The Road to 11 in 11: Game 6

Posted on October 31, 2011 by Nora

Last week Knight and I were fortunate enough to attend Game Six of the 2011 World Series courtesy of my incredibly awesome and generous father. He secured four tickets in what are quite possible the best seats I’ve ever been in (3rd base side, down the foul line, seven rows back or so) that granted us access to a special club which to a girl always means nicer bathrooms and perhaps more important, a fantastic view of what turned out to be one of the most historic games in baseball.

The energy at Busch Stadium was electrifying, the noise was defeaning resulting in nearly total loss of my voice come Friday morning, everyone’s arms were in the air waving rally towels and perhaps a bit sore after a very long 11-inning game and when the Cardinals did something great complete strangers shared hugs, chestbumps, high-fives, “hell yeahs!” and more.

Some of the best parts of the game, apart from us winning and Freese being the new Cardinal all-star as far as I’m concerned:

* Getting to see my dad, brother, and Knight take in their first live World Series game together. I have always found it incredibly adorable how guys act like five year-olds, in a good way. Grinning from ear to ear, taking it all in,talking stats and players and reaching for foul balls.

* Taking lots and lots of pictures.

* Realizing that Cardinal fans really are the best in baseball. I realize that heckling happens but the opposing team fans that were near us? Totally rude and inappropriate. I will give them this though: they had some kick-ass cowboy/cowgirl boots.

* Watching baseball at the end of October. That doesn’t happen for a lot of teams and it’s a long season until baseball starts so I enjoyed the last of the bearable (well, bearable if you count me wearing a long sleeved shirt, a short sleeved shirt, a cardigan and then an oversized sweatshirt, with the end result me looking kind of like a red marshmallow) outdoor fall weather and the sounds of the stadium.

* Sticking around after the win for a bit to chant for Freese, enjoy the win and just kind of be a part of the adventure.

* My brother who high-fived and chestbumped total strangers on our way back to the car. And taking pictures like this with my dad after we won!

We had an awesome time at the game and it was more than worth the crazy whirlwind trip it was to get there (and to get back). And on Friday night? While we watched the game from the comfort of our couch and in our Cardinal sweats, Jack was our cheerleader for the Redbirds:

Have you ever been to a championship/series/playoff game? What’s your favorite professional sport/team?

Post-Move: Eight Weeks

Posted on August 2, 2011 by Nora

“It’s only been eight weeks!”

“It’s already been eight weeks!”

Interesting how time is relative to certain situations. Those are two phrases I’ve found myself saying since my move. EIGHT WEEKS. That’s all it’s been since I officially converged lives with Knight by packing up 80% of my stuff (some of my furniture I refuse to part with won’t fit in our little cottage-style home so my parents are using it/storing it until we buy a bigger home in the future) and traveling six plus hours north. {Photo Credit}

Somedays it seems like I’ve been there so much longer (in a good way) and other days it seems like hardly anytime at all. Maybe it’s because it’s been nothing short of a whirlwind, full of travel and running around and road trips. Maybe it’s been because we have been busy making the house our home, getting me adjusted to a new way of life (which I now love). Maybe it’s because we have actually had time together, not just weekends, but actual evenings, double-dates, walks along the lake. Whatever it is, it finally feels like home.

Here’s a short list of things I’ve learned in the last eight weeks:

* Men will eat almost anything. Even if they aren’t sure if they like it (or don’t like it). This also means you should be prepared for food to disappear from the fridge, especially if you wanted to eat it.

* Knight doesn’t leave his dirty socks on the floor. Instead, he will leave his clean clothes in the neatly folded pile for a few days before it gets put away.

* I’m evidently a really light sleeper. Knight gets up reaalllyy early a few days a week for work and without fail I wake up with him.every.single.day. It’s done very interesting things to my sleep habits and patterns but I’m trying to get used to it.

* Don’t walk around the house barefoot when little kids are around. You will inevitably step on some tiny toy made of sharp, painful plastic and then spend the next five minutes hopping around the house until the pain goes away.

* Kids wake up early. Really, really early. They could go to bed two hours later than their normal bedtime and still wake up early. Not only am I a light sleeper, I’m also not a morning person. It’s been an adjustment. Thank goodness for cute voices and morning hugs otherwise I’m not sure I’d make it.

