Weekend Update

Hello everyone. I'm so sorry for the lack of posts lately! I'll be honest - I'm really lacking energy lately. Perhaps I need to get my thyroid checked again... bah. Anyway! Here's how I spent my weekend.

I had a family concert on Sunday - I have a lot of work to do whenever there's a family concert, so I found myself at the office very late on Friday. Boooo. Around 8pm I left and met up with Andy. Even though I had thrown a crock-pot dish together that morning we said 'screw it' and went out to eat. Despite a ridiculously long wait, I had a really nice time having dinner with Andy. :-)

On Saturday I worked Job #2, then went to work on my family concert again. I was charged with pitching a bunch of bottles to a particular set of notes. Andy really got into it!

Then we totally geeked out and did this for quite awhile...

I know. We are huge dorks.

Moving on! Later on Saturday night, Anna, Bipul, and Will came over to hang out. I made a bread pudding to celebrate Andy's birthday, and it turned out pretty well!

Sunday was taken up primarily by the family concert. It went really well. The best part though was that Andy stayed home and made a really good cassoulet for lunch/dinner, followed by an apple galette. Oui oui!

And the weekend ended with me curled up on the couch watching the Miss Universe Pageant. I love pageants! I can't help it!!

There you have it! Not the most thrilling weekend ever what with work, but pretty good nonetheless.

A Week of Updates!

Wow am I behind with posts! Let's catch up. Here's what I've been up to...

Thursday 
The Kaddish concert was in the evening, so I went to that. It was interesting. Some parts I really enjoyed, others didn't speak to me as much. I'll be honest... the week leading up to it was so busy, I'm just glad it's over.

Friday
Some how or other, Rochester won a Pepsi competition, resulting in vending machines of free Pepsi being placed throughout downtown. Even though I haven't had any pop in over a year, I still wanted to push the button. Who doesn't like free things!? I gave my free Pepsi to Lani. :-) She and I were a little too excited about the free Pepsi, haha.

We also celebrated the January birthdays in the office. Kara and I each made a cake (mine is the chocolate one). They were both delicious!

Saturday
I worked Job #2. I went to stores with Lani. And... I honestly don't remember what else.

Sunday
Andy's mom and dad came over for brunch so we could celebrate Andy's birthday. Chef Andy/Jacques made a DELICIOUS breakfast of french toast casserole and an egg tart. I forgot to take a picture before we all dove in... everything was sooooooo good.

And that night, Will and Rose invited me over for dinner, which was also delicious! However, I was late getting over there because I had to watch the end of the Seahawk's game. How exciting!!!

Monday
Thank goodness for MLK Jr. day... no work!! I slept in, did some goofy exercise videos, and switched over my car insurance (that took awhile). Then Lani taught me how to make duct tape flowers. So cool!

I also checked in on Poco and Otis since Anna was out of town. I love little Poco so much.

Tuesday - Happy Birthday Husband!!!
I declared that Tuesday would be name change day, so I started off at the Social Security Office. Friends... that is hell on Earth. No exaggeration. I would not wish that place on my worst enemy. I hope you never ever ever ever ever have to go there. And if you do, do not go to the one in downtown Rochester. Don't do it!!!!!!! I was told there that I would have to wait 7-10 days to receive my new social security card, which put a damper on my name change plans for the rest of the day... but since I had already taken the day off...

I went and got my hair done! This time I got lowlights in addition to highlights, and I really like it!

I also had to work Job #2. Then I finished my book "UnWholly" while laying in bed.

Wednesday
Pretty normal Wednesday. Highlight of the day... it was my 500 day anniversary of no Diet Coke!!!!! AAAAAAMAZING!!!!!! I am so proud of myself.

Thursday
And here we are today. With a family concert on Sunday, I will be busy doing arts and crafts at work - not a bad day. Stay tuned for more (frequent) updates on my day-to-day activities!

The lead up to "Kaddish"

My two other events are over! Yay!! They all went well, but I'm definitely glad they are over... I've had a hard time concentrating on other work-related subjects this week because of them, and I certainly have many other things I need to be paying attention to. Eep!

I'll be honest, I thought after hearing the same presentation three times in one week I'd be pretty bored, but the audience's questions were so different and inspired good discussions each time. It actually wasn't that bad!

