progress. I was never a runner, so this is huge for me.
10. There are more times than I feel there should be when I wish I could be a kid again and let my mom take care of me.

Whew! Off to let the ladies above know about this post.

Oh, and have a lovely weekend, all of you! What are your plans? Not sure if you knew, but it is my birthday tomorrow! I'm celebrating with my parents tonight; my dad is cooking me a lobster dish. Tomorrow I'm hopefully heading to the beach, then out to the ultimate Rhode Island beach town with some friends for dinner and drinks. Happy birthday to me!

If you don't see me around these parts...

... don't panic. I have some wonderful news to share, but not yet! All I can tell you is it is very good, and it will be keeping me very busy.

I don't normally explain why or when I'm not blogging, but I wanted to share it this time. My blogging may be sporadic this summer while I take off for something new. Spread my wings and fly, so to speak.

I apologize for being vague, but I hope to post more information next week. So please come back and visit! I will be doing my best to keep up with all of your blogs as well.


{Image via we heart it}

You're going places, baby... 39?!?

I've always felt that I was going somewhere, that I would make it "big" someday. I was the girl with big dreams and what it took to make them come true. I always imagined myself living glamorously in some big city a la Carrie Bradshaw. The present begs to differ with this picture, but I'm going to keep on believing it.

That's why I'm so honored that Debbie gave me the "You're going places, baby" award. It touches my heart on a deep level. It reinforces my personal belief in myself. So, thank you Debbie! 

As part of my acceptance speech, I need to describe where I see myself in 10 years, then bestow this award upon 10 other bloggers.

In 10 years, I'll be {gulp} 39 (well, technically 38, but since I'll be 29 in less than two weeks, I'm going with it). The number one thing I see for myself is marriage, since I really thought I'd be planning a wedding by now. I also see motherhood -- a little girl named Madison who will steal my heart, my patience, my sanity and my love.

While I'd like to say I'll be living in a city somewhere, the reality is I see myself in the suburbs (around where I am now), but in an upgraded house: four bedrooms, two bathrooms, still a gorgeous kitchen, an office for me and for Jed, a two-car garage and a walk-in closet (absolute must in our next house).

Since I'll be a mother, I don't see myself working full-time, but I'll be a more successful and established freelance writer or consultant. Perhaps I'll dabble in travel planning. Oh, and I'll hopefully still be blogging.

Morris will still be around (I pray, he should be!); he will be 12, and I'll love him more than ever, and so will our kids.

My friends and I will get together for children's play dates, and then there will be times we leave the kids with husbands or babysitters so we can hit the town for a night of dancing and martinis or wine and cheese.

By 39, I'll be more travelled. I'd like to have London; Hawaii; the Panama Canal; Seattle, WA; Portland, OR; Austin, TX; Chicago, IL; Las Vegas; and Italy crossed off my list.

Finally, I will be healthy and happy, surrounded by people I love.

I'm going to pass this award on to 10 bloggers in which I see amazing potential, who inspire me every day:

Anna, Little Reminders of Love

Ashley, The Middle Finger Project

Chelsea, Chelsea Talks Smack

Doniree, doniree.com

Liz, It's Unbeweavable

Mayra, Life is Bananas

Michelle, Oh Mishka

Nicole, La Mia Vita

Summer, B is from Brownie, Breathe and Believe

Vivian, Lost in Translation

Congrats ladies. I can't wait to see what's in store for all of you; I've so enjoyed following your journeys this far.

Change of plans!

I am in the market for a new bathing suit since the strap on my favorite bikini top broke, leaving me with just one suit -- a string bikini. 

Since I cruise fairly regularly, I just need to have at least two suits to bring with me so I always have a dry one. Plus, I like to have the string suit for a day at the beach or tanning by the pool, then something a little more sporty and conservative for active water sports such a snorkeling, kayaking or jet skiing. (Has anyone tried to jet ski in a string bikini? It does not work at all!) So, I need to replace the sporty bathing suit.

These lovely ladies, whom I love, are hosting an awesome giveaway to celebrate their move to Wordpress and brand new blog design. If you haven't seen it, you should click their button above to visit because it's gorgeous.

