Life in the blogosphere

Why is it that I know what this woman’s children eat for breakfast, what kind of pajamas they wear on Christmas and where she goes on vacation but I’ve never actually met her? The simple answer is: I read her blog. I didn’t realize until this morning how much I rely on the normalcy of other peoples’ lives through their blogs as part of my own daily life. Each day, rather than reading the newspaper, I check on two of my favorite scrapbooking gals’ blogs. Miss Cathy Z is always good for a good laugh and some awesomely clean and simple designs. I thoroughly enjoyed her class, Me: The Abridged Version, you can see here the fun I had with that. Ali never ceases to amaze me in keeping up with her Project Life on a timely basis as well as several other major projects throughout the year, such as December Daily and Week in the Life. I love how they are both so open and honest about the everyday things in their life. You can see my Project Life, December Daily and Week in the Life projects here (I actually have a full week documented on the Week in the Life project that I just realized I never posted, I’ll get to that soon).

I was surprised at my reaction this morning when I read Ali’s post that she and her husband are divorcing. Again, I’ve never met her in person, but she has inspired me to do so many things with my scrapbooks that I feel connected to her in some strange way. It makes me sad for her kids that their lives’ are going to be changed in so many ways and it makes me feel just a little bit luckier today that all is good on my side of the world.

Z is for…

ZZZ’s, gotta have ‘em
Because of my penchant for a long night’s sleep and the inability to wake on my first alarm, my husband has ‘lovingly’ given me the nickname sleepyhead. It has stuck, I have even adopted it as my user name in forums and galleries and also use it for my email address. The fact is, I do not wake easily in the morning. Regardless of the amount of sleep I’ve had I can never get up the first time my alarm goes off and inevitably hit the snooze button at least once, ok maybe twice. My son has inherited this gene which makes our mornings a bit nutty. Getting him moving in the morning is a bit like trying to move a mountain with a toothpick. Hopefully this will get better at some point, but I’m not holding my breath as it’s still a challenge for me.
See also: alarm clock hater, nicknames
Zoom, Schwartz, Pfigliano
Although I can’t seem to recall the exact rules of the game, I do know that I played it a lot as a kid all the way through high school.   I remember it involved lots of yelling and pointing and we used to try and trick each other. The only rule I can remember is that you apparently cannot Zoom a Zoomer. We also used to play a game called Bizz Buzz at the dinner table. When none of us knew what to do while waiting for my Dad’s emergency surgery after his heart attack, we fell into a game of Bizz Buzz to pass the time.
Zany, what my nephews think I am
Zoo, I feel like I live in a

Y is for…

Yankee, Shotzy & LadyI always wanted a puppy as a kid, but my Mom is allergic. I finally got one after Keith and I were married (he grew up with several). The story goes like this. Me: ' I want to have a baby', Keith: 'How about a puppy?' Me: 'OK, that will do for now' … the next week we got a chocolate lab named Yankee. Three months later… Me: 'Let's have a baby', Keith: 'Not yet', Me: 'OK, can we get another dog? Keith: 'Do I have a choice?' The next day, he came home from work and we had another puppy; a lab/boxer/collie mix named Shotzy. We had both dogs for quite a while and they moved around with us. Yankee was a crazy purebred and Shotzy was a mellow mix. Yankee used to jump up against our sliding glass door and leave messy, muddy puppy prints all down the door. We tried to keep them penned up in certain areas of the house, but Shotzy would just lean all her weight against the gates and bust them down. We were devastated when we lost Shotzy to cancer in 2004. Yankee stuck around for a few more years until 2007. We were all heartbroken after losing both of them and thought we'd never get a dog again. The kids started pleading on a regular basis and we finally gave in and rescued Lady, our sweet little Dachshund/Beagle mix last year . She has filled a spot in our hearts that we never knew was empty. The kids absolutely adore her and Summer thanks us daily for getting a dog.

Years, I have been...Wife: 18, Scrapbooker: 16, Terry's friend: 35, a Durango owner: 11, contact lens wearer: 22, CK subscriber: 8, Mom: 13, Nike sneaker wearer: 12, shot glass collector: 18, personalized license plate buyer: 20, dog owner: 14, candle lover: 11, blog reader: 1

This is one of many installments on the ABCs of Me's. Each week I will feature a different letter of the alphabet and a few corresponding entries on yours truly. This project was inspired by a class I took at Big Picture Classes (Me: The Abridged Version) which was based on a book called Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life.

