Don’t Quit Your Day Dreams

As promised, I’m back.  I just wanted to share a few thoughts with you today.

This morning at the gym a random cross-fit looking kid came up to me between sets of barbell hip thrusts and fist bumped me.  I wasn’t sure if he was joking around because of how awkward that move was, or what.  A few minutes later he walked by me at the cable tower and asked if I had enough.  I think he was impressed, and brushed my shoulders off a little on the inside.

It probably has a lot to do with the fact that my gym has lots of old folks, and I’m usually the only woman using free weights.  Oh, and I’m a badass.  ;)

My workouts have been great lately, and even though the bastard scale says I weigh more, I don’t feel bigger. And I don’t feel like I look bigger.  I emphasize feel because I know my perception is not always accurate.  But either is that scale- which I can’t really wonder why…it was like $5.  But I don’t care.  I feel better and stronger (well, I actually am stronger), and those are the feelings that are important. (I’d still like to feel like i can wear anything though, like for my boobs to be smaller- it’d make clothes shopping wayyy easier.)

Speaking of feelings, lately I’ve been feeling unmotivated at work, and not just because of the emotional stress I’ve been going through at home.  I’ve been at my job for three years now (the longest ever, woo!), and while it’s a great job, doing great things, my heart is a bit lack luster.  I think a lot has to do with the fact that I feel disconnected with people, and that the work I’m doing leaves it hard to see how I’m directly effecting people, even though I know I’m helping distantly (I work in suicide prevention in a quasi-state agency administrative role).  There is a lot of politics that I don’t like, although I’m sure I’d find that anywhere.

But I’m feeling like I need a big change.  I had planned to study for the NASM this fall, and I’m very much looking forward to doing that.  I’ve also had friends ask about the baking business I had, and told me I should pick that back up (I had to set it aside when my Dad got sick).  So my goal is to take the free time I have now to work on my passions.  And for now, I’ve been baking more.

I also need to figure out how to manage my budget better, while rebuilding a closet to fit my now body. Most of my old closet is gone, and the only real problem is I have nothing to wear, and I always feel better when I’m put together and presentable.  And the past year or two I’ve been, well, not.

My end goal is to be a better me.  A truer me.  Come back better and stronger and living a more genuine life that represents who I am and who I want to be.  I love beautiful things, I love helping people, I love creating.  I love my crazy, beautiful life.

So to the crossfit boy…have I had enough?  Neverrrr!

<3,

C.

Have you made a career/life direction change?

Do you think it’s important to have passion for your work, or are you just looking to pay the bills?

WIAW: Photodump

Hot title right?

PS, thank you guys for all your kind words and support after my last post.  I don’t want this to be a sad gloomy blog, but I do want it to be real.

Since I’ve been MIA, I realized I have a million photos from the past couple months I’d like to share (well, not all of them). And of course, what I’ve been eating (thanks, Jenn, for hosting!)…

 

Here we go…..

Taco bar!

Some instant gym motivation.

One bowl chocolate cake with my new fave salted caramel frosting. All from scratch. Yes.

Meet Max.  My new puppy!

Garlic and gruyere chicken sausage with caramelized onions, peppers, summer squash and spinach with parm cheese over pasta.

Big breakfast with Sarah’s Banana Bread Pancakes!

Brunching on seafood cake Eggs Benedict in Virginia.

My boyfriend’s a winner.

Wedding kisses.

Sometimes I’m classy.

Over D.C.

Feeling feelings.

Snoozles!

Bob Weir.

Gremlin baths.

Sleepy puppy.

Down for the count.

Chicken and dumplings and red wine.  Uber comfort.

Oh look, my dog again.

I might be obsessed.  Even when he’s a wet rat.

Rock shrimp tacos.

Clean meatloaf. Nom.

Rack pulls in an empty gym.

Some guys wear jorts to the gym, cling to the treadmill, and drink diet coke.  I’m very okay with that–to each his own.

Whiskey cupcakes for the boy’s birthday.

A little Moe.

Chinese food bed picnics with the pup.

Eric modeling the new grill.

