Wish You Were Here

The better part of this past week was definitely rough but I'm happy to report that yesterday things picked up and I'm going to try to move into this weekend on a more positive note.

John returned home from Pella, Iowa where he was for work. As most of  you already know, we met there over 4 years ago so it was equally hard on both of us to not be together there and we just don't do well with long trips a part. I'll be headed to Chicago for work this Sunday and then again in a few weeks so it's been a strain (I honestly don't know how couples do this all the time). However, John took many walks down memory lane while there, which we enjoyed reminiscing about last night. He even brought back some photos...

They are very big on windmills there. It's like a mix of farm country with Dutch influences. I remember looking out my hotel window at this very windmill and getting such a kick out of it, hence the photo taken by my husband.

We held hands for the first time walking through this courtyard...

And shared our first kiss in this exact spot...

Good times, and happy thoughts which I'd like to try to have more of these days. I'm thankful to my husband for helping me remember them.

Ugh

Warning to my readers: I am feeling a multitude of emotions so far this week and none of them are very good. 

My job is a complete and utter mess. We are bombarded with reports and travel over the next few weeks, all while I'm expected to sell stuff. I struggle with being grateful to have a job and pissed that my company gives us unattainable goals and rushed deadlines almost expecting you to fail. I have reached out for help countless times to my idiot boss and the most I've gotten in response is "well, this isn't a 40-hour a week job." My heart beats so fast over the stress that I may need to be medicated.

Not to mention the fact that my husband is away for work this week and I miss him tons. As I look ahead at the next month I see activity after activity for others, leaving little if no time for us.

I'm lacking the enthusiasm to even walk poor Duke. 

I'm not sure it's in good taste to complain on your blog when everyone is going through rough times, but I am hoping we can relate a little on some level so that I see a tiny glimmer of sparkle amidst this mound of crap.

Oscar Night Recap

Armed with my cozy couch blanket, remote, popcorn and Oscar pool, John and I settled in to watch the Academy Awards last night. 

Duh. Not like you guys didn't see that coming.

I have to commend the show for some of the changes it made to keep things fresh. While it took awhile to plow through the categories for the best acting awards, I thought it was touching to see all the past winners talk about the nominees. Hugh Jackman was a good host, despite that horrid mid-point dance number. Those High School musical kids could vanish off the face of the earth and I'd be fine with it. 

And how about the cast of 'Slumdog Millionaire'? I swear I could eat them up they are so cute. It was wonderful to see them win Best Picture and so many other accolades. I was also happy to see Sean Penn and Kate Winslet walk away with Best Actor/Actress nods. They were truly great in those films this year.

As for the pool, things started off a bit rocky for me with a botched pick for Best Supporting Actress. My gut was saying Penelope Cruz but I went with Marisa Tomei instead. John pulled ahead in some of the wacky categories such as Visual Effects, but luckily in the end I proved the victor, with a 14 correct answer pounce over John's 11. Needless to say I was one happy camper. Not that he didn't try the poor thing. What other husband would happily endure the Oscar's with his wife? I'm fortunate we are both movie buffs and that I am able to throw in something like gambling to sweeten the show up.

And like I'm sure many of the losers were told last night, there is always next year.

Ringside Seat

Here is what I can say about seeing the movie 'The Wrestler'... Mickey Rourke's face is utterly disturbing. It looks like he has had the worst plastic surgery of all time. And his finger nails and hair! Yuck. It was so distracting. I couldn't get past it and the movie itself just didn't help either. He was good in it but I don't know about Oscar winning good. Honestly, my favorite leading man role this year goes to Sean Penn who plays Harvey Milk in the movie, 'Milk'. That film and 'Doubt' are definitely in my top three, but you just never know how to predict things. Could go so many different ways.

We are going to try to catch 'Frost/Nixon' over the weekend to round out the big nominees for Sunday's pool. 

Anyone wanting to lend their own predictions as a helping hand would definitely be welcome :)

Proud Alum

I'm a little bit more than shocked that President Obama will be speaking to the nation today from my high school in Mesa, AZ. 

Yep, good ol' Dobson High will play host for his speech on the administration's foreclosure plan. I'd like to watch it, but I'm already taking time out of my work day to bring Duke to the dog dermatologist for his allergies. 

I know. 

Thank You Sale Gods

One store that I've found has had tremendous deals lately is Banana Republic. I normally can't afford much in there so was pleasantly surprised when I was able to find these cute flats (in my size no less) for $17.97. 

Awe yeah!

My Rock

Yesterday John and I celebrated four years together with the anniversary of our first date and the point from which we decided to be together exclusively. It was the day after Valentine's Day so there was no added romantic pressure, it just felt right. We laid awake last night trying to pinpoint the reason why we decided to move in together after just four short months of dating, or how it was so natural for our families to accept the other as well, family. Things that normally take time for others just came quickly to us. I spent the better part of the several years of single life before my husband came along looking for that ease with others that, now looking back, I'm eternally grateful just wasn't there. 

Without sounding too corny, I'm just thankful today for how life worked out. It's not always easy to be married or to live so far away from my family and friends, but I am beginning to see more how that confidence in my partner can extend into a more defined confidence in myself. 

Nearing The End

Last night John and I continued to try to see as many Oscar movies as possible by taking in 'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button'. 

I thought it was good, but not great by any means. Interesting story but way, too long and just plain slow. I don't mind a lengthy film if you don't feel like you are approaching the three hour mark but there were many yawns coming from my mouth. And I know that a lot of women will find me crazy for saying this, but Brad Pitt just does nothing for me. I don't even think he is that great of an actor. 