X is for…

X-Files, Witches and the paranormal
It all started with Samantha on Bewitched, A wiggle of her nose and I was hooked. In grade school I even did a paper on the Salem Witch Trials. While I don't believe it is real, I am still fascinated by it. My TV and movie viewing have primarily consisted of the following: Charmed (3 sister witches), Supernatural (2 gorgeous brother demon hunters), Bewitched and I Dream of Jeannie both had housewife witches, X-files (pursuit of the paranormal), Harry Potter (teenage wizards), Eastwick (3 friends that have special powers). Sabrina the Teenage Witch and Wizards of Waverly Place are shows about teenage wizards that my daughter now watches. From Bewitched to Harry Potter, I often wish I had my own magic wand. I'm eagerly awaiting the release of HP7!
See also: movies, Jensen & Jared

Xternal brain, aka my cell phone
My cell phone is an appendage I was not born with but now can't live without. It is always in my pocket wherever I go. I set reminders throughout the day, send messages to myself and make notes of things I want to remember, things I want to scrapbook and things I need to do. Simply put I use my cell phone as an external brain. I didn't get my first cell phone until I was 27 (paid for by my employer). It's a different world we live in now, my son got a cell phone at age 12 and I'm sure it won't be long before my daughter gets one. Technology is amazing and I love embracing the change it brings with it. I'm due for an upgrade and I hear the Droid X calling my name.
See also: gadget girl, ipod

This is one of many installments on the ABCs of Me's. Each week I will feature a different letter of the alphabet and a few corresponding entries on yours truly. This project was inspired by a class I took at Big Picture Classes (Me: The Abridged Version) which was based on a book called Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life.

W is for…

What I know for sure
I know I’m loved, I know I’m here for a reason, I know I’m appreciated by my family and missed by the ones I don’t see everyday. I know I’m overweight, smart, creative & funny. I know I’m a good friend and am lucky to have a few of my own. I know my husband is and will always be my best friend. I know I’ve been given a wonderful opportunity to be a stay at home Mom for now and I’m trying not to take it for granted. On that note, I know my kids think I sit around and watch TV all day, and even though I don’t I’m ok with that. I know not being in the traditional workforce has made me a better mother, I have more patience for homework and projects and developing their character and good habits instead of making after school time a to-do list to checkoff.  I love that I know exactly what they do in school each day and can tell you within 2 points what each of their grades are in every subject. I know my daughter’s spelling words by heart and I know what classes my son has each day. I know the school menu and can remember which days my daughter needs to bring a lunch because she doesn’t like what they have. I know which child likes what type of cereal and with which kind of milk, and I know who gets which brand of Mayo on their sandwiches. These little details are what make up the very comfortable routine of my day and I cherish every tidbit of it.


Willpower
Sometimes I have it, sometimes I don’t
See also addictive personality, food, overweight


Watch, haven’t worn one in years

This is one of many installments on the ABCs of Me's. Each week I will feature a different letter of the alphabet and a few corresponding entries on yours truly. This project was inspired by a class I took at Big Picture Classes (Me: The Abridged Version) which was based on a book called Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life

V is for…

Volcano, flaming
On our very first date, Keith took me to a Polynesian restaurant and we shared a very potent cocktail called a flaming volcano. It's hard to find restaurants that serve them, we always ask and when we find one we have to have one and reminisce.
See also: liquid relaxation

Virginia Beach
I absolutely loved living in Virginia Beach. It was nice to be able to escape to the beach after work or on a weekend. I also loved the lights set up at Christmastime on the boardwalk. What's not to love about the smell of the ocean and the sound of the waves? Nothing that I can think of, that's for sure.
See also: homes, beach

Volunteer
Since losing my job 1 ½ years ago I've actually had time to volunteer at the school. I enjoy going there each week to help out Summer's teacher. Last year I went every week and I've been doing the same this year. I've also had the opportunity to chaperone a few of Bryce's field trips which was a treat. It feels good to give back, I like getting a little of the inside scoop at the school and it makes me smile. Besides, decorating the classroom bulletin board every month is the closest I'll ever get to designing a window at Barney's!
See also: professional heart attack

This is one of many installments on the ABCs of Me's. Each week I will feature a different letter of the alphabet and a few corresponding entries on yours truly. This project was inspired by a class I took at Big Picture Classes (Me: The Abridged Version) which was based on a book called Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life.

