Book It! 2009

I really wish I could participate in the Book It Program again. It was always the best to be reqarded at Pizza Hut with my very own! personal pizza as my reward for reading my books. I fell out of love with reading during college when I had to read pages and pages of business practices and chemical equations and random nonsense. I picked up my books again last year and rounded out 2008 with 28 books under my belt. I was hoping for bigger things in 2009- perhaps reach the 50 book mark? But alas, I found another hobby that seriously took a hit on my reading time. But still, I'm rounding out 2009 with 26 books completed. I'm almost caught up with the Stephanie Plum series so who knows what I'll do for 2010. I seem to find a series and read all the way through without much interruption. I did it for the Shopaholic Series (dont judge the books by the movie- the books are fantastic!) and the Twilight Series and Harry Potter, and now with the Stephanie Plum series. I have to say though that I still enjoy reading every bit as much as I did last year and I'm so thankful I've been able to take the time and sit down and enjoy some great reads this year.

1. Breaking Dawn Stephanie Meyer
2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets JK Rowling
3. Go for No! Richard Fenton & Andrea Waltz
4. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban JK Rowling
5. Three to get Deadly Janet Evanovich
6. Knit Two Kate Jacobs
7. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire JK Rowling
8. Four to Score Janet Evanovich
9. Pretty in Plaid Jen Lancaster
10. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince JK Rowling
11. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows JK Rowling
12. High Five Janet Evanovich
13.Angels and Demons Dan Brown
14. Hot Six Janet Evanovich
15. Plum Lovin' Janet Evanovich
16. Seven Up Janet Evanovich
17. Hard Eight Janet Evanovich
18. To the Nines Janet Evanovich
19. Ten big Ones Janet Evanovich
20. Eleven on Top Janet Evanovich
21. Twelve Sharp Janet Evanovich
22. Twenties Girl Sophie Kinsella
23. Plum Spooky Janet Evanovich (Audio Book)
24. Lean Mean Thirteen Janet Evanovich
25.The Mermaid Chair Sue Monk Kidd (Audio Book)
26. Fearless Fourteen Janet Evanovich

and currently I have Finger Licking Fifteen (Janet Evanovich) and The Lace Reader (Brunonia Barry) out from the library, and I got Knit the Season (Kate Jacobs) for Christmas so those will be the first books for 2010.

My reading resolution for 2010 will be to vary my reading subjects a little bit. Not dive into every series I find and read without abandon- it's too dissapointing when I catch up or reach the end. I'd rather spread them out longer so I can enjoy the characters even more.

Read any great books lately?

Merry Christmas!

Eve of Christmas Eve

Well, It's day 1 of my no work in 2009 and I'm loving it. Granted I'm not as productive as I could be. BUT! No worries- I'm sure the motivation will come at some point. All that is left to do today is a quick trip to the Grocery Store (Buffalo Chicken Dip has been requested so I'm happy to oblige) packing up the suitcases, and then loading up the car and we are hopefully hitting the road tonight!

The next 2 weeks will be a whirlwind I'm sure but there will be lots of love, babies, family time, presents, and general holiday yuletide fun. Can't wait!

YAHOO!

What a lovely way to wrap up my working 2009- I get to take a half day today! YIPPEE!

Had a wonderful time at knit night last night. I just love those ladies to bits. Seriously- Lambikins Hideaway is where it's at. I have a gift card that is burning a hole in my pocket but I've actually shown some restraint and committed to finished the projects that I must get finished for others before I become a selfish knitter and only knit for myself- I'm hating being on deadlines and that's not why I knit. I knit what inspires me and I truly love my hobby with all my heart. But seriously- my WIP (Work in Progress) list thus far is:

1. 1 Christmas gift (looks like you all know what I'll be doing tonight and tomorrow- should be a breeze though since I've already made 3 others and I have the pattern memorized)
2. a pair of baby "longies" (little pants for a friend's baby boy) and I'm about 1/4 done with the first leg
3. a pair of gloves for another friend- up to the gusset (the palm part) on the first one
4. a surprise gift for Mama's Birthday in January. But I've only cast on for that one- done nothing else so that will be a challenge to be finished by 3rd week in January
5. a beanie hat for my brother for his bday in January also
6. a "driving cap" (think Kangol) for Patrick- not sure about this one. I may just buy the Kangol- ha!

