Monday. Back to work after a long weekend of fun!

I do enjoy fun and partying. I really do.... but what I enjoy the most, is spending the time with my sweetheart. We had a really nice, long weekend.
We fit so much in! Sooo much in such a short amount of time.
We had a great time at the shore in Atlantic City. It was awesome! Such good bonding time. We needed to get away from it all. I am so glad we did.
We also had a nice, short, and sad good-bye visit with Lisa. The Harkins family has left the area. On to a new life in Kentucky. We'll see them again in December. I think this will be a strange adjustment. I know Brooke will miss Lindsey. I'll miss Lisa... I look forward to seeing them again.
The kids were in Ocean City. They had a nice week with their cousins. They're home now, probably sleeping til 2 p.m. and making dirty dishes.... kids I tell ya.
Summer will be over before you know it. I'm a little sad about that. It sort of feels like it's just begun.
Yesterday was an "off" day. I think with everything going on, it was like crashing from a great "high". I wished it was a better day.... but it was really blah....
Today I had a meeting with the Asst V.P of Advancement. He suggested that I apply for a job that is way more than I think I could ever handle. I told him the thought of it scared me. He told me if I chose not to go for it, there would be other opportunities coming my way. I'm not sure I'm ready for something more right now. This job I'm in now was a huge step. That would be enormous..... and quite honestly, it scares me to pieces.... But, I'm thinking about it. Wow. And I thought I moved as far up as I could. I should never think that way. I guess I have potential I just don't see.... cool.
I'm almost ready to go home. I have a lot to do this week. I am only focusing on day to day stuff right now. It's too much to think about all that needs to be done.
Sad.. this is the last week of Flex time. This Friday is my last 1/2 day Friday until May. Ugh. I love summer hours. Where did they all go?
Thinking about planning another party. A smaller one.
Thinking about taking a weekend with hubby upstate Pa. We love it up there.....
Thinking about how much fun I had with hubby this weekend, swimming in our pool. I never thought I'd have an in ground pool. How much fun is that? I loved every minute of it. Sorry that my sweetie got a sunburn though. I love him so much.

Babbling. I needed to blog.. had to get some of this stuff on record. LOL

I admit, I was searching cruises today.
I'm a cruise addict. I need help.
:) Send me on a ship. Please.

Today is my Thursday, even though it's Tuesday.

So, tomorrow will be a very fun day. I don't have to come into the office, and I get to leave to go to the beach after I leave my bosses house.
So, it's hot and humid outside. However, I am sitting at my desk with my heater on my feet. It's so difficult to predict the weather inside .... We watch the news to determine how we need to dress for the outside, but who do we turn to when we need to know what to wear to work? All I can say about that is, dress in layers. And so, I do. I wear light weight clothing and I always try to be sure I have a matching sweater with me. BUT, it never solves the issue of my feet. :)In the office, my feet are almost always cold. I can't help it. I wear sandals. I do not wear closed shoes in the summer. Never. I can't warm them up with socks. I'd look pretty silly with socks on and sandals. I can't even do like some tacky people do by slipping on a pair of slippers. (lol) I never ever know when one of the big bosses might need me right that second... and I can't be messing with my feet and changing my slippers... LOL.. so, I put the heater on and am in business. :) Well, until I step away from my heater... and then that's a whole new story. :) :) :)

Friends. Last night I was visiting with my hubby and his friend Bob. We were discussing friends. Good ones, bad ones, happy ones, sad ones. Most of all... how they can and will impact our lives. I enjoyed the conversation. I have some really amazing friends that have made such a positive impact on my life, my day to day happiness, and so forth. I am blessed to work with a few of them. It's great, I need a friend during the day, one is right there, around the corner. I love it. I am there for them too.
And then there are those who we call friends, yet often they leave us feeling conflicted, or we feel like they just might not have our best interest at heart. Seems we all have them in our lives. Why do we tolerate it? What makes them special enough to want to keep them around as a "friend". That was what we were talking about... is it really worth it? Sometimes the answer is yes, but usually the true answer is no. Something to think about. And I have been. But, I have also made a promise to myself to NOT invest a lot of time trying to figure out "why", because in the end, there's usually not an answer...
Speaking of friends... Lisa.. I have to call her. She is moving to Kentucky on Saturday. I have been in total denial. I am really going to miss her. I am going to miss the entire family. I will see her this Friday at her shore house.. but then that will be it until Christmas. How sad. Another change, another chapter turning.... And what a good hearted, true friend she is. She will be missed...
Now I better get back to work. I have a lot to accomplish before the end of the day. I won't be back in the office until next Monday, so I better quit "blogging" and get working. Well, in all fairness, I have to say. I did sit here and eat my lunch at my desk so I could take a break and blog. This is my lunch break today.

Time to go.
Being back on the blogging track feels so good. I am happy to be here...

