Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Looking Forward To...


I am sure that I can't be the only one that loves to look forward to things! So much so that I start countdowns to events/trips/special occasions way before they are necessary. I mean I've started months out from upcoming things, marking each day off in my planner, just so I can cross out one more day. I think I took a personality test once that pegged me as "futuristic" meaning I'm constantly looking ahead. I know, I know not always a good thing, but you can't convince me that looking forward to and anticipating something fun is a flaw.

Anyway, I depart on a mom/daughter weekend this Friday (followed by a work trip for the first half of next week), but I am so, so excited! Arizona here we come! Crossing fingers for mid-seventies and sunshine. You can bet I'm counting down.

P.S. - I think the idea of featuring a "Looking Forward To..." on here more often, so you may see more countdowns soon!

Monday, January 28, 2013

The First Day of the Rest of My Life


Do you ever feel like a weight has been lifted? Like you have shed something that hung over you for far, far too long? I have and today is the first day of God's new promises. He is in charge, He has the plan, and He will provide. Lord open my eyes and heart and guide me in Your way.


Sunday, January 27, 2013

Staying Focused


I don't know about you, but the stretch from Halloween to Valentine's Day is a doozy. Fitness and health-wise that is. It is a wonderful time of year with so many fabulous things (by which I mean food), but by the time Valentine's Day arrives, I am just anxious for the onslaught of food and temptation to be done. So I find myself buying mass quantities of inspiring magazines to keep my eye squarely on the prize. I'm sure those publishers love me.  

Hey, whatever it takes!

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Sunday Ritual



I always find myself enjoying my Sunday evenings as a time of preparation for the week to come. You know, make my lunch, figure out my outfit, pack my gym bag and... paint my nails. I enjoy picking out a new shade and taking a few focused minutes to paint and mentally prepare for the week to come. Sometimes I take such comfort in a ritual and the calm that it can conjure. Plus, cute nails to boot, so it's a success all around!

Saturday, January 19, 2013

My Version of the 365 Project





Have you heard of the 365 Project? I love this idea that I saw on this blog, A Beautiful Mess. Those two ladies are seriously cool and have some amazing ideas. So I decided to try my hand at taking a photo a day. I thought it was such a great way to make sure that I get that camera of mine in my hands. I didn't pick a specific theme, so I wouldn't stress too much and would have some creative freedom. So far it is working, at least with me picking up my camera, not the quality of my photographs, but I think it is key for me to practice. I know if I stick with it, I'll see improvement, but bear with me as I go. 

Above are some recent shots I snagged before the Christmas decorations were taken down from the business park.

Happy long Weekend to you!

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

So Frustrating


Argh! My internet at my home IS NOT COOPERATING! My apologies, for the lack of posts! I am currently drinking some herbal tea to calm myself and posting this from the office. Hopefully, I'll be up and running again soon and can post.

Thanks for your patience!

Friday, January 11, 2013

A Little Bit of Colorado


 A little show-shoe fun on our day off from the slopes


He is a talented cross-country skier - such a difficult sport


Have you ever used the jumbo marshmallows to make a smore? Insane. So much gooey deliciousness.


Our ski trip this year was well, absolutely incredible. We ventured to Steamboat Springs, CO, a place that the majority of us had never been to. I'm not quite sure that I can put my finger on what made it so wonderful, but the pile of snow they had was part of it! I wish I could have snapped more photos of the crazy snow drifts that blanketed every surface, but alas, it was very, very cold and difficult to take my dslr out. We plan another trip soon, so I hope to capture the magic.

Happy Friday!

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Makeover: Bedside Chest of Drawers


Before (sorry, about the terrible picture!)


 After

I snagged this simple and classic bedside chest of drawers from my Grandma's home. I knew I wanted to create something fresh to bring some vibrancy to my bedroom. After some sanding, primer, paint and new handles I have a bright and cheery piece to wake up to each morning. It's not perfect, but for my first project, I'm pretty darn pleased with it.

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Just for My Brother


Big brother, can you believe we forgot about these two? We brought them out today. I hope it brightens your day!

Friday, January 4, 2013

Happy Weekend


We're expecting a bit of a warm up around these parts this weekend, so I'm not sure how much of the fluffy white stuff will stay around. We shall see! 

Some coffee drinking, reading, cleaning, organizing, prioritizing, shopping and exercising is on tap for these two days. 

Happy weekend to you!

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

2013



And just like that, so long 2012 and hello 2013. Who doesn't love the concept of a fresh start? How lovely to have a definitive end to something with the promise of a new day? 

For many of us it is an intoxicating time. Over my morning cup of coffee (or third), I couldn't stop the possibilities of where life might take me from tumbling around in my head. Being Type A, it scares me not to have a clear path, but in some ways it's wonderful to have ambiguity. 

Gilda Radner may have said it best...

"Some stories don't have a clear beginning, middle and end.  Life is about not knowing, having to change, taking the moment and making the best of it without knowing what's going to happen next. Delicious ambiguity."

I hope 2013 brings many wonderful blessings, adventures, happiness and maybe a tad bit of ambiguity to you!