it's that time again

Where I realize I haven't blogged in ages bc I haven't uploaded pictures and you get a ton of posts at once. Enjoy!

THANK YOU!!!!

Thank you to Heather, Erik and Evie for the delicious and super cute strawberries !

And - Thank you SCOTT for the balloon and edible arrangement :) 

I LOVE BIRTHDAYS!

Sorry the cell camera pics are bad, and my desk is piled with a few projects! 

viola

sort of random and cute that the b day cards I got from my grandparents and parents were both purple!!

thanks guys! 

Those Who Save Us

After Heather's review of "Those Who Save Us", I was excited to start reading it. I'm not sure why, but the Holocaust / WWII is fascinating. It may stem back to 7th grade, when we did almost an entire year study on the topic. Maybe it is because I cannot believe people were so cruel, and Hitler had so much power. 


Either way - this book grabbed me from the second I picked it up. This book has dual story lines - which I both love and hate. I love - because it gives very different perspectives. I hate - because right when I'm dying to know what happens next, it skips to the other perspective, in this case - a whole different decade. 


The story is about Anna and Trudy - mother and daughter who live and have lived very different lives. Anna grows up in Germany and has a harsh entry into WWII life. Trudy is born into this life, and doesn't learn all the details of her past until she embarks on her own German studies project through her work at a university.  

 Anna needs to save herself and her daughter, so she must obey the commands of a Nazi officer who visits frequently, hating what she must do to survive. It is crazy to read about the life of Anna. Of Germany in WWII, Nazi soldiers, the realities of life for Germans and Jews. Then to swap back to almost present day (1997) - where Trudy is struggling to get her mother to open up about her past, and begins her project interviewing Germans who also lived through the war, and how they feel about what happened. 


This story was addictive, moving, and, as Heather notes, Powerful. Those Who Save Us are people you may not expect to be saving or helping you. And you may even be the one saving someone else without realizing it. 


I read this on a kindle app, which I've never done before. It was weird to not be able to know how far into the book you were at first glance. Yes, you can highlight the bottom and see your page progress, but it's not the same. This was especially tricky at the end - when I turned the page for the next chapter and realized I was finished. I was sad, really. I wanted to know more about what happened next, how it turned out. Guess it's up to my imagination to decide. 


Also - Would not be surprised if we see this in the theaters soon.

Born this way

When I first heard the new Lady Gaga song, I thought - man that sounds a lot like "Express Yourself" by Madonna.

Then Lady Gaga posted the video below on her facebook - and honestly - I like this girls' rendition better! 
I love her confidence and slight attitude. She is super cute and hopefully will pursue music if that's what she wants - I'm sure she'd be successful! I wish I could sing like her! 

Is it just me?

  How did I only notice now that Special K and Rice Krispies taste EXACTLY THE SAME, and are just different shapes?

  

Remember Me

Wow.
Just watched Remember Me with Robert Pattison.  The film is about a girl - Ally, who witnesses her mothers' death*, and a guy- Tyler, who has also experienced death in his family. His family has lots of issues, and the two end up together under odd circumstances. I watched this thinking, oh ok - it is about these two, and their family relationships and either they have an awful breakup or live happily ever after. The ending was NOTHING that I expected. There is definitely a 'big reveal' moment at the end, and my mouth dropped open. I can't give away too much, because it would ruin the impact of the film. Overall - it is a good story about love, families, and realizing how short time on earth can be.

*TMI potential * I did like how the movie ended and started in the same place. As if things came full circle for Ally somehow.

Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right

It is a serious winter wonderland outside today. Our office is still open but most schools and such are closed. That 100% worked out for me because the commute was slow - going weather wise, but not traffic wise. It took me a little over an hour to get in, which is equivalent to a bad traffic day. It's supposed to stop at 12, which should give the roads time to clear before I head out around 3p. And - it is really pretty outside 


So - not a bad morning, right? Well -  I'm dealing with some super annoying things right now. Since this isn't a private blog, and who knows who will find it, I can't be too specific. However, the general gist is - being stuck in the middle is awful. Whether it is a fight between friends, personal indecision, or being the confidant to multiple people - it is frustrating. When it is out of your control, it gets worse. When it affects you but you can't do much to change it - torture. Sometimes it's good to be neutral (i.e. Switzerland) but even that gets tiring. I am eager for the weekend, to unwind, relax and not worry about the ridiculousness I have to deal with M-F. 

One thing that is 'stuck in the middle' that does NOT suck - this song: 

walking fail

On Good Morning America today they talked to the woman who was so preoccupied texting that she walked into/fell into a fountain in a mall. Ok - that is an unfortunate incident. Thankfully she was ok. 


The issue I have here, is she has a lawyer, and is trying to sue the security guards for 1. posting the video on line, 2. laughing at her and causing embarassment, 3. not coming to see if she needed help. 


