Thinking...

1. How is it that I haven't posted in over a week? I have alot of things to say, but not alot of time to write them down.

2. Christmas is in nine days. I feel like I just got home from Montana. That was in July. Where does the time go?

3. I am obsessed with the song "Last Christmas" by WHAM. I'm not sure why, but I find it to be incredibly catchy.

4. In exactly one week, my little sister and I will be in New York for the day to see "White Christmas", our favorite movie, on Broadway. It will be a marathon day but I have a feeling it will be very awesome.

5. My current blood sugar is 196 mg/dl. With a straight line east.

6. I don't like potluck lunches very much.

Pondering

1. Why is it that Monday's creep up on me so fast? Seriously, the week drags by and then BAM, it's Monday at 7:15 and I just want another hour to sleep.

2. Speaking of sleep, why is it that my dog will sleep ALL day long but want to wake up at 7:00am to play ball for an hour and then go back to sleep. I seriously can't figure this guy out.

3. In working on some possible new business stuff I have realized that there is alot about the internet that I don't know. Like how web sites are born. And maintained. And designed. And it makes me feel like a bit of a failure. And that I need to read more.

4. Why is it that my dad is the hardest human on the planet to buy Christmas presents for? He ordered the books I was going to get him for Christmas on Amazon last week. Like 20 days before Christmas. Who does that and why do they torture us gift givers?

5. I got hit in the face with a full can of beer on a party bus on Saturday night. While that may seem like I am an irresponsible 25 year old, I argue that I am not. Not only was I one of the most sober people on the bus, I'm trying to figure out who the guy was throwing the beer to and why I didn't put my hand up? I remain that I wasn't expecting a Miller Lite to fly through the air with the greatest of ease. Anyways, my face caught the beer pretty well. I'm only out a contact and I'm not bruised. Let's add that to the "awkward things that Allison has experienced" file, shall we?

NaBloPoMo FAIL and a Thanksgiving Recap

Well, this year I didn't complete NaBloPoMo. Again. For the second year. Novemeber always seems to be a month that whizzes by me before I even realize it. And then it's December 1st and I'm jazzed about the holidays. So anyways, hopefully next year I'll be able to keep up with posting everyday.

To recap, my Thanksgiving was pretty great. Unlike many people with diabetes, I didn't have the Diabetes Police asking about everything I ate (even when I ate two Georgetown Cupcakes for dessert). The fam is uber supportive and trust me to make good decisions for myself and I don't think they've ever said "can you eat that?" And no, my blood sugar was not in optimal range for most of the day, but I did what I could and gave my pump a workout and I tried to do better on Friday. That's all ya can do sometimes.

I also got to spend some time with my family, which is the best. Getting coffee with my sister, talking to my mom while she makes tea, and discussing business with my dad was awesome. And I can't forgot my husband and his execeptional babysitting skills when it came to looking after Tucker and Bella (the pups) and Kate and Luke (my cousins). Even after a disasterous trip to the park, in which 3 out of 4 of the animals came back drenched (Tucker, Bella, and Luke-who had slid down a slide and gotten his pants completely soaked), Ross remained patient and calm.

Now, we begin getting ready for December and the holiday season. Our tree is up and we're making plans for Christmas and New Year's. It's sure to be a busy few weeks.

Thanksgiving MeMe

1. What are the traditional favorites? Turkey, cranberry salad, and mashed potatoes

2. What new recipes will you try this year? I'm making cinnamon buns for breakfast- hoping they turn out okay!

3. What part of the meal do you never compromise? Turkey- always turkey! Thanksgiving isn't Thanksgiving without the bird!

4. Who gets to carve the turkey? My dad or my mom, doesn't really matter in our house

5. Family style around the table or buffet style and everyone sits wherever there’s room? Buffet in our kitchen and then sitting in the dining room

6. How many will be at your table this year? There will probably be two tables this year. My mom, dad, Grandma Kay, Papa Bob, my uncle, my sister, Ross, and me :). I suspect Ross, Beck, and I will be at the "kids table"

7. Three best pies for Thanksgiving dessert? Apple or berry. I think We're having Georgetown Cupcakes for dessert since the hubs has food allergy issues.

8. Cranberry sauce…yeah or nay? Yes, the yummy cranberry salad my mom makes (that has sugar-free raspberry Jello in it!

9. What time do you eat Thanksgiving dinner? In the afternoon, around 2 or 3pm.

10. Favorite leftover? I love them all. I'm hoping to snag some leftover turkey this year and attempt turkey noodle soup. I also love the cranberry salad on the second day. Yum!

The DC Ladies Blog

I just wanted to give a quick update about an awesome new blog that I am SO HAPPY to be a part of! The DC Ladies Blog covers what is fun, fashionable, family related and fabulous in the DC-area for women. The blog was started by Shelley and Sarah, an awesome mother/daughter team and after connecting with them on Twitter, I managed to get a spot contributing there!

I'll be writing about health and talking about my adventures with Lil Tuck (the pup). My first post will be up next Friday, but please stop by often to read the other ladies cover topics such as food and wine, events, home and garden, bridal, children and family, photography, and fashion!

Monday, Monday

A few things:

1. I just ate a whole small bag of Sour Patch Kids as dessert with my lunch without even realizing it. I opened the bag and then all of a sudden they were gone. I just had to bolus for 78 grams of carbohydrates and took about 10 units of insulin.

2. I woke up this morning with my dog's paw in my face. He decided to sleep in our bed last night (along with my in-laws' dog, Cooper), so between the puppies and my insulin pump blaring to be changed, I didn't sleep very well.

3. My husband is participating in "Manvember" and is refusing to shave for the entire month. I feel like I am married to a lumberjack.

4. Yesterday, I went to a kickboxing class at the gym. I'm happy that I can kick higher than my husband, but after showing off and attempting to roundhouse kick him in the face, my entire body hurts.

I am not good about posting.

So this weekend, I got so busy with my friends that I forgot about NaBloPoMo and ruined my streak of posting. Work has been busy and I've been busy in the evenings. Hopefully, I can get back in the saddle and finish up the rest of the month!

Wordless Wednesday #9 Revealed

Yesterday's picture was of Tucker on Saturday. We were on our way to pick up my race number for the Acumen 8k that I ran in on Sunday morning. The race went well considering I hadn't really been training and when I was running it was only for about 2 miles. I managed to finish the 8k (5mi) race in 55 minutes. I shaved about a minute off of my average mile time from the half marathon, but I didn't finish in enough time to qualify for the National Half in March. I have to take about 3 minutes off of my 8k time to qualify.

And yes, Tuck is wearing his costume. He was such a sport and rocked that thing all day.

Wordless Wednesday #9

What I want to be when I grow up...#3

Today we'll continue to investigate some of my career options (well, I'm not sure any of these things are options right now) and figure out what I really want to do with my life.