Those summer niiiiiiiIIIIIIIIghts.

BBS! <3

-C.

Goodbyes, and Hello.

Wow.  It’s been over a month since I’ve posted.  And while, I’ve been reading blogs, I just haven’t had the energy to blog.  So here’s the deal…

My Dad died.  Sorry for no forewarning before dropping that bomb, but that’s kind of how it felt.  I would sugar coat it for you, but that’s not how it works.  And if you’re not interested, you can sit this one out.  I wish I could, too.  But I’ll be back soon with less depressing news, I hope.

You may have caught on that my Dad was sick.  Cancer.  He found out about a year ago, and had been undergoing various treatment, including radiation, surgery and chemo.  I had been in and out of the hospital with him for the past year, from anywhere for three days to two weeks.  Each time, I feared he would never come home.  This last time, my fear came true.  Almost.

He didn’t pull through this time.  He went in as directed from his radiation oncologist, and was being treated for a pulmonary embolism.  It turns out he didn’t have one, but soon after they realized that, his heart rate shot through the roof, and in order to control and monitor it, they had to move him to the ICU– a place we knew well.  Unfortunately he was declining rapidly, physically and mentally, and the doctors confirmed the end was near.  By Saturday evening we were able to transport him home to go peacefully in his own bed.  7 hours later, he was gone.

So I suppose that explains why I’ve been absent.  After that came planning a funeral, lots of unfortunate and unnecessary family drama, anger, and now depression.

It feels weird.  That’s the best I can describe it when I really think about it.  It still doesn’t seem completely real yet.  The whole thing was big, shocking, traumatic blur.  They had told us he had 1 1/2 – 2 years.  I had no idea it would happen so fast.  I don’t think anyone did.  And that’s life.

I know I would benefit from a therapist, but I’m not ready yet.  Therapy had helped me through my ED and it’s root causes, but I didn’t leave off with a counselor who I loved, and I have no urge to go talk to someone I’m not a huge fan of.

If there’s such thing as a bright side, I have been getting along with my sisters, with whom I was barely speaking before.  We were able to get him home, which was all he wanted. And he no longer has to suffer.  And while I’m not a religious person, I like to think he is with my mother again.

I’ve been through a lot, and had I not dealt with the baggage of my childhood, I would never have overcome my ED, and I don’t think i would be able to get through this.  But it’s effing tough.  I don’t feel normal.  I’m exhausted all the time, and lack motivation–although the gym does help.  The music and the endorphins help me feel feelings again.  But all I want to do is nothing, all the time. I feel like I can’t be a good girlfriend either.  And of course, continually having to remind myself that I don’t have to get him a birthday gift, or a Father’s Day card, that I can’t stop by and see him after work, or call him if I can’t figure out how to be an adult and I need his advice.

I’m an orphan now.  I know 27 is too old to be an orphan, but it’s kind of true.  I lost my mom at age 5, and now I feel like I have no one left to make me feel like a kid.  And I don’t completely feel like an adult yet.  It’s weird.

I know I’ll be fine eventually.  I just figured I’d fill you all in on where I’ve been, if anyone’s still reading.  I missed blogging and all of you, but I know you’d all understand.

I’ll be back real soon with some happier posts.

<3,

C.

WIAW: picture updates are worth a thousand words

I missed you guys!

Needless to say, I’ve been neglecting the blog because life has been busy.  So without further ado, here’s what’s going on lately.

We moved!  So exhausting, but so worth it.  :D

Our fridge.

How much crap can you fit in a Mini Cooper?  That’s my I don’t want to move face.

And of course there’s always time for live music.

Especially with a view from the top.

Or when you pretend you’re the sound guy.

Remembering, and finding light (and beauty) even in the darkness.

Work is swamped.  And paperwork is never fun.

But I did manage to book a cruise with one of my best friends.  Never been on a cruise, or to the Carribbean islands, so I can knock that off the bucket list.  Can’t wait.