Monday Monday.... so good to me :)

I am having a productive and busy Monday! I am happy to be at work, but sad that my wonderful weekend had to come to an end!
Fred and I had a great weekend together. We did A LOT of bonding (no not bondage) ... although the thought did cross my mind :)
We had so much fun! We played Wii together, went to a few good places to eat, Met some friends on Saturday morning at a community yard sale.. went to the Flea Market.. to a party Saturday night. And then yesterday we went to the movies, out to eat, did some shopping at the Mall... etc
Moving has been the best thing in the world for us. I mean that with all my heart. I feel closer to my husband now than I have for a long time. That's not to say that I haven't felt close to him. BUT, when we lived on the property that he worked, the stress level was so much higher, we had less space in our home, there was tension.. it was all added to our regular, everyday life. Now, we seem to be much more in tune with one another. It's so beautiful to me. I am sooo loving it. I know he is too!
Ok, now that I got that off my chest :)
Enjoying our kid free time this week. It's nice to miss the kids and be just hanging out as grown ups. It's natural to crave that sometimes. When I begin to feel guilty, like I'm a bad mom for wanting some grown up alone time, I remind myself that it's a very healthy way to live. So, that being said, I am going to enjoy every bit of this week!!!!! :) :) :) Guilt free!
So I have to work today and tomorrow. And then on Wednesday, we have a staff retreat at my bosses house. He has this incredible barn in his back yard that we're all going to meet in. It's not your typical barn. It's gorgeous! I really look forward to Wednesday. He is one of the best bosses I have ever known. And he looks out for me. I appreciate that. It should be nice.
THEN..... after we have the retreat, I am off to swipe my overnight bag off the table, and hit the road to go to the beach. I am so much looking forward to that. I am hoping that Thursday we have NO RAIN! I want to go lay out on the beach for a few hours. I want to close my eyes, listen to the waves crash onto the sand, and feel the mist of the salt water across my face. I want to get right there on the edge of the water and feel the waves crash down on me, burying my feet deeper and deeper in the sand. I want that. I miss that. I used to spend almost every day at the beach as a kid. It was normal to me. I walked to the beach every morning, and I stayed there until it was time to go home for dinner. Sometimes I would even forget that I needed to go home, and my brother would have to come get me. :) I loved the beach. I want to retire near the water. I mean that.
Speaking of the water.... my kids are at Ocean City, NJ this week with their cousins. I hope they are having a nice time. :) I'm sure I'll hear all their stories when they come home over the weekend. I look forward to it.

I am leaving this post today with a few pictures. I have been so bad about taking them, saving them, posting them. I am going to try to catch up. It's been so crazy.....

Nice to be blogging again.

:)

I don't even know how long it's been.....

I'm here. I'm dusting off the keyboard and getting back to work here on my blog.

What a year it has been so far. I would say that I haven't been blogging because I have been on all sorts of tropical vacations, visiting interesting foreign countries, etc..etc.. but that would be a lie. I have basically been up to my eyeballs in "change", and it's been a lot to carry... mentally, physically... emotionally. A lot has happened in 2009.

Let me see if I can sum it all up in less than a BOOK.

Fred and I decided to buy a house. We began our search in late February, early March. By April 29th, 2009 - we were at the settlement table. Seriously. During that time, we got word that Fred's Dad had gone from bad to worse (his health). The evening after we settled on the house, we got a phone call from his family letting us know we should get down there ( to Georgia ). The next morning, we hit the road, leaving our "fixer upper" in shambles, the kids with family until we returned, a mess of a place we were about to move out of.... and completely exhausted.
I drove 2 long days to get Fred there. It was about a 16-18 hour drive. We made it though....
Stayed for about a week. We left on the day of his Father's passing. The whole experience was something I will never forget.
Have you ever sat beside a dying man or woman? I can't even describe the feeling.... Honestly. It is so sad.. so deeply sad.
On the road... back to our home, and back to trying to pull it all together so we can move from one place to another. But, before that happens, we have to do a TON of work to our new house...
Long ride home. Sad, quiet.. and a lot of time to think about life in general. Time to count our blessings, talk about making changes, think about just how short life really is.
Now we're into the month of May. Where has the time gone? Fred turned 47 the day his Father was buried. There was no celebration for him that day. We have to really make it count next Birthday. Lord willing...
And so we move along to the working on the house. I have some amazing before and after photo's that I will post. I have to dig them up from the bottom of my computer :) BUT, I did take photos!
Moving day happened right before the 1st of June. I can hardly believe we did it. The expense of buying the house, the hard core labor put into... with Fred doing the bulk of it, and me doing the what he assigned me to do... I lost 12 pounds. LOL! It was like boot camp for me. I was NOT used to that type of work. I sit pretty at a desk most days. Not during this 3 week period. I worked like an animal. Every night I was discovering a different body part that ached, or pained... and it's unreal how much I learned. AND, how much I learned about what Fred does on a daily basis. I still can't get over it thinking about it right now. He's amazing. Honestly amazing...
So, all moved in... feeling the financial pinch. No cruise this year. Had to cancel. No planned vacation... couldn't afford one..
BUT, we have a pool, and a lovely new home. It's all worth it. It really is.
I had so many people telling me that. "Oh Erin, it's so worth it". I was thinking (in the working process) "It better be" LOL! I was battered and bruised.. and couldn't imagine it really would be worth it. IT IS. I love love love my new home!!!!!!!!

And so here I am. Past mid July. We've been living in the house for about a month and a half.
My children are changing. It isn't easy to take. They are both teenagers. One is way more hard to handle than the other. I guess I should feel blessed. They could both be equally difficult to handle. I'm scared sometimes that I'm losing the little lovie sweet faced children. I am. It's a hard pill to swallow.... very hard.

Bouncing around a bit.

Molly died last month. Molly is Mom and Dad's golden. We miss her. She was very sick....

Lindsey is moving to Kentucky next week. That's difficult. She and her family have been a huge part of our life for over 6 consistent years. We're going to miss them a lot. It's difficult watching Brooke grow apart from Lindsey. There's 2 year age gap. It's really a huge gap lately... Lindsey is still a happy faced, easy going kid.. Brooke is much more grown up lately. I'm feeling badly about that. I want her to grow, but I want her to love and respect the way she always has. Lately, I'm not feeling that.