Not to mention that January is knit for yourself month at lambikins and you get special discounts on materials purchased for yourself and when you bring in your finished item you get additional discounts! Some things may be put on the back burner so I can knit for myself!!!!!

Last Case of the Mondays- 2009

Yes, it's my last working Monday of 2009. I couldn't be happier. We had a lovely Christmas-y weekend and still have lots of celebrating to do over the next 2 weeks. Saturday was Christmas/ Holliday Open House at Mom's. I swear- 1 more person in that house and the seams out have burst open. It was definitely packed! P and I got to open our gifts. We were spoiled rotten! Among some of the best gifts- SNUGGIES! haha (a pink and an OSU) New Shirts and Ties for P, A Cast Iron Skillet and my new favorite cookbook- The Pioneer Woman Cooks! and best of all- matching OSU Rocking chairs! They are the best thing ever. I can't wait to get them home on the porch and sit out there. Maybe in my snuggie if the weather is too cold! ha!

Friday night we did our Christmas on a whim. We ended up buying a Dyson! This thing is way too amazing. We ran home and I had to test it. I kid you not, while he was putting it together I was sweeping the rug with our old vacuum. Turned around and did it again with the dyson- ridiculous amount of cat hair and dust came out of my "clean" rug. I'm so glad we bought the Animal one and now all I want to do is vacuum. That pile of laundry and those Christmas presents need to get off my floor so I can do it right! Among P's gifts was a subscription to Sirius Radio, 2 Blu-Ray movies, and his Burberry cologne. Among my gifts was my Romance Perfume and a new Watch! I am smitten kitten with my watch. It's definitely been a great Christmas thus far.

P is out of town yet again this week and we are leaving on Wednesday so I'm sure this week will just fly by.

Knit night tonight and possibly only a half day of work tomorrow so it's not necessarily a case of the Mondays for me!

Bah Humbug

I am late posting today. And I bet you thought it was because I was sleeping in and all bundled up under my goose-down comforter all warm and snuggly and not wanting to get out of bed. Well, you would be wrong. I was up bright and early, showered and on my way to work by 7:45. Yep, I had to come in and actually work a 5 day work week. I'm hoping this is going to take care of itself by 2010 but I know that isn't going to happen. We are working on a big, big, BIG Project and it will be many many hours and buckets of blood, sweat, and tears to complete. I'm not really complaining though because even though I'm staying late at work some nights(till about 7 last night) and I'm using parts of my brain that have been sleeping since college, I'm genuinely interested in what I'm doing and know that my new position does in fact have a huge impact on my company. So Hallelujah for that!

Family Christmas is tomorrow so I've got lots of wrapping and some sort of baking to do!

Blah

Nothing new to report today.

And I probably do have to come into work tomorrow- Grrr.

That is all.

Oh the weather outside is frightful...

I swear I saw 1 billion birds this morning. It was insanity. Fighting for spots on the wires and then attacking each other in the air. I could have been driving on set of The Birds. They must be terribly confused because of the nice weather and then they wake up this morning to frost on their wings. I enjoy a good bout of cold weather, myself, but I'd like a little holiday white stuff to go along with it. You hear that Santa? I'd like a bit of snow if you please. Not a lot, just a bit will do. If it's going to be cold I don't want to look at dead grass and salt covered parking lots. Help a sistah out would ya?!

So I got about 1/2 done in terms of wrapping last night. I'll say that my back started to hurt so I'll be moving to the table tonight to keep wrapping. But in reality I got distracted by a little show called The Sing Off. I'm a huge fan of Glee and a real life version?!? Be still my heart. Those Nota guys really kill it and I'm not so sure what I think of MaxxFactor. Kinda scary yet I wass mesmerized the whole time. I'm pretty sure during the guilty pleasures section I didn't stop smiling for a solid 30 minutes. And on tonight? I heard they are singing Journey. I just can't wait. The opening of Glee featured Don't Stop Believing, and I'm curious to see what group will rock out to one of my favorite bands... and what song???

