* I met- and exceeded- my book reading goal for 2011 by about three books! I have set my goal for 2012 to be 50 books which I think I can get make thanks in part to a gift from Knight (Nook Color Tablet!), my faithful library card, and my finally dwindling to-be-read stack. Going along with that, I finally finished the Hunger Games series and was glad I did; I think my favorite book in the series was the first one but I love putting a neat little bow on things and finishing up series.

* I found my wedding dress. This was/is a huge weight off my shoulders. It was the second dress that I tried on and while I tried on about 10-12 just to be sure, I was instantly in love with it. And I got all teary-eyed. As did my mom and my friend who was able to come with me. I can’t and won’t go into details as to what it looks like since Knight reads this occasionally. Suffice to say I’m already joking about wearing it around the house after the wedding because I am just that in love with it.

* Resting. I finally got rest and sleep. I’ve discovered that stress causes me to have fitful sleep full of crazy dreams so the fact that I was able to have a break from the stress in my life for a break I slept and rested and relaxed. There were some days that were incredibly busy, others that were more relaxed and kind of floating from activity to activity.

* Making some decisions about how I’m living my life. Nothing earth-shattering like abandoning my job or declaring a complete overhaul on my lifestyle, but working on some things I noticed in 2011 that I know need my attention in 2012. Things that you’d probably find boring but since this blog is for me and since I do better when I put it out there and am accountable, the biggest thing I’m working on in 2012 is saying no to things that cause me stress right out of the gate and cause my calendar to be overcommitted. I won’t be saying no to experiences that I want/desire but I will be keeping my schedule in-check and not feeling like I have to say yes just to please other people. This is a huge thing for me because sometimes I feel trapped or stuck to say yes both at work and in my personal life and that just doesn’t work. And going along with that, learning to live my life outside of work and taking the focus off of work. It’s too easy to get caught up in Monday-Friday patterns due to work days and work trips, but I’m going to strive to take the focus off of work and instead on me and those who need my attention. So whether it’s reading more books or painting my nails or coloring with the kidlets or taking 20 minutes of quiet time with Knight to just talk and connect, or sending my friends texts and emails just to say hi, I’m going to work on it. (I started these over my vacation and it’s early in the year I know, but I’ve already started and working on it and it feels better already.)

* Laughing. Like really, truly, laughing. Belly laughing. With my family. With the kidlets. With friends. With Knight. Sounds silly to list this but I realized that during a normal work week and other times in the year, I don’t laugh as much as I would like too. Felt good to really laugh! The rest of my vacation was full of relaxing, catching up on life things, doing some cleaning, making some amazing peanut butter cupckaes for Knight’s birthday, and just being me. The trick will be figuring out how to turn everyday life a little bit more into vacation life…!

How were your holidays? What are you most looking forward to this year?

Here’s the background on the person who I wrote my letter for:

Recently, Priscilla lost the love of her life, husband of 33 years, and father to two boys. Her close family friend wrote that Priscilla and her husband provided the perfect example of what love should look like. She wrote, “If there is anyone in this world that I think deserves a love letter, it is Priscilla. She has survived this entire ordeal with grace and courage. She is an amazing woman and I’m hoping that some love letters help ease her pain and remind her that her husband is in a better place now and forever looking down on her.”

I can’t fathom losing the love of your life, your husband and the father to your sons close to or during the holidays. What words are there for someone going through a loss like this? In reality probably not much, but I tried. If it brings a glimmer of a smile to her face for just a moment, then the More Love Letters campaign mission is accomplished.

I encourage any and all of you to spend a few moments writing a letter to Priscilla yourself. Grab a cute notecard or anything else you want to write on, and get in the mail in the next week:

More Love Letters, PO Box 2061, North Haven, CT 06473

While you are at it, consider joining the email list, bookmarking their blog, and if you still have no idea what this campaign is about, familiarize yourself with the story.

We all know how the smallest things can make our day: a smile from a stranger on a bad day, having the door held for you, or a note on your desk at work. Why not give back in the form of a love letter? Imagine the good you and this campaign could do!

* How to deal with future in-laws who seem to be a bit… needy. Or awkward. Or nosy. Or buttinskies.

* How to console someone apart from saying “I’m here for you.” As much as those words mean to someone in pain or grief, it never seems quite enough. (It’s doubly frustrating when you live at least six states away and can’t deliver homemade meals, help out with their kids, etc.)

* How to be in a relationship. Laugh if you will, but no one really teaches you how to do this. You can learn by example. You can do what feels right. You do what you know is right. You do what fulfills you but no one teaches you the right or wrong in a relationship, perhaps because there is no right or wrong. Nonetheless, occasionally it would be nice to have a roadmap or someone to say “STOP!” when you start walking down the wrong path.

* Parenting. There is no guidebook or test to be taken before you can be a parent. It’s a lot like being in a relationship,  you know, since it’s a relationship with a kid, and you have to go by your gut and what you grew up with and what you learned. There’s no way to know if what you’re doing now will come up in a therapy session years down the road or if it brings them joy and happiness. Instead, you take leaps of faith, make educated guesses, maybe look it up on Google or consult your own mother for advice.