Our "Junk" store closed down. Donna has moved on to a new one. A big, new, pretty one. I am missing our old routine. So many changes this year. The new one isn't the same. I wonder if we'll ever really get used to it.

Stores are all becoming "mega" stores. We FINALLY moved close to a WalMart. It closed down last week. They opened a SUPER Walmart a few miles down the road. It consumes you when you walk inside. Talk about feeling lost. Now I know what it's like to be a flea. In a store that big.... I feel like a little flea. :)

And what's up with CVS? I went into a "Mega" CVS yesterday. Why do they need to supersize all these stores? It had aisles upon aisles of "stuff" I didn't see a 1/4 of the store.... it was way to confusing.

Changes happening this year. A lot of them.

Trying to focus on the things that remain the same. Like the love I have for my family. The job that I simply adore. I have learned SO much in my new position at Rider. I am blessed to have this job. I can't even explain how lucky I feel.

Hubby. He's my rock. He's had it really tough this year. He needs a break.
We're going to the beach next week. It should be relaxing, fun, and a well needed and deserved break.

We've had one party at our house since we moved in. It was quite a success. A lot of fun.

I'm blogging again. I might not do it each and every day.. but I'm going to put forth the effort.

Oh, my 2008 Mazda CX-7 is broken down. It's been sitting collecting dust since early June. Can you imagine? We already had to replace the turbo... and now it's dead. When it rains, it pours!

Talking about rain...
Did I mention that it rained the ENTIRE month of June? No use of the pool. None....
There's always tomorrow...

Nice to be back.. even if for only a moment.

Februaury 17th

I am so tired.
And I am guilty once again for not keeping up with blogging!
I'm seriously going to try to get back on it, for me.

Last night was tough.
We got some really sad news. Our family is pretty tight, and when one suffers, we all suffer.

My Dad lives for his dog. Seriously. This dog is so special and important to him.
He has always had a difficult time expressing his feelings, and he's never been the most affectionate man I've known.... until "Molly".
She's a golden, about to be 6 years old.
Yesterday, while I was working, and dealing with some other stuff, Mom called me from her office crying...
Molly has bone cancer. Damn. SHIT! All I could think about was how heartbroken my Dad is. She told me he had called her while bringing her home from the Vet. He was crying... Then, she began to cry. I got up from my desk and went to see her in her office. I was crying. What a mess. At this point, we know that she will lose her leg... UNLESS it has spread. If it has, we're not sure what will happen :(. Dad will be taking her to the vet today. So, I will learn more about things later....
I so love my family. I have my hubby who is struggling with the thought of losing his father to cancer. And, not having had the best relationship all these years with him...and the thoughts and regrets of what could have been, should have been...etc..
My parent's, and this whole cancer thing with Molly..

And then there's new friendships blossoming, and fairly new friendships that feel like they are crumbling... Things can be so frustrating and confusing. I wish I understood better.. I really do.

I am very excited about my new adventures. I have so many doors opening up with such positive feelings shining through.. I have these amazing friends that I am bonding with really well... so considerate and loving. I adore them. You know, it was so sweet and special.. my girlfriend wrote my husband a letter yesterday. It was the sweetest gesture I have seen coming from a friend in such a long time.
My husband made lunch for me and a couple of my girlfriends. They appreciated it so much that one of them wrote him the nicest thank you letter. It was awesome. I know he felt good receiving it. My other girlfriend tells him all the time how awesome he is. I love that. Good people. I am so blessed.

Now, I know this for sure, and I can't be more thrilled. Fred and I have felt so close, so strong. We recently celebrated our 10 years together. What amazing bonding time we've shared. I can't imagine my life without him. We have been having these moments lately that I wouldn't miss for anything. So connected... on so many levels. It's been absolutely amazing...

It doesn't end there..
We are heading out of town this Friday to see some really special friends that we haven't seen since last September. There are 3 other couples that we'll be meeting. We're all so excited! We'll spend the night visiting, and the next morning we'll go our for Breakfast... I hope. That's what we usually do when we all meet up. :) I am looking forward to it. As is Fred. :)

The following week we're heading to Binghamton NY just for an overnight stay on Saturday. My girlfriend Darci is having a huge 40th Birthday celebration at a gorgeous resort in Binghampton. I haven't seen her in 20 years. I am so anxious to see her again. It should be so nice. I can't wait....

I am also getting ready to celebrate my Birhtday soon. I'm sad though... I am not sure where things stand with a couple of our friends that we have been really close with... and we're supposed to be getting together, and going to a concert together. I have no idea what's happening... and it makes me feel really sad. I wish I didn't care so much about everything... I am way to emotional. I just don't get it... and I have no clue where we stand anymore :( Fred tells me to quit worrying. He doesn't like that I get so involved... because in the end, it seems feelings are always hurt... and I am way too worried all the time about people.. ugh.

Anyway...

It's a beautiful day today. I am happy to be sitting here writing, and breathing, and living.

I'm in Princeton. I am beginning to enjoy working in Princeton on Tuesdays... I think I like the break from the big office.

Wow..I got a lot out there, and off my chest.

Peace.

Me and my sweetheart

Hubby and I have just made it through 3 consecutive weekends of him being on call, and pretty much being "grounded" in a sense. It's been a little crazy! We're not used to being tied down for that amount of time....

We've done some fun things together, and have enjoyed each other's company soooooo much. :) But, we're happy to be able to hit the road next weekend!!