Here's what I've learned about the Holocaust in the last week...

- Unless you were able to work, you were immediately sent to the gas chambers when you arrived at a concentration camp. So basically children and older adults never stood a chance. In fact, only one in every fourth of the Jews that arrived at the camps was selected for forced labor - the rest were gassed to death immediately upon arrival.

- The Nazi's took great interest in twins. In fact, there is a survivor here in Rochester who is a twin and said the only reason he survived was because of that fact (he went to the camps when he was a young child, so never would have survived otherwise).

- In addition to Jews, millions of others were killed in the Holocaust, including the disabled, gypsies, Jehovah's Witnesses, and homosexuals.

I guess you'd say it hasn't been the most uplifting week ever, and tonight is the concert, which I imagine will be anything but "joyful," but having been surrounded with talk of the Holocaust all week long, I will admit, I'm actually looking forward to tonight's performance. I'll let you know how it goes!

Lunch and Learn

This week the orchestra is playing a special concert about the Holocaust. I won't go into it too much, but as a result, my schedule is full of educational events I've had to plan around the community leading up to said concert. 

My first event was yesterday at the Jewish Community Center. I'll be honest... I threw it together at the last minute, but amazingly it all came together and people seemed to enjoy their experience. Phew!

I managed to have a full house, which was a welcomed surprise. One woman in attendance was even a Holocaust survivor, so that was very special.

I have two more educational events to run this week before the concert on Thursday night - it will certainly make the week go by quickly!

Last night I also went to calling hours for Andy Eilertsen, the brother of my friends Lisa and Laura. He was only 33 and passed away suddenly. I just can't even imagine... and I feel so deeply for Laura and Lisa. Please keep them all in your thoughts. I know I sure am.

Craaaazy Weekend

Andy was out of town this weekend, leaving me to my own devices. Friday night... so many possibilities! Hit the club? Go bar hopping? Try skydiving?

Nope. I had an even crazier idea.

That's right! I cleaned out AND reorganized our linen closet. Woohoo!! ;-) What a thrilling night, haha.

Over the course of the rest of the weekend, a lot of this happened...

I WAS SO COLD! I had to be huddled under blankets if I was on the couch. I slept in a zillion layers with a zillion blankets, and still never really felt warm. Stupid winter!

The two highlights of the weekend were Saturday night when Anna came over and hung out, and Sunday evening when I went to see my friend Brigid's new beautiful house for dinner. It was so much fun, and I can't wait until I'm a grownup and can have an amazing house like Brigid!!!

What would be in my dream house?

- a doggy door leading to a fenced-in yard
- a huge closet with one of those rotating hanging racks, like at the dry-cleaners (ok I guess I'd settle for a huge closet with a regular hanging rack)
- a fireplace
- toilets with strong flushing power (I like to use a generous amount of toilet paper, what can I say?)
- an amazing deck with privacy but not tree/shade issues for perfect sunbathing
- a maid (hahaha)

I could go on and on, but I'm sure you're starting to question my sanity so I'll stop there. However, Brigid has a separate closet for her purses and shoes, so hey... maybe dreams do come true!

What features would your dream house have?

Survey

It's Friday! Let's mix things up with a survey because.... why not!

45 of the most random things you probably never needed to know about someone

(that someone being me of course)

What is your name spelled backwards? Arabrab

What did you do last night? Watched Season 3 of Burning Love. It was amazing.

The last thing you downloaded onto your computer? A flyer advertising an upcoming concert for work

Have you ever licked a 9 volt battery? um, no

Last time you swam in a pool? On my honeymoon in Cancun!

What are you wearing? Snow boots, thick socks, jeans, a sweatshirt, and a scarf

How many cars have you owned? I'm poor so I've owned zero. How many cars have I been given as "mine"? that would be three.

Type of music you dislike most? country

Are you registered to vote? yes

Do you have cable? Again, too poor for that. Thank goodness for Netflix!

What kind of computer do you use? A Dell desktop at work and an Apple laptop at home

Ever made a prank phone call? YES! And I'd like to say I am very good at them, haha

You like anyone right now? Hmm, I can tell this survey was not meant for a 31-year-old. But yes I do like someone. I'm married to him.