* I am now a person who says “I’m going into town,” and “I’m going to shop at The Pig,” (that’s a Piggly Wiggly for those of you who are wondering). Every once in awhile I catch myself saying one of those phrases, chuckle and then smile at just how much my life has changed in the last few months.

* Knight and I both own a lot of clothes. Closet space is a premium and we have big closets. I may or may not have a box or two (or four…) in Belle’s closet. There is also a permanent shortage of hangers in our house somehow.

* It’s evidently acceptable to wear a swimsuit top, short shorts and cowgirl boots inside Target.

* I wouldn’t have gotten through this move or adjustment without Target, Jimmy John’s and wine.

* Always budget extra money for moving, no matter what.

* You may not be homesick after awhile, but peoplesick? That’s a whole different ballgame. I’m still peoplesick even though I love my home, the area I live in and am glad for the move.

* I’m tired of traveling. I know I’m blessed to be able to travel for work, to see friends and family but I have had only five weekends in my new home. It’s exhausting my mind, my body and our wallets so for the rest of the year, Knight and I are kind of reining in our travel; apart from one four-day weekend we booked eons ago, we are going nowhere until Christmas unless it’s for business. After traveling non-stop to see each other for nine plus months, I/we need a break. I’m looking forward to more home improvement projects, getting to know more of my area, finally attending some of the meet-up.com events that I’ve been hoping to get to and so much more!

* Adventures are far more fun once you are actually IN it rather than just preparing for it. They are also a lot less scary.

What have you learned from a big life change, move or adventure?

(Also, super random side note & shoutout: it’s VEDA- Vlog Everyday in August. If you want to watch my videos, check out my YouTube Channel. I’m attempting double duty this month with both blogging and vlogging, so we shall see how it goes! Bring on the challenge!)

On Being Engaged

Posted on June 22, 2011 by Nora

Within 24 hours of being engaged everyone was asking when the date was (October 6th, 2012). Where the wedding will be (St. Louis). Who will be in the wedding (we’ve asked our friends informally but have things we *still* need to send them.) What kind of dress I want. What the colors will be. And you know what? I didn’t have an answer. I wanted to bask in the joy that is being engaged.

In fact, I still do.

We have made some big decisions as it relates to our wedding and the rest of it will come in time, likely after the bell strikes midnight on New Year’s eve later this year. I’m not stressed, worried, concerned about any of the wedding planning process at all. Instead I’m focusing on the things I love about being engaged. Like engagement photos (yes, I’ve peppered some throughout this post).

Or how people “ooooh” and “aahhh” over my ring. Or buying thank you cards that represent us as a couple to send to those kind of enough to send us engagement presents. (Clearly I take the picking of cards very seriously, but I don’t like boring old cards, you know?) I love looking through bridal magazines, making lists and ideas. I love that my family is just so excited for us and that my mom gets teary-eyed almost every single time we talk wedding stuff.

I love that Knight and I have this extra time to get to know each other even more, to make plans, to dream big, to fall even more in love (I know, total schmoop but it’s true). I love thinking non-traditionally about our wedding, as in the event, and how we can make it 100% us (more on that in the future). I love planning save-the-date cards with our amazing designer. And most of all, I love that everyone once in awhile Knight looks at me, smiles and when I ask him what’s on his mind he says “Just thinking about you being my wife, that’s all.” My heart melts every time.

Part of the reason we chose a date in 2012 is so that we could enjoy this time of being engaged (and ok, also not stress too much with the move, the possible selling of the house at some point in the next 18 months, adjusting to being a family and all that jazz). And you know what? It’s so worth it.

All photos & editing provided by David Kovaluk, our fabulously fun engagement photographer. We have over 350 pictures, all of them amazing. I’ll share more in the near future but the ones above are my favorites (well, at least for today).

Lakeside Observations

Posted on June 15, 2011 by Nora

I already have a Monday night ritual. Well, every other Monday night that is.