In other news- only 4 days of work left for 2009!

Mark your Calendar!

So it's getting to the end of 2009 and with the end of a new year comes resolutions, extra pounds, freezing cold weather, and...

A NEW DATEBOOK!





I picked up this lovely bit at Barnes and Noble over the weekend and am so thrilled! (Even the gal at the checkout commented that it was too cute) I've already started marking birthday and anniversaries and holidays in it. (I may or may not have been in BW3's filling up the pages with said events)

I just love agenda books. I even remember back in high school I had a datebook that was filled to the brim with notes, events, drawings, etc. It was a thing of beauty. Perhaps it gives me a sense of accomplishment but I just get all warm and fuzzy inside when I can make a list and cross things off. Surely I can't be the only one who will add things I've already done to a list just so that I can cross them off!

Back to the Grind

Our goal of completely Christmas shopping was ALMOST reached over the weekend. Seriously. 5 hours later and we have 2 gifts left to purchase (actually 1 is an exchange and the other is a purchase) so i'd say we did pretty well. Yesterday was spent knitting away (well, I was at least) while P headed up north for work again. He's been gone every week for at least a day for 4 weeks now. We can't wait for December to be over so we can get back on some sort of schedule. I am itching to get back into the kitchen (that would mean I have to go to the grocery store... like asap!) and get us back to our regularly scheduled programming. I've never been so great at the cooking for one thing so often I resort to noodles, canned goods, or take-out. My body has never been more angry at me. I guess I'm just prepping myself for a bit of new years resolution?

Back to the knitting. I've been working on these adorable little boy pants called "Longies" for a friend and I swear yesterday I thought they would be the death of me. After thinking I had done the short rows incorrectly not once but 6 times, I ripped the entire thing out and started over... only to find out that I had in fact done them correctly and now had to redo them again. (Short rows are done in the "bum" area of the pants and give them extra length and bulk to fit over diapers.) So I finally caught up to where I was and decided to keep going. Now I discover I have these ugly "ladders" in one section and I'm bound and determined to just work them out instead of ripping back again. I've almost got it to where you can't see them. And maybe only I can see them because I know they are there. I'll ask the gals at knit night tonight. I'm hoping to get the rest of the body and part of the gusst (the part that goes between the legs) done today so I can maybe get these pants on B's bottom before 2010!

Well, back to work- I need to stay focused since I'm only working 4 days a week in December :)

Oh and not to rub it in or anything but I only have 6 days left of work in 2009. Neener!

Happy Weekend Ya'll!

Good Morning. We are setting out early today to tackle some more Christmas Shopping. I got quite a bit done yesterday but nowhere near done. Hopefully between the 2 of us, we can knock it out today.

The Christmas Knit night last night was a blast. Had great girl time and got some excellent new yarn! I've never tried Mini Mochi Before and now I can :) Now I just have to find a project! And of course, finish the other projects on the needles. Oh the life of a knitter. We've got it rough :)

Isn't it pretty?!?! I'm thinking a shawl, or a pair of socks...

Alright, I'm out- time to head to the mall!

2nd Friday

Well, today is my second Friday off in December. Last week I was on my way to visit Steph in Peoria. This week I've got to get down to business. 1 Family Christmas is 8 days away and the rest obviously on Christmas Eve and Night and guess how much shopping we have done.... errr not so much. So I'm on a mission today to get as much done as I can. P will join me tomorrow afternoon so we can hopefully wrap up. and then literally wrap up on Sunday. I'm hoping to have no room under the Christmas tree after this weekend as it will be full of wrapped presents. I've also got to pick up a knitting related gift as I am attending my first Christmas Knit Night at a friend's house. I'm so excited! I need to bring an appetizer/snack too... I'm thinking meatballs. YUM!