And of course, there’s always time for food.I tried the wonder that is Walden Farms pancake syrup.  Hooked.  Mmmm now I want pancakes.Nomlette. Greek yogurt made a shortlived comeback.  Mango helps.Put guac on anything and it’s infinitely better.Sometimes the salad bar is both necessary and delicious.Wouldn’t be Sunday without a Chinese Food bed picnic.  We also hit up restaurant week.  Our friend’s place, The Hollow, just reopened/renovated/changed names/got a new menu.Short ribs for him.Fried Chicken and waffles and veggies for me.  They sold out.  Good for them, sad for me.A very salty and delicious salad.A very delicious french onion soup with pumpkin pumpernickel crouton.  Best part of the meal.Complimentary marinated feta. Finally was taken to lunch by my co-workers (tradition).  I picked Risotto, and Courtney was right.  Everyone LOVED it.I got the shrimp kebob. Nom.We shared the sampler platter.  Falafel, Baba Ganoush, taboule, hummus, tzatziki with pita.  8 thumbs up.Strawberry cheesecake Quest bars are one of my faves, officially.  So if you have any extras lying around…But I’ll settle for the holy grail.  I ate it in the car, so I’m sure when I warm up the next one, I should probably not be operating heavy machinery.First real meal in the new place.  Brunch!Trader Joe finds.  I don’t even like dark chocolate but this sh*t is bananas.FTW.  How have we never met before.Galia melons.  If  a honeydew and a canteloupe  had a baby.Taco Tuesday!Week 2!This week.  First T.T. in our place.  Eric was very excited.Well, I’m pooped.  I hope you all are having a great week, and don’t hate me for being so distant.  It’s not you, it’s me. Hopefully I’ll be back soon with more words.  Maybe even some paragraphs.<3XO, C. What’s new with you guys?Do you celebrate Taco Tuesday?  Sunday Chinese food bed picnics (ha)? Or another food day tradition?

Growing up…

Growing up is…

Spending most of your weekend furniture shopping.

Waking up in the middle of the night because your gut tells you you made the wrong choice on the ottoman, and heading back in the morning to cancel your special order.

Eating dinner at the diner on a Friday night.

Sunday Chinese food bed picnics. Soon with our own pup and not the boy’s roommate’s. Hey, Esco.

Seeing 4 Redbox movies in the past 2 weekends to save money on entertainment expenses.

No longer having to commute between my house and his. There will just be “ours.”

Walking away from a giant Easter candy bin marked %75 percent off. The boy has no self control when it comes to candy, so we were both better off.

The gallon challenge.

Waking up slow and acting like a kid.

Sunday brunch.

Choosing dishware patterns.

Final decisions.

Not taking yourself too seriously.

Getting tired of tragedies where people hurt people. Big or small. (Positive thoughts to Boston.)

Allowing yourself to be weak. To cry. To let someone else listen and help.Accepting the fact that your parents, as much as you want to keep them immortal, won’t be around forever (but that doesn’t make hearing it from the doctor any easier)…

But that you will be okay.

XO, C.

What reminds you that you’re not a kid anymore?

Listen Up (and Get Down)

I’m back.  And not a week later.  Woohoo!

So let’s get down to business.  I have talked before about how important music is to me, it’s almost my…spiritual outlet.  So I figured I’d round up some my recent favorite tunes.

C2C – I’ve heard these guys on a local radiostation a few times and I always Shazaam their songs.  They remind me a bit of Pretty Lights and they have some fun tracks.

Bruno Mars- I figured I’d include this before I get sick of it, since anytime it’s on the radio, I turn it up and scream sing along. It helps that my boyfriend likes it too, but I always love a good crawling back song.

The Band Perry-  I heart her ever since, “If I Die Young.”  She’s almost too cool for country, and this song is no different.  A little creepy, but you have to admire her commitment to her man.

And while we’re on the subject of country…

Lady Antebellum- Before this song (i.e., “I need you now”), not a fan. With this, I dig it. Fun to sing while driving, and the video has Caroline Channing in it. (2 Broke Girls anyone? LAAARRVVVEE <3 it!)