When I grow up, I want to be a teacher. I sort of thought about teaching when I was in high school but never thought about it again until I was confined to a cubicle everyday this summer. I'd love to have a summer vacation and to help young people. I think I would like to teach high school English and maybe help with the theater department (secret confession: I am a theater kid deep down inside. I think about performing more than normal people, yet I never tried out for anything in college because I was BLOWN AWAY by the talented kids I saw. I am sure now I should have maybe atleast auditioned for something since I did act in high school). I feel like high school is a pretty amazing time for kids (I always told my sister that it was only the beginning and that she would have amazing opportunities, post high school) and they really have the chance to set themselves up for something really great.

I've looked at programs here in VA, but it would probably mean going back to school for atleast a year. And there's alot of extra work you put into teaching like lesson planning, workdays, and not to mention the added parent/teacher stress. And would I even be good at teaching?

Pretty good hours, interaction with people and not the internet all day, summer vacay, and SCHOOL LUNCH? I might need to do more research....

American Diabetes Month...and my diabetes

November is American Diabetes Month, as you may have seen in the diabetes-world already. Many organizations are busy arranging events to promote awareness and many diabetes bloggers are jumping at the chance to give back.

Many organizations have rolled out new campaigns. The American Diabetes Association launched their "Stop Diabetes" movement. My favorite piece of the campaign is this PSA. I love the little boxes that pop up with the messages (the one with the mother checking the daughter's blood sugar is especially relevant after the I read about Burger King incident a few weeks ago on Shmae's blog).

I started my American Diabetes Month with a trip to my endo. We discussed how my new exercise routine is affecting my diabetes and how wearing my CGM really helps me to understand how my body reacts to insulin (looks like a sensor is going on tonight!). I'm working to send numbers to the office more often, so I feel accountable and maybe get some of my rates more fine tuned. As I work to improve my diabetes this month, I hope others work to improve their knowledge of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, realize their risk for type 2 diabetes, and make changes to improve their lives.

NaBloPoMo

Today's November 1st, which means we've embarked on another National Blog Posting Month. Last year, I tried to post everyday, but failed miserably. So, I'm planning ahead a bit and working on some stuff to write about in order to make sure that I complete my goal.

So, Happy November! Let's do this!

Spook-tacular Weekend

Happy Early Halloween from Count Tuckula


The baddest vampire since Edward Cullen

Wordless Wednesday #8 Revealed

Yesterday's picture was one I took in Boston of the Paul Revere statue and the Old North Church.

One if by land, two if by sea. Got it?

Wordless Wednesday #8

5 things

1. Why is it that I watch certain movies every single time they come on HBO? Current choices include Juno, Baby Mama, The Women, and 27 Dresses. I watched Juno last night simply because I didn't want to watch Jon and Kate Plus 8. My life is pathetic.

2. Last week, I had 4 grilled cheese sandwiches since I was by myself most of the week. I have vowed to not eat ANY grilled cheese sandwiches even though Ross is traveling this week, again. I spent my whole day Sunday cooking so I wouldn't have to eat grilled cheese. I made a pot roast, chicken noodle soup, cinnamon buns, and chocolate chip cookies. Please refer to me hereafter as Betty Crocker.

3. I apologized to someone who I ran into yesterday at the grocery store, even though they walked in through the wrong door. As soon as I apologized, I realized it wasn't my fault and that the person should have apologized. Instead, she just pushed by me.

4. I think it's weird when people bring up something I've posted on Facebook or Twitter in real life, even though it shouldn't since I posted it there. Someone brought up something I posted on Twitter yesterday and it took me a minute to realize that he was referring to something I said.

5. I am still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up and I'm not having very good luck. Should you like anything that you see here and want to hire me to do something awesome, feel free to leave a comment and I will send you my e-mail address.

A message from the pup

Hi LS&LG readers,

Lil Tuck here. I've taken over my mom's blog to tell you all to tell her to not buy me a ridiculous Halloween costume. She said that was on the agenda for the weekend yesterday, but she's obviously crazy. The only thing that should be on the agenda for the weekend is getting me a pup cup and going to the dog park. Not buying a crazy Count "Tuck-ula" cape. Or a "tuckerly" lion. Or anything else girly and dumb.

Off to take a nap and then hide my bones in my parents'bed. Serves them right.

Peace, love, and dog treats,
Tuck

15. Visit Boston, MA

Ross and I spent this past weekend in Boston, crossing another item off of my 101 Things list. The hubs had business in Beantown and we thought tagging on a weekend trip would be a great idea. We flew up to Boston early on Saturday morning and by 10am, we were sitting at the Sam Adams Brewery in Jamaica Plains, waiting to sample some Boston lager.

After a great tour of the Brewery, we stopped for lunch at Doyle's (where the beginning scene of the movie 21 was filmed). The place was quaint and has been around for over 100 years. We decided to head back to the hotel to check in and take a quick nap before heading out to explore the rest of the city. We stayed in the Financial District and walked to Quincy Market, then through the North End. As we walked, we saw signs announcing the filming of Ben Affleck's new movie and a large Eastern European tour group. Not knowing where the heck we were, we followed the tour group to the Old North Church.

I'm not sure if I mentioned that it was also freezing in Boston. No, really! It snowed on Sunday. That's night, after a night on the town on Saturday and sleeping in, we woke up to heavy rain and the general idea that going out and roaming through the city would be a wet nightmare. We did manage to go and eat in the North End at La Famigilia, a quaint little Italian places where I had chicken parmigiana that would have served four people. And we got some treats from Mike's Pastry. Then we went into a food coma. Sunday night we got to see a Improv Asylum show and enjoy some lighter fare at a cute little restaurant called Hot Tomatoes.

Overall, it was a pretty fabulous weekend. This week, I've been catching up on things at work, hitting the gym pretty hard, and watching all the stuff I've DVRed over the past week. We're laying low this coming weekend, hitting our local diabetes walk, and going to pick out Lil Tuck's Halloween costume!

Wordless Wednesday #7 Revealed

This picture is one of Ross and I from last weekend's wedding festivities. I think we look pretty cool.

Tomorrow, we're off to Boston to spend the weekend prior to Ross attending a big fancy conference. I'm excited to explore the North End, walk the Freedom Trail, and sightsee in a new city.

Wordless Wednesday #7

Things I love #2- Tiffany Heart Necklace

One of my favorite things to wear is my Elsa Peretti Tiffany's Heart Necklace that Ross got me for Christmas my sophomore year of college. It was a huge gift for college kid to give his girlfriend, but I pined after the necklace for many months. I sent Ross pictures of the necklace and reminders to purchase it.

