Wordless Wednesday

4th Anniversary

Having a ball during our first dance.

 It's been a few days since our anniversary, but it's hard to believe that on December 1st, we celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary. After the working day was over, we went out for a delicious dinner at Jameson's Charhouse and then went to see Breaking Dawn. I fall in love with my husband all over again whenever I am watching a love story and/or weddings. I was reminded what's important in our marriage while watching Bella & Edward exchange their vows.

Although I enjoyed the wedding scene of Breaking Dawn, the rest of the movie was just blah to me. I was really bored and contemplated leaving the theater. I kind of wish we had gone to see something else. Oh well. I'm sure the second part that is due out next November will be much better.

Do you want to know a secret?

Quite a few years ago (oh, about 4 years ago), The Secret was introduced to me. The principle of The Secret is said to work by using the laws of attraction to match thoughts and feelings to a person's life experiences, events, and situations.

That being said, one of my favorite things that I took away is "What you think about, you bring about". So if you have positive thoughts and feelings, your life will result in positive life changes. And vice versa.

Just last week I was out to dinner with some lovely ladies and one of them asked if I had The Secret App on my relatively new iPhone. To be honest, I haven't toyed around with many new apps. However, she is a believer in The Secret. So right then and there, right in the middle of dinner, I bought The Secret Daily Teachings app. This app is exactly what I needed. I've always  had The Secret in the back of my mind. But now it is front and center where it needs to be in my life.

What I love about this Daily Teachings App is that you can set a reminder of a daily teaching to alert you on your phone. I have it set to alert me at 9:15am every day. This is a great time of day. It is during the time I am on my morning break at work. So if the first 2 hours are a little trying, this is just a reminder of what's important.

Today's daily teaching was: You are like a human transmission tower, transmitting a frequency with your thoughts. If you want to change anything in your life, change the frequency by changing your thoughts.

If you are looking for something to read, need some guidance in your life, I recommend reading The Secret.

Write Now

Many years ago I used to put pen to paper. Pages were filled with my daily ramblings about my life, school, crushes, etc. I used to write poetry. I have no idea where these old journals are or where my poetry journals are either. I've been blogging on and off again since 2005. I've had multiple blogs. I've used Blogger, Xanga, Live Journal and Word Press. I want to get back into regular blogging. Even it is about our lives. So right here and now, I am vowing to get back into blogging more regularly.

Currently, I'm...

...working on a new craft project (photos to come later).

...reminiscing about our wedding day (prompted from seeing wedding related television shows).

...reading more about The Engine 2 Diet and how I am going to change my life from the inside out.

...looking forward to the approaching holidays with joy and happiness. Truly the best time of year is November and December.

...dreaming about what 2012 will bring in our lives. 

Colder Weather

Wow, can't believe it's been nearly 6 months since the last post. Things have been pretty busy here in the Pod. But we're finally approaching one of my favorite times of the year. I love November and December. November brings colder weather and Thanksgiving, which is my favorite holiday! And right after Thanksgiving, it's our wedding anniversary. And then time flies right into Christmas. These are 2 of the fastest moving months of the year!

On the big 3-0

Quite a few months ago I wrote about 30 things I wanted to do before I turned 30 years old. You can find that post here.  Well, I wasn't 100% successful. Had I given myself more time than the 4 months when I first had the thought, I probably would have completed them all. 

But this post isn't about how I 'failed' my 30 Before Thirty list. This is about my 30th birthday! 

I woke up and it immediately felt right that it was my 30th birthday. In the months leading up this milestone day, I was fearful and dreading the big 3-0. Most times I felt that I hadn't accomplished everything in life that I wanted to do by the time I was 30. I was putting so much pressure on completing certain tasks in my life that I wasn't focusing on life and embracing my life for what it is now. 

My birthday fell on a Saturday. On the weekends, I do not sleep in. And if I do, I am generally awake by 6:30 or so. I usually get up and go to the living room and either watch tv, surf the web, or listen to my iPod until Greg wakes up. But on this particular day, he got up woke up and got out of bed shortly after me (before 7am). He went out and brought back some McD's for breakfast. We haven't had a fast-food breakfast in a loooooong time! We ate breakfast and then I got my gifts. 

I spent the afternoon spending an obnoxious amount of time getting ready for the day. I did my hair and makeup and made sure I looked as good as I felt. We went out to dinner and got some sushi. I have been craving sushi really bad for a while, so it was the perfect birthday dinner! After dinner we went to the casino for a few hours. After we got home, we had dessert. Greg made a cheesecake for my birthday dessert. Had some wine. And just about passed out soon after.

I declared "Feeling Good" as my theme song for the first year in my 30s. 