At this point, we won't be able to see everything we wanted to, but that's OK. I think I have enough knowledge to fill out my Oscar pool next Sunday more correctly than John, which is all that really matters. Hopefully next weekend I'll be one happy competitive camper!

Special Surprise

My Mom is too much and that is exactly why I love her. I just got home from driving two hours each way to a work event in NJ feeling so run down, when I saw there was a box from Macy's on our doorstep. I thought it might have been a bridal shower gift left over for my sister-n-law, but instead it was a gift from my Mom, just because. And not just any gift, but the waffle maker that both John and I have always wanted but never get around to buying for ourselves. 

We love making breakfast at home on the weekends so needless to say it made both of our days and we can't wait to use it.

Thanks Mom :)

Philly Is For Friends

This weekend we had the great pleasure of having A. and S. here for a visit. It personally does me so much good to be able to spend time with old friends.  We had lots of fun Saturday touring some spots in Philadelphia that I haven't had the chance to see yet. First stop was the Eastern State Penitentiary, located right in the heart of the city, which looks like a castle amidst a bunch of row homes, but that once served as a maximum security prison. It opened in 1829 and didn't close until 1971.  It was a really neat place, but freezing inside, despite our warmer temperatures over the weekend.

After lunch at the Reading Terminal Market, we headed over to the Mutter Museum, a museum of medical mysteries from far back in history to today. I've heard it was incredibly interesting so thought it would be a good spot to visit and it was, though, also incredibly gross. There were many times A. and I had to turn away at something floating in a jar or models like the wax figure of a woman with a horn growing out of her head. And don't even get me started on the child birth section. Ewww! 

Needless to say it was some time before we all felt normal afterward.

We finished off the evening back at our house with board games and wine by a fire that John made, and of course a little Wii. Definitely fun times that we hope to do again soon.

Tag!

THE RULES: Step 1: respond and rework—answer the questions on your own blog, replace one question that you dislike with a question of your own invention, add one more question of your own. Step 2: tag— tag other un-tagged people. So, here we go!

Make a list of things you can see without getting up: Work laptop, fax/printer, home computer, purse, work bag, Duke (my dog), pens and a calculator.

What were you like when you were five? Bossy. I used to speak for my brother Matt until this age.

What are you wearing now? My robe. One of the perks of having your work office in your home.

What color is your bedroom? This rosy tan that the previous owner painted it. I hate it.

What’s the last thing you read/are currently reading? The Rabbi's Daughter by Reva Mann.

Do you nap a lot? A lot is an understatement. I nap whenever I get the chance.

Who was the last person you hugged? John.

What’s your current obsession/addiction? People magazine crossword puzzles and 30 Rock.

What was the last thing you ate today? Bowl of oatmeal with brown sugar and cinnamon.

What is the best purchase you've ever made? One thing that comes to mind is my wedding dress. I really loved how it embodied me on so many levels.

What was the last thing you bought? A rug at Homegoods for the back door. 

What are you listening to right now? NPR.

If you could have any super power, what would it be? To beam myself places.

What is your favorite weather, and why? 75. I like it warm but not too warm.

What time do you usually get up? Between 7:30 and 8. It takes me no time to get ready. I promise I do put on some make-up though, Mom :)

What is your most challenging goal right now? Trying to do more things for myself that I enjoy. Getting back to a place where I'm more creative on a regular basis.

Say something about the person who tagged you: My friendship with A. is important to me. She is the kind of person you can really trust and I value her opinions. I also think she is a gifted writer.

If you could have a house–totally paid for, fully furnished–anywhere in the world, where would you want it to be? Kauai.

Favorite vacation spot? AZ. If given the choice, I always want to go home for a visit.

What is your favorite children’s book? I was obsessed with The Babysitter's Club books as a kid.

Name one thing you just can’t resist no matter how bad it is for you: CARBS!

If you could meet anyone famous - dead or alive - who would it be? Barack Obama.

Favorite keepsake: I hang on to cards and letters that people who mean a lot to me have given to me over the years. 

Name one thing you would most like to change about yourself: I'd like to be less anxious.

Website you are on if not your blog: Facebook

I tag:
My best friend Erin at The Land of Entrapment.

Soft Body

It's now t-minus three and a half months until our trip to Jamaica for a friend's wedding and if I want to fit into this...

then I'm probably going to have to stop eating things like this...

It's so hard! Almost all my friends are attempting to exercise and all I feel like doing is taking a nap.  I'm going to have to post my head on that bikini pic and get my butt to the gym, though, as time is flying by. Or at the very least, into the living room for some Wii Fit. Ugh. 

The Goods

Last night the weather report called for us to get about 1-3 inches of snow. It turned out to be more like 6-7. Rather than being cooped up, John and I decided to venture out. We headed just down the street to Ambler and the little indie movie theatre we love, to see the film Doubt. I thought it was excellent. The movie was incredibly well acted and the story taught. I believe it to be some of the best performances of the year and you know we see a lot of movies! The quest now continues to see as many nominated films as possible before Oscar night. I love to try to predict the winners.

Wedding Bells

Saturday was the wedding of my brother-n-law, Chris and his new wife Stacey. They were married in a small ceremony but had an elegant reception at Glen Foerd Mansion in NE Philadelphia. The day turned out really lovely. Here is a photo recap...

The bride and her father.

Doing my job as first reader.

The happy couple after the ceremony came to a close. Chris wore his dress blues in honor of his last day as an inactive Marine.

The bridal party. I thought the bridesmaid dresses were really unique. Kind of a silver color.

First dance.

Stealing a moment with the best man, my wonderful husband.

John giving his speech.

Spending time with Sue, my other sister-n-law, and my favorite little person, her daughter Vicki.