I was very happy to unwrap a bright Tiffany blue box on Christmas Eve and find my BEAUTIFUL heart necklace. I've pretty much worn it ever since. I'm simple when it comes to my jewelry and the necklace matches everything and is very classic. I've worn it for special occasions, job interviews, and to work or class.

http://www.tiffany-sterling-silver.com/images/tiffany-necklaces-P090.jpg

A wedding, a birthday, and a very good time

I've admitted before that I am deep in the throes of a quarter-life crisis and that continues today as I recover from an amazing weekend, and having to work on a federal holiday. Oh, and my 25th birthday was on Friday. I am officially old. (But I am never too old to have a birthday party, which is what I did on Thursday night before the trek to the wedding.)

But despite all that getting old nonsense, Ross and I headed down to Virginia Beach to be a part of our dear friends' wedding on Friday. Kristen (the bride) is one of my best friends from JMU and Ross became friends with Justin (the groom) during his many trips to visit me at school. Everything came full circle on Saturday when they got married after dating for over 5 years. Both Ross and I were part of the wedding party and got to get pretty dolled up for the big occasion. Hair, make up, sexy dress. The whole shebang.

The wedding was amazing. Seriously. Kristen picked gorgeous fall colors that were reflected in every little touch of the wedding-our flowers, the centerpieces, all of the accents on the place cards. Everything.

And we danced. All night. The wedding party proved to be the group completely dedicated to the dance floor, and to making the DJ work for his money (like having to honor the millionth request for Miley Cyrus' "Party in the USA." Yeah, all that "being old" stuff is an act. I am secretly 14 years old.)

Anyways, we had a blast and now we're back to the grind of the work week. I can't complain much since I head to Boston on Saturday to explore the city for the weekend.

Slacker

So this past week, I've been a blog slacker. Last Thursday, Friday, and Saturday I worked at the Congressional Black Caucus event here in DC. It was a great experience, but reminded me of why I'm glad I don't work on tradeshows 24/7 anymore.

Over the weekend, we went to PA to see Ross' grandma and then I took Monday off to do errands and get haircut. I also joined a new gym that offers group fitness classes, so that I can get back on the exercising bandwagon, and get ready for my 8k in November (and hopefully another half marathon in March).

This week, I've been to some of the classes, been organizing an office fundraiser for our diabetes walk later this month, and trying to prepare for next week and the wedding of one of my best friends.

Overall, things have been busy. But, I promise, no more slacking...

Wordless Wedesday Revealed

Yep, that was a picture of us on a Segway Tour around Washington, DC. Even though we're locals, Ross thought this would be the perfect birthday experience last year. We had a great time cruising around the Mall and seeing the monuments and Capitol Building at night.

My 25th birthday is in 2 weeks and I think segwaying around the city is going to be hard to top!

Wordless Wednesday #6

34. Learn a new G-rated joke every month for a year (4/12)

Q: What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire?

A: Frostbite.

What I want to be when I grow up...#2

The saga continues in the quest for me to find out what I want to do with my life.

When I grow up I want to be an interior designer. I think this might go back to the whole art thing, but I love making the space I live in comfortable, inviting, and interesting. Currently, Ross and I live in a small Arlington, VA apartment.

The apartment is beautiful and I love being able to enhance our space with color and texture. I like bold colors mixed with classic lines and I love finding old things and making them work in a new space.

I think I'd be a decent interior designer because 1) you work with someone else's money and not your own which would open up alot of options 2) you get to work with people and find functional ways for them to express their style 3) you get to solve problems (i.e. "I want a round coffee table since I have little kids that run around and I don't want them to hurt themselves")

I love home makeover shows and my new favorite phrase to Ross when watching is "that's what I want in my 'forever' house." Somethings I feel like I definitely will have in my own house (and think I would urge my clients to try) would be: glass fronted kitchen cabinets, a kitchen island with fun bar stools, built in bookshelves (or faking that look), neutral colored walls with bright white molding, roman shades, and personalized or homemade art.

Photo from http://www.interior-design.us/

Wordless Wednesday #5 Revealed

This picture was taken last weekend at our friends, The Maher's, house in Dewey Beach, Delaware. The Maher's dog, Bailey, is going to be a lobster for Halloween and we decided to try the costume on Little Tuck. He went completely still once we got it on him and looked humiliated.

Doesn't it look like he's saying "Seriously, Mom and Dad? Are you for real?"

Halloween supplies are starting to top up all over the place. Seen any great doggy costumes? What should Tucker be for Halloween?

Wordless Wednesday #5

It's there

There every moment
Every decision
Every choice
Every action

There every day
Every meal
Every jog
Every drive

There every week
Every work
Every play
Every sleep

There every month
Every appointment
Every pickup
Every call

There every year
Every pain
Every ache
Every blur

It's there
And no one knows

Except for me

This week, September 14-20th, is National Invisible Chronic Illness Week. Check our their website for more information on invisible chronic illness, like diabetes.

Things that make me happy- #1 Costco

This list of things that make me happy are not in order (i.e Costco doesn't make me the happiest...it simply is on the list)

I like Costco. Ross and I head there on a regular basis to stock up on veggies, lettuce, berries, and a rotisserie chicken. We get cereal, English muffins, and snacks to treat low blood sugars. We get things that we need for lunches for the week and to make dinner. No it's not locally grown, and no it's not organic, but we're on a budget and to eat reasonably healthy we get things in bulk as cheaply as we can.

Some of my favorite Costco finds include: chicken burgers, Edy's fruit bars, Sealy pillows (we're attempting to replace our pillows every year) and some awesomely priced wine.

Where are your favorite places to shop? What are you favorite bulk-superstore finds?

What I want to be when I grow up...

Last night, as I talked to my mom, I realized that I want to be alot of things when I grow up. You might say "You are already grown up, Allison. You are married. You have a job. And insurance. And a car payment. And financial responsibilities. And heck, you have a dog and that's pretty much the closest thing to having a kid, without having one, so you are an adult and a grown up. So shut up, press on, and be happy." (And if you said all those things, I would think you were full of moxie and like you since I've been thinking those things for weeks- no, months- no, the last year, and needed someone to say it again.)

But I don't really know what I would do if I had the choice. Over the next few weeks, we'll explore my career options (or simply things that pop into my mind that I think "YES! I could do that" and then swiftly convince myself I cannot do). Maybe at the end of this exploration, you (my faithful two readers- Hi Mom, Hi Beck!) can vote on what I should do. I realize that pretty much everything on "The List of Possible Careers" is something that would require further education (my undergraduate degree is in Sociology, the quintessential football player major, and my minor is in Nonprofit Studies. You will see from those two things, I am destined to be poor.) and I'm down with that.

So, firstly- When I grow up, I want to be a graphic designer. Why? Because I like art. I actually wrote a paper in 8th grade about how I wanted to be a graphic designer and I took portfolio art all through high school in hopes that maybe I'd go to art school. But, I decided to head to a liberal arts college as an English major and my art was something that I practiced through scrapbooking and acrylic on canvas. Graphic design is something that I just do for fun-like logos for my sister and her friends (see an example above and to the left)-but I think I would enjoy actually doing that for a living.

Do you think I have what it takes?

