Category Archives: Jack

The Weekend: Cupcakes, Specs, Rain & Cookies

Posted on by
25

This past weekend was one of those great ones.

On Friday I headed over to Jen’s house to embark on our girls’ night out  for ten which she won from Dove. We received complimentary car service (aka a huge limo) and then Jen was given money to spoil us for the evening! I think we spent it pretty well: cupcakes from The Cup (I got the Tuxedo and Buttercream which I noshed on over the weekend), dinner at a fabulous local tapas restaurant, Mosaic where I fell in love with infused cheddar cheese, mini rib burgers and potatoe croquettes, and hours of girl talk, laughing, jokes and pictures. As if all that wasn’t great enough, we all received three lovely smelling deodorants courtesy of Dove of course, after the night was over. It was great to meet more of Jen’s friends (I knew about half the group already from various past parties) and enjoy a truly luxurious night on the town. (Bonus: getting to see Jen’s son, now two months old, and take a picture with him and all of the girls in front of the limo. Cutest thing ever.)  Below: Liz, me, Jen, hanging out in the limo.

 

For whatever reason on Saturday morning I woke up with a start at 7:30am and couldn’t fall back asleep so I decide to go into uber productive mode: wrote a paper, took the dogs around the block, and was ready to go for the day all before 9:30am. I picked out my new glasses, did a little gratuitous shopping at H&M and Express, and then jaunted over to my Gram’s with two Starbucks Double Chocolaty Chip Drinks for two hours of girl time. We talked boys, computers, school, memories, goals. Quite possibly the best two hours I’ve spent with my Gram in awhile. The fatigue started setting in around this time so I headed home for some quality time with my Netflix movies, the couch, the dogs and my books. I watched Griffin & Phoenix which is a heartbreakingly beautiful movie; I really did love it. However, I do not recommend watching it unless you want to cry. Like, a lot. Then, and I can’t believe I’m admitting this on my blog, I watched Mary Poppins to cheer myself up. Took the dogs on some walks, read a ton, and then enjoyed the crazy thunderstorms that rolled into town.

For those who are interested, a pic of my new glasses (they are dark brown with caramel on the outer rims). I’m pretty much in love with them:

And then on Sunday? Lots of naps with the dogs at my feet, more reading, peppered with school work of course, news that a good friend is moving out of St. Louis which prompted the quintessential “what am I doing with MY life thought process?”, baked some oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, and went for a run. Throw in a present from my parents (a really awesome scarf), a surprise phone call from my brother and it was the perfect lazy Sunday.

This past weekend was a perfect blend of fun, friends, and time to myself. With the next six weeks being a little crazy with trips to see family and friends, finals, and weddings it was just what I needed!

How was your weekend? What’s your ideal weekend look like?

Grace in Small Things: The Revival

Posted on by
18

A long, long time ago I did a weekly post on Grace in Small Things so I wouldn’t overlook all the good in my life. Today I feel like bringing it back.

* A note left on my desk by a client telling me to have a great day. (Things have been a little stressful at the office as of late.)

* Hot chocolate which especially hits the spot when the office you work in feels like a meat freezer.

* Spending a night at Barnes & Noble plowing through my school reading and maybe treating myself to a (cheap) book as a reward. Studying at home is well and good but a few days into the week and I just need a change of scenery. Bonus for cute guys who work at Barnes & Noble.

* Jack cuddles. Enough said.

* Treating myself to 30 minutes of “fun reading” time each evening before bed time. It’s easy for me to get overloaded with school and work stuff after hours so setting this time aside is super important to me.

* e-mails from old friends.

* My facebook wall feed which lately is one giant “I had a baby!” announcement. The sweet baby faces and the joy in my friends’ eyes is sure to bring a smile to my face every single time.

Tell me what some of your Grace in Small Things are these days?

The August Obsession List

Posted on by
11

It’s been a slower month in the obsession-arena of my life; I attribute most of this to the fact that I spent two weeks of the month relaxing in between classes.

Here’s the short list for this month:

* Mineral Foundation. I know I’m incredibly late to jump on this bandwagon but I just bought some Mineral Foundation and I love it. I have a more finished look and it lasts all day. In short, I feel more like a grown-up woman when I wear it.

