Thursday, February 25, 2010

9 Days and Counting

This semester's Institute class is Worlds Religion. And as part of the class the teacher has asked us to do something to really learn more about the other religions we are studying. Some of the options are: reading the Torah, touring a Mosque, attending service of another faith, giving up as participation of Lent.

And I choose the later. (I did also go to the Mosque at 96th St. Cool experience) I was trying to decide just what do I give up. I knew that if I made it too difficult (Dr Pepper), than there would be no point in trying to participate as it wouldnt last long. And Lent is long, 40 days long!

If you know me, and my family, you know that we love our sweets! And If I choose sugar, than again, I would be committing myself to failure. But I knew that I should cut out some sugary substances from my diet, as its not healthy. So, I went for the simply. Candy. For some of you, Im sure that this would be easy. But Im such a convenience eater. And what is more convenient than a candy bar when walking out of a gas station, or while watching a movie, or, or, or. And if you remember this post, then you might remember that I love kitkats! I might have stolen one, or two, from my nephews Halloween bag! . . . So, I must say, there have been a few moments of weakness, while waiting in line at Target, and they are staring me in the face. But alas, I have held strong. 9 days strong! I will make it to 40!

A few replacements I have found. And remember I said, no candy. So other sugary items dont count. Must say candy on the box/wrapper.



(Mind you, I HATE protein bars. But this one, isnt so bad)






And you thought I was going to say Carrot sticks, and Apple slices! Bahahaha!

Monday, February 22, 2010

Perfect End

1 Box of Funfetti Cake Mix = $2
3 Fancy Nancy Books = $20
1 tank of gas = $40
Making cupcakes with my favorite 5 y.o and reading to my favorite 2.5 y.o = priceless!

After a few hard days, I was so glad that I have family close by to retreat to. I might just get stuck in bed in a few days with a horrid stomach bug that has hit everyone in the family. But it was worth it.

Taylor and I went for a short bike ride. It was alittle to cold to stay out long. But we did enjoy the big hill!

Jack loves to cook with me. I love his ramblings. I love his little helping hands. I love his little spirit.

Melia has become quite the conversationalist with full sentences these days. Its so fun to sit and talk with her.

Here is my favorite picture from last week at the Valentines party. Love her chocolate covered kiss.

Friday, February 19, 2010

Deflated

Do you ever just feel deflated? Feel like you are doing your best. Like you are giving your all. And its simply doesnt feel like there is much to show of it.

Thats where Im at today.

I know there is alot in my life to be grateful for. Family, Friends, Housemates, work that keeps me productive and gives me the funding to enjoy other things in my life, oppurtunity to learn new things, traveling. I need to learn how to see the current blessings that are more unseen to me.

Sunday, February 14, 2010

2009, My Year in Cities

- Gothenburg, Sweden
- Manhattan, NY
- Melville, NY
- Cherry Hill, NJ
- Dallas, TX
- Arlington, TX
- Austin, TX
- San Antonio, TX
- Houston, TX
- Denver, CO
- Phoenix, AZ
- Irvine, CA
- Glendale, CA
- Seattle, WA
- Washington, DC
- Santo Domingo, DR
- Dublin, Ireland
- Belfast, N Ireland
- Galway, Ireland
- Cork, Ireland
- London, England
- Glasgow, Scotland
- Westerly, RI
- Columbus, OH
- Cincinnati, OH
- Los Angeles, CA
- Boston, MA
- St Louis, MO
- Plano, TX

I do have my old job to thank for most of those (domestic) cities.

I do LOVE to travel. Where will 2010 take me?

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Baby Me




Family picture from when I was the baby of the family. Love the 80's hair the family is sporting!