I had never heard of this site before the BBR girls introduced me to it. Oh my gosh! I'm not one for overly conservative bathing suits, but these are gorgeous! And, since I'm looking for something a little more "stable," their tankinis certainly fit the bill. I'm having a hard time choosing just one! But, I've narrowed it down to two that really fit my style, and I might kinda be in love with.

Island Fever V-Neck Tankini, $54

This is shown with brown polka-dot bikini bottoms, but I would go with solid brown since I don't like mixing such a bold print with another print. Bonus: my string bikini is turquoise with brown wood beading along the trim, so I could mix and match!

Blue Aloha V-Neck Tankini, $54

Kristin posted this suit as one of the ones she would pick, and I have to agree with her. I love Hawaiian prints, and I don't normally go for red, but these red polka-dot bikini bottoms compliment the top so well. This suit would be a splurge for me, since it obviously isn't interchangeable with the suit I already have.

The Bon Bon Rose girls are giving away a $95 gift certificate to Hapari, which would cover the cost of one of these gorgeous tankinis and matching bottoms. So, head on over to check it out!

I've made it!

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I've been reading guest posts on my favorite blogs for a while now, and I've always wondered how to be invited to the guest post party. I thought of what an honor that would be, to be asked to write on a blog I enjoyed and admired. It would be a sign that I had made it as a blogger.

Well, my friends, I'VE MADE IT!

Mariel and Jessica invited me to guest post on their awesome blog Or so she says... This blog is a wonderful collection of helpful posts on a myriad of topics. If you want to know about it, I bet they have it in their archives. It's like Wikipedia... for bloggers!

So, go on and read my very first guest post here. I'm looking forward to hearing your feedback.

Finally, Friday! I'm so glad to see you!

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This image pretty much sums up my feelings and physical state after the week I've had working two jobs -- my full-time day job, and then covering stories for my freelance newspaper gig at night. I'm exhausted, my friends. So, I'm sorry that I didn't post yesterday, and I'm sorrier I missed Writer's Workshop because I heart it. 

But, there's not much time to catch up on sleep because there is a wonderful, glorious weekend ahead of me, full of sunshine and summer-like weather! Tonight, I am heading to see the Red Sox farm team play in Pawtucket, RI (that would be the PawSox, y'all), and then tomorrow is the spring Beerfest in Providence! Always a good time, and the weather is only going to contribute to the jovial atmosphere. Sunday, I'll be fighting my inevitable hangover to go out to lunch for Jed's grandfather's 90th birthday! Certainly an occasion to celebrate.

Since I didn't do this last Friday, and I'm too exhausted to do much else, here is Fill-in-the-Blank Friday... from last Friday. I'm really current, huh? ;-)

1. One song that always takes me back to my youth is "Uptown Girl" by Billy Joel.

2. My first concert ever was the local radio station's festival show; I was most excited to see Matchbox 20.

3. If I could create my dream music festival I'd want these bands to be there: Matchbox 20, Train, Sugar Ray, Billy Joel, Michael Buble, Kenny Chesney, Sugarland, Foo Fighters, Taylor Swift and Celine Dion (yes, I have very varied taste in music!).

4. The best make-out/"boot knocking" song ever is "Truly, Madly, Deeply" by Savage Garden.

5. The best concert I've ever been to was any Matchbox 20 show... but especially May 2003 when I got floor seats as a college graduation present.

6. A memorable musical moment for me was getting Rob Thomas' autograph from my neighbor, who was sure to tell him that I'm his biggest fan.

7. The song on my iPod that's getting the most play these days is ... I can't remember the last time I listened to my iPod.

Enjoy the last day of April, peeps!

Roses and Thorns

Whoa, 60 subscribers! I've noticed that 59 number has been sticking around for quite a while, and I like round numbers, so thank you to #60 for joining! Welcome! 

Now, some sad news... Kristen of K.Law: Inspired, where I got the inspiration for this post, has discontinued blogging at Inspired. *tear* I'm going to miss her insanely, but I'm continue the Friday tradition in her honor.