U is for…

Unconditional love
Keith, my hubby, my best friend. I feel like he loves me unconditionally. I’m quite sure I am not the easiest person to live with yet he never complains. After all these years he still makes me laugh, says he can’t tell whether I have on make up or not and says I’m just as sexy in lingerie as I am in sweatpants. He epitomizes a moral standard and work ethic that I hope my kids grow to inherit. He has an amazing internal compass and has become quite the weatherman due to all of his flight training. You could throw him the keys to any type of vehicle (land, air or sea) and he would be able to maneuver it with ease. There are so many songs that remind me how good I have it: Donna Lewis’ “Always & Forever”, Salt N Pepper‘s “What A Man”, Colbie Caillat’s “Bubbly” & I could go on. I’m a lucky girl.


Uniform, my
I wear basically the same thing everyday. A pair of jeans and a t-shirt with bling on it. Rain or shine, summer or winter, these are my go to clothes. I am actually more comfortable in a pair of jeans than I am in sweatpants. Jean shorts in the summer, capris in the fall, and boot cuts in the winter. My favorite pair was a pair of Size 5 Bongo Jeans I was able to fit into a few months before our wedding. My two other faves were a pair of maternity jeans with silver studs down the outside seam, and some capris with rhinestones on the cuff (yes, more bling). I would love to have a pair of Lucky Jeans . Now please note, I don’t like darkwash jeans, although I do have a pair of black ones. I only like the lighter wash jeans – my favorite look is lighter wash jeans against a rockin’ tan. but that’s another story.


This is one of many installments on the ABCs of Me's. Each week I will feature a different letter of the alphabet and a few corresponding entries on yours truly. This project was inspired by a class I took atBig Picture Classes (Me: The Abridged Version) which was based on a book called Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life

T is for…

Tardy, always
I was born two days late and it's all been downhill from there. I try, I really do try – but something always seems to happen right before I walk out the door. I am known for being chronically late, over the last several years I have definitely gotten much better but it still plagues me and probably will until my last day here on Earth – and I bet something will happen, the hearse will break down, the cemetery will be closed – something will happen to even make me late to my own funeral. Keith will tell you that I was late to our wedding. That actually is not true. I was there, sitting in the limo, perfectly on time. The limo driver wouldn't let me get out until all the guests had gone into the church so I could make a proper grand entrance. We even have a picture in our wedding album of my husband and his best man holding out their wrists and looking at their watches.
When I was pregnant with Bryce, we lived 350 miles away from my parents. My Mom was going through some back treatments and had the last of them scheduled for the week after I was due…after all I had never been on time for anything. As luck has it, the only thing I am NOT late for is having my babies, Bryce was born 6 days early and Summer was 2 weeks early. So, back to Bryce's birth… as it was nearly a week before my due date, my Mom thought my phone call at 10am on Sunday, July 6th, 1997 to be like any other day. The conversation went something like this… Me: Hi Mom,! Mom: Hi, how are you? Me: I have some good news! Mom: Oh really, what is it? Me: I had the baby! Mom: No way, it's not funny to joke about that. Me: Really, I had the baby! Mom: Stop pulling my leg. Me: Should I tell you what kind of grandchild you have or would you like me to put the doctor on? Mom: Oh my goodness, I'm sorry, yes, tell me all about it!

This is one of many installments on the ABCs of Me's. Each week I will feature a different letter of the alphabet and a few corresponding entries on yours truly. This project was inspired by a class I took at Big Picture Classes (Me: The Abridged Version) which was based on a book called Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life.

S is for…

Summer
Oh, my sweet little girl. You have brought so much joy to my life. You are sweet and kind and just plain adorable. Much like me, you are drawn to creating & are developing a love for music of all kinds. It's funny to sing along to songs on the radio with you and to hang out and have 'girl time'. You are growing up to be quite a little young lady and can hardly believe that you are 8 1/2 years old already. The time is flying by so quickly that I make sure to stop each day and smother you with hugs and kisses to try to remember when you were this little.