Work is going well.
Life is good.
Fred and I are approaching our 10 year anniversary. :) We're leaving town on Friday and beginning our celebration. It's a little early (it's on the 12th) but we're taking full advantage of the weekend since he won't be on call! :)

Looking forward to Spring. This winter feels especially long. I'm ready to get on with warmer, longer, sunnier days. I've had enough of the bitter cold. :P

We're watching the Superbowl. It's half time. Springsteen is performing. He's doing great. He promised to fit in as much as possible in 12 minutes. He's doing well. ;) I never much cared for his music. It just wasn't my thing. Now I think it's ok. I like the guy, I think he's a decent person.

We watched a movie this weekend. "Burn After Reading". I didn't like it. As a matter a fact, it was over and I had no idea it was ending. It was supposed to be a funny movie but people were getting shot in the head and stuff. I thought it was a joke, and the people really weren't getting killed....but then I soon realized that they were.. and it wasn't funny, it was gory and creepy. The best part of the whole movie was the company I was keeping. :)

I have reconnected with a bunch of people on facebook. It's been a lot of fun getting to know some old friends lately. I am even taking a trip soon to see one of them. I am so excited! I can't wait.

Speaking of old friends... Fred and I are going to see some of our old friends in a couple of weeks. We haven't seen them in months. Some of the best people we have ever met. They're like the type of people that we lose touch with for a little while but when we get back in touch, it's like we never missed that time together. We are looking forward to good laughs with them, and a nice breakfast out. We always have breakfast with them when we get together. :) It should be nice.

I'm rambling... but it's okay. I'm just trying to play a little catch up!

I am a slave to my Wii Fit. I LOVE it. I am going to try my very best to get on it every single day. It's addicting once you start using it. :) My little "Mii" is so cute. She's a little outta shape. LOL. I guess I better get on the ball!
Tonight I played with Fred and Brandon. It was so fun and funny. I love the Ski Jump. We laugh and laugh. And we're competitive. THAT makes it even better. We each try to get 1st place in all of the games... it's awesome. Brooke missed playing with us because she was at a Cheerleading competition. Next time she can play with us!

So much going on at work. I so love my job. Anyone who knows me knows how I felt in my previous department. Now, I'm happy with the people I work with, and I make more money! Not bad. :) I do love my job.

The picture above is from the weekend. It's me and my best friend. The love of my life. :)

Well, I won't blog any more tonight... I am not much in the mood to do so, and I'd bet you can feel it in my writing.

Peace!

FUN FUN FUN (For Facebook users)

Rules: Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.

(To do this, go to “notes” under tabs on your profile page, paste these instructions in the body of the note, type your 25 random things, tag 25 people (in the right hand corner of the app) then click publish.)

1. I grew up on Long Island, but after I graduated High School in 1986, I moved away and never went back.

2. I once lived in a town called "Knob Noster" (seriously). My daughter was actually born there in 1996.

3. I have lived in 6 different States: New York, Pennsylvania, Florida, Missouri, South Carolina & Georgia. I currenly live back in Pennsylvania, where I have lived for the longest period of time.

4. In my "Next Life" I will be a Professional Photographer. For now, I just keep a camera with me at all times and snap pictures like crazy.

5. I am married for the second time. My first time was a disaster, and my second is a dream come true. I have 2 beautiful kids from my 1st marriage, but my second husband has been with them since they were 2 and 3. They are now 12 and 14 and have 2 Dads that they love to pieces. We all get along, and everyone is happy as can be.

6. I love to Cruise (on a ship). I will go on my 5th Cruise in less than 4 years, this August. I never want to stop cruising... not ever.

7. I work in Higher Education. Instead of becoming an F.B.I agent (which my father encouraged me to do) I work in Research and Development in the office of Advancement. I spend much of my work day investigating what Alum's are up to these days by using research tools and programs on the net. I love my job.

8. I have 4 cats and If I lived on a big farm (which I do not) lol... I'd be the crazy cat lady that people make fun of.

9. It's important to feel sexy. Most of the time.. I feel sexy. I wouldn't have it any other way.

10. I wish my only sibling didn't live in Switzerland. Sometimes I miss him, and I hate that my nieces and nephew are so far away from me.

11. When I was in 5th and 6th grade, there were only 2 girls in my school that were taller than me. I have never gotten any taller, and now I'm considered "short" at 5' 3".

12. I hated High School. I felt like I could never find my place.. and now looking back, especially here on facebook - I see that there was a lot I missed. I never attended trips or became part of a club or organization. I wish I had. You all look like you had a lot of fun.

13. At 40 years old I went Pool hopping in the middle of the night with some great friends. It felt so invigorating to be so carefree and "silly". I will never forget that night, and how hard we all laughed.

14. Speaking of laughing. I love to laugh. I am told that I'm pretty funny, too.

15. I see myself in my children, and I love how it makes me feel.

16. I fell in love online. Sight unseen... That was 12 years ago. I've been with him for 10 years, and they have been the best years of my life. (and when I say online.. I mean before the dating services) Plain ole chat room...

17. I have learned in life that the most valuable things I have learned were not taught to me in school.

18. I am scared to death of growing old and dying... I lose sleep over it a lot.

19. I no longer sport a New York accent. I lost it in one of the moves over the years... and, sometimes I miss it.

20. I'm not star struck... but something fun: I used to babysit for Hulk Hogan's son Nick when he was just 2 years old.

21. I love to talk so much. I could talk to you for hours. I listen equally as well.

22. I find women equally (or sometimes more) attractive than men On a physical level. Emotional is a whole different ball game!

23. I love my bubble butt and my curves. I hated that I was never skinny......I always wished I was more thin, now I love my curvy self and my bubble butt. I appreciate me, and my body just the way it is.