Knight works late every other Monday night so I treat myself to an evening of me time. I head into town (I’m still not used to that phrase, “into town.), park the car, grab a drink at Starbucks, and walk along the Lake. If I’m lucky I can snag a bench in front of the library, facing the water. My purse is backed with books, my journal, music, the cell phone. For awhile I just sit. Then I write. Sometimes I read, or talk on the phone. But mostly, I sit. Observe. Write. Let myself be alone with my thoughts. {photo credit}

The last time I did this it was a particularly lovely day and while it was well after 5pm, the beach was crowded, people were everywhere and there was some very interesting people watching such as…

* Apparently it’s back in to have one of those dangly belly button rings, you know the kind that extends a good inch past your navel? And if you’re going to wear one of those, you better be sure to roll your jean shorts down, unbuttoned of course. Modesty is optional when it comes to bathing suits as well even if you’re still in middle school.

* No matter the age, girls still squeal when boys splash them in the water. And the guys? They welcome it when the girls gang up on them, attempting to dunk or splash them back.

* It never fails, a guy dressed nicely and wearing quality cologne will turn heads. I saw one young kid dressed nicely with the appropriate hipster touches of course, walk down the boardwalk and I think ten girls turned to stare at him. They all burst into fits of giggles too.

* If you’re playing frisbee at some point that frisbee is going over the fence. It’s inevitable. And then some super tall guy will try to be all macho and climb the fence but not without getting shouted at by the lifeguard.

* Sunscreen is seemingly optional; that or everyone is just unusually tan up here.

* The mothers/ladies of leisure or whomever do not spare the bling for a day at the beach. I was quite literally blinded a few times when the sun caught their stones. Wowzers.

* Babysitters or nannies, can’t quite tell which, are allowed to be distracted by their boyfriends while watching a gaggle of children. Or, rather, they should be watching the gaggle of children but usually aren’t.

*I’m old. Or felt old as I watched all the young kids running around, flirting, splashing, relaxing. Made me long for the days of summer vacation and trips, beaches and bikinis.

Are there any trends or behaviors you’re noticing that are different (or the same) from when we grew up in your area?

Honest

Posted on June 8, 2011 by Nora

It’s been just over a week since I moved.
I could tell you it’s been all fairytales and unicorns, rainbows and smiles. Which, for the most part would be true.
But at the same time it’s been hard.
Like cry-your-eyes-out-want-a-hug-from-your-mom-hard.

The move itself was great. Knight and I were busy for three days and four nights moving furniture, reorganizing cupboards and closets, re-arranging the living room with our new furniture to our liking, making Target lists and grocery shopping lists (again and again and again). We weren’t (and haven’t been) together every single second of every single day (which is good cause I’m still pretty darn independent) taking time out for errands on our own or exercise time or just being in separate rooms.

The transition from office life to remote working has been good. I still talk to my coworkers every day via phone and email, I’m in touch with customers, I’m getting my job done and am for the most part, much more productive than I am in the office. Apart from a few of my colleagues saying the office is less bubbly without me there, I’m pleased with how it’s going. In fact I kind of love it.

The adjustment to living in a town of 850 people? That’s been the hard part. I lived in a city of one million plus people for over 17 years. I’ve never been a “country” girl. Appreciate it? Yes. Been one to live there? Not so much.

There’s a lovely lake town of 7,500 people about 10 minutes away from me where there is (thankfully) a Target, fun grocery store, Starbucks, Jimmy Johns, boutique shopping, a library nestled in front of the lake and gorgeous walkways and trails. There is no good Mexican food (or Italian food for that matter). There is no Barnes & Noble or equally awesome book store. I went from living in the suburbs of a metropolitan city where I had numerous restaurant, entertainment and grocery shopping options within minutes to realizing that for a trip to Trader Joe’s it’s going to be about an hour one-way. Ditto that for Barnes & Noble and Chipotle which were two of my weekly staples at home. Add to that that my darn cell phone service has been complete crap since I moved here due to a “known service issue in the area,” with no expected resolution update. (Editor’s note: I now have cell phone service. And an iPhone. And I love it.) And the whole not knowing anyone who lives close by (my definition of close is 20 minutes) thing. Not to mention having the girls for five nights of my first eight here, with a side of crazy ex-wife. What do you get? A Nora who felt incredibly alone and isolated last week. A Nora who cried anytime her parents sent her an email sending her their love. A Nora who felt incredibly frustrated and pent-up despite her excursions into the city and walks with Jack and pouding miles out on the treadmill. A Nora who wasn’t sure if moving was the best idea in the world, despite loving being with and near Knight much more than before.