NKOTB- Yup, I said it. I had no expectations about their comeback. Well, that’s not entirely true, I figured it would be bad. But I am so pleasantly surprise. Maybe it’s Donnie’s glasses (Eric has very similar one’s that I picked out for him), but they’ve got a sound reminiscent of Cee-Lo, and I don’t hate it.

The Wood Brothers- For those of you that don’t know, I’m kind of a hippie- in that I date a boy who loves phish and wore tie-dyes (he’s a lawyer now-go figure), and I also dated one in highschool (whose also a lawyer now…weird, I know), so the jam band music starts to grow on you. And I must admit, music festivals are fun. Camping with 50+ of your friends and listening to live music all day and night for 4 days. We saw these guys at Moe.Down last year and they sound a bit like the Black Keyes (who were also at Moe.Down 3 years back.)

I’ve also been listening to Janet Jackson’s Pandora while I work out and I love some of the random songs that pop up. I even got to have a live duet of this song in my living room for everyone on FriendsEaster. I think we enjoyed it way more than everyone else.

And Brandy. She was my favorite back in the “The Boy is Mine Days” and I always enjoy when her songs come on. And with a hat like this, what’s not to love.

Okay, enough throwbacks. One more video I do want to share is a new girl-crush fave choreographer. Apparently she was on a winning team on America’s Best Dance Crew, and she’s basically the cutest thing ever. I always enjoy finding really talented hip-hop choreographers on YouTube, especially when they are women.

Marry me, Chachi.  Or just teach me how to move like you, you tiny adorable dance creature.

As you can see, my taste is all over the place. I never choose music based on broad generalizations, and I don’t dislike any genre. If it moves me in some way, emotionally or physically, count me in.

I’ll try to do these more often if you guys like (and more posts in general- don’t hate me). I always think it’s fun to share music and find new (or new to me) tunes, or remember a song I loved a million years ago and take a walk down memory lane.

XO, C.

Any new music to share?

Have any recommendations for awesome Pandora stations?

What’s your favorite type of video to watch on YouTube? I like finding new music, choreographers, Jenna Marbles, and ridiculously cute baby animal videos.;)

WIAW: Just because I don’t blog, doesn’t mean I don’t eat.

I’ve been an absentee blogger lately.  Life happens and lately it’s involved shopping to furnish a new house, hearing more bad health news for my Dad, and a full plate at work.

So since we’re on the topic of full plates, let’s catch up what I’ve been eating lately.  Never too busy too eat, I always say.

Seriously, I don’t know how people “forget” to eat.  Pshh. Amateurs.  ;) And I never lose my appetite when I’m stressed.  Or ever.

I had planned to blog Sunday, but my boyfriend’s internet was down at his house, so I was forced to snoozle instead.  And eat this:

Oh the horror.

Sunday Chinese food bed picnics are an official tradition, and we found our new spot before we even move in to our new house.

We also had Japanese food Saturday night.  I was stuck in a house full of boys watching the ‘Cuse Michigan game and demanded Sushi for my sanity, and because I was starving from hitting new PRs on back day.

In fact, I’ve been killing my workouts lately.  I’ve been super-motivated to push myself just a little bit more- more weight, more reps, more heart into it.  And it feels great.

So I guess this was in order.  Hopefully it will help since I did buy way too many of these:

I’ve had the strawberry cheesecake, apple pie, and chocolate peanut butter ones before (I think.) Why must you cost like, 3$ a piece?!  And be so delicious and nutritious?  Luckily they were buy 2, get one free, and 20% off.
So far the coconut almond has been my favorite.  I like that they’re so chewy because it keeps me from inhaling them, and living off them- and then dying of stomach cramps from all that fiber

Oh yeah, the weekend wouldn’t have been the same without this brunch, which Eric  described as “oh my God, this is amazing, I could eat this everyday.”:

Whole wheat french toast made with coconut milk, topped with caramelized bananas cooked in coconut oil, and cookie butter. Served in bed.  That boy is spoiled.  Granted he did have to work from home all weekend.  But that means I get to snoozle him all weekend.