Would you go bungee jumping or sky diving? no

Furthest place you've ever traveled? Japan! LOVED IT!

What's your favorite comic strip? um... maybe the Peanuts? I don't really have one.

Do you know all the words to the national anthem? Why yes I do

Shower, morning or night? usually morning unless I've been to the gym later in the day

Best movie you've seen in the last month? The only movie I've seen in the last month was Interstellar, but I did enjoy it

Favorite pizza toppings? Cheese, Green Pepper, and mushrooms

Chips or Popcorn? Chips. Sorry Mom!

What cell phone provider do you have? AT&T

Have you ever smoked peanut shells? Is that something you can do? I've never heard of such a thing!

Have you ever been in a beauty pageant? Why yes I have!

Orange juice or apple? orange

Who were the last people you sat at lunch with? Kara, Irene, Mark, and Michelle - all coworkers who I enjoy very much!

Favorite Chocolate Bar? can Snickers count? I like those.

Who is your longest friend and how long? Sheena!!! We have known each other since we were 8.

Last time you ate a homegrown tomato? Last summer when they were in season

Have you ever won a trophy? I got one for playing T-ball, several for pageants, and even one for placing in a 5k!

Favorite arcade game? skee ball

Ever ordered from an infomercial? The Ronco Electric Food Dehydrator. I had that infomercial memorized. 

Sprite or 7-Up? I don't drink it, so no preference

Have you ever had to wear a uniform to school/work? I had to wear my cheerleading uniform to school all the time. And for work I had to wear a uniform when I was barista, and currently have one for Job #2.

Last thing you bought at Walgreens? Why Walgreens? Probably contact solution... I really have no idea

Ever thrown up in public? Yes. I believe that last time would have been in the hall trash can at the University of Washington. I was really sick and didn't make it to the bathroom in time.

Would you prefer being a millionaire or finding true love? show me the money!!! Just kidding, Andy. ;-)

Do you believe in love at first site? 100% I experience it almost every time I go to the mall. I love clothes.

Spongebob or Jimmy Neutron? Who is Jimmy Neutron? I feel old.

Did you have long hair as a young kid? I sure did

What message is on your voicemail machine? I believe it is the automatic computer robot message

Where would you like to go right now? The bathroom. I've been drinking a lot of water today...

What's the name of your pet? TBD! First we have to find a pet, lol

What kind of backpack do you have and what's in it? Well I have a Kate Spade purse, not a backpack, and it holds my planner, a journal, my wallet, and sunglasses

What do you think about most? probably food. I like it a lot

Aren't you glad you know all of that about me now??? Feel free to email me with your answers if you'd like! 

Have a great weekend!!

 

Fur Baby

Big news! After a lot of discussion, Andy and I have decided to expand out family and get a dog!!! I've been looking online for awhile, and on Tuesday during lunch I found Beal, a German Sheppard/Collie mix, up for adoption. She was adorable! I called and told them we would be in first thing in the morning to look at her.

We got there in the morning, but someone had already beat us to her. Beal was gone. :( Since we were already there we decided to look at the rest of the pups.

They were all very cute, but none of them really tugged at the ol' heart strings. And so the search continues.

Here's my wish list for the ideal pup...
- female
- non-shedding
- fun to pet
- cute face
- good snuggler
- small/light enough that I can pick her up

So.... basically I want another Phoebe, haha. Phoebe II. After our visit to the shelter, I think Andy and I are going to also explore the world of breeders. Not that there is anything wrong with a shelter dog at all, and who knows, maybe the most perfect puppy will show up there, but it's at least good for us to be aware of all of the options. It will most likely be a bit before we actually get one, but there's a dog in our future, and I am very excited about it!

For those of you who have or have had dogs in the past, where did you find yours?

Brrrrr

It is freezing cold!!!

According to the weather channel, it actually only feels like 5 degrees outside - go away wind!

It seemed like my tear-off calendar was psychic. Check out yesterday's...

Oh so true! Hahaha. Ugh. ;-)

Last night Andy and I headed to the mall to try to find him a new winter coat. I had fun picking out things for him to try. He sure is picky!