* 10K Training. I’m on my fourth week of training and though I had to take a few days off due to that pesky sickness last week, so far, so good. My knees are doing well but maybe that’s because I’m babying them a little bit: lots of stretching and ice after runs. It feels so great to be back at the gym six days a week, working towards a goal and seeing positive changes in my body. I forgot how addictive it is.

* Leverage. As in, the TV show. I caught a few episodes over year ago and just now decided to Netflix them. I never get bored with the plot, one of the cast members is particularly easy on the eyes and it’s just kind of fun. And while we are on the subject of TV, I can’t forget Drop Dead Diva, Rescue Me (which I’m wildly behind on), and True Blood. I may have a slight summer-tv addiction. Just a little one…

* Walks with Jack. In an effort to help him lose weight and also to spend quality time with my furry best friend, we have been going on more walks. The weather has been cooler the last week, Jack is so happy to be outside, and listening to the quiet stillness of the neighborhood is relaxing.

That’s all I have this month! Anything that you couldn’t get enough of this past month? Anything that I must try out?

Lessons Learned (v2)….

Posted on by
20

… going to see the play “Promises, Promises,” with your 86 year-old Grandmother seems like a good idea when you don’t know the plot. But when it’s about Mad Men-esque antics (aka lots of sexual content and notions) it’s a little bit awkward.

… eating at Panera three times in one week is acceptable, especially when you are on the run and refuse to go through a drive-through fast food place.

… running at the track just before dark is the best idea you had all week because the sprinklers are on, ensuring a lovely mist/spray every lap.

… having the intent to read, vlog, and send out cards to your friends is almost as good as actually doing those things… almost.

… don’t eat an oatmeal raisin cookie because apparently you’re allergic to them now. Thank goodness for Benadryl.

… make sure to indulge in several phone calls with close friends and family, one of which may involve plotting a trip to Florida for a cousin reunion. Ignore the fact you promised yourself no more travel this year; you can’t pass up a cousin reunion.

… wearing make-up to work after a long week and little sleep is purely optional. And a little bit freeing.

… it never gets easier to say goodbye to a good friend.

… waking up to Jack’s wagging tail brushing up against your leg is one of the most pleasant ways to wake up.

Any lessons you learned this week that you’d like to share?

My (Fur) Baby's 6th Birthday

Posted on by
24

It’s hard to believe sometimes that Jack went from this (Nora aged 20, Jack aged 10-12 weeks):

to this (Jack, aged almost 6):

The day I adopted Jack, my College Boyfriend and I were incredibly bored. Having exhausted the mall, walking around campus and perusing the bookstore, we decided to stop by the Humane Society.

From behind the barbwired cage, Jack looked at up me with the puppy eyes (which he still reserves when he really wants something), pleading with me to take him home. We played with him for an hour and when it was time for us to leave, he whined. My heart was both broken and over the moon in love with him. After a brief “fight” with my landlord (the lease I signed said I was allowed a dog yet they told me I wasn’t allowed one), and 400 non refundable dollars later, Jack came home.

As a puppy he was nothing but adorable: housebroken within a month, learning tricks after two months, perking up to rap music like the Black Eyed Peas, Nelly and Ludacris, loving car rides, his chew toys, long walks and puppy cuddles.

Within a year he had learned to sleep in late like his mama, wrestled playfully with other dogs and became a huge hit among my friends. I have blocked out the few pairs of shoes he ruined, lamp wires that he chewed through and the few times that he kept me up late wanting to play instead of going to bed.

To this day he loves his toys, behaves more like a border collie than not (I swear he lays around and counts the number of people in the house each evening), he prefers ice cubes to water in the summer, he’ll sleep in his bed until 5 am each morning when he decides cuddling with me is more to his liking. He’s terrified of the swimming pool and hates baths, waits at the stairs for me each morning, won’t eat until I tell him to, alarms me to other dogs, runners and strangers on the street and most of all, he greets me each day, happier than the day before with tail wags, kisses and endless love.

Happy 6th Birthday, Jackers.

Love Always,
Your Dog Mama

Letters: Russell Brand, Fish Wire, Libraries, Knees and more

Posted on by
22

Dear Russell Brand,

Thank you for being hilarious in Get Him to the Greek. After wrestling with advanced corporate finance for a day, it was just what I needed. I’ve developed a new crush on you, your accent and your eyeliner-wearing self. Please do a comedy tour and come to StL.