Scrapbooking
It is part of who I am. I love being the family memory keeper and documenting the ordinary as well as the extraordinary. For some scrapbooking is a hobby, for me it is a way of life. It keeps me grounded and sane. It helps me to remember to slow down, enjoy the moments, take pictures and make more memories. For me it is like an autobiography of sorts, as well as love letters to my family. I do enjoy the creative process, but what I love more is being able to convey the overhwelming emotions I want to share with those I love though the stories and photos. To me it's not a hobby it is therapy.

Spicy, I like it
Spicy garlic sauce, Cholula, hot sauce, chipotle in adobo, wasabi, cayenne pepper, jalapenos – some like it hot – that's me!
See also: food

Sounds, favorite
My children giggling, a soda can opening and ocean waves


This is one of many installments on the ABCs of Me's. Each week I will feature a different letter of the alphabet and a few corresponding entries on yours truly. This project was inspired by a class I took at Big Picture Classes (Me: The Abridged Version) which was based on a book called Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life.

R is for…

Redundant
I don’t like doing things over & over that can be simplified – that’s why I love technology. Macros & Photoshop Actions are my friends. The ability to do things like mail merges and syncing devices makes me smile. Hot keys and keyboard shortcuts make me plain giddy.
Rainbows
I have a fascination with rainbows. Everytime I see one I need to take a picture. I’ve seen some pretty amazing ones over the years. The two best sightings were: 1) a double rainbow at Nags Head that I managed to catch a picture of the reflection in the wet sand, and 2) a rainbow over our Disney cruise ship that seemed to end just over the railing of the ship. Both were equally amazing!     
Remember when, reminiscing
I don’t know if it’s because I’m getting older or just because Keith and I have been together for over 20 years... but we seem to be saying remember when a lot lately. It’s usually followed by a funny story or inside joke and it makes us laugh all over again. Even the kids have started saying it and they haven’t been around quite so long. I’m glad that they have enough fun memories already to want to relive the ‘remember whens’.     
Really ? ! (Or ‘Seriously’ ? !
Usually said with much exasperation and/or sarcasm when I find things left undone that I know I told someone to do or something that just shouldn’t be. I suppose my Mom felt this way a lot too!

This is one of many installments on the ABCs of Me's. Each week I will feature a different letter of the alphabet and a few corresponding entries on yours truly. This project was inspired by a class I took atBig Picture Classes (Me: The Abridged Version) which was based on a book called Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life

Q is for...

 

Quotes, fascination with
I am the only person I know that has a Quotationary - a dictionary of quotes. I love them and use them often.
“if you think you can or can’t, you’re probably right”, “Everything happens for a reason”, “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away”, “Lead, follow or get out of the way”, “You can either follow your fears of be led by your passions”, “Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels”, “How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?”, “Look me in the eye and tell me you did your best and that’s good enough”, “The only stupid question is the one you don’t ask”. “Dance like no one is looking”
My Mom always said that “life begins at 40” and I’d have to say that this by far has been the best time for me emotionally. I’m happy, I’m comfortable in my own skin and on a daily basis I think “Hey, Life is Good!”

Quirky
Definitely me! Punctual – not! Pantyhose – despise and boycott them. Control freak, I am - Wet socks – can’t stand ‘em.  I like every other nut except peanuts. Fresh cut grass makes me sneeze.

This is one of many installments on the ABCs of Me's. Each week I will feature a different letter of the alphabet and a few corresponding entries on yours truly. This project was inspired by a class I took at Big Picture Classes (Me: The Abridged Version) which was based on a book called Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life.

P is for…

Professional Heart Attack
When I got laid off in January of 2009 I was devastated. I had always been a working professional and had no idea what the future was going to hold for me. After going on an interview in Philadelphia, I most certainly received a 'sign' as to whether or not I should take the job. One of my main concerns was that I would have to travel too much. The job would definitely involve some travel. I had made many uneventful trips on Amtrak from here to NY to see my parents as well as trips from here to NJ for my previous employer. However on this trip there was a serious delay and it was uncertain if I was going to be able to get home that day. I knew then and there that the universe was telling me there had to be another way. Keith and I decided I would be a stay-at-home-mom and that's been working out fabulously!
See also: What I Know for Sure, unconditional love

Puns and other fun
I find wordplay amusing, from puns and palindromes, to analogies, and my favorite: alliteration. Who would have known that those things I was forced to learn in seventh grade would be part of my everyday?