Wordless Wednesday #4 Revealed

Yep, that fur ball is my Lil Tuck eating his "Pup Cup" ice cream treat on Saturday, his first birthday.

Lil Tuck came to us at the beginning of November when he was 8 weeks old. You can read about his arrival here. He's my very first pet and I'm so happy that I get to come home every night to that adorable face.

So, happy belated birthday, Lil Tuck! Mommy and Daddy love you.

Wordless Wednesday #4

I've managed to tap out my creativity

I wanted to post something interesting today, but after painting last week and working on some stuff for my internship (yes, I have an internship and a full time job), I've managed to tap out my creativity.

Never fear, Wordless Wednesday is coming up tomorrow and hopefully it will be a good one.

Or it will just be a cute picture of Tucker. Like this one.

102. Make something old new

Okay, so there's not a 102 on the 101 Things list, but if there was, this project would have been it.

Last Saturday, Ross and I went to the largest thrift store on the East Coast, Unique Thrift. This little gem was pretty close to our first apartment, but we had never ventured there. We got there pretty early in the morning and were surprised to see the store packed with people and tons of stuff.

We walked around the general home section for alittle bit and headed back to the large furniture section where I spotted this gem. A beautiful wood table, with a leaf, and four chairs, marked $50. After examining the table and sitting in all the chairs to determine that they were sturdy, Ross and I conjured up a quick plan of what we would do with the set. In minutes, I had managed to convince Ross that refinishing the set and painting it a chic glossy black would look super cute and be easy for us to do.

(FYI, I am newly obsessed with the Young House Love blog and all the great work that John and Sherry do over there. They make me long for a house and motivate me to find joys in the little things, like fixing up furniture)

Ross was in agreement and we headed to the checkout stand where we found it was 50% off on furniture day, so we ended up scoring the set for 25 bucks! After carefully getting the chairs and table into the Corolla, we were off to Home Depot to buy supplies (not without a call to Mom S for her recommendations on primer first!). The past week, we've worked hard on getting the set done. Some may ask "why the rush?" and our only answer is we live in 800 sq/ft and don't have a garage. You gotta move fast to not live in a complete disaster.

We primed, painted, and reupholstered. We learned alittle history (our set was made in 1929) and that we could do a home improvement project without killing each other. Now, we can have more than 4 people sit at our table and eat with us.

Hosting a dinner party is on the 101 Things list, who wants to come???

Wordless Wednesday #3 Revealed

Yesterday's photo wasn't much of a mystery. The picture was taken just a few short weeks ago at our friends' wedding (Congrats Dan and Rachele!). It was an absolutely lovely affair and a great opportunity to hang out with my wonderful college roommates and their significant others. Awesome food, good music, and wonderful weather.

Weddings also give me a chance to reflect on my own marriage and remember back to our wedding day and how I felt.

Unbelievable happy and so very lucky.

I've been having a rough week job-wise and the hubs tries his very best to be supportive and make my days just alittle bit better, even when I come home and am a grouch. Those vows did say "for better or worse," right?

So tell me, how do weddings make you feel? Do you think back to being a blushing bride (or groom?) and feel nostalgic? Do you secretly wear your "Future Mrs" tank top under your party dress just for kicks?

Wordless Wednesday #3

5 Ingredient Sticky Chicken

I'm trying to expand my culinary skills and thanks to my mother-in-law, who bought be a subscription to Everyday with Rachel Ray, I think I'm doing pretty well (confession: I love that magazine. Maybe it's because I don't get a lot of fun mail, but I actually said OUT LOUD when I opened my mailbox "YES, MY NEW RACHEL RAY!" I am officially a nerd.)

Anyways, somehow I've now also started receiving "Working Mother." A) I am not a mother nor do I plan on being one for SEVERAL years B)I've never subscribed to this magazine nor am I being billed for it C)If I was subscribing to another magazine, it would probably be to Glamour or Self or something like that. But I decided that since I got it, I'm not one to waste and I would read through it. Besides articles on raising the perfect toddler and how to use Twitter to reclaim a spot in the corporate world, there was a 5 ingredient recipe for Sticky Chicken Drumsticks. Since, like I said before, I'm trying to expand my cooking repertoire, I gave this recipe a shot. And you know what? It wasn't terrible. Here's some pictures and the recipe.

Mix 1/4 cup soy sauce, 3 finely chopped garlic cloves, 1/4 cup o honey, 12 chicken drumsticks, and 1/4 cup of Chinese barbecue sauce (I used regular BBQ sauce) in a Ziploc bag. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Put chicken on foil lined baking sheet and cook under broiler. Watch chicken closely and turn occasionally. Cook for 25 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and marinade has glazed.

12 drumsticks for 2 people is crazy, but they made a good lunch.

67. Transfer all CDs from my middle school years to iTunes

When I was at my parents' house this past weekend, I made sure to gather a pile of my CDs that date back to when I was in middle and early-high school. My tastes in music wasn't amazing- 98 degrees, the Backstreet Boys, and N*Sync all made their way into my CD player. This was the music that I'd listen to when I slept over at my best-friends houses' or when I was writing in our "notebook" (a series of notes to each other that was written completely in code using secret names that we'd made up). This is the music I would listen on DC's "Hot 5 at 9" before I went to bed and music that my 8th grade homeroom (Mrs. Elk's class) would hum as we caught up on homework and now music that is a part of my iTunes collection. I spent Friday night (yes, I am an ANIMAL!) ripping the CDs and dancing around my den to my boy band tunes.

I got to looking at the music I had in my library and took a musical trip down memory lane. Late in high school, I went through an acoustic guitar phase that seems to have lasted straight into my twenties. Memories of washing the dishes with my mom during my senior year of high school (when I wasn't singing a song from "Into the Woods") are accompanied by "No Such Thing" and "Neon." Freshman year of college included Outkast and Little John hits, Jason Mraz's "Live from Java Joe's", and hits from Maroon 5's "Songs about Jane". My sophomore year began my deep obsession with Marc Broussard and the song "Damn It Feels Good to be a Gansta" from the movie "Office Space" on repeat. My junior year began my iTunes purchasing phase where I'd hear a song and immediately need to have it- alot of one hit wonders ended up in my library and bring me back to dancing around my living room with my roommates and hanging out with the boys that lived across the street from us. My senior year was filled with tunes from a mixed CD I created to put in my car on my trips to DC to visit Ross and my family, "Walk it Out," and the Kenny Chesney album I listened to while laying on the beach in Panama City on Spring Break.

I love music and the memories that certain songs conjure up. When I hear the Manhattan's "Shining Star," I think of my Mom and Dad. When I hear "Yeah!," I think of dancing at parties freshmen year with my best friends. When I hear any song from the "Wicked" soundtrack, I think of my little sister.

Do you have special memories of a particular song? Is that song in your iTunes collection? Do you have a secret boy band obsession? Feel free to share, we won't judge.

