Wednesday, April 27, 2011

The 30 Days Project: Day 27

What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.
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Day 27- Why are you doing this 30 day challenge


That is a good question. I like having a blog. I like the fact that I have a place that I can put my thoughts down. Sometimes though, I feel like I neglect my blog. However, I wasn't sure what more I could bring to it.
 
When CuteElla posted that she was undertaking this challenge, I thought it was a perfect opportunity to do a little more with my blog. So, I stepped up to the challenge.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

The 30 Days Project: Day 26

What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.
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Day 26- What you think about your friends


It is simple.
 
My friends are everything.
 
Friends may have come and gone over the years. I have been extremely lucky to surround myself and my family with people who are just simply amazing. They are strong, supportive, friendly, and funny people who will be there to get my back whenever I need them. I sincerely hope that they think similar of me... otherwise, I will feel that I've let them down and seriously owe them a debt that I couldn't possibility pay back.
 
I also hope that my daughter (and any future children that come into my life) will learn the power of love that one gets from having a good set of great friends in her life.
 

Monday, April 25, 2011

The 30 Days Project: Day 25

What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.
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Day 25- What I would find in your bag


You would find:
 
wallet
new Adele's cd
picture of Little One and me from my Easter basket
gift certificate to a local community center
small notebook
a pocket sudoku book
paperback - Book 10 of the Wheel of Time series
cell phone
gift certificate to Bed, Bath & Beyond (from Christmas)
sunglasses in their case
Little One's gift certificate to Toys R Us (from her birthday party)
keys
miscellaneous stuff such as feminine projects, gum, floss, extra contact case, eye drops
 
oh and probably some lint.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

The 30 Days Project: Day 24

What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.
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Day 24- A letter to your parents

Dear Parents,

Now that I'm adult, I recognize that things are not always sunshine and roses. I know that we have had a lot of challenges between us through the years. I can tell you that it was difficult to be one of those kids that their parents separated (and later divorced) while everyone around us had their families intact. Despite all the things we have been though and the adjusments that we had to make, I realize now that you were doing what you thought was best and what you could handle personally. I also realize that you guys couldn't stay together as a happily married couple.

It is through you that I know the life I want... the marriage that I want... and the family that I want. Thank you for that. I also hope that I've had led a life that you could be proud of and I also hope that you will continue as I live the rest of my life.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

The 30 Days Project: Day 23

What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.
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Day 23- Something you crave for a lot

Baked goods! I love the sweets!  Cakes... cupcakes... muffins... pies... you name it. I crave it!
 
Needless to say, I keep these things at my house at a minimum. For one, they wouldn't last long.. and two, I'm trying to lose (or at least not gain) weight.

Friday, April 22, 2011

The 30 Days Project: Day 22

What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.

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Day 22- What makes you different from everyone else

I rock!

Phew.. that was an easy post. ;)

Okay.. okay... just joking. I'm really not that conceited. Hmm.. what makes me different from everyone else?

I like to plan things out so that all my bases are covered... however, I do like a good surprise... like an unexpected visitor or going out to dinner or just receiving an unexpected hello from an old friend.

I do not like to exercise but I do like to be active. For instance, you can catch me walking from one end of a craft fair to the other end ... but you will not catch me at the gym.

Other than a few shows that I like, I rather just have the radio on instead of the television... or sometimes I rather just have the house quiet.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

The 30 Days Project: Day 21

What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.
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Day 21- A picture of something that makes you happy


Seeing this on my work computer! Day is done!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

The 30 Days Project: Day 20

What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.
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Day 20- Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future


If you are a regular reader of my blog, then you know that I am already married to The Hubby. Although he can be quite the stubborn and an offensive pain in the ass, I am glad that he is in my life. I am fully committed to him and to our family with no regrets.
 
Despite both of us coming from divorced families, I think it helped us to understand what we wanted out of marriage so we did not take that step blindly. We got married over 10 years ago after a long courtship through college and law school. I can not imagine my life without him ... well, no longer than a weekend without him. ;)
 

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

The 30 Days Project: Day 19

What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.
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Day 19- Nicknames you have; why do you have them


I really don't have too many nicknames... unless of course my friends are using them behind my back. :) You will have to ask them. (Or perhaps they will be nice enough to comment them!)
 
Mostly, people just call me "Kel" which is a shorter version of my first name.
 
Why?  I haven't a clue ... It's efficient?  (*chuckles*)
 
Sorry to disappoint you in this posting!