24. I have a special place in my heart for the eldery, and mentally handicapped people... I really do.

25. I love to party and have fun.. and I love being social. BUT, the one place that makes me the happiest, is home with my hubby and kids. Laughing, playing, watching t.v or playing wii... checkers too... I just love my life and wouldn't trade it for anything in the world!

BONUS: I have an incredble foot fetish! I love pretty, polished, soft, sweet FEET!

This is a photo of Yardley Borough. Afton Lake...

I was driving past this beautiful place this morning on my way to work and I just had this feeling that today was going to be a good day.

Yeah, it's freezing cold out... and I know that the bitter cold is what my hubby hates more than anything about being up North..
But, I am grateful that he makes the sacrifice to be here, for me.
Every day that he wakes up in this cold winter weather, is a reminder of just how much he loves me. There is nothing and nobody else in this world that would keep him here otherwise... Thank you baby. I love you. I will make it up to you. I promise.

When the kids are a little older, and out of school.... we're heading South. Somewhere close to the beach I hope! :)


So, it's Friday! Happy Friday everyone!!!!!

We're having dinner and drinks and playing Wii with friends tonight. I look forward to that!


Brooke has her first competition tomorrow at Temple University. She's excited. She's been doing Cheerleading now for about 5 years! Way to go Brookie!

I'm having lunch with Mary and Mom. I think it's time...
I better run.

More to come.

xo

Thursday! Snow... cold.. but SUNSHINE!

(click image to enlarge if you want to read quote)

It's pretty darn cold out there. I mean, it's absolutely freezing!!!

I am fortunate to be working inside.
Not everybody has that luxury.
I know my hubby spends at least 80% of his time outside... :(
Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...
I will warm him up later. :)

So I had an EXCELLENT meeting yesterday with the Asst VP of Advancement.
He is one of my favorite bosses in the division. I think he's probably one of the best people I have met, here at Rider.

Anyway.. He's moving me. :) (woohooo)
He wants me to move closer to him, and the VP of Advancement.
He thinks that I have a lot of Potential. AND, he has plans for me to advance in the future. I am so proud, and so excited about this!
I am also going to go with him to a Luncheon that will be set up between he, "John C" and myself. Seems that my contribution over at the Princeton Campus is of value to the Division and to "John C". I look forward to the new adventures ahead!
my Ultimate goal is to become the Asst to the VP. I know that it won't happen anytime soon, but I am setting that as my goal for working in this Department. Heck, if I could eventually become the Asst to the Asst VP, I'd be equally grateful. At least I have goals :)

What else? Well, not a whole lot. I have a nice lunch date with my sweetie Mary today. We will probably leave the suite and go somewhere with our lunches. I'm thinking that there might be some pretty good sales over there at the Quaker Bridge Mall. I wonder if I can twist her arm.... and get her to go there :)

A lot going on. Quite honestly, there's always so much going on that I sometimes don't know what to blog about first!

Maybe more tonight when I'm all settled in.

I am happy to be blogging again! I love it.

Happy Thursday!

Back to work I go!

It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness.

The Little Moments..

They all count.

This is one tiny little shot of me enjoying my life.

We were in Baltimore at a Piano Bar.

I just came across this picture while getting rid of some old messages in my "inbox".

Chris, Me & Hubby.

In Princeton Today

Tuesdays!
Every Tuesday you will find me at the Princeton Campus.
I honestly think I'm in solitary confinement. I run this office suite with 4 offices. EMPTY offices! :) I am a one woman show here in Princeton.

Where is everyone?
lol.

One thing I can say for sure...
I get a lot accomplished.
I bring my big projects with me to this office.
Nobody distracts me here.
Well, nobody but John C (I will not reveal his name for his own protection).
He's this multi millionaire that calls me EVERY SINGLE TUESDAY.
He's somewhat mentally challenged.
Ok, He's really mentally challenged...
But he's loaded. SOOOO I have to entertain his phone calls.
Don't get me wrong. My heart goes out to him. He lost his parents, and was left with millions, and could care less... and so on.. but he talks in circles and makes very little to no sense at all. AND I have to listen to him go round and round. Average call time - 1 hour. Ouy Vey.

Other than that.. the phone here rarely rings. And I've managed to make the most of my time. I've finished a lot of my work, way ahead of schedule.

Something else I did today. I played a little catch up with an old friend of mine. Oh my, what a wild woman she is! I had a lot of fun chatting with her. She and I are getting together next month. I think it's been since I was 20 years old since I saw her last. She's having a huge 40th Birthday Bash and Fred and I are invited. It should be a lot of fun. It's been fun being back in touch. Seems like I've been getting back in touch with a lot of old friends lately. It's a lot of fun.

I have a story to write. I just haven't had the time to get it together lately. I have notes.. I just need to put them into my story. I had my 3rd annual trip to Alabama this past December. I took notes. We fit SO much into such a small amount of time that I had to take notes.... Keep an eye out for my 2008 Alabama trip story. Stay tuned!

It looks like snow out there. very grey. It feels like snow... I wanna be home in my comfys!

Tomorrow is Wednesday. I think I can handle that. :) Hump day always makes me smile.

Oh... today is Chris Redshaw's Birthday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRIS! I LOVE YOU SWEETIE PIE! :) I hope she reads this. If not today...soon!

Things are good. Smooth and easy right now. Not much to report. No news is good news.

:)

Monday!

(me, 1968)

And so here I am!
As promised to myself.....
Back to the Blog!

So, it's Monday.
Ugh.
And my day at work is almost over.
Thank goodness!!!!!! :)
I love my job, but I'm feeling slightly under the weather today. So, I've been dragging quiet a bit!