With adoration,
Nora

*************

To: Rude, Loud Neighbor
From: Nora, the eternal Hippie

It has recently come to my attention that you have strung fishing wire above your pool and deck area in an attempt to keep (trap?) ducks from coming into your pool area. We live in suburbia with trees, ponds, shrubs so it’s only natural that we will have ducks. It’s one thing to not like them; it’s an entirely different beast if you try to kill/harm them. Have you thought about the noise, pain and mess the ducks will make if they are trapped? I’m incredibly disgusted. Animals were here first, then humans. Consider that before you continue to concrete your entire backyard.

*************

Attention: Left Knee

It’s been about five weeks of physical therapy and overall, you’re showing great signs of improvement. I appreciate your cooperation and willingness to work hard to allow me to exercise again. However, this little bit of inflamation and setback for no good reason? It’s not ok. Exercise is my release. It’s how I get through the work weeks. Sure, I’m learning to cope in other ways but let’s commit to getting 100% better. I’d like to run a few 5ks later this summer, so let’s work towards that shall we? Keep up the good work and keep the eye on the prize.

Yours in Exercise,
Nora

*************

Dear St. Louis Libraries:

I’m pretty excited about the adult reading challenge you have in place this summer. Chances to win Barnes & Noble gift cards? Sign me up. I also love that you have a book club and have increased the new releases section. My only request: plesae be open on Sundays and maybe consider some outdoor seating for the lovely summer nights we have?

Always,
Book Addict

************

To: Summer
From: Nora

Please don’t disappear within a blink of an eye. My weekends now through mid-July are filling up and sadly my days are spent within the walls of corporate America but I’d really like to have some lazy summer days and really enjoy you. Try to stick around as long as you can.

************

Dear Jack,

Your sixth birthday is coming up in July. I can’t believe we’ve shared six years together already; you’ve been such a loving, happy, spunky, adorable dog. Thank you for loving me unconditionally and waiting for me by the door each evening. Adopting you was one of the smartest decisions I’ve ever made.

Love,

Your Dog Mamma

***********

Any letters you want to write today?

Holidays

Posted on by
23

Holiday weekends are for…

… going to a midnight showing of Sex and the City 2, ignoring the bad reviews because we all know sequels aren’t as good as the first, loving the fashion, the underlying tones in the movie, giggling with the girls, and indulging in a $10 cosmopolitan. Don’t forget the fact that we dressed up and shamelessly took photos while we waited in line for the movie.

… sleeping until noon as much as possible, even if your body only allows you to do it once.

… disconnecting from all things technology including blogs, gmail, work email (well, ok, I checked it once), twitter, phone calls, online classes.  

… finding new tv shows to be addicted to, even if  only for the weekend but realizing you kind of want to watch the entire season. (I’m looking at you, Drop Dead Diva.)

… treating yourself to late snacks just like you were in high school. On the menu: Doritos, an ice cold Coca-Cola, cookies.

… taking advantage of the sales at the mall to buy a few new fabulous pieces of everyday jewelry, possibly including a faux black diamond ring a la John James Preston III.

… meditating on the big life questions, maybe getting nowhere, maybe getting somewhere.  

… finishing a book that you really, really wanted to read (Kingdom Keepers III) and being ok with putting down a book that’s not grabbing you, at least for now (Swimming).

… giving yourself a pep talk: only eight more weeks of finance and you’re done with the subject forever. Only 16 weeks before you’re 100% done with school. FOREVER.

… wrapping up loose ends around the house: cleaning, filing, organizing, trashing.

… baking the classics: chocolate chip cookies and oatmeal carmelitas.

… wishing that it wasn’t necessary work everyday, 8 to 5 (and then some) because the feeling of freedom, being able to do whatever you want whenever you want is just so amazing.

… hugging your family members, catching up with neighbors and friends, penning notes to others.

… remembering those who have sacrificed their lives, families, loves and so much more for our country and freedoms.

… going on long walks with the dog and your sibling, talking about everything and nothing at the same time.

… making some mid-year resolutions with yourself regarding personal health, wealth, and overall goals.

How do you spend your holiday weekends?

Lessons Learned on a Rainy Weekend

Posted on by
17

… driving with the radio turned down, the rain slapping the windshield, is a rather calm way to start the work day.