* How to forgive and forget. Easier said than done at times.

* When to step away: from life, from technology, from fights, from work, from a situation, from a friend, from the cell phone, from the noise in your own head.

* How to say you’re sorry and truly mean it. I know, sounds silly but there are times when we are stubborn. We refuse to acknowledge that maybe we were wrong or said something inappropriate. Sometimes sorry is said as an empty phrase, lacking meaning and honesty. Or other times, it’s not said when it should be.

* How to manage one or multiple sticky/difficult/pain-in-the-ass/stressful/emotional situations with grace.

 * How to just let it all go. Focus on the important stuff, the must-do stuff, the things -that -make- you- happy stuff.  

What is something you wish you had been/or could be taught?

***

Yes, you can read books. Talk to others and etc., but no one can really teach you or transfer knowledge to you on the above items. There are plenty of tips and tricks, suggestions, blogs, websites and etc. to help guide through these potentially difficult situations. And sometimes? It would be so great if we had the inherent knowledge and know-how to manage all the curveballs that come our way.

1. What is your cleaning style like?
99% of the time it’s a lot like Monica from Friends; once I get started, it’s hard to stop me. I kind of go into a whirlwind/trance and just clean, clean clean. During the dreary winter months or when I’m super busy I tend to be a bit more carefree when it comes to cleaning.

2. What is your favorite thing to add to an outfit to take it from casual to classy?
My nude heels. Best purchase ever (thank you Sex & the City for that lesson/tidbit). I have a few select pieces of jewelry too that are silver and add the right amount of pep to any outfit.

3. Do you like stormy weather?
LOVE. I’m a huge fain of the rain (so much so that the old blog title was Walking through the Rain). Give me a thunderstorm, lightning, you’ll make me a happy girl! What I do not love? Blizzards and wintery mixes; those kinds of stormy days are not my favorite at all.

4. What is your favorite cold treat on a hot day?
Super ice cold water. Or maybe a dreamsicle.

5. What is your favorite warm treat on a cold day?
Hot chocolate, hands down. I’m so original! If I have had hot chocolate recently then peppermint tea for sure.

6. Who is your favorite animated character?
Can I be super old school and say Mickey & Minnie? I grew up on Disney and I still love it/them to this day.

7. What do you keep your jewelry in?
Some of it is in a ziploc bag which is so uber classy, I know, but that’s thanks to all the trips I’ve been making lately; the rest of it is in a Mary Englebreit heart-shaped box thing on my dresser. And some of it hangs/dangles off the mirror in my room too. No wonder I don’t know where to find things…

8. Do any of the rooms in your house have a theme?
Not at present, but they will someday/soon! My old apartment had a room that was all NYC photos/paintings and I hope to replicate that someday in my own home.

9. Do you watch any interior design TV shows – if so, what is your favorite?
Color Splash with David Bromstad. Love his show, love his style, love him!
Curbside Appeal is a lot of fun too… I’ve avoided HGTV for awhile but I’m kind of in the mood to get hooked on it again.

10. When was the last time you did something risk-taking?
I’ll be doing something risk-taking very soon; check the blog later this week for more details on that.

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Things that make me want to have a glass (or a bottle) of wine:

* This may make me sound like a grumpy old woman, but all the Charlie Sheen talk. Yes, his twitter feed is funny and yes, he gives good sound bites but really? There is obviously something not right with him and I do wish he’d get help or that the people who love him would help. (End grumpy old woman rant.)

* Mother Nature and her ADD attitude toward the weather. 60 and sunny one day to cold and grey the next? Let’s get it together, shall we?

* There are not enough hours in the day for me to sleep lately/I’m having trouble sleeping. So obviously a glass/bottle of wine will help me sleep, right?

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Things that I love this week:

* Waking up to text messages from Knight that are so sweet they put a smile on my face (which is a big deal cause I’m so not a morning person).

* Forgetting that I have certain pieces of clothing which means something new to wear to work which means I feel confident and happier during the work day.

* For all the crap that’s happened this week, there has been some great news, like my high school best friend is expecting her first child, my brother is coming home over spring break and I will be receiving some awesome looking boots to review for the blog.

* Jack and all his cuteness. He’s an adorable dog.

* Parenthood. I can’t get enough of that show.

* This song, thanks to both Bri and Mandy introducing me to her, as well as Parenthood:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0put0_a–Ng[/youtube]

* Connecting with new people across the blogosphere.

* 28 days until Seattle.

I’m officially self-hosted. (Insert “Woohoo! Hooray!” and other miscellaneous cheers especially because this means that I can cross yet another something off my 30 before 30 list.)

What does this mean? You’ll have to change your subscription settings so that I’ll show up in your RSS feed of choice! Click on the RSS link at the top right OR click on this link to see your subscription options! I hope you’ll follow me here since I’ll no longer be posting on my old blog.

So go forth and subscribe!