I did, however, manage to make it to the Mall to check out the Sale at Bath and Body Works. I am so excited about all the wonderful items on sale this time of year! I can't believe they are selling things for up to 90% off.... Seriously. I couldn't resist. I just couldn't.

Other than that...
The weekend was strange! I mean that. It felt really short, yet there was a lot fit it (as always).
Friday we met our friends in AC. It was fun. Hubby and I had this adorable room at Bally's. The more we looked at it, the more we loved it. We stayed up really late, but slept in pretty well. Saturday was a super nice day. hubby took me on a shopping spree at Victoria's Secret. It was a lot of fun. We also went to lunch at a great place that overlooked the water. It was over the water... on the Pier. Nice eye candy at the Restaurant, too.... The waitresses wore very very short booty shorts.... distracting, but nice to look at!!! :)

After shopping and eating and so on, we hit the road and headed for home. It was a very quiet and peaceful night at home on Saturday. We stopped at the Grocery store and bought a loaf of crusty french bread and some wings.... and went home and ate spinach dip, bread, and he had some wings. It was fun. I was itching to play some Wii.... but I was too tired to get something started.. lol. Instead, I saved what energy I had for a little sexy time in the bedroom! :)

Sunday was blah! I woke up feeling a little icky.... and the rest of the day I spent playing catch up on the house work. I did do my regular Postsecret Sunday morning routine... and the rest of the day was just work work work... lol. BUT, it had to get done!

And here I am now... posting on my blog again like I promised. My intention is to blog at least once a day again. I miss it!

Happy Monday.
Happy freezing cold Monday!

:)

Sunday Morning..

Me and Chris (she's my friend who lives in Raleigh NC. Went to visit her on my trip back from Alabama)


So, it's Sunday morning. This is my very first posting of 2009. wow.

I will begin with this...
2008 was a hell of a year.
If you know me
truly know me
You will know why it was so hectic.

With the new job, etc... I was in a tailspin much of the year.
This explains my lack of blogging.

Now, I am completely ready to blog again.
I refuse to lose track of my life and myself...
I am not a prisoner of my professional life!

I am ready to start 2009 with both feet planted firmly on the ground.
well, the best I can!
I'm back on blogging, photo taking..
sharing
enjoying and savoring the moments and memories I am living.

Welcome to my world (lol)
It's a silly thing I say sometimes as a joke...
But here, this is my place... my world.

I'm ready.
:)

And, I have LOTS to share!

Happy 2009.

Thursday December 4th.

I think I'm a little behind on the blogging scene!

I have so much going on these days. I can't even list the things that have been happening .. Well, maybe I could - but it would take a lot of time and thought to document it all.

Let's see...

I've taken on a new responsibility at work. I'm now working one day a week over at our Princeton Campus. Westminster Choir College is our Music school. It's located in the heart of Princeton. It's absolutely beautiful. The school is small, and it's very old. My office is located in a building where they hold classes in the main entrance of the building. I hear singing all day long. I'm talking Opera... big big singing. The Choir is amazing. They've been practicing for the Readings and Carols... SO, I listen to live Holiday music. It's amazing. Beautiful....

I'm also preparing for Christmas. I have gotten much of my shopping done, and I've made some plans for our trip. It's a juggling act. I have to make sure our Christmas is all figured out here, and I have to think and plan for our trip to Alabama. The kids will not be joining us this year. They didn't go last year either. I think it's just too much for all of us. Emotionally it's tough on Fred, and the ride isn't the kind of thing the kids would enjoy. We plan on making it a positive trip. Last year it was tough. We traveled in a ton of rain, and we stayed in a pretty lousy Hotel. There was a lot of stress, tension and stuff... which of course is totally understandable. This year we know the visit won't be much better, but we're lucky in that his Dad has lived this additional year. Hospice was telling us last December that he had 6 months at best. He's made it to this Holiday season, so we're headed back down to see him.
Alabama. We're staying in Dothan this year. I booked a great room at the Marriott. I think I might be spending some time there on my own while Fred makes a few visits to some old friends. I may take advantage of the time and use the pool or the hot tub. I hope to relax a little. Heck, I might even bring a book and read for awhile! Or blog about our trip. Last year I waited until I got home to blog about the trip.. It was just yesterday that I realized how much I missed writing about. Like our Christmas dinner at the rest stop. I think it was a Bob Evans or something. I think we had breakfast for Dinner. This year I'll do better with my tracking. :)

Other than that, things are much the same. Work is great, and the family is wonderful. We're all pretty busy with work and school. Our free time is often spent with our awesome friends and their kids... and that's about all that there is to report.

It's been really cold up here so far this winter.. Luckily though, no snow yet! We're keeping our fingers crossed for a snow free winter (although the kids may not agree). It would be nice to take a break from the battle of driving in the snow.. or the whole snow removal issues.... I am hoping it doesn't happen at all this year.

Hope it's a happy day for anyone who reads my blog :)

Peace!

Now that is really going back in time....

Mom sent me this picture of my best childhood friend and me.

Alison and I have just reconnected after 30 years... it's been really fun, and so interesting. I have had a great time sharing stories with her.

I have been absent from blogging. I'm here, just really busy with life..

I am doing really well with my program to lose weight. I'm going to beat those winter blues weight gain that so many of us pick up over the long cold winter. And I'm not giving in to all the goodies over the holidays. I'm going to enjoy a few, here and there.. but that's all I need. :)

Work is steady. I am still grateful to get in my car each day and have such an incredible job to go to each day.