Perfectionist, sometimes
I enjoy crafting on the computer because I can get things exactly the way I want them. I sometimes do crafty projects old-style and get frustrated when I can't get things to line up perfectly or when the adhesive doesn't do it's job. My Dad is a perfectionist, so I guess I got it from him – thanks Dad {sigh}.
See also: scrapbooking

This is one of many installments on the ABCs of Me's. Each week I will feature a different letter of the alphabet and a few corresponding entries on yours truly. This project was inspired by a class I took at Big Picture Classes (Me: The Abridged Version) which was based on a book called Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life.

O is for…

Occupations I've had
My very first job in high school was at the public library. I then worked for a temp agency for all of my college breaks. My first real job was at Computer Associates in the Acquisitions Department at a whopping $18,000 per year, eventually moving to the Collections Department. When we moved to Virginia Beach I worked as an office manager for a computer hardware company, then as a Marketing Assistant for a newspaper, and later promoted to an Online Sales Rep. After getting pregnant with Bryce, I quit the newspaper job and started my own bookkeeping business in order to stay at home with him. When he was one, we moved back to NY and opened our business and did that for 7 ½ years. My first job back in "corporate America" was as a Center Director in a Huntington Learning Center. Seven months later I was promoted to Operations Manager; did that for a year and then moved to the Franchise Sales Department and did that for a year. I changed companies and did Franchise Sales for Rita's Water Ice for a year until I was laid off due to the recession. I tended to stay at least a few years at each company as this paragraph represents a 20 year work history.
See also: professional heart attack

Overweight
I went on my first "official" diet right before our wedding. That was the beginning of the end. I often think if I had just embraced that weight and maintained it all these years I would've been much better off. I suppose that's why they say "hindsight is 20/20". I would love to look like this again.
See also: chocolate, food


This is one of many installments on the ABCs of Me's. Each week I will feature a different letter of the alphabet and a few corresponding entries on yours truly. This project was inspired by a class I took at Big Picture Classes (Me: The Abridged Version) which was based on a book called Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life.

N is for…

Nicknames
I have many, Keith has given me quite a few of them: Night owl, sleepyhead, nose like a bloodhound, walking phone book, damn Yankee and Snork. My maiden name was Ohsiek, I'm proud to be one but so happy I have a new name that is easy to spell and pronounce. Our family nickname is the 'Happy Harringtons'. Our answering machine for the longest time, recorded by me and the two kids was "Thanks for calling the Happy Harrington, if the sun is out so are we, leave a message."
See also: zzz's, gotta have 'em

New Yorker, I am a
I was born and raised on Long Island, in NY and even though I've lived in Virginia 3 separate times for a combined total of over 12 years I still consider myself a New Yorker and 'from NY'. I don't know if I will ever actually will live there again but anything is possible and I have definitely learned to never say never.

Neighborhood
I love where we live right now. There are 23 kids that live on our block alone, a cozy cul-de-sac of activity. On any given day there are many kids playing out front, riding bikes & skateboards, playing in the park and writing on pavement with chalk – the kids couldn't be happier and so are we.
See also: homes

Numbers
Love numbers and doing math in my head for fun. Weird, I know.


This is one of many installments on the ABCs of Me's. Each week I will feature a different letter of the alphabet and a few corresponding entries on yours truly. This project was inspired by a class I took at Big Picture Classes (Me: The Abridged Version) which was based on a book called Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life.

M is for…

Movies
Favorites: Happy Gilmore, Harry Potter (All), The Wedding Singer, How to Lose a Guy in 10 days, Sweet Home Alabama, and anything with Nicolas Cage, Matthew McConnaughey or Adam Sandler. The first two are strictly for eye candy's sake. But the latter deserves some explanation. My brother first introduced me to the hilarity that is Adam Sandler. Now I will say I don't like 100% of his stuff, but the stuff I do like, I really, really, like. Fortunately, that is one of things Keith and I have in common. We both LOVE certain Adam Sandler movies. For example, Happy Gilmore is one of the funniest movies I think I've ever seen. I'm not a golf fan by any means but somehow he makes it hysterical to watch. My favorite line in the movie is when he shows up at the Waterbury Open dressed in sweatpants, a hockey jersey and work boots amidst a sea of polo shirts and plaid shorts. His coach says "Thanks for dressing up" and he points to the guy in front of him and says "Hey, if I dressed like that I'd have to kick my own @ss." It's so funny! We usually watch at least one of his movies every week. We have watched them so many times that we've made a deal not to watch them with anyone else because we like to recite the lines while watching the movies and typically laugh uncontrollably before the funny parts because we know they are coming. The perfect cure to a bad or stressful day is most definitely Happy Gilmore or The Wedding Singer. I caught a family channel showing of The Water Boy which bleeped out the bad words so we get to enjoy that one with our kids, they also enjoy his movie Bedtime Stories. I'm happy they now share our love of the twisted Sandler sense of humor.
See also: inside jokes