It's a new dawn. It's a new day. It's a new life, for me. And I'm feeling good. 

 

Lunch Hour

I really miss the hour long lunch that I used to get when I worked at the animal hospital. I could actually enjoy my lunch without inhaling my food. I could run errands if I needed to. I could work out for 30 minutes and then still be able to eat afterwords. Best of all, I could take a nap in my car on a nice spring, summer, or autumn day. Sometimes a nap was necessary to make it through the day. I could rest and unwind if I had a stressful morning. I could go back to work feeling ready to take on the afternoon.

It's been just about 5 years since I've left that job. I now have a 30 minute lunch break. Sometimes it's not nearly enough. If I want to run out for a quick bite to eat, I have to eat it in my car while driving (which can be dangerous and limits what you can eat). Or I have to eat at my desk. I'm okay with a snack at my desk, but I cannot eat my lunch at my desk.

There's really no rhyme or reason for this post. Just a thought that came into my mind today. 

Feeling Domestic

In the last 3 days I've spent quite some time in the kitchen. Friday evening I baked some home made brownies and they were delicious! On the weekends I enjoy watching The Food Network and last weekend Melissa D'Arabian made Black Bean Brownies. At first I wasn't sure about the beans in the brownies, but I still wanted to give them a try. They turned out AMAZING! And two days later, they're better than the first day!

Last night my mom invited family over for dinner. She was cooking Lasagna for dinner and I asked her if I could bring dessert. I made my Apple Crisp for dessert. The one that everyone loves!

And this morning for breakfast I whipped up some biscuits and gravy! Yum!

I have to admit, I do enjoy spending time in the kitchen. I just wish my kitchen was bigger and had more counter space. 

Lent Update

Well, it's been a few weeks since I've posted about giving up Pizza and Pop for Lent. The pizza didn't last long, but the pop is proving to be successful. I've been drinking more water, green tea, and juices in its place. I don't really crave the pop, but what I crave is the carbonation. I'm thinking of continuing this change long after Lent is over.

Pizza & Pop

Today is the first day of Lent and although I'm not Catholic, I am giving up Pizza and Pop during Lent. Well, I guess we'll see how long this will go. I'm trying to do the actual 40 days. I am also hoping this will help me to eat better and have more energy in the end.

Although I haven't posted every day of my 30 Day Photo Challenge photo, I am doing my best to stay on top of it on Facebook. It's more difficult to keep both my blog and facebook updated.

Day 8 of 30 Day Photo Challenge

Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh.

HaHa! When we were in Las Vegas in July 2008, we went out on Lake Mead with my brother. I didn't have a hat to cover my head, so I used my shirt!

Day 7 of 30 Day Photo Challenge

Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item.

 

Aside from my family, friends, pets, and home, one of my most treasured items is my rabbit, Mr. Buns. I got him from my mom on Easter many, many years ago. He used to be a nice white, soft, fluffy bunny. But I used to sleep with him every night. His bow is all tattered. His fur on his face is smashed down and rough. All through middle school, high school, and college, he was with me. When Greg and I first moved in together, I would still cuddle with him. Finally, he got the boot from the bed. LOL. So now he just sits in the bedroom. I have tried to find a new home for him, but I cannot let him go. I think when we have kids, he will definitely have a new home with them.

Day 6 of 30 Day Photo Challenge (posted 1 day late)

Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day.

 

I'd love to trade places with my Barn Man...because seriously, who wouldn't want to sleep in this basket blankets??

 

 

Day 5 of 30 Day Photo Challenge

 

Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory.

Here we are, just married and walking up the aisle. Kissing and in love. And truth be told, I love him more and more every day! 

Day 4 of 30 Day Photo Challenge (Posted 1 day late)

Day 04 - A picture of your night.

Dinner and wine at Olive Garden. This is a pic of my favorite wine, Moscato. Photo taken with my phone, so the quality is not that great, but the wine was delicious, as always!

Day 3 of 30 Day Photo Challenge

Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show.

The Office is one of my favorite shows. Greg and I started watching all of the past seasons on Netflix last summer. Now I'm hooked. And I love to watch the repeats as much as the new episodes. I find that I almost always missed something the first time I watched it. 

Day 2 of 30 Day Photo Challenge

Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest.

This is a photo my mom, my twin sister, and me. I've been the closest to both of them my entire life. 

Day 1 of 30 Day Photo Callenge

Day 01 - A picture of yourself with fifteen facts.