Speaking of.. I am soon going to begin working at Westminster Choir College in Princeton on Tuesdays. It will be a fun and new experience. I look forward it a lot. What a great opportunity my boss is giving me. I look forward to it :)

It's cold like the most frigid winter weather ever.. and Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Time is passing so quickly... I can't believe it's almost 2009.

Happy Sunday.

Peace.

Friday Nov 7 (day 5)

Whew! It's FRIDAY!!!! YIPPIE!!! YAHOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

There was no question in my mind what day of the week it was this morning when I woke up! I couldn't wait to turn on the news to confirm that I wasn't just dreamin' that it's Friday! It sure is! Happy Happy Friday!

What a week! Whew! I KNOW for sure that I'm going to be incorportating Limoncello into my flex points this weekend. I'm allowed 35 floating points. I think there's a chance that they all may be coming from Limoncello! lol! Even though the week wasn't as stressful as I had expected, it was still different kind of stressful. I know, sometimes it's very hard to understand me. Imagine how I feel? lol!

What's on the agenda for the weekend. Hmmmmmmmmm well, first of all - my sweetie pie son is sick :(
I don't think it's anything serious. He's got a sore throat and cough. So, this morning I gave him some medicine and told him to go back to bed. I hope he's feeling better today. Maybe the rest in his comfy bed will help.

Brooke is off to a friends tonight. She's thinking about spending the night. I have mixed feelings. I don't know this family. And, although she's in 7th grade, and old enough to feel things out to see if she's comfortable in her environment, I worry about her. I decided that I would stop over at the friends house with some spending money for her. I have to at least feel things out. I don't want to shelter her as much as I sometimes do, but I worry so much......

Today is a light work day at the office. I am working on a HUGE project that's changing direction, so I'm at a dead end for now. I'm doing this mile long spread sheet, and now we've decided to put the whole thing into our program, Raiser's Edge. What I can't merge I'l have to manually do. SO, to make it easier, I'm not going to continue with the job until I know EXACTLY what "they" want (big bosses). UGH!!!!!! I have been working on this thing for over a month!

Any ideas for the weekend??? :)

HAPPY HAPPY FRIDAY!

Oh... I have been 100% faithful to my plan this week. I'm aiming for another perfect day with my points. So far, so good!!!!!!!

The exercise has been good too.

Thursday Nov 6th (day 4)

I am doing this!

Day 4.

SO yeah.. this blog may get a little boring to those who have no idea how tough it is to take off a few pounds... But, to those who know the deal...you might find my posts a bit fun or amusing to read :)

I am on a roll baby! Nope... not a Cinnamon roll...or buttered roll! I'm on a roll with following the program!

I'm staying within my guidelines of the program, and I'm exercising.

You may think...well, it's the first week. Isn't the first week a breeze? NO. It's not. When your mind isn't set on doing it, it's never easy. Sometimes you even have to wait until something clicks to be able to take on the challenge.

It's clicked for me. I'm excited about it. I want this. For me. Not for anyone else.
I'm not setting a deadline, or an end date as to when I should reach my goal... too much pressure.

So, today is a rainy, dreary day. I could have stayed in bed all day! It would have been a perfect day to watch movies. Old movies even! I love black and white movies. Something that I have actually just grown to love over the past few years. They are so much more interesting sometimes than your every day modern movie! Such fun seeing what's in the background. Or the clothing they wear, cars they drive... just everything about them .. fun!!!!

Tomorrow is Friday! I am so happy! This week went by fast, but slow at the same time (make up your mind Erin).

I am so much looking forward to a nice, relaxing weekend!!!!

Ok...so that's about it for now. I have some stuff to catch up with today here at the office!

Blog more soon!

Wednesday - November 5th (day 3)

It's Hump Day! I know.. I have been a total slacker on my sexy and fun hump day pictures! Well, please understand this.. I work in an office now where it would be a total mess if my blog ever came to the surface with pictures on there like that! Believe me, I can't take the chance right now, or I'd be posting Hump Day pics like a wild woman!

So, here I am - Day 3. It's fine. Somtimes It's easy, sometimes it's hard. Just like anything in life that takes effort. Yesterday I was hungry. I learned really fast that Egg salad was not a good choice for the amount that would be on my sandwich. I was so hungry. Now, once I ate it... I felt Ok. BUT, I know for next time that tuna would sure go a lot further. And so, I know this for the future. :)

I felt less bloated when I woke up this morning. I hopped right out of bed! I feel SO much better when I'm eating right. If I could just always remember how it feels to have this much energy! I'd be in perfect shape!

What else?? Not a whole lot. My boss has been sick for 2 weeks now. SO, I have had about 50-75% less on my desk. I'm hoping she gets better soon. I really worry about her health. I have to say, she is the best boss I have ever had in all of my working years. She supports me and my ideas, and she really mentors me. I am so blessed to have her as my supervisor. :)

Speaking of work.. I think I'll get back to it.

1/2 way through the day.
So far, so good.....

Tuesday. Day 2!

I have successfully completed 2 days on the program!

Not only did I stick to the plan (I'm doing flex - not core)

I exercised! Yep! Mary and I went on a very huge walk! I have to say, it was a very good break for me. I think we're on to something here. I think I'm going to walk every day for at least 30 minutes during my work day. I felt so much better when I got back to my desk.

I know. This weight loss stuff is sorta boring to those who don't need to worry (or just don't care) about having to lose weight... BUT, it's all part of my Journey. It's part of my life, and who I am. I have always struggled with my weight. It's just been that way for me.