* Bruno Mars, Marry You. I know, I know. It’s pop. It’s totally silly. The lyrics are, well, not great, but at the same time the tune is so catchy I can’t help but listen to this song over and over again:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmmwFHW9IjU

* Cee Lo Green, Forget You. Yet another song that’s totally ridiculous but I can’t help myself. I’ve played it for all members of my family and discussed the merits of guy songs (like my brother claims this one is) vs girl songs (I suppose a Taylor Swift song would be a girl song?). Anyway, if you haven’t heard this song, I’m warning you, it’s highly addictive.  (I also love that his band is all girls. And that Cee Lo wears bright pink suits to perform in!)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7oeOCnuScQ

* Bits o Truth. Lisa sent me the link in December and I love scrolling through the quotes, messages and phrases. Definitely inspirational and I guarantee you can find one for any mood, any situation!

* Watching Disney movies. Apparently I took a five-year old pill but I loved watching “Alice in Wonderland,” and “Sleeping Beauty,” over my break. I may or may not have watched the Muppet Christmas movie and old school Mickey Christmas cartoons as well. It’s amazing how much of the movies I forgot!

Image via Wikipedia

* Getting really excited for this month and February! I will get to see Knight several times this month, at the end of January Lisa is coming to visit me which means wine, Mexican, Sex & the City and lots of sight-seeing and then in February I am visiting my childhood friend, meeting my faux niece finally and introducing Knight to the Florida gang!

* Lots and lots of family time. 2011 is going to bring some changes for the family so I’ve enjoyed and soaked up every laugh, hug, dinner, chill time, debate, and time together possible. Definitely a reminder not to take family and current conditions for granted.

* Mint M&Ms. I only buy them during the holidays (maybe that’s the only time you can get them?) but I have a bag stashed for the next time a craving hits. They are just so delicious, a good amount of chocolate plus mint!

* House Hunters. I know, I was obsessed with this earlier last year, but I’ve found a new buddy to watch it with! Knight really likes  this show too so we spent a few nights cuddled up watching this show over the holiday, debating the merits of each house, the decision the couples made.

What were you obsessed with last month? Anything you recommend I check out this month? I’m always looking for new things to try (or become obsessed with…)

If you weren’t already aware, Erin is having twins (soon!) and her baby shower is tonight; since most of us can’t be there in person (insert sadface here), the equally as lovely Renee suggested that we share a vlog on our blogs to commerate her special day, talking about our favorite things that come in pairs.*

So, Erin, without any more jibber-jabber, this one’s for you. (I’m sorry it’s so short but I started to get all emotional at the end and didn’t want to cry on camera. I wish there was a more eloquent way to say this but I’m so freakin’ excited and happy for you, Ted and what’s going to be your family!)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=swKrBqpOrwQ

I rummaged around my head trying to come up with some great words of wisdom as you embark on your journey as a mom, but not being one, I don’t have much. Fortunately I stumbled (or Googled, either way, right!?) upon this poem recently which made me think not only of my mom but also what I have no doubt in my mind you’ll be over the coming years.

What is a Mother?
by Unknown

A mother can be almost any size or any age, but she won’t admit to anything over thirty. A mother has soft hands and smells good. A mother likes new dresses, music, a clean house, her children’s kisses, an automatic washer and Daddy.

A mother doesn’t like having her children sick, muddy feet, temper tantrums, loud noise or bad report cards. A mother can read a thermometer (much to the amazement of Daddy) and like magic, can kiss a hurt away.

A mother can bake good cakes and pies but likes to see her children eat vegetables. A mother can stuff a fat baby into a snowsuit in seconds and can kiss sad little faces and make them smile.

A mother is underpaid, has long hours and gets very little rest. She worries too much about her children but she says she doesn’t mind at all. And no matter how old her children are, she still likes to think of them as her little babies.

She is the guardian angel of the family, the queen, the tender hand of love. A mother is the best friend anyone ever had. A mother is love.

Wishing you, Ted and The Girls nothing but the happiest of days, fullest of hearts, and scrapbooks filled with memories and soul-warming moments. Enjoy your Baby Shower Day!

* This is my first Vlog so apologies for the severe lack of technically savvy-ness!

I wish…

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… that bad things didn’t happen (or threaten to happen) to amazing, beautiful people.

… I could find a real Adam Braverman.

… things like teleportation really existed because I can’t handle not living close to my far-away best friends much longer.

… my left knee would stop misbehaving. I have a race to run in May and it’s full cooperation is greatly appreciated.

… that I didn’t care so much about grades. Once a perfectionist, always a perfectionist?

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… BelleRenee a Happy Birthday today.

… I wouldn’t get teary-eyed every single time I see a rabbit, squirrel, goose or other furry animal dead on the side of the road. Or that people would slow down a little bit and be more aware of their surroundings.

… that texting/reading emails/writing emails while driving was completely illegal in Missouri. So dangerous. If I see you doing it, I shake my fist at you.  

… May 14th would hurry up. (Okay, and May 21st and 28th too!)

… the pollen that is covering every nook, cranny and crevice of StL would magically disappear. The whole stoner eyes-swollen nose-raspy breath thing is getting really old.

… many prayers for several of my blog lovelies and real life friends going through some rough times.

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… that chocolate and massages came standard at a full-time job.

What do you wish for today?