… allowing yourself a tiny bite of a doughnut is completely acceptable after a week of early alarms and chaotic meetings.

… there’s still nothing quite like the accomplishment felt after a long week of work, the many to-dos crossed off the list, a sigh of relief as you exit the building.

… sometimes you have to give into your junk food cravings. Bonus if it’s all something you can make/bake at home.

… laying in bed for an extra hour on a rainy Saturday morning watching mindless ABC Family movies is blissful.

… returning to your favorite breakfast place is always a good idea.

… jumping out of the comfort zone and trying on 1940s style sundresses in bright colors will be one of the best decisions made in awhile.

… writing econ papers is better after several hours of procrastination, a dog at your feet, and a thunderstorm out the window.

… nothing beats Mexican food and a movie on a Saturday night.

… Saturday Night Live isn’t nearly as good as it used to be.

… I’m a chronic over-scheduler. My weekends need less activity, more free time.

… seeing other people run is a stab to the heart right now; the body is craving the open road and the running shoes. Thank goodness for common sense.

… there’s no place quite like bed, Boston Legal in the DVD player, schoolbooks packed away and a book by your side.

Random Side Note: Thanks to everyone for their kind words and support on last Friday’s post. I will definitely be exploring alternative racing options as well as new workouts after getting the final MRI results and discussing all possibilities with my doctor to make sure it’s a-ok.

The (Three Day) Weekend

Posted on by
16

This past weekend I…

… enjoyed a leisurely Friday with the family full of Italian food and gelato, laughs and good debates.

… daydreamed about buying my own townhome with a backyard for Jack and a porch on the second floor overlooking a garden.

 

… ran 8.75 miles, without stopping, as part of my training for the upcoming Soldiers Field 10  miler in about seven weeks.

… felt surprisingly awesome after running the aforementioned miles.

… rummaged around my closet for clothes that aren’t too big for me, found nothing so went for a “bohemian” look on Easter Sunday in a flowy dress and curly hair.

… decided that it’s time to go shopping due to the fact I look like a bag lady in my clothes these days. (Thank you running.)

… baked a smore brownie pie and spinach lasagna roll-ups as part of Easter Brunch.

… listened to the laughs and giggles of the neighbors who were in hot pursuit of plastic Easter eggs filled with money.

… ignored school work for 36 hours without feeling the least bit guilty.

… reconnected with an old friend with a few glasses of wine, a whole lot of laughs and promises to meet again soon.

… lazed around with Jack, listening to the wind roll through my windows, the birds fluttering about as they make their nests and having a moment of zen.

photo sources:
garden, eggs, wine

Recipe: A Perfect Weekend

Posted on by
26

Some weeks are spent with family, others running around from party to party, others still trying to fit in all the errands and people-pleasing tasks you’ve neglected. Then there are other weekends where you have just a few commitments and everything else is just left to chance and spontaneity. If you ask me, the best kind of weekends.

I spent the weekend chatting with some of my favorite people ever, running mile after mile at the gym (4 miles on Friday, 6 miles on Saturday making a grand total of 14 miles for the week… a little bit short of where I wanted to be), taking pictures of my parents before they headed out to their Black Tie event, cuddling with Jack while reading books, glued to the TV watching Boston Legal and possibly developing a crush on James Spader, picking up a package from FedEx which included these amazing surprise gifts from Brand About Town* to help me “further my personal growth and fitness goals” which I blogged about in early 2010:

My very own Wii & Wii Fit Plus!

A workout towel that says it all

Recipes, Fiction & a jump rope!

 … the weekend continued with excitement over this awesome package, much needed bonding with my dad over burritos before shopping for Darling’s birthday, indulging in a double chocolate chip blended cream drink from Starbucks while studying at Barnes & Noble, scheduling out the coming weeks with all the assignments, quizzes and papers due, savoring my dad’s famous baked macaroni and cheese, packing for my housesitting adventure, enjoying every moment of Johnny Depp in “Alice in Wonderland,” and of course, relaxing.

Of everything that happened this weekend I’d say maybe 10% of it was planned, the rest just happened. It was bliss.

* Disclosure: All products and books mentioned in this post were  sent to me by Brand About Town and Nintendo as gifts to assist me in my personal growth and fitness goals for 2010. I am not being compensated to write about these products, nor was I asked to write about these products; I am choosing to do so by my own accord.