current favorite jam

I am so not cool, but this song is my new jam. I want to dance to this baby all night long - preferably in the comfort of my own living room. I also really love Bruno's pink blazer - I kind of want one - you know or maybe copy his whole outfit. Anyway I hope you enjoy this on a lovely Monday.

lions, tigers and bears

Oh my… one of my favoritest people is having triplets this year. I couldn’t be more excited for her and her husband. It also weirds me out a bit that this is the girl who use to get me out of bed in college to go get pizza at 11PM just to hang out (how are you old enough to be a mom?!?!?!). I know these are going to be some of the best loved children – and so much trouble. I have visions of perfect little triplets playing together, making friends, and just having an amazing sibling support system for their entire lives.  I have self-proclaimed to be an auntie to these children, so of course I want nothing more than to spoil the wee ones as much as I possibly can. I also fully volunteer (just like Katniss, well okay, not really, I am not fighting to the death) to be a regular baby holder whenever an extra pair of hands are needed.

On my first official act of spoiling three little babies, I found the most adorable set of onsies for the triplets. How cute are the animals and I personally love The Wizard of Oz theme. At time of purchase, I still wasn’t sure of the mix of boys or girls will be, and these are gender neutral and so cute. One of my rules of thumb when purchasing baby goodies is always go big, as kids grow fast and so many other people tend to go for the new born clothing.  Also a good tip for baby gifts, is there is absolutely nothing wrong with some practical gift giving – think diapers, lotions, destin, teethers, etc. 

I cannot wait to meet these little ones in person! Looking forward to seeing them grow up and be amazing people – just like their mom and dad.

Paris: Part Two

Prior to getting to day two, the evening before I spent an hour or so planning out my next two days – I wanted to maximize my time – but also not miss out on some of my personal must sees before heading back home. I consulted my maps, thought about what would interest me most, and what made the most sense in proximity to each other. I realized later that I probably could have used another few days to get in a couple more museums and enjoy more of the area. I guess that’s a good enough reason to hope for another trip over to France in the future.

I started day two with a metro trip over to the Arc de Triomphe de l'Étoile, as it’s one of the other more famous landmarks of Paris. I also wanted to see some of the details up-close and personal, and make my way up to the top for some breath taking view, since I am too much of a sissy to go to the top of the Eiffel Tower. I will say that this is in the center of one of the scariest street intersections – a major rotary if you are from New England, like me, or a roundabout for those of you from elsewhere. I did figure out quickly that there was an underground pathway to the Arc, and got right in line to get my ticket to go to the top.  I wanted to see the view from the top, and there are so many views from here. I also felt more secure, and saved myself a panic attack atop the Eiffel Tower (safety first folks, safety first). It was bit cloudy, but it was great to spend time up at the top and learn about the Arc construction.

From the Arc, I made my way down the Champs de Élysées, for an early afternoon of shopping and lunching. I tried to avoid stores we have back home in the states as what’s the fun in shopping where you can at home. I poked around and ended up with two cream colored tops – one long sleeved and one short- clearly, I had a theme going. I love watching people in the shopping district on a weekday, you get the tourists, but you also get a lot of people who seem to do this daily. I really enjoy making up stories about people’s background while sauntering around.

After my shopping adventure, I headed over to the Musee de Armee, or the National Army Museum, because I really wanted to see the World War II exhibits. I always find that I am drawn to learning more about this time, so I thought why not take some time and go to that section of the museum. When I arrived, I found a military ceremony taking place, so I stopped and tried to figure out what was going on, but there was band, some marching and a gentleman gave a speech. I still haven’t figured out what was going on, but I definitely couldn’t resist some snapshots and taking in the grandeur of the event.  I really wish I knew what was taking place, but it was still neat to see something like that without planning it.  After the ceremony was completed, I spent the rest of my time touring Napoleon’s tomb and the World War I & II exhibits. I am always a bit fascinated by the histories of the wars from different countries, since we are so versed in the American side- particularly when the second World War really kicked off for us so many years later then in Europe.