After talking to Knight about all of this, because bless his soul he does his best to understand where I’m coming from, I did what I do best. I resolved. Resolved to learn where the heck I am (which I’ve done): back roads, side roads, way around town, where the hair salon is, where the good sales are, where the nearest Barnes & Noble is (still a good 45 minute drive, if not more). Resolved to appreciate (a work in progress, but I love it more than before): I am learning to appreciate the serentity of our home, the quiet, the gorgeous trees, the small neighborhood feel (everyone is nice and waves here). Resolved to get out of the house at least twice during the work week, even if just to the lake after work for a walk along the trails, a quick drink at Starbucks, or to sit on a park bench and read or write in my journal. Resolved to make friends: I joined a meetup.com book club in the area; Knight and I both joined a 20/30s couple group that’ s kind of in the area (meaning it’s still about an hour away but we can afford the time for a once a month meetup). We are reaching out to our friends in the area, his coworkers, and anyone else we can think of to expand our social circles. (Side note: We both have best friends who live anywhere but here, so we are no strangers to having to make new friends, find new friends and etc.) Resolved to have dates: Knight and I are committed to have two dates per week, one at home and one out. This means we have located and found a babysitter that we’ll be utilizing when we have the girls as need be which I think will be much needed on occasion.

This past weekend I ventured out, learned the area, became a citizen (aka I have a library card now), trekked around on my own, and started to fall in love with the area more than before. The result? This week I’m in a much better place. Smiling. Loving it, all of it.

My adjusting is far from over and I’m sure there will be more adjustments to come (like getting used to being a Bonus Mom 50% of the time), and sucking it up and making the hour trek for some of my favorite stores because right now they are still my source of comfort. But the wheels are in motion to make this little slice of America a place that I can and will call home. I’m looking forward to the journey ahead.

Breaking it Down

Posted on May 20, 2011 by Nora

In the next eight days, I will:

* Have moved out of my parents house. Not just across town like I did after college, but to an entirely new State. An entirely new home. One that is not yet mine though I have hopes it will, in time, feel like our home.

* Join the remote workforce 100% of the time. Well, except for conferences and the every eight weeks I’ll be back in the office, but still a big change from now where I see people every day. Don’t worry, I’ll go to Starbucks and Caribou Coffee, maybe even with Knight to his office here and there.

* Officially be a Bonus Mom 50% of the time. Probably will be a post or series of posts to come on this in the future.

This means that since this past Monday when I emptied out an entire closet and sent it home with Knight (I highly recommend moving in pieces if at all possible) my brain has been a lot like this: AHHH! OMG!!! I’m moving. Must buy bluetooth phone. Don’t forget to pack X,Y,Z. Why did I send my good movies with Knight? I only have seven more nights of sleeping in my bed. Meal planning, I’ll have to be good at that soon. 6 am wake-ups due to kids? Yikes, not sure that I’ll be very good at that. Wedding. We need to get our wedding planning a bit more situated. Do I have time to have dinner with this friend or that friend before I leave? Engagement photos! This weekend! This is a little scary. Ok, now I’m excited, no more long distance! What if remote working is awful? At least I can run during my lunch hour now. Ahhh. OMG. {photo credit}

It also means that I have had total breakdown moments, complete with *the* ugly cry while hugging my mom telling her that I’m going to miss her so much, that it will be so weird to really move out of the house (I’ve lived on my own countless times, but before it was always an option to return home), not sleep in my bed anymore. That as excited as I am for everything, I’m a little scared and sad at the same time. I’m a fully-fledged adult, going off to share her life with her love. That’s a little intense. Her response? “Sometimes I’ll probably call you and just cry.” At least we are on the same page with that, eh?

There have been other days where I feel totally numb, kind of ignoring the big change that’s coming, not packing a single thing (though there isn’t much left since Knight is taking another huge truckload this weekend. Bonus: I only have to fill the boxes and help load them. He’s a doll and unloads them/unpacks them when he gets home), curling up with a good book or spending far too much time outside of the house at dinners or seeing ridiculously hilarious movies like Bridesmaids.

I have moments of doubting my ability to be a Bonus Mom 50% of the time, or worry if I’ll be good at cooking dinners on a regular basis and keeping a clean house, freak out a little bit about adjusting to life in a new state, in a new house that has some remnants of Knight’s past (all the obvious, physical ones are gone, of course…), wondering if I’ll make a good live-in fiancée and eventually wife, how Jack will handle the move.