If only it wasn't frozen tundra out there... I guess it could be worse though- I could be at work and it could be snowing 14 inches on us like they did my friend in Green Bay yesterday!

PS- 2 posts in 2 days! Aren't you proud???

Ummmm... Is this thing on?

So I have been informed that people actually do read this thing. And do check back every day for updates. My apologies for leaving everyone hanging. (Yes Steph- I'm sorry you check daily and have nothing new to read)

Honestly I just haven't even thought about it. I read blogs every day (ask me if you need some more to read- I've got some great ones!) and yet I feel like there is nothing noteworthy for me right now to write about. It's the same old thing splashed with a few dinners out, different drama at work, changes in the weather, etc. And yet I still enjoy reading blogs that contain the same content that I'm saying I have nothing to write about. It's almost as if I feel cheated if there isn't a new post up for me to read. Whether it is just a picture or a little blurb- I love every one of them and they help break up the day just a little bit. So my apologies. I didn't realize folks were actually still stopping by.

I'll try better to make 1 post every day- maybe a new years resolution? Everyone knows you at least have to make one resolution so you can break it. I guess it will switch from dropping 10 lbs and going to the gym 3x a week to blogging every day. Even if it's just to say hi or share a new project I'm working on I'll try to leave you a bit of Buckeye love every day. (I've got lots on the needles right now and so many more that I want to get started!)

Grandma Polly

Our hearts are a little heavier today.





Grandma Polly passed away this morning. I only got to share 8 years with her but she was such a peach. She always remembered my name (which I thought was amazing considering all the kids and grandkids and great grandkids she had and I was the newbie who was only able to visit a few times a year.) She was a remarkable lady and she is terribly missed already.

The world is a little sadder today.

Changes

So my lack of real updates is apparent. But the truth is, things around here have changed. Some know and some don't but I received a promotion at work. And I'm loving it. I'm so much busier (I just caught up on B's blog for the first time in almost 3 weeks! gah!) and I have a new level of responsibility I never thought I would see. I am working solid throughout the day and I don't mind staying a bit later. Because I'm actually being productive. It's quite nice. P has been traveling for work and there were changes at his company as well. Minimally effecting (affecting?) him so nothing to report there. We are a week away from Halloween and we only have about 30% of the candy we need. Cross your fingers for us that Hershey does their 4 for $1 promotion next week else we are screwed.

This weather is crazy. We went from 40 and freezing over the weekend to 70 and sunny 2 days ago to the rain showers from hell today. Seriously, Ohio has a giant green blob hanging over it today according to the weatherman. Lets just hope the blob dissappears by tomorrow for the game!

Happy Friday ya'll!

We love visitors!

We had visitors this weekend! It ended up being quite cold and not so Autumn-y but we still had a great time. A little outlet mall shopping, a little ice cream, a little pizza, and a whole lot of THOMAS!!!! and EGGS!!! and SNEETCHES!!!!

We love it when we have visitors.

Chloe is slowly warming up to the idea. Never thought we would see the day when this would happen:

Mini Me

Yep. 2 peas in a pod. Oh how Uncle P loves his nephew!

Cutest Buckeyes on the block!

Future lineman :)


Future Cheerleader :)

Can't help but have fun with these guys around!

2 Years

On this day 2 years ago, I married my best friend.





10-6-07

Motivation- or lack thereof

Here I sit on this lovely crisp fall day. Inside. Lacking little to no motivation to tackle the things ahead of me today. P is currently en route to Myrtle Beach for work stuff and I've got the week to myself. I have big plans. Well, big plans that include my weekly knit night, laundry, trying to organize my craft room, clean up the house, and relax. That is if I could pull myself from the comfort of my couch and the Harry Potter marathon on Family Channel right now. Where did my motivation go? Honestly I need to find it. I don't want to sit here. But it just takes too much effort right now to get up. Well, unless I want that bag of Doritos. ha.