Wordless Wednesday #2 Revealed!

Yesterday's photo was a picture I took while we were on vacation a few weeks ago in Montana. We got the chance to spend our last day there 4-wheeling through the Monarch Mountains and through some of the most beautiful country ever. I sent several hours looking at the back of my husband's helmet, but got to drive for about 33 miles. I thought this was pretty artsy looking and like that you can see the tall trees (and me taking the picture!) reflected in his helmet!

Wordless Wednesday #2

AT1 Happy Hour

On Thursday, Ross and I attended the DC JDRF's Adults with Type 1 Happy Hour. I've been to the happy hour before, but this time, Ross was in tow and I was alittle more at ease knowing I knew atleast one person. We got there around 6pm and we immediately welcomed by a group of people who are on the AT1 board. Everyone introduced themselves and we got drinks and got to talking about what we did, how long we'd had diabetes, and how we were diagnosed.

There were several people who were diagnosed as children and a group of us that were diagnosed as teenagers. There was a brother and sister pair snd a dad with type 1 whose daughter had been diagnosed in February. We talked about pumping, Omni-podding, and wearing a CGMS. We talked about insurance coverage and health reform. We talked about taking shots and exercising. Ross was a champ; chatting up various people about the benefits of CGMS and giving a bit of his perspective on diabetes technology.

I'm so thankful the DC JDRF started this group. It's always nice to meet and talk with people who know exactly what you're going through.

Ross' observation: "I may have been one of the only people in that room with a working pancreas".

FYI: For those of you in the DC-area, check out http://www.jdrfcapitol.org/adults-with-type-1/ for more information about the AT1 group!

The Big Move

This weekend, my parents and I ventured to Richmond, VA to move my little sister into her freshmen dorm at Virginia Commonwealth University. As I've mentioned, I still see her as being 6 years old (and in a cast with no front teeth after an unfortunate fall down the stairs in our house), which is completely silly since she's 18, gorgeous, and taller than me.

We managed the unloading and setting up of the room in record time. Kudos to VCU for making move in, especially into a HUGE building, pretty seamless. The streets were blocked off so we pulled right up to the curb and then got to check out one of those big laundry carts like the cleaning staff uses in a hotel. We had all of Beck's stuff into her room in 2 trips and totally tag teamed the room set up, with my mom making the bed, me filling her drawers with clothes, and my dad setting up her computer. We trekked around campus to check out the theater and hit the bookstore. After an extremely emotional "see ya later," we hit the road and left Beck to her next big adventure.

She has decided to document her first year at school, as a theater major, and you can check out her blog at This Little Light of Mine. Tell her her big sister sent you!

What's you fondest memory of your freshmen year of college or your first year away from home?

Wordless Wednesday: Revealed

Yesterday photo was a recent snapshot of Tucker, our Yorkchon. We have a futon in our den and Tucker decided to push several of his toys under there. Being the timid little guy that he is, once he got under the futon and couldn't reach his toy, her got scared and wouldn't move. Ross actually had to pick the futon up so Tuck would come out, but not without taking a snapshot of him first!

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Hump Day! Today begins a new feature here on Low Snacks and Lip Gloss, Wordless Wednesday (except today there are words!). Every Wednesday, I'll be posting a picture of people that are important to me, things that make me laugh, Tucker, or who knows! I invite you to leave me a G-rated caption in the comments section for the photo and on Thursday, I'll let you know what the picture is actually about.

My Nana Hazel's Curry

I was fortunate enough to eat a lot of great food while we were on vacation in Montana. Between my favorite greasy tacos, chicken from my favorite bar, bbq fixings, and my Nana’s home cooking, we were definitely well fed.

On Monday, Nana Hazel made a delicious curry for dinner, after Ross and my Papa Woody got home from a long day of fishing (fyi, they didn’t catch a thing except for grasshoppers.). The house smelled absolutely wonderful the entire day and I badgered Ross with text messages to see when they would be home so we could eat:

“Am hungry. The house smells great. Hope you haven’t been eaten by a snake. Please come home soon.Kthxbye”

Nana grew up in Southend-on-Sea, England after World War II. She cooks traditional British food like a champ. Her Sunday roast makes tears come to my eyes it’s so good. Her Yorkshire pudding is something that both my mom and I try and replicate and ultimately fail at, every single time. . She makes Toad-in-the-Hole (sausages baked in Yorkshire pudding) and amazing chips (French fries) and a trifle that my mom talks about in complete envy. She doesn’t use a lot of spices, but the food still is rich in flavor and always memorable.

The curry that she makes is ever so easy and something that she learned to make from her brother, my great uncle, Brian. He was known for making this around Christmastime and having friends and family over to share with him.

It reminds me of family.

First, gather a package of stew beef and chop the pieces in smaller pieces (roughly ¾ inch pieces). Slice an onion and two large carrots. On medium high heat and in a large pot, sauté onions in extra virgin olive oil until they are translucent. Add the stew beef, a few (yes, few-she doesn’t measure) tablespoons of curry powder, and some flour. Allow the meat to brown until most of the pink in the meat is gone. Add three to four cups of water and the carrots. Allow the stew to simmer for several hours (the longer it simmers, the more tender the meat will be). Then add a packet of Golden Curry sauce mix (Nana uses medium hot). Stir to desired consistency. Add more sauce mix as necessary and make sure everything is well combined and heated through.

Serve on top of rice and enjoy in the company of those you love.

34. Learn a new G-rated joke every month for a year (3/12)

Q. Why DIDN'T the skeleton cross the road?
A. Because he didn't have any guts!!!

14. Visit my grandparents in Montana with Ross

This past week, we crossed off another item on my 101 Things list. Ross and I had been planning our Montana trip since March and I feel like it sort of snuck up on us. I hail from Great Falls, Montana, thanks to the fact my dad is retired Air Force and met my mom (a Montana transplant via England) while he was stationed here. And while my Nana Hazel explained that “the city is going to shit,” I still love it.

Why? Because the sky is different there. Because everything seems alittle brighter. Because there’s no humidity and my hair didn't frizz. Because some of my favorite people in the entire world live there. Because my favorite restaurant is there. Because people are just alittle bit more relaxed.

They wear boots and cowboy hats. They go to rodeos. They 4-wheel through the mountains and camp. They go to the river and swim in the creek. They fish and they hunt.

Me? I don’t do any of that. But I appreciate the lives that they live and I’m imagining that it would be pretty great to have a house with some land, to be able to look out in the morning and see that big, beautiful sky.

Also, I think I would look pretty sweet in a pair of boots, and an awesome cowboy hat.

How to explain...