Wedding planning has been rather abandoned and up in the air at the moment: we haven’t asked everyone to be in our wedding, there is talk of changing the entire vision for our special day, the guest list for our engagement party in July is far from finished, and I have a huge stack of bridal magazines I’m dying to look through but can’t possibly handle another distraction at this point. The only thing we are doing as it will be insanely fun is taking our engagement photos tomorrow.

And still despite the feelings of freakoutness and overwhelming emotion of every sort, I bound out of bed in the morning (well, ok, not bound, cause I’m so not a morning person) ticking off another day in my head because it means that I no longer have to talk to Knight only on the phone or via text. When something comes up with the girls, ex-wife, work or whatever, we can handle it face-to-face. We can have actual week night dates, go for walks with Jack after dinner. We won’t spend $400 in gas each month traveling to see each other. We can finally start to be a normal couple, go on double dates and shop at the grocery store, make lists and have silly fights over dishes in the sink or socks on the floor.

I know that for our planning and talking this move is still going to be a fabulous, crazy, amazing, intense shock. I know that it’s going to be hard. But I also know it’s going to be great, it’s just what we need and it’s the next, very exciting, very amazing step in my life.

So, if you need me, I’ll be busy attempting to wrap my head around everything that’s coming up in the next week since The Big Moving Day is exactly one week from tomorrow.

(And as always, thank you all so much for the support, encouragement, love and just amazing positivity over the last few months while all of this has unfolded! Much appreciated, more than you could know.)

Kinda Like Dorothy

Posted on April 25, 2011 by Nora

A text message you never want to receive from your fiancé: “Do you know what it’s like to feel turbulence in your plane on the ground?”

My response, which I quickly wrote among the crying children, pankcing teenagers, tears streaming down my face, while standing in shards of glass and bits of debris (insulation? picture frames? I still don’t really know) ”Get off the F@*&ing plane.”

Knight sent that to me right after the tornado swept through/in/on the airport on Friday night. He was “safely” on the ground, sitting in his plane that wasn’t allowed to continue the extra 20 feet to the deboarding area. I was waiting patiently inside the airport, reading my newest book, ignoring the flickering lights until the wind literally was sucked out of the building. The lights popped, the plastic bins started flying around, people started screaming, everyone ran towards the bathroom (although I have to say running in a pitch black airport with windows falling? Not so fun. I ran straight into an ATM machine since I was super disoriented.) Glass was falling from above, pictures were whipped off the walls, American flags went flying all over the place. Insulation, or bits of it, I guess, covered our clothes, hair, nestled itself into our eyes. To get a better idea of what it was like: think of any disaster movie where it’s mass chaos, screaming, crying, shouting, confusion and obviously dangerous weather. That’s what it seemed like during those 30-ish seconds.

Women, children and the elderly all went into the bathroom first and the rest of us huddled against the wall, waiting for instructions on what to do next. Apart from a security guard who came out of nowhere asking if anyone was hurt (there were several injuries), no one gave us any indication on what to expect next. No clue as to what would happen to the planes on the tarmac. We all milled around Concourse C, waiting to see our loved ones, friends, family members walk through but to no avail.

Knight’s phone died at some point and for three long hours during which I heard a variety of accounts of what we had just encountered (“strong gusts of wind,” “not a tornado, certainly couldn’t have been”), I wandered around the baggage claim area where we were all herded like cattle. With only the generators on in the airport it was incredibly warm; there was no food or drink to be found or bought, and the police men and women, pilots and anyone official looking didn’t offer any insight or assistance. We were all quarantined to the airport for a good 90 minutes, (not that I would have left without Knight) while the damage was assessed: A shuttle bus was on top of/dangling over the side of the parking garage; those who parked on the top of the garage were left with unfortunate messes of cars with blown windows, debris, and all sorts of dents and bangs; many injuries both inside and outside but fortunately no fatalities.

We heard news of what was going on in the outside world: My mom phoned to let me know most of the highways nearby were shut down, power was out in the area and that news of the tornado didn’t make it onto the local news stations until 30 minutes after I called her to let her know I was ok.