Also in my belly this week:

Stuffed cabbage casserole, adapted from this recipe.  I used lean ground pork instead of beef.  Tastes ike a bowl full of golumpkis.

Next up, creamy chipotle chicken soft tacos for Taco Tuesday.

I attempted to make this non-crockpot recipe in a crock pot, and reduced the amount of cheese, which all left it a little runny.

But still delicious.  Especially with TJs guac.  Too bad these aren’t chewy, because I definitely inhaled these .  Like, Gone in 60 Seconds.

And finally, a lightened up Chicken Francaise.

This was even better as leftovers.  Which is good, because 90% of my meals are leftovers.

Served over Parma roasted asparagus.  So simple and so beautiful.  Tastes pretty, too.

Well, at least you know I’m not wasting away(and have been doing well mixing up my menu).  Hopefully I’ll be back soon with some non-related food posts.  I do do things other than eat, and think about things other than food.

Sometimes.

XO,

C.

P.S., Bonus points if you caught the title reference.

“Just because you don’t yell, doesn’t mean you’re not mean” <3

What’s the best thing you ate lately?

What’s your favorite Quest Bar flavor?  (I haven’t found a Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, if anyone wants to send me one….hint, hint.)

Do you have any weekly food traditions? Sunday Chinese Food Bed Picnics and Taco Tuesday have been going strong.  Looking forward to the big move so I can start cooking for 2 regularly.

Okay, one more, I know– totally random, but I love them! <3 And confession: Paul Rudd is my celebrity crush/free pass.  ;)

Hey, what can I say, I like nice, fun guys with dark hair….

WIAW: Stir it Up, Little Darlin’

Today I read this post from “Yes and Yes,” about putting your money where your happy is, or investing in the things that lift you up, and scrimping on things that you could live without.

Food is one thing I don’t pinch pennies over.  And for good reason, it makes me happy.

This kid knows what’s up. Ha.

Some of the comments talked about saving or splurging on healthy foods, and I agree that this is important to me too, but in terms of groceries, while I still feel like I spend too much (I’ve gotten way better!), and I won’t live off ramen or processed foods just  to save a few bucks, but there are ways to eat healthy wholesome foods most of the time and not go crazy.  Trader Joe’s, for example, has many kinds of organic produce for cheaper than I can find pesticide flavored regular fruits and veggies at my local grocery stores.

DIning out for Sushi is a whole other story.  But luckily we have an excellent all-you-can eat Sushi/Japanese place nearby.  $22.99 per person.  No joke.  And the food is quality and delicious.

Anywho, aside from food (I do think about other things! Sometimes….), it got me thinking about spending money on things that make me happy.

They say experiences make you happy, and I certainly spend enough money on concerts (music in any form makes me happy.  Bob Marley is an instant mood lifter), but I would like to travel (out of state. out of the country.) more.

And I could definitely use an entire new wardrobe.  For serious.

Like really though.

Maybe it’s vain but I do feel better when I’m put together.  Lately I’ve kind of given up, and the fact that I hate shopping doesn’t help.  But I’m going to make the sacrifice to revamp my lacking and shrinking wardrobe (I keep getting rid of things I don’t wear, and it’s quickly dwindling down to nothing  Womp, womp).

My shoe situation is dire right now.  Not even exaggerating.

Okay, it’s Wednesday, back to the food.  Just buying groceries isn’t enough of course, because with my budget, they don’t cook themselves.  So in an effort to mix up my meals this week, I tried some new recipes.  I’m officially sick of egg scrambles, which was inevitable, but here’s what I’ve been eating lately.  So it was time to change it up.

I made cupcakes three times in one week.  I’m officially sick of them, and I really didn’t have more than a few bites.  Just sick of looking at them.

Okay, when they’re as cute as the Easter cupcakes, I’m pretty okay with them.

Italian sweets from Easter.  These I could definitely get down with.  Probably because I didn’t make them.  Also I enjoy trying and taking a bite of every cookie on the tray.  Just like I steal the chunks out of the ice cream.