If you find my blog boring because it's about things like pretty fall leaves, or trying to lose weight, or a boring story about finding kittens.... (lol) Feel free to go. But, here's the deal. This is my life. And, I have real life, regular stuff going on - Just like you. I happen to want to document it. I enjoy sharing. Good, bad, happy, sad.... It's my life.

:)

P.S - I Rocked my Vote today!
Obama.

Good Morning, and Happy Tuesday!!!!!

Happy Election Day!

I have to say this, and it has nothing to do with today. :)
Yesterday when I was leaving work at 5:00 p.m. it was DARK out! I can't get over what a difference it makes when we change the clocks! I thought maybe it was about to rain (and all 5 of my umbrella's were in my car) and then I realized that it was just dark out because of the time change! Wow....

What else? Well, not too much.
I can talk about the past weekend, since I'm trying to catch up with my life.

Halloween. Hubby and I snuck away for the night. It was nice. It was a lot of fun! We enjoy getting away when we can. It's good for us. The weather was beautiful, and there's something about being away near the beach that always makes me feel really good. I love it.

Saturday. We went out for a nice Breakfast. After we checked out of our Hotel, we worked our way to Chrissy and Tom's house. They had invited us for Dinner and Bowling. What a fun time we all had! I love bowling, although I'm not great at it. It was silly fun. I am sometimes the QUEEN of silly, so it worked well for me! I took some pictures, visited with good friends, and enjoyed the game! Oh, and Tom made us his famous ribs for Dinner. They were delicious! YUM!!!!! I can't wait to have them again ( hint hint ).

Sunday.... (lol) Well, I have to say..once we picked the kids up from their cousin's house, we went back to Chrissy and Tom's for Dinner again! LOL Next step is moving in... :) Chrissy made Taco's. We had a nice time :) And the food (again) was yummy! What's next on the menu?!?!?! We didn't get the chance to visit too much though. Fred was busy installing a garbage disposal, and they had other company to entertain! But, it was fun! And, I look forward to the next visit! I think we owe them a home cooked meal or two!!!! :)

Today is good. I'm not as busy as usual because my Boss is out sick, and I have a whole lot less work coming at me. I hope she's feeling better soon. I actually haven't seen her in a week. BUT, there's still enough for me to do. I have a huge, neat pile on my desk that I've been chipping away at. I'll get to the bottom of it eventually!!!! :)

Well, that's about it for now. I should get back to what I'm supposed to be doing.

Oh, I have to mention this. I am having so much fun with Facebook. I have discovered more old friends on there than I would have ever imagined. It's so amazing how easy it is to find people on there. I even got back in touch with someone who I haven't seen since I was 7 years old. We're emailing every day, sharing little stories about our life. It's so awesome. I would encourage anyone who doesn't use FB to use it! It's a great way to be in touch!

:)

Happy Day!

Day One

I stuck to the plan 100%

Started back with healthy eating 101.

:)

Day one, complete.

ugh. Wednesdays will be weight loss results.

I must survive the Holidays.

First weigh in, next Wednesday!

Wish me luck, and strength!

It's November! Can you believe it?

I'm at work. It's November... and I can hardly imagine where the time has gone.

I feel like I just stared this job.
I feel like I'm still the "New" girl in this office suite..
Yet, I'm not.
Since I arrived in May, we've welcomed 2 new people to our department. I'm not the new girl at all...
I've been here for almost 6 months. Why does it seem like time passes so much faster as we grow older? It's scary if you think about it.

And so much is happening in my life right now.
I used to have little to nothing to report...
Now I find that there's so much going on, it would be way to time consuming for me to even imagine taking the time out of my busy schedule to document it all.

But, I want to. I don't want to lose track of what I'm doing. And where my life is heading... and how I got where I am..and how I'm feeling. Isn't that why I created this whole blog site to begin with? Of course it is.

So, I can share the story about the kittens. It's 2 weeks old now, but it's still something to share. It's part of my life.....

2 weeks ago yesterday I was going out to my car with Fred. It was a Sunday night.
We just arrived home from a weekend on Long Island with family. It was a family reunion. My brother was here visiting....
Anyway. There we were, heading to the car when all of the sudden I heard some screaming animal. I was so worried about it. Anyone who knows me knows that I worry to much. I worry about things all the time! Anyway.. I went towards the screaming. I was a little scared. I will admit, I was worried as to what I would find. Really I should have been more worried about what was about to find me. 2 tiny little kittens. Sitting on the curb, about to go into the street. They were precious. The absloute smallest kittens I have ever scooped up into my hands, ever.... So, what am I supposed to do? I took them inside. Of course.
Fred and I went to the store, bought baby bottles (special one's for kittens) and formula for kittens... and we bottle fed them for the next week and a half...until we weened them from the bottle. Yep. Dr and Mrs Doolitte to the rescue. Now, 2 weeks later and we're proud parents of 2 more animals. I am not kidding. What are we supposed to do? We can't seperate them. We can't give them up. They honestly think we're their parents. They adore us. It's sweet. It's actually pretty special.
Names? Who knows. I named one Tootsie. lol. It just came out one morning. Tootsie is a sweetie. Very loving, quiet, and so affectionate. It's nice. The other one. I have no idea. I'm hoping a name comes to mind for this one. She is a fluff ball. She's going to have very long hair. lol. Just what we needed..... lol

Okay... there's an "Erin Story"

I'm such a sap. I know it. I'm beginning to feel that it's "okay" to be exactly who I am. I'm getting more and more comfortable in my own skin as the days, months, years pass... :)

It's all good.

More tomorrow. :) I'm getting back on track.