Monday, April 18, 2011

The 30 Days Project: Day 18

What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.


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Day 18- Plans/dreams/goals you have
 
My ultimate goal is to get my family's financial back under control by getting rid of this debt that is hanging over our heads while still enjoying life. I've taken steps to help accomplish such as signing up for credit card debit help. We pretty much pared down our home life to what we find to be the essentials to help us get through these rough years. Now, we just need to work on overall saving goals so that we can do the stuff that we would love to have or do... such as owning a second car (not necessarily new but definitely reliable) or going on a vacation (of sorts).
 
I am planning to do some minor upgrades around the house. Other than the Little One's room, I haven't done any painting or decorative steps in our house since we moved in. I plan to paint our living room and take down the ugly curtains that were leftover from the previous owners. I also hope to hang up new blinds as well as curtains that match what I am trying to achieve. The replacement of the carpet will need to wait until more money available... also the Little One (and perhaps The Hubby) be a little more careful in the living room with food & drinks.
 
Not to mention working on my "year of small changes"...

Sunday, April 17, 2011

The 30 Days Project: Day 17

What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.
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Day 17- Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why


At first, I was trying to think of some celebrity or famous person to pick. However, it didn't quite seem right... like I was forcing myself to pick one of those for that is what you would have expected.


Then, I thought I would like to switch with an idea of a person... not that I know of a person that matches that criteria. For instance, a person that works for the joy of working and not necessarily for the money. However, that person would have enough money to pay all their bills and fulfill their needs/desires. Yet, that didn't seem to fit what this blog post is suppose to be about. 


It then came to me. I would like to switch places with my daughter for one day... a day where she is experiencing the ultimate kid kind of day... whether it is the zoo or aquarium for the first time... or as simple as playing on a new playground or blowing bubbles. I know I can see her experience those moments for the first time. She looks so happy and full of wonder. I would like to feel that again .. and not have to worry how much it costs or what bills are going on or some other boring adult thoughts going through my mind. 



Saturday, April 16, 2011

The 30 Days Project: Day 16

What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.
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Day 16- Another picture of yourself



Please forgive the picture! I'm home on a Saturday night! I'm in my pjs and have my glasses on! :)

Friday, April 15, 2011

The 30 Days Project: Day 15

What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.
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Day 15- Put your iPod on shuffle: First 10 songs that play


10. Hellogoodbye - Here (In Your Arms)
9. Billy Joel - Keeping the Faith
8. Schwayze f/ Cisco Adler - Buzzin'
7. Violent Femmes - Blister in the Sun
6. Midnight Oil - Beds are Burning
5. Stevie Nicks - Stand Back
4. Men at Work - Down Under
3. The Darkness - I believe in a thing called love
2. Aly & AJ - Potential Breakup Song
1. Chris Daughtry - Over You

Thursday, April 14, 2011

The 30 Days Project: Day 14

What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.
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Day 14- A picture of you and your family
 


** Not bad for an after-work self portrait!

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

The 30 Days Project: Day 13

What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.
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Day 13- A letter to someone who has hurt you recently


It has been some time since you’ve contacted me. I was taken aback by the sudden contact… for it was completely coming out of no where. I must admit that I became even slightly… cautiously… happy that you reached out to me. I thought I finally will have something more to share with the Little One about her late grandmother.
 
Even after all that time, you were always a part of me. In fact, I hate to admit that you are still are despite the fact that I haven’t heard from you in MONTHS!
 
Now, I just want to know why.
 
Why did you feel like you needed to contact me at all? What was the point? Was it to see if you still have an effect on me or my siblings? Well you did… a painful one.
 
I wholeheartedly regret letting my sister and brother know that you contacted me. Luckily, they have stopped asking me on our phone calls whether I’ve heard from you again. However, I still feel that unspoken question every time I talk to them.
 
I guess it’s true in what “they” say: Hindsight is always 20/20.
 
You had mentioned once that you’ve read my blog. I hope that you still do… for I want you to know what you’ve caused.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

The 30 Days Project: Day 12

What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.

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Day 12- How you found out about Blogger and why you made one


I found out about Blogger a couple of years ago through friends that have online blogs. It seemed relatively easy to use. 