Roses to the girls' night out slated for Saturday night! I'm hitting up the city with the girlfriends of Jed's two former roommates. The six of us practically lived together for a year, so I miss these ladies like nothing else. I'm super excited to hang out with them!

Roses to this fabulously warm weather we've been having this week. Um, it hit 90 degrees on Wednesday!

Roses to In It to Gym It, courtesy of Miss LiLu. These ladies have been seriously motivating me to get my a$$ in gear!

Roses to some serious inspiration this week.

Roses to one of my longest-time friends having a baby boy on Easter Sunday! Congratulations to her and her husband.

Roses to figuring out the best birthday present for Jed.

Roses to not having to go grocery shopping this week.

Thorns to Dad being in the hospital.

Thorns to nasty commutes to work this week with mazes of traffic everywhere.

Thorns to being stuck in an office during the fabulously nice weather this week.

Thorns to not having plans tonight, even though I really wanted to and tried to make them.

Thorns to K.Law retiring the Inspired.

And, since I didn't post this last week, thorns to getting water in the basement last week. Yuck!

Happy Friday! Hope you all have a fun weekend.

It's time for a revolution!

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A revolution is brewing within me. Change is on the horizon. I can’t see it, but I can feel it. I am anticipating it with butterflies in my stomach and a tornado of thoughts in my mind.

I have been inspired – by so many of you. Over the past few weeks, you have made me think, gave me reason to want more, brought me to the realization that my life could be more fulfilling. I have a myriad of interests and passions in which I am suddenly seeing endless opportunities. I became restless, and I no longer want to sit still and watch life pass me by.

There will be no drastic changes; I condone baby steps. One foot in front of the other, one day at a time. I am not quitting my day job. I am not jumping head-first into the freelance ocean. I am going to start walking barefoot more and questioning whether life really has to be lived for the weekends. I am going to fill my weekdays, with pursuits that thrill me to no end, so I can live for every day.

A revolution has been brewing within me for a few weeks now. The first battle cry was sounded today.

Writer's Workshop: Advice

**Before I begin... I logged into Blogger to start this post, and I noticed there are now 50 of you who regularly read what I write! WOW! Thank you! And you, and you, and you, and you... all 50 of you! I never, ever thought this would happen.

Also, I know I've been behind on reading and replying to your comments (do you all like that I reply by e-mail, or would you rather me reply on the post?), but I'm working my way through them. I appreciate every one; they make me smile more than you know.**

Brea from Tomika’s Treasure Trove wants your advice: Quick question. I am new to the blogging world, having clocked up less than 2 weeks worth of posts, and I have just had an ‘Anonymous’ commenter slam me for blogging about my daughter, mentioning her by name, posting photos and up-to-date stories about her. I have not mentioned anywhere in my blog where we live, Country OR State, or what school she goes to. I have also seen, on several other blogs, that other parents do the same thing as me. Some even mention where they live. I was wondering, as a fellow blogger who posts about your family, what are your thoughts on the subject?

I don't really consider myself someone to be giving blogging advice; I've only been doing this for eight months, and I only have 50 (wow!) followers, but I felt this was a topic on which I could speak. So here goes...

Brea,
It really sucks when someone anonymously comes along and slams you on your blog, let alone about your parenting skills and choices, so to address that: ignore them.

However, I realize that this disrespectful comment has given you food for thought, as I think it would anyone. I'm not a parent, but I do blog about my family, and children's rights are a big issue for me. That said, I don't think you are wrong to post about your daughter, even if it includes her name, her activities or pictures. It is your blog, and she is your daughter; therefore, it's your choice what you post and how you talk about her.

I think you have used appropriate caution: you don't post your last name, where you live or any specific details (according to the above), which keeps your daughter "protected."

Blogging is a great outlet to post about our lives, our adventures, our feelings. Blogging is the 21st-century diary. We do have to be careful though, since most of us choose to make our blogs public, and I think most of us take those precautions. I'm sure you post about your daughter to update family and friends on how and what she is doing. I'm also sure you post about her because she is an important part of your life that you want to talk about, document and sometimes vent about. There is nothing wrong with that, in my opinion.

So keep doing what you're doing, and enjoy it! Good luck with your blog.

Sincerely,
Jen

This post was inspired by: