Christmas fill in the blanks

Image credit: Lauren

1. The best way to spread Christmas cheer is to smile, forgive and be kind.

2. The thing I love most about Christmas is the universal cheer and good will... and the lights and sparkle!

3. The holiday season is a time for love!

4. My favorite thing to eat at the holidays is eggnog cake.

5. I will be spending Christmas at my boyfriend's grandfather's house for dinner, then my parents' house afterwards.

6. 'Tis better to (give or receive?) Give. Sure, I love getting gifts off my wish list, but I always pause the receiving to watch those I love open the presents I carefully and lovingly selected for them. No better feeling than giving the perfect gift!

7. I'm dreaming of a white Christmas. (Does anyone else find the warm December weather ridiculous??? Not only is it making me sick, but it's messing with my ski plans! And let's not forget the environment.)

I'd like to wish all of you, and your families and firends, a very merry Christmas (or a belated happy Chanukkah or Festivus)! May you experience hope, love, joy and peace this holiday season!

And... just in case I don't make my way back to these parts beforehand, happy New Year! I have a feeling 2012 is going to be great!

Labor Day Blanks

Image credit: Lauren

1. One thing that is completely superfluous, but that I could never give up is my dance gear. It took a decade for me to relinquish all of my costumes, let alone my practice gear and bag full of shoes that I hang on to.

2. Forced conversation makes me feel awkward.

3. I can't start my day without, coffee.

4. Fruit is my favorite snack.

5. Lately I've been really focused on runnhing and being my best self.

6. If at first you don't succeed try again, if it's worth it to you.

7. Fall is coming too quickly this year! I'm not ready to leave summer yet.


Fill in your favorite blank in the comments, then tell me what you're planning for Labor Day weekend! Or, visit the little things we do and fill in the blanks on your blog.

My plans are rain-dependent this week, as there is a chance of rain all weekend, with increasing liklihood as the weekend progresses. Saturday, we're planning a little boating followed by a cookout at my parents' house (as if I haven't spent enough time there this week already!). Jed's cousin is getting married on Sunday, so we'll be celebrating with them, and I'm looking forward to a lovely wedding. On labor-free day, we'll be back on out the boat if the rain holds out, otherwise, I'm sure we'll be chilling -- maybe catch a movie.

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}

Thanksgiving Weekend with Family

I didn't post a Thanksgiving post last week with my blessings, but I did reflect upon them, and I cherished my Thanksgiving Day with my family. I also had a great long weekend with my family!

I've been fighting a cold the past two weeks, and I was still sniffly on Thanksgiving Day, but I put on my Sunday best and headed to my parents' house while Jed cooked Thanksgiving dinner at our house for his parents. After greeting my parents, sister and grandmother who was staying at their house for the weekend, I plopped down in my mother's Lazy Boy to watch my Patriots beat the Lions by a hair.

After the game, we, along with my two aunts and two uncles, sat down for our feast. There were two turkeys, stuffing, mashed potatoes, whipped butternut squash, green bean casserole, candied sweet potatoes, carrots, peas, gravy, cranberry sauce, stuffed celery, olives and pickles. Oh yeah, and my lil sis made a delish raspberry soup topped with homemade whipped cream, a raspberry and mint leaves! Yummmm! Jed, and Morris, came to my parents' after his dinner for dessert.

I won't even get into dessert... it was another whole tabletop full of food, including my aunt's chocolate Kahlua coffee trifle and my favorite raspberry jam thumbprint cookies. And wine, lots of wine. I was a happy, stuffed Jen by the end of the day. :)

Here's a few pictures from the day -- unfortunately I didn't get pictures of the whole family in attendance.

It's incredible that my mother allows Morris in her house since she is very allergic to animals, but she loves him so much that he is allowed to visit in the kitchen only (and he has to be carried from the front door to the kitchen so he doesn't touch the carpets)!

Morris really wanted to go into the living room and hang out with everyone, but he wasn't allowed. I sat in the doorway between the kitchen and living room keeping him company.

(Outfit: Gap cardigan, Gap army trousers, Chinese Laundry flats)

My mom loves her granddog.

My lil sis, me and Morris. People have thought we are twins (me and sis, not either of us and Morris).

We had Thanksgiving dinner Friday night, Saturday night and last night between my parents' and Jed's leftovers. I think that was the last of it, but I enjoyed every bite.

On Friday, my sister brought my grandmother to my house so she could see it. I've been here for almost a year and a half, and my Nana had never been here! She thought it was "cute" and then fell asleep on my couch watching TV. Oh I love my Nana.

Saturday, I headed to my parents' house once again, early, to join my mom, Nana, sis and sis' best friend on a road trip out to the Yankee Candle flagship store in Deerfield, MA. Oh my, that place is HUGE and oh so much fun. It is such a good thing I live two hours away, because I would spend entirely too much time and money there if I was closer.

The entire building had a huge wraparound porch with painted cows along it. So fun!

We started the afternoon at Chandler's restaurant for lunch. It looks like a huge barn or candlery (is that what a building where candles are made is called?). No electric lights -- all lighting was provided by either candle-lit chandeliers or candle wall sconces! I imagine it would be beautiful at night.

Mom and I both ordered the broccoli and mushroom quiche, which was light and fluffy, along with a side salad with Chandler's homemade apple cider vinaigrette. I would definitely eat there again as the prices were very reasonable for lunch (especially considering we were in a tourist trap, and it was the only restaurant).

Once I walked into the actual store, I think my jaw knocked a jar candle off the shelf it fell so hard! There was the general store, the male store with all kinds of sports memorabilia, the enormous candle emporium (including a section to make your own candle!), the Christmas village Black Forest...

Look at the tiny little ski lift to the left!

... the Bavarian village... 

... the cute carts scattered around the cobblestone-floor food court, a Vera Bradley shop, a Pandora counter, a pet shop and two kitchen shops! We shopped for FIVE HOURS, and I feel like I might have missed something! 

One thing I didn't miss was the snow!

Yes, snow fell from the ceiling every four minutes, and it was beautiful. Little did we know, flurries fell outside the building as well, and the evidence was on the car when we left.

I managed to finish my Christmas shopping for all but three people Saturday, and I only spent $163, about $30 of which was for myself (c'mon, you didn't think I'd make it out without picking up something for myself, did you?)! They're all really thoughtful, unique gifts too, about which I'm super happy. Sorry, I would share what I got with you, but I don't want to ruin the surprise for any of those people on my gift list who might read this blog.

The glorious long weekend closed with Christmas decorating! Mi casa is now officially decorated for Christmas sans tree, which we'll get in two weeks. I haven't taken any pictures yet, but if I remember to, I will post some here. I always hate the shorter, darker days of November until the lights of Christmas brighten the void in December. It just makes me smile.

Wow, this was a long post! I hope I didn't bore you. How was your Thanksgiving and long weekend? What did you do? Have you decorated your home for the holidays? 

Free holiday cards!

Whoa, I just realized it has been a month since my vacation, and I haven't shared ANY of it here! While I'm not going to share much right now (I'm still waiting for a lot of pictures from the couples we traveled with), I will give you a teaser.

I'm sharing these photos with you because I'm thinking of using them on holiday cards this year. I've never done photo Christmas cards before, but Shutterfly is offering a deal I can't pass up: They are giving 50 free holiday cards to bloggers who write a post about their favorite Shutterfly holiday cards! If you would like to get 50 free cards, go here, and go here to check out their holiday cards.

I have never used Shutterfly, but I have heard SO many good things about them: the free photo storage, great print quality, awesome photo books and, of course, wonderful holiday cards! I'm really excited to upload my pictures and start using their services. I always love receiving photo holiday cards.

Before I reveal the pictures, here are the card designs I'm thinking of using. I couldn't pick just one, so maybe you guys can help me pick a favorite. I wanted something simple that wouldn't detract from the photos since they are such vivid, vacation photos.

Happy Snowflake

I love blue and snowflakes, so I liked the text on this card. I also like how the photos stand on their own, framed in white.

 Sunny Christmas

I saw this one, and I almost made my mind up immediately. I mean, how perfect is this design for showcasing our vacation pictures?? I just wish my pictures came out as well as this family's!

Classic Black

This design is the ultimate in simplicity -- unfussy and classic, but not very merry. They also have it with a red background, but I thought that might clash with the beachy vaca pictures.

Funny, it looks like the same family is in all three designs I chose! Anywho, I want to do three pictures, I think -- two of me and Jed, and one of Morris. These are the pictures I'm thinking of...

Me and Jed parasailing in Cozumel

Jed and I geared up to parasail

Jed and I kissing a stingray in Grand Cayman

So what do you think? I need help! I still have to take some pictures of Morris because the most recent ones I have are from late summer, and he has a lot more hair now! 

High Five for Friday! And a lil Christmas...

Hi guys (well, I guess it should be gals since most of my readers are ladies)! I've been pretty lazy about blogging this week. It's not that I haven't had ideas (I have!); I just get so tired at night, and my brain seems to shut down on me. I'm really impressed and touched (for lack of a better word due to brain shutdown) that you are all still here! I haven't lost any friends. So, thanks for being loyal readers, I'm really grateful for all of you.

I don't know about you -- sound off in the comments if you'd like -- but I still make a Christmas list every year. It usually only goes to my mother, and sometimes my sister will buy off of it, but my mother requires it. I like making one; it ensures I'll get what I need/want every year because Mom's really good about going by the list and then throwing in some surprises. I think Jed will probably get a copy this year because we're actually doing real presents to each other -- as opposed to last year when we just splurged on a new entertainment system for the living room and called it our Christmas present.

So, it's getting to be that time, but I started thinking about my list weeks ago. I couldn't help it! Today's Friday Fives over at Beth's (click button above) is five things on your Christmas list this year. Fun!

Brown leather boots, like these Franco Sarto ones found at Zappos.com

L.L. Bean's Gore-Tex Insulated Mittens because my fingers get SO cold when I ski.

Also for skiing (and everyday wear), L.L. Bean's Fitness Fleece Quarter-Zip Pullover. I already have one of these in black, and I LOVE it -- the perfect second layer for skiing. P.S. Don't really want the green, I'd rather have brown, ivory, tidal blue or pacific blue... if you're wondering. :)

Yankee Candle Large Jar candles -- I like so many scents, but Sun & Sand might be my favorite.

Patriots Fleece Gloves -- I lost mine last year, and I miss them terribly. They were the perfect everyday glove; my knit ones just don't keep the cold out as well!

There you have it, the bulk of my Christmas list! I haven't really though of a lot that I need this year; I tend to keep my list to things I need but wouldn't necessarily buy for myself. Occasionally I'll throw in an extravagant want. The rest of my list is basically long underwear for skiing (didn't think you'd want to see a picture of that!), a gym membership and gift certificates for massages and places I shop (yeah, L.L. Bean and Yankee Candle are on that list too!).

What's making your Christmas list this year, friends? I'm curious! Maybe you'll inspire me to add a couple more items to mine that I didn't think of!

Friend-Making Monday: Easter

::Favorite things about Easter::

 {Tell us about your Easter experience}

First of all, I hope you all had a blessed Easter with your family and friends -- if you celebrate the holiday.

Second, if you'd like to play along, click the button above to visit Amber's blog for the topic and to link up your post.

This Easter was the most unconventional Easter I have ever had. I knew going in that it was going to be different for a couple reasons: 1.) I'm living in my own house, so there would be no colored eggs and no Easter baskets (yes, my Mom still did that and hid the eggs for me and my sister, both in our twenties), and 2.) I had plans to have dinner with Jed's family instead of my own, then we were going to have dessert with my family.

Friday, Easter became a little more unconventional when my mother called me to tell me that my father is in the hospital again; he is rejecting the kidney again, and he has blood clots all over his kidney (my father had a transplant in August, and he was in the hospital in October for possible rejection as well -- read about it here, here and here). Needless to say, Easter was not going to be as simple as dinner with Jed's family then going to my aunt's for dessert with my family.

The day started by meeting Jed's parents, grandfather, aunt, uncle and cousin at the restaurant at noon for lunch/dinner. It was pretty good; the atmosphere was different with Jed's father also MIA with a bad cold. After lunch, we went home to take Morris for a walk before heading to my grandmother's house to say hello. We were only there for an hour before we had to leave to head into Boston to see my dad in the hospital. We spent about two hours with him, then we went to my aunt's for dessert with my mother and sister. I'm glad I missed dinner with my family because my sister said it was depressing, and my mother said it was awkward since so many people were missing: my grandmother died a year and a half ago, my cousin moved to Florida two years ago and didn't come home for Easter, two of my other cousins were celebrating elsewhere, and my dad was in the hospital.

Despite having to be in four places, it was wonderful to spend the day with all of the people I love, and I was grateful I was able to see everyone.

Other than Easter, it was a good weekend; the weather was ABSOLUTELY perfect: sunny and in the 70's! I spent Saturday afternoon outside staining/painting our outdoor wood table. I even got a sunburn! Yeah, that's both good and bad. Even better, the weather is supposed to stick around for at least most of the week, with rumors of 80 degrees on Wednesday! Spring has sprung in New England, people!

Thankful Tuesday: Incredible power

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I'm deviating slightly from my normal thankful Tuesday to talk about something very powerful in my life that I have to share. The power of prayer.

For the past five Mondays of Lent, I have attended a discussion on prayer at my church. It has been an interesting and educational experience, but I never felt "the power." Until last night.

Last night, the deacon spoke about intercessory prayer -- praying for other people and being prayed for by others. I have witnessed some powerful intercessory prayer,  mostly in saving a friend's life, however, I never really realized the fulfillment of someone else's prayers FOR ME.

Allow me to delve into the past and share a personal story. Eleven years ago, I was a Catholic high school student. I attended Mass out of necessity, not because I wanted to or believed I needed to, and I was seriously questioning my faith and whether it was for me. I developed a close friendship with a guy in my class, who was a firm believer. We spent a lot of time talking about faith, the Church, God and catechism, but I wasn't sold. He kept trying, though, and he involved me in his faith as much as he could, but above all, he prayed for me -- and told me he was doing so. I thanked him for that, but I never gave it much thought. Part one.

Part two... For every holy day the Church celebrated and on the first Friday of every month, my school gathered us into the auditorium for Mass. Most of the time I passed notes to friends or took a nap, needless to say, I never really paid much attention. One day, one usual day, I happened to pay attention while the priest consecrated the host (maybe I was trying to make an honest effort to believe). He lifted the host to signify the consecration, and as I looked, I saw a flame burning in the middle of it. It was one of those moments that happens in a second but seems to last forever. I shook my head, looked around to see if anyone else showed signs of seeing, but everyone else looked pretty uninterested. All of a sudden, I realized, it was a sign. I started to be sold; I got my "proof." I started believing. I started developing and studying my faith. I've only ever shared that story with my friend who tried so hard to get me to that point.

That image, vision, sign -- whatever you want to call it -- has always been with me in my times of doubt. I remember that gift from God, and it strengthens my faith again. 

Finally, the two parts go together. Last night, the deacon shared a story of attending Mass and seeing a similar vision: beams of light around the altar during consecration. This reminded me of what I saw so many years ago, and it confirmed that I wasn't crazy, that it was a sign. 

Then, through all I've heard and prayed and reflected on over the course of Lent, I had a revelation. That sign I received -- that gift I believed I received from God to help me believe -- was actually the direct result of my friend PRAYING FOR ME TO BELIEVE. Whoa. I started shaking. I felt humbled. I felt grateful. I felt somewhat stupid for never realizing that until eleven years later, but at the same time, so incredibly joyful that I finally made the connection. I found my faith because a friend prayed for me and God heard, and not only did God hear, but God granted that prayer and gave me a gift. Wow.

I had to share this with the deacon, and I did. Then I drove home, shaking, close to tears. I walked in the house, gave Jed a kiss and told him I love him.

Because that friend, who prayed for me back in high school, was Jed.

If I could just sit with You awhile...

weheartit

Giving thanks and feeling grateful is spiritual, by nature, but these posts may take on even more of a spiritual element over the next six weeks during my Lenten journey. I'm really trying to take advantage of this time built into the Church calendar to reflect on, learn about and deepen my faith. Hopefully you do not feel that I am isolating you because you are not particularly religious; that is not my intention. At the least, I hope these posts will inspire you to feel nothing but gratitude and love.

The post title is from a song that was sung at the end of the prayer discussions I am attending during Lent at my church. This lyric really touched my heart and spoke to me; it really made me want to spend some time every day in quiet reflection.

A lot of that reflection is appreciation.

I'm thankful for prayer, even though I'm not quite sure how to pray, even though it remains a mystery to me, I'm grateful for the opportunity to practice and explore it.

I'm thankful for my faith that keeps me strong when I doubt or fear.

I'm thankful for my dog, who reminds me what a simple, joyful life is.

I'm thankful for this space, where I can work out my thoughts, record pieces of my life and share with all of you! (Welcome to my new readers, I'm so glad you stopped by!)

Lastly, I'm thankful for all the new recipes I'm discovering. Cooking for me, is a form of prayer. It is quiet time to myself, an act of love, a learning experience. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't, but c'est la vie!

What are you appreciating right now?

Blessed are they...

*happy place*

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land. Blessed are they who mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 

Matthew 5: 3-10 

As I listened to this Gospel during Mass on Sunday, and the sermon that followed, I couldn't help but be haunted by images of the suffering in Haiti. It is all I could think about. I suddenly knew that God is with these people, and He will be with them for a long time as they suffer, mourn, fight and rebuild.

It sounds silly now, but I didn't have time to do my thankful Tuesday post yesterday, even though I knew in my mind what I would write. So, here it is, a day late, but no less meaningful.

I'm thankful for my house, in which I sit comfortably -- because people in Haiti watched their houses crumble, sometimes on top of them.

I am thankful for my warm, comfortable bed -- because there are children in Haiti sleeping in the dirt.

I am thankful for the food in my cupboards and refrigerator -- because most in Haiti are starving.

I'm thankful for the filtered, cold water I take for granted every day -- because millions around the world die from drinking their water.

I'm thankful for a dresser full of warm clothes -- because so many around the world wear the same dirty, tattered, insufficient clothes every day.

I'm thankful for heat -- because I'm sure there is a family not far from here who does not have that luxury tonight.

I am thankful for my faith -- because it gives me hope and compassion.

I am thankful for the love in my life -- because it encourages me and reminds me of the greatest love of all.

These are all things I enjoy every day and do not stop to question. These are all things that I am blessed to have, things that so many do without.

Today marks the start of Lent for Christians around the world. During this season, I am not so much giving up something as I am being grateful for what I have, working to strengthen my faith, trying to become better at love, and repenting for where I have fallen short and hurt those around me.

Forty days from now, I pray that I will be happy, loving, grateful, forgiven and patient. I pray to notice a positive difference in myself -- in my heart.

Quick Christmas Update!

I wanted to check in to say I had a lovely Christmas, and I will continue to have a lovely Christmas until January 6, the Epiphany. I was lucky to receive some thoughtful gifts, such as Tupperware from Jed (yes, I got so excited about my new plastic storage!), a kick-ass blender from my sister, a cozy ski hat from my parents along with fleece sweatshirts and scarves, and my annual trip to Bretton Woods, NH from my aunt!

I ate a lot, I partook in some wine and spiked eggnog, I played a festive hostess (twice), and I finally got caught up on sleep!

There will be more updates tomorrow, but for now, you can peruse this extended survey I found at You Had Me At Hello. Feel free to copy, just comment back so I can go read it!

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***********FOODOLOGY***********

What is your salad dressing of choice?

Balsamic Vinaigrette

What is your favorite sit-down restaurant?

Texas Roadhouse.

What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of?

Minestrone soup.

What are your pizza toppings of choice?

Mushroom and black olives.

What do you like to put on your toast?

Peanut butter.

***********TECHNOLOGY*************

How many televisions are in your house?

3, but only one works right now. (Plus we have a projection screen.)

What color cell phone do you have?

Graphite

***************BIOLOGY****************

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Are you right-handed or left-handed?

Righty

Have you ever had anything removed from your body?

My wisdom teeth.

What is the last heavy item you lifted?

Wood to build a fire.

Have you ever been knocked unconscious?

Only by drugs.

************BULLCRAPOLOGY************

If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die?

No. I'd spend the rest of my life being anxious about what I have time to do!

If you could change your name, what would you change it to?

I don't think I would change my name... maybe to something less common...

Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1000?

No, I've seen what that stuff can do to you! It would have to be a lot more than that!

************DUMBOLOGY*************

How many pairs of flip flops do you own?

Seven?

Last time you had a run-in with the cops?

A couple months ago when one showed up at my front door because I accidentally dialed 911 and hung up.

Last person you talked to?

Jed

Last person you hugged?

Jed

**************FAVORITOLOGY**************

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Season?

Summer

Holiday?

Independence Day (a.k.a. 4th of July)

Day of the week?

Saturday

Month?

July

***********CURRENTOLOGY************

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Missing someone?

No.

Mood?

Getting sleepy.

What are you listening to?

The TV.

Watching?

"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit"

***************RANDOMOLOGY**************

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First place you went this morning?

The kitchen to make coffee.

What's the last movie you saw?

"Hotel Rwanda"

Do you smile often?

I try to!

Sleeping Alone Tonight?

No.

***************OTHER-OLOGY**************

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Do you always answer your phone?

No.

Its four in the morning and you get a text message, who is it?

My boyfriend... assuming he's not in the bed next to me. He's the only one who would text me at that hour.

If you could change your eye color what would it be?

I wouldn't.

What flavor do you add to your sonic drink?

I don't know, never been to Sonic.

Do you own a digital camera?

Yes

Have you ever had a pet fish?

No, my sister has had a few though that I sorta adopted.

Favorite Christmas song(s)?

"O Holy Night"

What's on your wish list for your birthday?

Haven't thought about it... it's six months away.

Can you do push ups?

One. A few more if I can put my knees down.

Can you do a chin up?

Nope, never could.

Does the future make you more nervous or excited?

Both... mostly nervous the older I get. Unfortunately.

Do you have any saved texts?

Yeah. I have saved texts in files. I could be a hoarder...

Ever been in a car wreck?

Yeah... although wreck sounds like an exaggeration. I did total my car though. Front hood looked like an accordion.

Do you have an accent?

Sometimes I'm told I have a Boston accent.

What is the last song to make you cry?

"The Christmas Shoes"

Plans tonight?

Finish this post then go to sleep.

Have you ever felt like you hit rock bottom?

Oh yes... it's terrible.

Name 3 things you bought yesterday.

Nothing. Nothing. Nothing. I didn't leave the house yesterday! Or pick up my computer.

Have you ever been given roses?

On Valentine's Day, the past two year. I'm a lucky, loved girl.

Current worry?

Not exercising enough.

Current hate right now?

Temporarily ending the festivities and going back to work tomorrow.

Met someone who changed your life?

Blessed with that a couple times.

How will you bring in the New Year?

PJ Movie and Game Night party with friends.

What song represents you?

Unwritten, by Natasha Bedingfield.

Name three people who might complete this?

No idea who.

Would you go back in time if you were given the chance?

Probably, there's something I'd like to fix.

Have you ever dated someone longer than a year?

I am now.

Do you have any tattoos/piercings?

Negative.

Will you be in a relationship 4 months from now?

I hope so!

Does anyone love you?

Oh yes.

Would you be a pirate?

Yes, but not those evil Somalian ones... I'd be the Jack Sparrow kind.

What songs do you sing in the shower?

None... not in a long time.

Ever had someone sing to you?

Yeah, I dated a musician for a while...

When did you last cry?

I think yesterday.

Do you like to cuddle?

Yes, but boyfriend isn't as big of a fan. Neither is the dog.

Have you held hands with anyone today?

No.

Who was the last person you took a picture of?

Jed, with the new puppy and Morris.

What kind of music did you listen to in elementary school?

Disney and adult soft rock. LOL I was so cool!

Do you believe in staying close with your ex's/prospects?

Sometimes. Depends on the situation and how things go.

Are most of the friends in your life new or old?

Old... from high school mainly.

Do you like pulpy orange juice?

Yuck! No.