There were some healthier sweets this week.  I got sick of protein shakes and had to take a break for a while, but they’re back.  Mixed berry banana post-workout smoothie right here.  Blend it up.

I used my clean banana pancake recipe in my waffle maker.  Success.  They came out dense, which I actually really liked.  No wimpy waffles here.  I’ll be whipping these up again.

Of course the star quality Roasted Chicken.  Big hit.  Cooked up to perfection.

After I bought all the ingredients at 3 different store, spent too much money, and had to go back to the store after I got the wrong ingredient for Easter dessert to bring to Eric’s parents for Easter, he told me his mom suggested I bring an appetizer.  His aunt was bringing dessert (those tasty Italian cookies).  Womp, womp.  But I wasn’t giving up my adorable cupcakes, and brought these adorable baby quiche that I whipped up from ingredients I had on hand including sundried tomatoes, caramelized red onions, and baby swiss.  Big hit.  Eric’s Dad approved.

I was able to arrange a get together with a couple of my cousins I don’t see often enough.  My cousin Alicia made a delicious dinner with EVOO, fresh tomatoes, asparagus, and shrimp!  Yum! It was a bit spicy from some red pepper flakes.  Even better.  Interesting note: I’m not really a fan of pasta.  I stopped eating it a while back because of carbs, but now I don’t even care for it.  Most of the pasta was left on the plate, but I doubled up on the shrimp.  I could never give up meat. (Is shrimp meat?  Yes.  Give to me.  Eat it up.)

Reunited and it feels so good.  Excuse the sideways shot.  They’re delicious any which way you snap it.

I’ve only had quinoa one other time before I bought this bag at TJ’s.  What kind of blogger am I?  Verdict.  Eh.  I prefer brown rice.  Or overnight oats.  Or pancakes. Ohh….pancakes.

Quiche!  The minis were so good I made a big guy to slice up for the week.  The sundried tomatoes are key and add a smokey flavor to the dish.  I also added spinach to this one.

My spin on Tara’s Red Curry chicken.  I’ve been meaning to try this for a while and it’s been a nice addition to mix things up.

And then my fridge exploded.  Jk.  But kinda.  It’s not all mine!

Added some shredded roasted chicken and sweet potato to the quiche.  Great work meal.

Taco Tuesday!  If you follow me on instragram, you’ve seen these beauties.  Pork tacos.  The only thing that could make these better than the Trader Joe’s guac does is the Trader Joe’s low carb tortillas.  Low carb or not, those things are delicious.  Get in my belly.

Baked chicken breast stuffed with spinach, greek yogurt, and parma, topped with TJ’s marinara and mozz.  With a side of sauteed squash and zuchinni.  Italian heaven is caramelized zuchinni.

And finally, I’ve found a lighter version of hot chocolate.  Starbucks (usually not a fan, but I was waiting to pick up the BF from think that enwork, and there’s an Sbucks in the lobby of his building) Americano with sugar free mocha and a splash of half and half.  Tastes like a dark hot chocolate.  Drink it up!

Alrighty, I think that’s plenty of food for the week.  I definitely enjoyed the variety, and I think that’s the key to my happiness in general.  After all, variety is the spice of life.

Or is it nutmeg.  Hmmm, what is that?

Nutmeg! Bonus points if you got the reference.  Happy Humpday!
Xo, C.

What’s the best thing you ate this week?

Do you eat the same things all the time or switch things up often?

What do you make sure to spend money on that makes you truly happy?

Wop, Hop, Hooray!

Why hello, strangers! Did you miss me?

 Gotta love Shosh.

I’ve got to stop being such an absentee blogger.  So without further ado, here’s some updates on what’s going on the past week or so.

FriendsEaster!

I had two of my best girl friends from high school and their other halfs over to celebrate Easter early.

I roasted an 8 lb chicken, a la Sara, with lemon, veggies and potatoes, and cornbread for good measure.  I thought I’d have wayyy too much.  I was wrong.  They were practically picking at the carcass.  Success!

You remember Courtney and Jared.  Jared volunteer to carve the bird.