People banded together to gather news of those sitting on the planes on the tarmac. We made small talk, shared the latest information we had heard from our loved ones, stayed close, offered each other what few pain killers or water we had with us, and I’d say above all, provided each other with some comfort during a very unusual time.

The entire tornado seemted to have lasted less than 20 seconds, if that. By the time we ran to the bathroom it was over. But in that time I was reminded of just how much I love Knight (I literally wanted to run to the tarmac and get him off the plane myself and couldn’t relax until he was safely in my arms), how amazing the human spirit can be when we want to be. I mean, perfect strangers became good friends for my three hours there and it wasn’t weird: there were no pretenses, judgements, awkwardness, being uncomfortable. We wished each other well, Happy Easters, safe returns, thanks for the conversation when it was time to part ways.

I am so thankful and appreciative of everyone checking in on me via Twitter, text, email and phone calls on Friday night and over the weekend. We are both ok, no injuries or problems and feel incredibly blessed and lucky to be able to say that.

Once Knight was in my arms a whole three hours and 30 minutes after he landed, I felt infinitely better. Still shaken up, thankful that neither one of was injured, and so ready to get home. After navigating the parking garage which was basically a giant sheet of glass, trees, street signs and mangled metal, we made our way slowly but surely home, neither of us saying much but holding each other’s hands tightly.

Beaches

Posted on February 9, 2011 by Nora

**** Before I share my Florida trip, I have a shameless plug for Becky’s fabulous husband, Ben! He has entered a contest that could really help his career and get his artwork in front of the right people. In Ben’s words: “The winner gets flown out to pretty much the biggest comic book convention and introduced to all the bigwigs in the comic book, video game, and toy/statue industry which will jump start my career in comics and everything else! I am so freakin’ excited about this it’s not even funny! The voting ends on the 14th so it’s a very limited time in which to decide the winner so everything has to be a concentrated effort. Thank you so much for the support.” So how can you help? Go to this link. Click on “Support Ben,” via the Facebook button. The website will email you when to vote; both views and votes count! *****

So, Florida.

Apart from the chaos that ensued before we actually got there (in a nutshell: Knight’s flight getting canceled, him having to juggle to get on my flights out of StL, dealing with a flat tire in the ghetto of STL, arriving at 1am) and the fact that we got no sleep the night before (hooray for 24 hour amazing breakfast places to kick off the trip), our first vacation was totally ah-mazing.

There was nothing but hugs, love, laughs, holding babies (hers, not mine… duh!), drinking, eating our way through North Florida, laughing some more, watching ridiculous reality TV (hello, Jersey Shore. Nice to meet you, finally. And I may be hooked.)

There was not lovely weather by any means but it was still warmer then this stupid midwest. Like by a lot. And it rained, warm rain. The good kind of rain, you know?

I wore flip-flops and short sleeved shirts. I slept in. I cuddled with Knight and my niece. I sat with my childhood BFF (she needs a nickname, seriously) and laughed, smiled and cried over the pictures and memories of us from the last five years. We hung with my niece and had good life chats. We sat in silence at times and it was more than ok.

I put my toes in the sand despite the insane fog that was covering the Jacksonville beaches. I had to talk to a cop in order to get into the bar since I was a dunce and left my license at home (it worked). I took shots to celebrate my childhood BFF’s birthday, the attainment of my Masters, and friendship and love in general.

Future trips were planned. Tears were shed when it was time to leave. Bonds were strengthened. Knight and I spent five days and six nights together; the most in a row since we’ve met one another and were left hungry for more.

My soul is rejuvenated (again). My heart is soaring (still). There is a smile plastered to my face (like usual). I’m in love with Florida all over again. I fell more in love with myself, with Knight, with life.

When was the last time you fell in love with yourself, your life, your loved ones all over again?

Lessons Learned: Soulful Weekend

Posted on February 1, 2011 by Nora

Bright and early on Saturday morning I picked up Lisa at a very packed airport (I think everyone was trying to flee this ridiculous weather are getting), greeted her with a classic Midwest Bear Hug, and we were off! This trip has been planned for only a month but it seemed like a long time coming; I think this past weekend was something we both needed: lots and lots of girl time.

Here are some of the things that I learned this past weekend:

* Apparently Mother Nature is nice and graces us with her lovely presence (as in 45 degrees and sunny) for special out-of-town guests. This will lead you to shedding your coat in favor of feeling a bit springlike. Don’t be too fooled, though. The weather will change after the sun goes down.