Things I would like to do today: (More likely, things I would like to do throughout the week)
Go to Lambikins, just for fun. I love that shop. It's the best.
Unload the dishwasher
Wash my new clothes that I bought over the weekend
Take my new work pants to get hemmed
Paint the guest bathroom
The craft room. Seriously- it needs help.
Sit on my porch with a blanket and read my book
Dust and vacuum
Find the perfect green paint. The Glidden Spring Green- Cute but just a leetle too bright I think!

And the list goes on... Anyone have the secret motivational tool? Let me know because I've lost mine.

Go Bucks!

It was a gorgeous day for tailgating. too bad it didn't turn out the way we had wished.

Twelve Twelve Tweeeeelve!


Myles Kix! First tailgate and the newest Buckeye added to our clan :)

My Buddy, My Buddy

Well, technically my brother's Buddy but it doesn't hurt any less.

We lost our beloved Buddy today.

It's been a glorious 15 years and I miss you already.

PS- Sorry for making you wear a scrunchie around your neck as a collar so that you looked like a clown. You really did look cute though.

So...

The weather has been absolutely gorgeous this week. Mother Nature really gave us a break. Crisp cool nights and sunny breezy days. Unfortunately my allergies have flared up out of control so I'm enjoying the days between all the sneezing, and coughing, itchy eyes, and sinus attacks. But you know what? I'll take it! Because that means that fall is upon us! I'm ready to dig out my fall smelling candles, don my long sleeve shirts and light sweaters, and break out my BUCKEYES! because It's Football Season Baby!

This weekend marks the first weekend, I believe, we will not be heading up north for the opening game. We will head over to Fungesserfest (yes they stole our name... PFest? Ring a bell?) and spend the weekend there with drinks, games, fun, and yes- some jewelry! We are ecstatic to spend the long weekend with friends it will be much needed and over before we know it!

Sunday/Monday I plan on making ribs for the first time. I'm already starving just thinking about them. Hopefully the lbs of meatballs and buffalo chicken dip we are providing for Fungesserfest will hold us over till then. I'm still trying to find the perfect recipe. I want to slow cook them in the oven and then finish them off on the grill!

Bring on the long weekend! We're ready!

YES!

That adorable fabric down there? Well, I mentioned it at Lambikins the other night and Christina (the owner) gave me the eye and sarcastically said she had no idea where I could find it... She has already ordered it and is waiting for the bolts to arrive! How lucky am I?!?!

AND even better- I JUST noticed yesterday (and kind of embarrassing since we have been in our house since 2006) but the curtainrod in the kitchen that was left by the previous owners? IT HAS TEAPOTS ON IT! It is meant to be. They are black but nothing that a coat of paint can't make more cute!

I have my theme. Finally.

And I can't wait to whip up fabulous tea curtains and accessories to make a truly adorable kitchen :)

WANT!

I found the fabric I want to turn into curtains for our kitchen. I'm in love!



My mom and I bought a cutesy teapot last fall that I just fell in love with, it's white with green, pink, and brown accents. I think this fabric is so much fun!

Michael Miller in Multi High Tea

My Girls!

3 years in the making... literally.

From the WC to the LJ to the RL!

All together in 1 place at the same time!

The gal that started is all for me :) Francy!

These ladies probably know me better than I know myself! It's been a pleasure getting to know you these past few years and we need another hookup soon, as in before another 3 years!

HELLO! Vegas August '10? YES PLEASE!

Mr. and Mrs!

Some of my fav shots from Steph and Adam's wedding :)

Bling Bling!

So like I mentioned yesterday- The new bling is FA-BU-LOUS!

The pictures speak for themselves.

If you are interested in any of the pieces you see below, let me know!

Fashion Week!

So last week I returned back from jetsetting to California for Cookie Lee Fashion Week! It was amazing and so inspiring and motivating. I got to meet fabulous women and learn from the best of them. Wonderful friendships were formed and I hope to see everyone again soon!

Next up- Some of the new jewelry!!

As always, please contact me for orders, shows, fundraisers, and business opportunities.