As for why I made one? To be honest, I still am not sure. I like the way that blogging seems to provide an outlet for the writer about their thoughts... or themselves in general. That is not normally something that I provide for myself. However, I felt (still feel) that it is something that I need in my life. So, I decided to figure up the ol' computer and give it a try. It's still going on.. perhaps as not as strong and certainly not as popular as some of the other blogs that are out there. However, I am happy with what I've created. Now, I just need to keep on it.... to keep that outlet in my life. 

Monday, April 11, 2011

The 30 Days Project: Day 11

What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief postingfirst.

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Day 11- Another picture of you and your friends




Annual Wine Tasting Tour - October 2010

The 30 Days Project: Day 10

What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.

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Sorry! I completely forgot to post this yesterday!


Day 10- Songs you listen to when you are Happy, Sad, Bored, Hyped, Mad


I don't really split the music up based on my current mood. 


If I need to stay awake in the car, I pick radio stations/cds that plays songs that I know the words to. Then, I promptly start singing out loud to keep my mind alert. Luckily The Hubby can sleep through anything so I don't have to worry about being off key or missing the actual words. 


If I'm in the mood for mellow music, I will listen to more bluesy - easy listening music such as from Adele, Norah Jones, etc.  


I'm also happy to have little dance parties when songs from 80's are on.... such as "Walking on Sunshine" or "Blister in the Sun". 



Saturday, April 9, 2011

The 30 Days Project: Day 9

What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.

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Day 09- Something you’re proud of in the past few days

Hmm... This took a little more reflection that I had originally thought. It seems the last few days was mostly me trying to get over this illness that I have. My head currently feels like it is filled with lead. However, I didn't just want to put down the fact that I am proud that I managed to survive life in general over the past few days. It seems a bit cheap to do so.

I definitely am proud of The Hubby and the Little One.

I'm proud of my Hubby in his efforts to continue at his current place of employment despite the fact that he despises his job. It is not easy getting up each morning and knowing that you're going to have a crappy day as you work at a job that you don't like. There is small comfort that he loves the company that he works for. If only another position would open up so he can transfer into it. He does all of this for the love of our family and the life that we worked hard in establishing.

I'm proud of my daughter and the steps that she has taken to become the person she is and the person she will be. I don't necessarily mean the improved skill sets such as being potty trained ... or recognizing letters as more than just shapes. Although I am proud of her and these accomplishments, I am also proud of her in general. I love the fact she loves books, movies, cooking and crafts just like her parents.

I know that it is very easy to get distracted / involved with the day to day tasks. I'm glad that I was forced to sit back and think on a bigger scale. It's not often that we take the time to do so.

Friday, April 8, 2011

The 30 Days Project: Day 8

What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.
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Day 08- Short term goals for this month and why

Spring is here! Finally! This winter was particularly grueling with all the above-average snow fall and frigid weather. I am ready for the warmer weather (and I don’t really mean summer type hotness … just the subtle warming of spring time!).

Of course, the warmer weather also means some chores around the house (both inside and out). So, my short term goals for this month are tackling these chores!

I always wanted my own house… and I still do. (Thank goodness since I have one and all.) However, I was completely naïve in the work that having a house entails.

Here are some of my goals:
  • Rake the lawn to remove the dead grass and leaves from last season.
  • Stack up the fallen branches and twigs to be used for kindle
  • Hang up the swings and wash off the slides on the swing set – This one the Little One is particularly interested in.
  • Take down the plastic sheeting & storm windows from the windows.

I would like to re-iterate with a slight touch of sarcasm … Yea! Spring is here! :)

Thursday, April 7, 2011

The 30 Days Project: Day 7

What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.
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Day 07- A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you



 
My darling Little One

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

The 30 Days Project: Day 6

What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.


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Day 06- Favorite super hero and why


Buffy, the Vampire Slayer

Buffy was a teenager that inherited a gift from “fate” to help the world survive against the supernatural “bad guys”. She comes from a long line of young women who has been chosen in similar fashion over the centuries. You can read more about the series here.

The reason that I picked this particular heroine is that I admire Buffy in the strength she showed as she not only navigated through the rollercoaster that is high school (and after) but also a champion of good for the beings around her. I loved the fact that she made mistakes… her heart was broken, etc. as any normal person would encounter in his/her life. Buffy would also admit at times that this life of her sucks and that it was not all sunshine & rainbows. However, she continued forth in tackling evil. I also love the fact that she surrounded herself with a great group of loyal friends / allies to help her tackle these incredible situations that were thrown her way.

Joss Whedon created a wonderful TV series based on this character and the world that she existed in. Even though it has been off the air for some time, I still miss this “world”… and secretly hope that it will come back once again.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

The 30 Days Project: Day 5

What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.