1. Was the best decision to post it online? No. They could probably be fired for that. 


2. Ok, huge ego blow to fall in a fountain because you aren't paying attention. However - If she didn't come forward - who would have known it was her?? She claims her nephew called and said he saw it, but could he really recognize her in the grainy video or did she tell him what happened and then he saw it and knew it was her? 


3. She says her self that she walked away immediately, so if they did come, they would not have found her. But - I get it, they could have been more responsible. 


I really hope the mall doesn't have to compensate her for her klutzy inability to pay attention.

Evaluation

Here were my 2010 goals - Let's see how I did. 

In no particular order...
- Read more. So far that means Shakespere (bc I haven't read much of it), and books from the GG list.   FAIL. I bought some Shakespere books, but didn't read anything from the GG list. 

- Learn the Presidents. In order. Mostly because I feel dumb not knowing most of them, or when they were in office.  FAIL. I completely forgot about this until today.


- Learn at least one song on the guitar. I know, I know - this has been a goal for the past TWO years. This time, I mean it. And Scott plays so I have access to a real guitar. (and someone who can play) FAIL. Ok, I'm a slacker. 2011 is about DOING not wishing. I mean, it's ok to wish for some things, like winning the lotto. But not ok to wish to not be lazy. Just don't be lazy. I got a guitar for Christmas (Thanks Scott!!) and I'm fired up and ready to learn. (Yes Heather, the goal is still to learn Edelweiss by Christmas!!) 

- Be better with $. Pay things off. Save money. Stop buying things I don't need. I'll give myself 1/2 credit on this. I made some aggressive payments on some credit cards so I'm close to paying off those. I will have no car payment soon, and hopefully I can do fun things w/ tax money and not pay bills. I still spend money I don't need to sometimes, but I'm working on it. I'm a sucker for draft beer, and Target. And Archie's wings. Oh and gas money :( 

- Be more consistent at going to the gym and reach personal goals. I know, we tried this last year, but then hit a bit of a snafu. Instead of a FAIL, I'll give myself a SLACK. 2010 was lazy. I enjoyed myself. I drank wine, drank beer, relaxed. Too much. I'm paying for it now with the physical disgust I have with myself. So, no excuses..  


-Blog more. I have lots to say but just don't post it. Sometimes I just don't feel like it, so this is a fluid goal.


2011 goals coming soon! 

Precious

Pictures like this make me realize how quickly things can change. 
One of my best friends (Jen) got into a car accident, and is THANKFULLY alright, but her car is not. 
Crazy taxi drivers in Burlington, VT are dangerous! good thing her trusty Altima protected her! 

Be Careful Everyone!! 

Focus.

I have plans to reflect on 2010, and discuss what I want to accomplish for 2011, but haven't been able to get to it yet. I had a great week in CT, and definitely stalled leaving to get back to MA. 
I got home around 9 or so, was greeted by a new set up in the hall and living room, as well as a new roommate. A lot to swallow on top of unpacking and mentally preparing for a new year, and a new work week (that is guaranteed to be busy!) 


Anyway. 


Our "Fitness Works @ Work" emails come to our inbox pretty regularly with tips, events, and articles. I read today's and thought - those are all obvious - no brainers.. but - do I do that? Not enough. At the end of 2010 - I was feeling like I wasn't accomplishing much in a few areas of life. One of my goals for 2011 is to DO  more. No excuses. No 5 more min on the couch instead of a work out that will make me feel better. Ultimately - stop saying 'I wish' and be able to say 'I did' or 'I currently am'. 


This article talks about easy ways to make yourself focus - which I fully admit I  need to do more of! 

Taming the Scatterbrain

Do you ever feel like you are going in a hundred different directions but not really going anywhere? Maybe you run upstairs to do something, only to forget what you were going to do. You start doing something else, and then abandon that project when you think of something else that needs to be done. Perhaps you're busy all day but have nothing to show for your busyness. This is what is called the Scatterbrain syndrome; or in other terms, lack of focus.

The Scatterbrain syndrome happens to everyone, but fortunately there are some quick fixes to this challenge.

Have a specific plan for each day.

Before you begin your day, know exactly what you want to accomplish and what's on your agenda. Pretend your day is over and ask yourself what you need to feel like you had a productive and focused day. What is most important to you for this particular day only?

Pick three or four tasks and activities from your to-do list.

Many people have a huge, ongoing to-do list from which they work. You add tasks to it at a much faster rate than you delete them. Looking at a large list can be distracting and overwhelming; this will interfere with your ability to focus. Pick three or four tasks you would like to focus on for the day, and write them on a separate piece of paper, on a white board, on an index card, in your planner, or some other place that is separate from your big list. Focus only on those tasks for the day.

Minimize distractions.

Everything and everyone is fighting for your attention. If you are trying to finish something and the phone rings, don't answer it unless you are expecting an important phone call. If you can't screen your phone calls, learn to tell people you are in the middle of something and you'll call them back. Save television and Internet surfing as rewards for completing the tasks you want to do. Use a timer to let small children know when you will be available to play, talk to them while you're finishing a task, or get them involved.