This time, 7 years ago, I was sitting in a hospital room in Walter Reed Army Medical Center learning how to live with diabetes. The plethora of information that my family and I received at the time of diagnosis was completely overwhelming and ill fitting. I wasn’t a kid with diabetes- I was a young adult with established habits that needed to learn how to make diabetes work with my lifestyle. I was initially put on a regimen of NPH and Regular insulin, but for a 17 year old with afterschool activities, a part time job, and a budding social calendar, that simply wouldn’t work. Also, in all the pamphlets and brochures I received, nothing mentioned the emotional effects that diabetes would have on my life. Nothing talked about the social issues that I would encounter from having diabetes. Nothing explained what to tell people when they asked about diabetes.

7 years later, I’m sitting in Montana visiting my grandparents and am thrown into the situation of having to explain how my diabetes is different, why I don’t take shots, why my pump doesn’t have tubing, why I check my blood sugar as much as I do, etc. to various members of my extended family. I’m the anomaly in my family and the only one with a chronic conditions (“yes, I’ll have to do this for the rest of my life”) This is the first time they’ve seen me since I’ve worn a pump and the first time they might be brave enough to ask the questions that they have. And sometimes, despite the fact that I’ve had diabetes for what seems like an eternity most days, I just don’t know the answer or how to explain it to someone that has no background knowledge.

So to you veterans with diabetes, or anyone else- what is the most concise way to explain type 1 diabetes in 2 minutes (bonus points to people wearing the Omni-Pod and can explain that.)? I have a large family bar-b-que to go to tomorrow and it’s bound to come up. I don’t want to give the biology of diabetes (which I can do at work, since I work in healthcare and people seem to understand), just the facts.

Thanks in advance for helping to eliminate another awkward conversation where I might start talking about my islet cells going rogue.

We know their names now...

Ross and I have been living in our current place for over a year now. I've pretty much loved our actual apartment since we took the tour-the black granite counter tops, the light wood floors, and the gorgeous views. While the management has changed for the worst in the last few months, I love the fact that our building allows dogs, which allowed for us to allow Tucker to become part of our family. We live in a great neighborhood with tons of shops, restaurants, and bars. We're within walking distance to Georgetown and have easy access to the Metro, which is pretty essential to getting around DC.

But what defines this as home for me was exemplified last night when Ross and I spent two hours outside in our courtyard with a bottle of wine and some of our neighbors letting the dogs play. Conversations ranged from credit cards to vacations, jobs to photography skills. While we may have initially bonded over simply having dogs (and we might not have exactly known their names to begin with), my neighbors are by far some of the nicest and most interesting people I've ever met. With our dog park going to shambles and management being less than responsive, someone created a Facebook group and we've "friended and followed" each other to stay connected.

Our neighbors have become more than just people that we acknowledge in the elevator; they're the people that we truly enjoy spending time with and consider friends.

Night and Day

It's funny to think that we're already into the middle of the month of July. Time flies pretty quickly nowadays. My Nana Hazel says that alot, but it's so true. The older I get, the quicker time goes.

In that same vein, I'm always looking to make sure that I enjoy the time and don't rush it away. I try to live in the moment as much as possible, but being a busybody and worrier by nature, that doesn't always pan out. I'm always worried about what we're doing next weekend and counting down the days until vacations, skipping right by the days in between, which is okay since most of the days I spend at work and I'm not sure that I'm really in the right place. So skip right on by workday, you suck anyways.

But my nights, they've been pretty awesome. Lately, with Ross traveling, they've consisted of long walks to enjoy the beautiful weather with Tucker, conversations by phone with my husband, cooking delicious food just for me, watching some mindless television that makes me really happy, playing my Wii Fit, and just having fun.

Enjoying the evenings. Enjoying my time.

34. Learn a new G-rated joke every month for a year (2/12)

Q. How do you wake up Lady Gaga?
A. You "pokerface"

43. Learn to make the "perfect" chocolate chip cookies

Over the past year of being married, I've tried to become more domestic. I've tried to use all of the kitchen gadgets I received as wedding presents and I've attempted to make several things. Unfortunately, every time I feel the need to indulge in a warm chocolate chip cookie with milk, they just don't turn out right. My cookies are never as chewy as I like them or I'll try and substitute Splenda for sugar and they just aren't good. Sometimes they taste like baking powder and sometimes they taste too sweet. I always make a huge mess in my kitchen and end us with nothing to show for it.

The past two times I've made cookies I've followed the Nestle Toll House recipe to a T. Exactly measuring. Using all of the said ingredients. Buying the "baking version" of the "I Can't Believe It's Not Butter". And guess what? They turned out pretty darn good. Good enough that I felt I could share them with my office and send a bag with Ross for his trip to Tampa.

I made these again for my sister's graduation two weeks ago- but I used half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose white flour. They turned out really great in my opinion. Alittle more rustic and hearty-tasting (does that make sense?)

The only thing not so perfect? The way my pants fit and my blood sugar looks after enjoying a couple of these right out of the oven.

Capitol Hill- Type 1 Diabetes Research Hearing

On Wednesday, I got the opportunity to attend the hearing on Type 1 Diabetes research in the Dirksen Senate Building. I'm very fortunate to get to attend some pretty awesome events here in the DC area because of my job and was really happy I got to hear the great testimonies live.

Dressed in my suit, I headed down to the building over an hour early and when I arrived and got through security, I was sent to a line of full of teenage girls, Capitol Hill interns, and staffers. My first thought was "Oh gosh, I hope someone doesn't think I'm hear to only see Nick Jonas" as I straightened my suit jacket and motioned to my work badge. We were ushered into the room and I was happy to find a seat next to two moms of Children's Congress delegates. The ladies were so nice and one shared their son's scrapbook with me. I pointed to my black kit in my purse and told them I had type 1 also and was happy to be there with them.

The hearing started with opening remarks from many of the senators (and screams from the girls as Nick entered the room), some of which have an extremely close personal connection to type 1 diabetes. The celebrity panel asked to testify included Mary Tyler Moore, boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard, head of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) Dr. Griffin Rodgers, and Nick Jonas. Mary Tyler Moore, JDRF International’s Chairperson gave moving testimony on living with type 1 diabetes for the last 40 years, including suffering from diabetes complications including retinopathy. She talked about the struggles that she has experienced and also about the new advances in diabetes technology that she wished had been around when she was first diagnosed.

Dr. Griffin Rodgers told the group that even though the incidence of type 1 diabetes is rising, NIDDK is hard at work researching a cure. Dr. Rodgers highlighted advancement in research including the TEDDY study (The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young) which looks for the causes of type 1 diabetes, as well as the development of continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMs) and the artificial pancreas project. I felt like Dr. Rodgers' presentation was so balanced- yes, we're working on a cure but these are some of the tools that we are developing that will assist you in your care while that is happening. To me, that totally made sense.

Boxing star Sugar Ray Leonard spoke about diabetes impact on the entire family and explained that the cost of diabetes (and how it affected his family) is what lead him to professional boxing. He knew that if he went to college after coming home from his Olympic gold medal win in 1975 his family would be consumed by the debt from his father's medical costs. That's when he decided that if he went pro he would be to make money to help his family---and that's exactly what he did. I thought Sugar Ray had a great metaphor (fyi, I love metaphors- give me a visual, I understand!) about living with diabetes: Each day we go into the boxing ring with diabetes and sometime we put up a really great fight. Other days, we want to be like Leonard's opponent, Duran, during his 1980's fight and run to our corner and say "No Mas" (No more). But together, and with the help of Congress, we can look forward to "knocking out" diabetes once and for all.

Pop superstar Nick Jonas told his diagnosis story and explained that he focuses on the simple wins with his diabetes. Nick said that he believes all dreams can be accomplished, no matter the hardships of type 1 diabetes. He read the lyrics of his song "Alittle Bit Longer." After a brief break, the second set of panelists began to provide testimony. Hannah Ryder of Maine, Patrick Lacher, and Asa Kelly all shared their stories. Mrs. Gould, a mother of 4 children with type 1 diabetes, emphasized the importance of participating in medical research: it can't just be everyone else's job to find the cure, we must all participate and help wherever and whenever.

Hats off to JDRF for an amazing Children's Congress. Seriously, this was the first one that I got to see a piece of and it was really awesome to see the families and kids. I mentioned to my mom that thing that seemed to affect me most was seeing two girls (probably around the ages of 5 or 6) sharing their scrapbooks with each other and talking about their diabetes (one was running high and sipping water) and nodding about when they were diagnosed. Mixed emotions ran through me- I wanted to scream because I hate how this disease affects kids who don't have a choice. I wanted to cry because I kept thinking about how I hope someday those little girls don't have to talk to their boyfriends about dealing with diabetes. I wanted to smile because I saw how this disease brings people together.

(photos courtesy of JDRF's website, since I was so far back that the only shots I got were of Senators Collins and Lieberman and they are blurry)

Graduation

This past weekend, my little sister graduated from high school. Sitting in the stands of her high school stadium, I got to thinking alot about my high school graduation just six years ago. I wish that I would have known a few things then that I know now (isn't that always how it works???). I've tried to impart some of those tidbits of knowledge on Beck in hopes that she won't be sitting in around in six years writing the very same post. Yes, I love my life. No, I would not change things. But knowing that she possesses some of the same hangs up I do, I hope she has what it takes to overstep any adversity that comes her way.

1. You are the only one holding yourself back from doing your heart's desire.
2. Once you get to college, no one really cares what you got on your SATS, if you took the AP exam, or that you were the star of your high school football team.
3. Do not spend a ton of time on stupid girl drama.
4. The grades, they don't matter as long as you pass. Just always try your best.
5. People love and support you more than you will ever know. You do not have to struggle with feeling alone.

What words of wisdom or advice would you offer to a newly-minted high school graduate?

45. Try one new restaurant a month- Sette Bello

This past Sunday, Ross and I celebrated our 1st Anniversary with our families in the morning, then decided that we should forget about cooking and head out somewhere in our neighborhood for dinner. After a quick scan on Yelp, I decided we would venture a few blocks to Sette Bello, an Italian eatery and wine bar, near our local dog park.

For the record, I wish I was Italian. Both of my best friends are and in college I fully took advantage of the leftovers they would bring back after a weekend home. I love good Italian food. (I also love not-so-good Italian food, like the Olive Garden.) Sette Bello had pretty good Italian food.

We started off with calamari. The breading on those babies was awesome. Light and heavenly. The sauce was also pretty great, albeit lacking a dash of salt or two. The greatest thing about the calamari was that the lemon they brought on the side had this awesome cover that kept all of the seeds in (yes, like a lemon condom of sorts). It was great!

Ross had some sort of seafood pasta with mussels and clams. I'm not a huge fan of mussels or clams, but he said it was awesome and it looked pretty.

I had ravioli with spinach and ricotta. The pasta was dense and you could tell it was homemade. The menu said it was served with "tomato sauce" so I thought it would be more of a marinara, but I was happily surprised when I saw big chunks of tomato in an olive oil sauce. It was delicious.

The service was good and who doesn't enjoy eating on a beautiful patio?

We skipped dessert, since we had cake to eat at home.

34. Learn one new G-Rated joke a month

Q: Why does Snoop Dog carry an umbrella?

A: Fo' drizzle.

101 Things in 1001 Days

I'm finally getting around to posting this, but I started my list on May 15, 2009. I hope to complete my list by February 10, 2012. Alot of the posts on this blog will pertain to this list.

The Mission:
Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

Why 1001 Days?
Many people have created lists in the past – frequently simple goals such as New Year’s resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organizing and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

The Key:
Things that have been completed are in BOLD with the date that they were completed
Things that are in progress are ITALICIZED

Personal Health and Wellness
1. Establish a weekly workout routine
2. Run another half-marathon
3. Run in three competitive races per year Disney Princess Half Marathon (3/09), Accumen Run for a Cause 8k (11/09)
4. Have A1C less than 6.5 (6.6 on 7/15/2009)
5. Be able to do 25 perfect push ups
6. Drink 8 glasses of water a day for one month January 2010
7. Donate blood
8. Try a spinning class (October 8, 2009)
9. Go a week without fast food

Travel and Entertainment
10. Visit Italy
11. Visit France
12. Visit Tring, UK where my great grandpa was born
13. Take a tropical vacation
14. Visit my grandparents in Montana with Ross July 23-31, 2009
15. Visit Boston, MA October 17-19, 2009
16. Visit Las Vegas, NV
17. Visit New York City
18. Attend a performance at the Kennedy Center
19. Attend a festival
20. Go on a picnic
21. Attend a concert
22. Visit all of the DC monuments
23. Visit all of the Smithsonian museums
24. Go to a hockey game
25. Go sing karaoke
26. Attend a blogger meetup
27. Go skydiving
28. Visit a winery

Creativity and Education
29. Audition for a role in a community theater production
30. Decide what I want to get my master's in
31. Take a photography/art class
32. Take a web design class
33. Learn and use new word every month for a year (0/12)
34. Learn a new G-rated joke every month for a year (2/12) Lady Gaga, Snoop Dog, Skeleton, Frostbite,
35. Learn to drive stick shift
36. Learn to play "Radio Song" on Guitar Hero with my eyes closed
37. Learn the "50 Nifty United States" song
38. Have a piece of my writing published
39. Learn to play poker
40. Learn the rules of football
41. Learn how to create the perfect smokey eye
42. Become better-educated about wine

Culinary Skill
43. Learn to make the "perfect" chocolate chip cookies completed June 20, 2009 Learn to make the "perfect" chocolate chip cookies
44. Create a signature drink
45. Try one new restaurant a month for a year (2/12) Ray's the Steaks (06/09), Sette Bello (06/09), Faccia Luna (7/2009),
46. Bake a pie from scratch
47. Make a pizza from scratch October 31, 2009
48. Order groceries online
49. Create a family cookbook
50. Host a dinner party
51. Make atleast one recipe from a cookbook atleast once a month
52. Learn how to make curry
53. Plan a weekly menu for 2 consecutive weeks
54. Learn proper knife technique