My final bits of the day were spent having wine and dinner near my hotel, there’s something about getting a craft of wine at the end of a long day.  

I've got one more day to go, hopefully you are enjoying reading about my travels.

happiness list

I am pretty late to this party, but I am listening to “Let it Go” from Frozen on repeat now. Idina Menzel sang this when I watched the Oscars, and then the song won the award, and I was hooked.  Strong apologies to my work neighbors as I think I sing this out loud at some point while I am listening at my desk. What can I say, I was the little girl who wanted to play Annie whenever I got a chance.

Getting a lovely long weekend in warm sunny Florida. I am so glad to have a chance to escape the cold even for a few days. Something about 80 degrees makes everything feel better. Spring, here I am, and I am waiting for you.

I feel in love with my new way to cross off my to do list at work. I realized that I hated crossing out and not being able to look back later to get a handle on what I had done, I’ve started highlighting completed items – still easy to read, and adds a pop of color to my life (yep, I am a nerd).

The beautiful flowers I received as a thank you. It’s probably my favorite thing to tell people I have many secret admirers as this did come from a group of people. Orange roses are a new favorite – they are so vibrant.

Also, happy that I finally scheduled my appointment with my tax guy – it’s always a pleasure to visit Ray this time of year. Yes, it’s nerdy to like your tax accountant, but mine is pleasant and kind.

getting crafty

I am one of those people who go through phases of wishing I was a bit more crafty. I am never going to be a full DIYer, but I occasionally do feel the urge to learn a new skill to keep my inner math geek from feeling too far away from artsy endeavors. Tapping my inner grandmother/hipster, I signed myself up for an introduction to crochet class. I knew I’d be heading to a studio for two Sunday morning sessions, but I really wasn’t sure what to expect, or if I was going to drive my instructor bonkers.

Before going to class, I had grand ideas that this would be how I’d start my bohemian crafts, or really do something other than Candy Crush while watching television. Major goal would be to be able to make Norbs a blanket or something to that effect.

Week one was pretty good, and the class was tiny – only three of us learning to become crochet masters. One of the other girls had clearly been studying up before hand, and I just kept getting mine all twisted, the other was equally as frustrated as I was.  I will say the instructor was lovely and patient and kind (all things anyone should be for teaching adults new skills).  I learned I don’t like to point my index finger and leave it waving in the wind, like you are supposed to for a good crochet.  I was left with homework to practice during the week.

For week two, I missed my train and was 15 minutes late – which made me feel more guilty then I already was, because that homework didn’t happen. The week was busy with different things, and I when I got home each night the last thing I was up for was suffering with my crochet hook. Anyway, I was honest because being a slacker is already pretty bad, but lying on top of it is way worse.  Luckily though, all was forgiven and I got some good attention and started to master some of the stitches in during the rest of class. I realized that the hardest part of any project was going to be the starting two rows and after that as long as I paid attention I would be able to get my craft on.

Upon graduating from my beginners class, I bought a book for reference and some beautiful sage green yarn, and started what’s turning out to be a fairly decent looking first scarf. I really want to make some blankets as I think that would be an amazing thing have, that would actually get used. I also promised my family wash clothes for Easter. I’ve also started toying with the idea of taking the second class in the series – after a few weeks of really getting comfortable with things I’ve already learned.

Have you ever tried a new hobby? What’s a favorite new skill you’ve learned?

glad you came

I just wanted to take the time to extend a little thank you to my readers and followers. For the longest time I had two followers, myself and one of my good friends (thank you Ali! – always so supportive of me), and that was mighty fine as I blog for my own enjoyment. In the past few months though my followers through a few sites has grown to approximately 15 people, some of you who’ve found yourself here on your own. This touches me deeply, and in a way I am surprised about.  Thank you for visiting, I do hope you stay for a long while.