This is one of many installments on the ABCs of Me's. Each week I will feature a different letter of the alphabet and a few corresponding entries on yours truly. This project was inspired by a class I took at Big Picture Classes (Me: The Abridged Version) which was based on a book called Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life.

L is for…

Learning online began at BPS
Big Picture Scrapbooking, the first place I've taken an online scrapbooking class and now I am hooked. I totally loved, and consequently now live with, the principles taught in Stacy Julian's Library of Memories Class. I learned some great tips in the Great Photos With Any Camera class and I feel like my pictures are soooo much better. The class that inspired this book, is especially fun. It has taken away the guilt of scrapbooking about me. I would love to have a book like this about my Mom or Grandmother, so I'm hoping that knowing what made me tick so-to-speak will be enlightening or entertaining for my kids in years to come. I'm looking forward to more great classes on BPS (now BPC) and elsewhere. Who knows what's next?
See also: addictive personality, scrapbooking.

Liquid relaxation (aka Beer)I'm not sure exactly when the fascination began… it certainly wasn't in college. All I could I afford back then was the cheap stuff, and if you've ever had cheap beer, it's certainly nothing to write home about. Fast forward a few years… I would have preferred that my palette would be impressed by different wines, but alas that was not fate. Instead I've found that I like a variety of styles of beer. My go-to fave is Corona Extra, but I can't stand Corona Light even though I do like some lite beers. I seem to like some lagers and ales specifically Yuengling, Blue Moon and Hefeweizen. On a recent trip to the factory in St. James, Dublin I discovered I most definitely do not like Guinness. I'd prefer to drink my beer, not eat it with a spoon, thank you.
See also: drinks, addictive personality

This is one of many installments on the ABCs of Me's. Each week I will feature a different letter of the alphabet and a few corresponding entries on yours truly. This project was inspired by a class I took at Big Picture Classes (Me: The Abridged Version) which was based on a book called Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life.

K is for…

Kids, What I used to know about my
My kids like Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwiches
Summer's spelling tests were on Fridays.
Summer likes to draw
Bryce loves to read.
Bryce likes camping.


Kids, What I know now
Summer likes grape jelly with her sandwiches cut in triangles (crusts are now acceptable)
Bryce likes strawberry jelly with his sandwich uncut (he's a cool middle schooler after all)

Spelling tests are now on Tuesdays. We both have the lists memorized.

Summer is very artistic and has been recognized by her art teacher. She won the award for Most Artistic 2nd grader last year.

Bryce always has a book in his backpack as well as on his nightstand. The most recent book he read is called Ice Drift.

Bryce likes cold-weather camping in the fall & winter. Sleeping outdoors, playing in streams, hiking, playing with fire & knives(under supervision of course) are high on his list. His favorite camping experience has been "Manly Camp" where he was required to build his own shelter to sleep out in the snow.


This is one of many installments on the ABCs of Me's. Each week I will feature a different letter of the alphabet and a few corresponding entries on yours truly. This project was inspired by a class I took at Big Picture Classes (Me: The Abridged Version) which was based on a book called Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life.