Girl talk, cupcakes, and March Madness rounded out the evening.  And Courtney later introduced us to the “wop.”

And then she did it herself.  In my Halloween Koala costume.

There may have been some wine involved in the making of this video, but she did tell me she wants it to go viral.  So there it is. Don’t judge.

Moving on…lol.

EasterEaster!  We spent most of the day at Eric’s family’s house.

Eric trying to help his nephew with Lego Star Wars on DS.  The long eyelashes must run in the family.

Uncle Princ(ess) Eric and Liam.

Lots more food to come tomorrow, but I did make some adorable cupcakes.

A lovely addition to way much dessert.

And speaking of, I realized that while I love feeling free to eat and enjoy whatever I want and embrace the holiday and time with friends, I want to try to clean up my diet, and particularly the alcohol.

I kid.

I’m young and enjoy drinking socially, but it won’t kill me to limit it to once a week, tops.  Maybe a few less treats, too.  Nothing crazy, not restriction, but making sure I fill up on solid real food before mindlessly reaching for junk.  I stopped weighing myself, but it would be nice to see more of the muscle I’ve been building shine through.

It helps when you flex with 80 lbs of weight pressing against your quads.

I also really prefer morning workouts and want to try to stick to that routine.  I’ve also been sure to push myself a little bit harder with each workout and I love starting my day with that feeling of accomplishment.It will be much easier once Eric and I are in one house and I’m not commuting back and forth.

Hello my name is Cassie, and I’m a snoozle addict.

Never gets old.

And lastly, my co-workers gave me a belated birthday gift.  We are constantly in and out of the office, busy, busy, busy and they wanted to let me know they didn’t forget, and that I’m important to them.

Just another reason I love my job life.  And they have great taste.

Although it’s not perfect I truly am blessed with a crazy, beautiful life, and I’m loving every (busy) second of it.

I may not get as much time to blog as I’d like, but when I’m not sharing my thoughts with you here (I do try to keep up on reading and commenting), I’m living life to it’s fullest.

I guess i’m out of my funk.

And I’ll be back tomorrow with all the delicious foods I’ve been eating.

How was your Easter/Passover?

Do you have special holiday celebrations with friends? (I.e., Friendsgiving, or Fratsgiving, when you make meatloaf and instant mashed potatoes, lol.)

What do you feel lucky/blessed about in your life lately?

I’m Alive!

Surprise!  I’m not dead!  Did you miss me?

You can always trust a Morgan Freeman movie quote.  Words to live by, and boy have I been living life in the fast lane lately.

So as not to completely leave you all hanging, before I can make my way back to regular blogging, I wanted to fill you all in, in photographic form, on how I’ve been living lately.  So without further ado..

The lovely Albany state capital.

Mental Health Matters Legislative Day for Work

CDs gifted from my boss

Totally burnt my neck with a curling iron.

That’s skin from my neck.  Yup, gross and painful.

Long hair, don’t care.

I love this little guy.  So funny looking.

Taking fitness pictures at home is still just as awkward as in the gym.

Start Making Sense!

I call these the crazy Kahl eyes.

Black tipped mani.

Guns!

Last minute winter snowstorm.

Dyed batters for…

Tie-dyed cupcakes!

So delicious!

And now, a pictoral Snoe.down recap (winter music festival in Vermont)…

A well balanced fridge.

The beast.

Lions, tigers, and beers.

Killington Mountain

Moe.

Lisa and Mark

Me, Eric, and the unicorn hat.

 

Late night chicken patty feast.

Chinese food camera ambush

Solidifying our new (favorite) tradition: Sunday Chinese Food picnics in bed!

Well, hopefully you can see why I’m a wee bit exhausted, and still trying to catch up on sleep.  But I hope you all haven’t given up on me over here.

Sometimes life gets in the way of living, but that hasn’t been the case lately.  And I’m pretty okay with that.

But before I go, some news:  We signed a lease on a house!  One month til I get to snoozle my boy to sleep everynight.  So happy!

<3, C.

Have you gotten any good news lately?

What’s the best thing you’ve done recently?

Have you ever attended a music festival?