1. I'm a twin. And I can't believe we're going to be 30 in a few months.
2. I hate shopping malls and would prefer to shop online.
3. I love to receive snail mail.
4. I have an obsession with Thirty-One. Which is why I started selling it about a year ago.
5. I want to learn how to knit and sew. I can't even sew a button.
6. Flip flops are my favorite footwear in the summer.
7. I've been married to Greg for just over 3 years. *Thanks again to everyone who came out to our wedding on the crazy, snowy day!*
8. I love that Barnum is a momma's boy!
9. I love all animals, but horses are my favorite.
10. I went to USM (Univ. of Southern Maine) for a year and a half. One of the best times of my life. I will never trade that experience for anything.
11. Sushi is one of my favorite foods. I'm really craving it right now.
12. I am a Chicago Bears & Chicago Cubs fan for life. That will never change.
13. I love cheesecake. If it's offered as a dessert, I will more than likely have a slice, no matter how many calories are in it.
14. I used to have my tongue pierced.
15. Last, but certainly not least, I LOVE MY FAMILY!

30 Day Photo Challenge

Starting tomorrow I'm going to try to complete this 30 Day Photo Challenge. I've seen a few friends doing this on Facebook, but thought I'd share it here on our blog. 

Day 01 - A picture of yourself with fifteen facts.
Day 02 - A picture of you and the person you have been closest with the longest.
Day 03 - A picture of the cast from your favorite show.
Day 04 - A picture of your night.
Day 05 - A picture of your favorite memory.
Day 06 - A picture of a person you'd love to trade places with for a day.
Day 07 - A picture of your most treasured item.
Day 08 - A picture that makes you laugh.
Day 09 - A picture of the person who has gotten you through the most.
Day 10 - A picture of the person you do the craziest things with.
Day 11 - A picture of something you hate.
Day 12 - A picture of something you love.
Day 13 - A picture of your favorite band or artist.
Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.
Day 15 - A picture of something you want to do before you die.
Day 16 - A picture of someone who inspires you.
Day 17 - A picture of something that has made a huge impact on your life recently.
Day 18 - A picture of your biggest insecurity.
Day 19 - A picture of you when you were little.
Day 20 - A picture of somewhere you'd love to travel.
Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget.
Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at.
Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book.
Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change.
Day 25 - A picture of your day.
Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you.
Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member.
Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of.
Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile.
Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss

Birthday Wishes

Today is my brother’s birthday!!  Sending the best of best birthday wishes to Las Vegas! Thanks for always being a wonderful brother!

30 Before Thirty

My 30th Birthday is this year, in exactly 132 days. That gives me a little more than 4 months to accomplish this list of 30 before I turn 30. These are in no particular order and most likely won't be accomplished in this order either. I will update my progress throughout the next 4 months and see how far I have come.

1. Stop drinking pop/soda for good.

2. Train to run a 5k.

3. Clean out our bedroom closet.

4. Print out and display some of our wedding photos.

5. Get a tattoo.

6. Plant an herb garden.

7. Have a family game night at least once per month. (January thru May)

8. Visit the Field Museum in Chicago.

9. Try skiing.

10. Go on a hot air balloon ride.

11. Walk to work for one week.

12. Save $1000.

13. Learn to speak a little bit of Polish.

14. Learn how to parallel park.

15. Learn how to back into a parking space.

16. Create a signature drink.

17. Create a signature meal to go with my signature drink.

18. Cook one new meal every week.

19. Unplug for one week. This includes internet, tv, and cell phone. (Cell phone will only be used in an emergency).

20. Learn to play Chess again.

21. Donate Blood.

22. Bake an apple pie.

23. See a movie at the drive-in.

24. Go on a picnic with Greg.

25. Learn to use chop sticks.

26. Send out 30 pieces of 'snail mail'.

27. Do something spontaneous.

28. Read 10 books (2 fiction, 2 non-fiction, 2 memoirs, 2 biographies, 2 autobiographies).

29. Learn how to knit a scarf.

30. Love myself.

First Breakfast

The first breakfast of the new year. On 1/1/11, we welcomed the new year with Baked French Toast Casserole. When I asked Greg what he wanted for Christmas, he said that he wanted me to make him breakfast and he mentioned that he wanted French Toast. Well, I was already planning to make him breakfast anyway. But for Christmas I was planning to make Biscuits & Gravy. So on Christmas morning I made Biscuits & Gravy. But for New Year's 2011 I was going to make this French Toast Casserole. The recipe showed up in my email right after Christmas and I just knew I was going to make it for our first breakfast of the year.

You can find the recipe here for this creation. I made some modifications. I used 2 cups of 1% milk and 1 cup of Egg Nog because I didn't have half and half. Overall, this was a delicious start to the new year!

A New Year

Happy New Year! I can't believe it's 2011 already. Some days I still feel like I child and others I can't believe that I'm a happily married woman. With this new year, I hope to have a more positive outlook on everything. I want to use this blog to share with you, our readers, who we are and what's going on in our lives.