Purchases
55. Buy new artwork for the den October 2009 (bought DC and London prints)
56. Buy and take care of a house plant
57. Buy a DSLR camera

Organization and History
58. Create a birthday calendar for everyone member of my immediate and extended family
59. Write down the story of how my grandparents and parents met
60. Create a family tree
61. Finish my college scrapbook
62. Scan old family pictures and make a photobook
63. Document a "day in my life" in photographs
64. Scan all of my medical records (especially those pertaining to my diabetes diagnosis)
65. Send out Christmas cards to arrive in time for Christmas Completed Christmas of 2009.
66. Organize my closet
67. Transfer all CDs from my middle school years to iTunes
68. Organize my iTunes music collection
69. Organize all of my photos
70. Frame and hang my best photos

Random
71. Enter a contest
72. Mail a birthday card to everyone on my birthday calendar
73. Send my sister (Sent September 2, 2009) and sister-in-law a college care package (sent January 20, 2010)
74. Send Valentine’s to my friends
75. Finish a crossword puzzle from each day of the week, but not necessarily from the same week
76. Attend church services for a month
77. Get involved with another organization that is important to me (not diabetes related)
78. Read one new book every month
79. Organize a flip cup tournament
80. Get a tattoo completed on May 31, 2009 La Dolce Vita
81. Enter DC's Artomatic
82. List 101 things that make me happy
83. Finish paying off my student loans
84. Organize a girls weekend for my mom, sister, and I
85. Stop apologizing for things I shouldn't apologize for
86. Get my passport
87. Write a living will and have it notarized
88. Throw a birthday party
89. Write a book proposal
90. Change jobs
91. Take a train somewhere
92. Get in the habit of writing thank you cards for even the most mundane things just to blow people’s minds
93. Read the entire Bible
94. Buy my own domain and host my blog there
95. Take Tucker to a retirement home to entertain people
96. Find a mentor
97. Become a mentor to someone
98. Write a handwritten letter 4 times per year
99. Establish a blog and write consistently for 6 months
100. Participate in NaBloPoMo
101. Inspire atleast one other person to start a 101 things list

366 Days

This weekend was more hectic than most. After returning from a funeral in Pennsylvania, we headed south of the city to see my grandparents who are in town for my younger sister's graduation on Saturday. Yesterday, Ross and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary. We had brunch at the club where our reception was held last year and spent a ton of time talking about how the past year has really flown by. A year ago yesterday, we walked down the aisle to "When I Fall in Love" and celebrated with our dearest family and friends.

And last night, we cut into our somewhat frozen stale cake and enjoyed a slice together.

Ross, thanks for an amazing first year of marriage. If this was supposed to be the hardest year, then I think we did pretty great. I love you all this world.

Why working in the IT Department is completely dangerous

(Hat tip to one of my best friends, Jamie, who told me this story through e-mail)

"Thought you guys would get a kick out of this story from this morning at work.

So today my friends Matt, Paul, and I were trying to figure out what the lunch menu would be today. We have a lunch program here that is only $4, but it is kind of hit or miss. I was saying that I really hoped it wasn't tilapia, which I normally like but I don't really like here and they have it every week.

So Matt sends me the email below, but he did his this little IT trick that made it seem like it came from our executive chef, Eric. I freaked out at first sight until I realized it was Matt, and responded back to the email saying, "Oh my god, I freaked out when I read this...etc...". Little did I know that when I replied back it actually sent that email to Chef Eric.

Then Matt had to run over and get a favor from one of our other IT guys so that he could remove that email from Eric's inbox before he saw it. I tried recalling it but it didn't work.

2 morals of the story: 1. Replying to emails without thinking is a
stupid thing to do. 2. Working in IT has tons of advantages!

-----Original Message-----
From: [The executive chef at her company
Sent: Monday, May 18, 2009 10:45 AM
To: [My best friend Jamie]
Subject: Stop complaining!

It has recently been brought to my attention that you don't appreciate the Tilapia I serve as part of the lunch program. Keep in mind that many people around the office LOVE the Tilapia and you are getting a great deal anyway for $4. So in short, keep quiet and just eat what's put out in front of you.

My coffee mug, or "How my life is like an episode of The Office"

(Disclaimer: I wrote the following post a few weeks ago, when I was developing this new blog. If you follow me on Twitter, you may have seen my Tweets about this very subject and if you don't follow me on Twitter, you should...Brook2ar, hollatcha girl. Just so you know, it took one week to get my mug back and I believe the alleged mug stealer may have taken the mug home over the weekend to use it. Finally, one of my beloved coworkers stole my mug back the day I was out sick, wrapped it in a plastic bag, and left it in an empty flower pot on my desk. Yes, it was that bad. Enjoy the following post, and leave me a comment! I'd love to hear how you like the new design, or if you have any blog pointers for this girl.)

So, this week I'm "off" coffee. I had one cup on Monday morning (a sugar-free, extra hot, skim, caramel macchiato), but then decided in my attempt to eliminate the few pounds I've gained since the half marathon, to only drink water at work. I'm fuller, refreshed, peeing like a race horse, and feeling generally better. But yesterday, 2pm struck and I was bored. I decided since I'm "off" coffee, I could still be "on" tea and headed to our kitchen to get my coffee mug that I had put in the dishwasher and knew was in the cabinet (I have two to rotate out- the other mug is my Disney Princess mug with all the Princesses on it). I got there and realized that my mug, my freaking Disney Princess Half Marathon mug, was gone. It's pink and pretty and every time I use it I think of how awesome it was to run a half-marathon in DISNEY WORLD!

As I sulked away from the kitchen back to my desk, I caught a glimpse of pink on my coworker’s desk. And low and behold, there is my freaking MUG! Enraged and confused, I walked swiftly back to my cube only to learn none of my friends put there coffee mugs in the dishwasher because this coworker is a known mug stealer. She will hijack a mug for DAYS and not wash it and uses other people's mugs as opposed to the generic office mugs or paper cups that are provided.

Now, I understand that I'm paritally to blame for allowing it to be put in the cabinet in the public domain. But A) with the swine flu and everything, I don't really want any other people using my mug even if you disinfect it a million times over B) If you're going to use someone else's mug, be SNEAKY! Don't put it somewhere that I can see it C) Why would you think you could use my half marathon mug? Did you run a half marathon that I didn't know about? Did you run the one in DISNEY WORLD? Oh, you didn't? Than get the hells off my mug.

So I had high hopes that today, I would come in to find it in the dishwasher and I would hand wash it and steal it back. But, when I came in, it was STILL on her desk, probably gathering coffee sludge or something.

(This is where in The Office, they would cut to a scene of the person sipping away, using my coffee mug and then would shoot back to me making a face like I wanted to punch the girl).