Two hours later, we closed down the mall, but he eventually found one he deemed acceptable enough to try (but the receipt has been saved just in case). And the best part is... the coat was originally $250 and we managed to get it for $112. Woohoo! I love a bargain, even if it isn't for me. :-)

Here's how I'm staying warm at the moment...
- Space heater is cranked on high 4 feet from where I'm sitting
- wearing knee high socks with my new tall UGG boots (nice and cozy)
- drinking coffee
- nice big sweater

Of course my fingers are still cold, but I can't exactly type all that well while wearing gloves. I actually keep a blanket in one of my desk drawers at work. It really can get that bad!

I hope you are all staying warm and cozy - it seems like most of the country is going through an arctic blast. What's your favorite way to stay warm?

Quiet Weekend

The first weekend of the new year was a quiet one.

Friday
After work, Andy/Jacques made dinner. This time is was pork chops, peas and carrots, and butternut squash. It was all very tasty!

Then we went to the gym together. As you can see, I'm doing an excellent job drinking my water!

The rest of the night was spent watching The Killing. We were nearing the end of season 2, so it was getting gooooood.

Saturday
Worked at Job #2. Took a nap. Then ran into Kristin at Wegmans!

I swear I see someone I know every single time I go into that store. But it's always best when it's someone you actually want to see! Haha, yay for Kristin!

Saturday night wrapped up finishing season 2 of The Killing. Kind of a weird ending...

Sunday
I reaaaaaally slept in. Oops! Andy and I ran a few errands, including a trip to the music store where we bought a duet book. At first we played our own instruments, but eventually we traded. Here was the result...

This went on forever! It's been awhile since I've played, so my lip is still sore today. If you couldn't guess, Andy and I are not exactly proficient at each other's instruments lol.

And finally the weekend ended with the return of...... DOWNTON ABBEY!!!!!! Finally!!!!

List time. My top 5 favorite characters in Downton Abbey are...
1) Violet, the Dowager Countess
2) Lady Mary
3) Lady Rose
4) Anna
5) Cora Crawley

I guess I have a thing for the ladies of Downton! I honestly think it is mostly because of their clothes, but the Dowager wins top honors for her quotes. The best line from last night was, "Principles are like prayers. Noble, of course, but awkward at a party." Oh how I love her.

Anyone else a Downton fan out there?

Happy New Year!!

It's 2015, can you believe it!? Happy New Year!!!

New Year's Eve
Andy and I flew into Buffalo so we were able to spend some time with his family before heading home. His mom had to work all day long, so we decided it would be fun to make her dinner. Of course it couldn't be just any dinner when you have Jacques Pepin/Chef Andre at the wheel.

Andy made chicken with a vegetable ragout while I played "sous chef Babette" and made green beans and cous cous.

I believe everyone liked it - it even seemed like Bailey wanted to give it a try. ;-)

We decided to head out around 9:30pm. It was snowing outside and we didn't want to wait for it to get worse. Even still, the roads were terrible. We never seemed to go above 30mph the entire way home. What is usually an hour drive took us two hours. I'm thankful we made it back safely!

With only a few minutes to spare before midnight, we stopped by our friend Will and Rose's house to ring in the new year. We also got to meet their new puppy Luna!

I was pretty exhausted so we didn't stay long, but we did stay long enough for Andy to impress them with his omelette making skills.

I'm not sure what sparked it, but all of a sudden, that boy sure loves to cook.

New Year's Day
List time! I...

- slept in
- took down the Christmas decor/tree
- went to the grocery store
- made Good Luck Pot with Andy
- unpacked
- drank four bottles of water
- flossed

You probably have a few questions now...

Good Luck Pot is a tradition in my family. It is a dish with black eyed peas, sausage, stewed tomatoes, etc. that we always make/eat on January 1st. This year I chopped the veggies while Andy cooked. It tasted SO good.

And what's with the water and floss update? Because those are my New Year's Resolutions!!! I resolve to drink more water and floss more. So far I'm off to a good start.

What resolutions did you make? I love hearing what other people decide to do. Also, telling someone your resolution is supposed to keep you more accountable.... so fess up!

*** Many people have said they've had difficulty leaving a comment. I just changed the settings, so hopefully it will be easier. Let me know if you have any problems!