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Day 05- A picture of somewhere you’ve been to



Kylemore Abbey, Kylemore, Connemara, Co Galway, Ireland.

Monday, April 4, 2011

The 30 Days Project: Day 4

What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first. 
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Day 04- A habit that you wish you didn't have

I was going to put down procrastination… however, I think I would be more accurate if I put down laziness. It is because of this inherent lazy habit of mine that I fall victim to distraction, procrastination and the dreaded snooze button.

It is too easy to just get the bare minimum done each day … whether it is chores at home or what tasks I’ve to accomplish at work. Sometimes, I don’t even realize that I have done it until it is time to reflect upon on day (a.ka. leaving work… or going to bed) and realize that I didn’t really accomplish much.

Don’t get me wrong. Once in a while, I do kick myself in the ass and keep up with stuff while it is happening… such as folding and putting away laundry when it comes out of the dryer instead of waiting a couple of days to a week later when the Little One runs out of clean underwear in her dresser. Often times, I will "trick" myself into accomplishing something by putting a “deadline” to accomplish it. Sometimes it works, that is why I am on book 8 of the Wheel of Time series… and sometimes it does not, which is why my weight keeps fluctuating.

However, it is a habit that keeps creeping back.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

The 30 Days Project: Day 3

What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.


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Day 03- A picture of you and your friends


Annual Wine Tasting Tour - October 2008 - Cobblestone Farm Winery

Saturday, April 2, 2011

The 30 Days Project: Day 2

What is "The 30 Days Project"? You might want to read this brief posting first.

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Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name


Sometimes a goal or life in general can be a bit overwhelming... whether it is dealing with a death in the family or figuring how out to pay the next month's mortgage or how to lose those remaining stubborn pounds. To help cope with those overwhelming moments, it helps to break it down to "smaller chunks". "One day at a time..." is something that I tell myself when I am confronted with one of those moments.

Friday, April 1, 2011

The 30 Days Project: Day 1

Day 01- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself




** This picture is of me this morning when I realize that the snow forecast wasn't an elaborate April Fool's joke.

1. I enjoy reading books… mostly in the fantasy / sci-fi genre. I’m currently trying to tackle “The Wheel of Time” series by Robert Jordan. I am currently on book 7 out of the 13.
2. I have a BS in Mathematics.
3. I love working on crafts… such crocheting and cross-stitching. I hope to re-learn how to knit this year.
4. Outside going on two Caribbean cruises, I’ve visited four countries: Israel, Russia, Ireland, and Canada.
5. I once took the Greyhound bus from Watertown, NY to Seattle, WA. (Side note: I will never do that again if I can help it.)
6. My first car was a beat-up navy blue Dodge Aries named “Betsy”. Betsy was a gift from my mom & step-father that cost $300. The car lasted me from sophomore year of college to after graduation.
7. I almost didn’t make it college. The financial aid package was not enough and I didn’t find out until the week prior to my supposed arrival date. So, on day of when the freshmen were to report, I made a trip to said college and met with the financial aid peeps. They helped me renegotiate my financial aid package so that I could go to college after all without much help from my parents.
8. I used to play and help run a MUD (multi-user dungeon – computer based game). I would like to dedicate my fast typing speed skill to that. There is nothing like yelling at a player in real time via text about a game component.
9. I do like to play computer games. However, my current PC is a very outdated piece of machinery. I haven’t had the funds or the time to upgrade since having the Little One. I do miss playing.
10. My all time favorite movie: The Princess Bride. I remember the first time watching it with a friend of mine in Fulton, NY. (Side note: You could smell the scent of chocolate in the air due to the Nestle factory in town. This was awesome for the first day or two of the trip… not so good by the end of the trip.)
11. I helped found a co-ed social society during college. It is still carrying on to this day and every year we make a trip to our alma mater to celebrate its conception.
12. I am the oldest of me and my siblings. Yet, I am the shortest.
13. I’m an office supplies junkie…. Unique pens, post-its, binder clips? Yes please!
14. Fall is my favorite season of the year. It is for this reason that I love to live in the northeast region of the USA.... and it is well worth dealing with all the winter blues to stay here.
15. I never actually learned how to swim… despite owning a pool.

It was a lot harder to come up with 15 "interesting" facts about myself than I had originally thought. Good thing that the "interesting" is defined by the author and not the reader in this scenario. ;)