* Getting to the zoo within 30 minutes of them opening? Best idea ever. No lines to see the penguins!

* You know a lot more about the history and culture of your city than you think, but you always forget the Arch is 630 feet tall.

* Sitting on your bed, magazines askew, Generation X music on in the background? Reminds you both of high school, the days you couldn’t drive, and it is SO much fun. Nothing like just relaxing and being girls for a bit, no worries about driving, bills, plans, boys, nothing beats it!

* Celebrity gossip and looking at fashion is fun at any age. You’re also reminded of why you and Lisa are such good friends: your thoughts and tastes are incredibly similar.

* You might get totally giggly and say something like “smokes like a fish,” when you really meant “smokes like a chimney.” This will become a running joke for the rest of the weekend.

* Introducing your boyfriend to one of your best friends is really fun, especially when they like each other and get along really well.

* Mexican and margaritas is more fun when you’re celebrating a friend’s early birthday (and when the margaritas go down very easy).

* There are some bars in St. Louis that would be ideal for numerous episodes of “What Not to Wear.” We found one of those bars. We also think we should have a stack of Vogues to hand out to people who need some fashion advice.

* Chatting over a delicious breakfast with no agenda on a Sunday? Divine.

* Colin Firth is amazing and dashing, even when he’s playing a King with a speech impediment. (In other words, go see “The King’s Speech.”)

* Sex and the City is a lot funnier than you remember it being; so fun to watch it with a true fan!

* Spinach & feta stuffed chicken breasts are really good; maybe it’s the company (your parents + Lisa), the wine, and the fact that you were totally relaxed, but the recipe is definitely a keeper.

* When going to THE custard place of St. Louis, it’s probably a wise idea to call before you go, just in case they are closed for the season. (Lesson learned the hard way.)

* Sometimes the best weekends are the ones where you put down the camera and only have a few photos to share!

* You are incredibly thankful for the blog world and the best friends it has brought you and you will always wish they lived much, much closer to you.

* It is way more fun to drop a friend off at the airport when you know you’ll see them again soon!

* Fact: You need much, much more girl time in your life than you’re currently getting.

The 2010 Wrap-Up

Posted on January 5, 2011 by Nora

I hadn’t planned on doing the 2010 Wrap-up partially because a good portion of the year was spent recovering, healing, with my nose in books finsihing up my masters. And partially because you were all here for the good, the bad, the ugly (and I thank you for it!).

But it doesn’t seem right to start a new year without looking back, at least a little bit.

So, 2010, in a paragraph…..

Blogger meet-ups that were good for the heart and soul. Fried food on a stick. Bar Crawls that left me with mean hangovers. Training for a 10-mile race, getting injured, but forging on and running a 10k anyway. Adjusting to living with the parents. Countless books read, movies watched, journal pages scribbled in. Learning how to get over heart-wrenching pain. Embracing the people in my life who make me feel good. Eating a whole lot of Mexican food. Letting go of toxicity in my life, whether it be plans, people, or dreams. Cuddles with Jack. Laughing so hard it made my stomach hurt and tears roll down my face. Reasserting my hopes and dreams, ones that are attainable. Finishing my masters and being so thrilled that I actually did it. Squeeing with joy when my diploma came just before Christmas. Getting back to my roots, back to who I really am. Being surprised by love. Being surprised by what I would do for love. Growing stronger every day. Being choosy. Road trips, lots of road trips. Allowing myself to be a hopeless romantic again, and not apologizing for it. Refusing to settle. Learning to say no. At the same time, learning to say yes. Becoming obsessed with all things Ann Taylor Loft, Nintendo, and baking (again). Deciding that I won’t dye my hair any color other than it’s natural color, even if the grays show through. Making amazing new friends that I would be 100% lost without. Hugging my parents more. Falling in love with not only a great man, but also myself.

I’m not making resolutions this year (I’m really bad at them). Instead I’m just facing 2011 head-on with all the changes that I know are ahead of me, some which will change the rest of my life I suspect, and am prepared to tackle all the changes and challenges that I can’t yet see. I’m going into 2011 with hope, joy and smiles and I know that it will be a good year.

What are you going into 2011 with?