Stop multitasking.

You might be proud of the fact that you can multitask, but multitasking keeps your brain going in too many directions. Start and finish a task before you move on to the next one.

Take breaks.

You probably think you don't have time to take breaks, but what if they made you more focused and productive? During your 5-10 minute breaks, spend some time meditating and clearing your mind. Don't sit and think about all the things you need to do. Relax and let your mind rest.

Minimize stress.

Stress can create a scattered brain, so you need to find ways to minimize it. The two best natural antidotes to stress are sleep and exercise. When you are tired, your coping mechanisms get weak. Many doctors also say that exercise is the best natural antidepressant on the market.

Add fish oil to your diet.

Adding omega-3 fatty acids (in the form of fish oil) to your diet has significant health benefits. Fish oil has long been considered by doctors around the world to be one of the most effective remedies for many health-related issues, including depression, improving memory and concentration, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Keep an "accomplishment journal."

Sometimes it feels like you have the scatterbrain syndrome, when in reality you've accomplished more than you think. At the end of your day, keep a journal of everything you did that day. For example

• Did a load of laundry
• Paid the bills
• Went to work
• Played a game with the kids
• Called a friend
• Changed the baby's diaper five times

An accomplishment journal helps you focus on what you did do, instead of what you didn't. Put your energy in the right place and give yourself the credit you deserve.
Being a scatterbrain does not mean that you are doomed to a life of forgetfulness or a lack of productivity or concentration. It probably means you're pretty normal, but you may need to try some new antidotes to the Scatterbrain syndrome.

Lori Radun - CEC (Certified Coach) is a certified life coach, speaker, and author for moms. Through personal coaching, speaking, her newsletter, and other personal development products, she helps mothers know and embrace their true selves and balance their many roles in life. To visit her Web site, go to http://www.true2youlifecoaching.com.

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Christmas Day

Christmas Morning, I opened presents at Scott's with him and his parents. Then, home to open gifts with the family and prep for our 11 person dinner!

Yummy cheese plate made by Heather

Receiving my award for the 'Most Improved Organizer of the Season'. I was on everyone about what the menus and plans were! 

All set for Mom, Dad, Grandparents, Heather, Erik, Chris, Kait, me, Scott, and Aunt Patty

Adorable and delicious Christmas tree cupcakes made by Kaitlin! 

Shiloh scamming slices of turkey

Common scene that night

2 for 2 

Finally! I gave Erik the much coveted JLHS track sweatshirt, now that he is 'officially' in the fam

more gifts!

Someone got spoiled ! A creeper and car jacks for Scott from the Meads! 

Shiloh hiding from the crowd

Last ones standing. We had such a fun time hanging out! 

Ending the night on a high note. Mom laughing at Chris' Chewbacca impersonation

Merry Christmas!!

Christmas Eve with the Vollonos

Traditional Sapporo consumption

Scott's parents' tree

my buddy Rudy

Chris, Stephen and Scott

Apps, among many other delicious dishes!

Big Steve enjoying the wine

Benny

Me, Scott, Nama, Chris and Jess

Nama and her boys

Scott, Stephen, Sophia, Nama, Chris, Laurel

Stephen, Amy, Sophia

Deck the Halls

Christmas is in CT  - the weekend after Thanksgiving, Scott and I got a tree to decorate. I brought all my ornaments and decorations to his house instead of bothering with my apartment. 

Best way to water live trees - wine bottles! The neck fits easily into the stand. 

Holiday Nog. 

We put the tree skirt on Ozzy. He didn't mind. I think he liked it! 

Stockings ready for Santa. 

Yes, 10 boxes of lights. 100 lights per strand. They ALL made it on the tree.

Oh Christmas Tree - shining so brightly!! 

Door decoration I created with a branch that didn't fit in the stand

Need a little singing Ringing through the rafter

So my ipod isn't charged :( but You Tube has some nice GLEE Christmas playlists so I'm all set. My fave today is below: 


I'm excited to see Heather and Erik tonight (and for the next week!!) and to spend Christmas with them, Scott and the family. I'm out of work at 2, hoping for NO traffic, and finally FINALLY ready for the holiday season. I've struggled with the holiday spirit this year. (I think the snowfall this week helped!) But -finalizing wrapping, packing up the car, and planning the Christmas dinner menu has me ready to go! 

Birthday Celebration

To celebrate Dad's birthday - we went to dinner at Chucks in West Haven. After, we stopped by Duffy's for a few drinks and to listen to some music.

Free "Guinness Bailey" shots from the Bartender

(Guinness topped off with Baileys)

Me and the Birthday boy!

weekend

Scott came up and we spent time shopping and hanging out. First stop - pomegranite mimosas and a fantastic breakfast at Sound Bites

Tree at Fanueil Hall 

up close and personal

after some shopping, a much needed Black and Tan