J is for…

 Jamocha Almond Fudge
My new favorite flavor of ice cream from Dunkin Donuts. It's of course chocolate with strips of fudge and almonds. This flavor is second only to Chocolate Decadence. Unfortunately, I can only get it at a little Mom n Pop shop called Chitterchats down at Fleeton.
See also: addictive personality, chocolate, cream

Jamaica
Beautiful beaches, gorgeous water, friendly people, palm trees, warm breezes - sigh. We went two years in a row since we loved it so much the first time. The first year we went to an all-inclusive Sandals resort in Negril, the second year we tried the all inclusive Couples Resort. Both were equally awesome. How can you go wrong with beautiful beaches, warm water and a swim up bar?
See also: beach

Jensen & Jared
Not that I know them on a first name basis, but they certainly are nice to look at. To make it even better, they both now star on the same TV show: Supernatural. I used to watch Smallville when Jensen Ackles was on there, and I used to watch Gilmore Girls when Jared Padalecki played one of the main characters. Definitely a bit of eye candy going on there! Total bonus that the show is actually good! Ironically, it's one of the few shows that both Keith and I like, but obviously for different reasons!
See also: X-files, Witches & the paranormal


This is one of many installments on the ABCs of Me's. Each week I will feature a different letter of the alphabet and a few corresponding entries on yours truly. This project was inspired by a class I took at Big Picture Classes (Me: The Abridged Version) which was based on a book called Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life.

I is for…

Irrational fears
I have certain things that just spook me out regardless of the situation. Perhaps I've watched too many scary movies, who knows? I still cannot sit with my feet dangling over the bed, I will not go in water I can't see through, When I walk up the stairs I always walk closest to the wall farthest from the railing, I would never purposely go into something where I could get stuck in a small space and I often have nightmares about being buried alive, drowning or someone stealing my kids. Fortunately, these thoughts are fleeting and not paralyzing.

iPod
I carry my iPod Touch everywhere I go. I use it for most everything from my calendar to my music, Summer's spelling lists, scrapbook page wish lists, grocery shopping lists, podcasts, and email. I've become addicted to podcasts, particulary the Paperclipping Roundtable & The Digi Show. I'm looking forward to getting a device to combine the functionality of my iPod & cell.
See also: Xternal brain, gadget girl, scrapbooking

Inside jokes & movie quotesWhy do bridges get icy before the roadway? Thanks for 'cooking Stace!' "Is it cool?" Adam Sandler movie quotes: "It's a CD player Jules." "all right y'all shut up now" "no Colonel Sanders you're wrong!" "Mama M-Mama M-Mama says crocodiles are ornery because they have all them teeth and no toothbrush", History of the World (Mel Brooks) quotes: " you are nuts - N-V-T-S - nuts", "I flunked flank", "I love quick time harch!" Keith doesn't like History of the World, so it's a good thing we have Adam Sandler.
See also: movies


This is one of many installments on the ABCs of Me's. Each week I will feature a different letter of the alphabet and a few corresponding entries on yours truly. This project was inspired by a class I took at Big Picture Classes (Me: The Abridged Version) which was based on a book called Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life.


Thanks for reading along - I'm celebrating my 100th post today!

H is for…

Home
I have only lived in two states: NY & VA, but I've had many different addresses in each. I grew up on Fir Grove Road, the house my parents still live in. I've lived at Mary Washington College in Fredericksburg, VA while attending school there for four years. After college, I lived at home again for two years before Keith & I got our first apartment together in Centereach, NY where we lived for a year before moving to Virginia Beach. There we rented a townhome on English Court for a year before buying our first home on Peridot Drive in the Rock Creek Subdivision of Virginia Beach . After living there for several years we decided to open our own business so we moved back to Long Island. We didn't realize how hard it would be to find a temporary rental because we had two big dogs and ended up living with my parents for about a year before we found a rental. We first rented a cute house in South Sayville. Unfortunately, the owner decided to sell it so we had to move a year later. The only thing we could find was this ridiculously small 2 bedroom house that was about 100 years old. It's saving grace was close proximity to the office and a nice porch. When we first moved in we only had Bryce, but shortly afterwards we got pregnant with Summer. Since Bryce was due to start kindergarten a few months after Summer's arrival, we decided it was time to buy a house. We ended up buying a house in my hometown, also convenient to the office and only 3 miles from my parents' house. {Most definitely the most-missed feature of our newest residence}. We lived in our Joan Street house for five years and decided it was too expensive to live on Long Island anymore and moved to Spotsylvania, VA where we've been since 2007. I'm hoping that Silver Creek Court will be our address for a while.
See also: apartment, our first

This is one of many installments on the ABCs of Me's. Each week I will feature a different letter of the alphabet and a few corresponding entries on yours truly. This project was inspired by a class I took at Big Picture Classes (Me: The Abridged Version) which was based on a book called Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life.