Halloween Madness!

Well, It's the day before Halloween....

The day after "FrankenStorm Sandy" hit the Northeast.

There are a lot of people without power, including my and my babes families.

As much as I wish I was there to be a calm presence for them all, I am happy to be in Florida.

The weather is as spectacular as it could be,

a breezy 68 degrees...

Sunny (my favorite part)...

and not a cloud in the sky!

I have all of the windows open,

including our front door

which my babe and I installed a screen door in over the weekend.

Music is playing...

I'm in a long sleeve tee and sweats...

and I've got my apron on!

I've got my apron on because tomorrow we are throwing a Halloween Party!

We've invited all of our friends who wouldn't normally get trick or treaters...

And we told them to dress in costume, 

bring an appetizer or dessert,

bring their drink of choice,

and a bag of candy for all the kids!

The house smells amazing with this prep that I'm up to today.

The bumble bee's keep coming to the screen cause they are smelling the caramel I made!

Yes, I just said I made caramel~

I posted a pic of what I was up to, and there was a request for the recipe....

SO here it is- especially for you, Marezy!

Salted Caramel Apple Bites

2 Cups Sugar

1/4 Cup Honey

1/2 Cup Water

2 Tablespoons Vanilla 

3 Tablespoons Butter

1/2 Cup Milk or Heavy Cream

Sea Salt 

2 Large Granny Smith Apples cut into chunks

Using a medium pot, place sugar, honey, water in.  Turn heat to medium high, and stir to combine.

Bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium.  Let simmer for about 10 minutes.  Add vanilla (I used the one that my Marezy made for me) and stir.  It should be bubbly and simmering...continue to watch it to make sure it doesn't burn.    After about 15 minutes, remove from heat.  Add butter 1T at a time, whisking continuously.  Add milk slowly (VERY slowly as it will BOIL and BUBBLE like CRAZY!!) whisking continuously as well.  Once all butter and milk is added, bring back to heat and stir until smooth.  Once smooth, remove from heat and let cool.  Add in apple chunks and coat them completely.  Butter a deep dish, and move apple chunks to it.  Sprinkle with chunky sea salt or kosher salt, and let cool.

I'll be serving these with toothpicks in them so they are easy to pick up and eat!
This is the first time I've done this, including making caramel.  I'm hoping they are awesome tomorrow when I serve them, I know they are AMAZING now.

I also saved the extra caramel sauce- not sure what to do with it, but I'm sure I can think of something.

Now, as I was making the apple bites, I was also preparing my meatballs as well.

These meatballs are my regular recipe for the meat, but the sauce was also an experiment.
For this, I actually wrote down the ingredients as I added them.
Which is a bonus for you cause I don't usually remember how much of what exactly I put in.

So here goes nothing!

For the meatballs, I just used 2.5 lbs of ground beef, 2 eggs,
1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs, and 1/2 cup ketchup.
Mix together everything but the meat, make a paste.
THEN add the meat, mix together with hands, then roll into whatever size meatball you choose.
For this recipe, I made them into very small balls.

I preheated the oven to 375, put all the balls onto the pan, and cooked for about 10 minutes.

Here is the recipe for the sweet and sour sauce.

1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Large Yellow Onion- diced
1 7.5 fl oz can of Diet Coke or regular Coke
1 Large Can San Marzano Tomatoes- put through sieve to make just sauce and remove seeds
2 Palms (about a tablespoon each palm)- Garlic Salt
2 Tablespoons Worcestershire
2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
1/3 Cup Brown Sugar
1 Palm Herb De Provence
2 Tablespoons Low Sodium Soy Sauce

Heat a 3.5qt pot to medium high heat, add oil & onion.  Saute onion until it's translucent.  Add can of soda and reduce slightly (until it's about 1/2 gone).  Add tomato sauce, bring to boil.  Add garlic salt, Worcestershire & vinegar.  Reduce heat and bring to a simmer.  Add in brown sugar, herbs de provence, and soy sauce.  Continue to simmer until it's thick (about 10 minutes).  If serving immediately, add meatballs and serve hot...if prepping to serve later, let meatballs and sauce cool, then store together in a container.  When you are ready to serve, just heat over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes.


I'm also making guacamole, and "bandaged fingers" which are hot dogs wrapped in pastry made to look like fingers.  Very silly and fun.

I'm looking forward to seeing what else everyone else is bringing and what everyone else will be dressed as!

Hope this post finds you in safety and happiness.

Until next time.....

~It's all out there in front of us......

One of the most versatile~

You can put them on top of spaghetti....

Cover them with cheese...

Just make sure that NOBODY sneezes!

Here's my quick meatballs~

2 LB Ground Sirloin

1 Egg

½ C Italian Style Breadcrumbs

2 T Ketchup

¼ C Grated Parmesan or Locatelli Cheese

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.                  

Take out your broil pan, layer the bottom pan with foil (this helps with clean up).  The top pan should have slats in it, which will help the fat to drip to the bottom pan. 

In a large mixing bowl, add egg, breadcrumbs, ketchup, and cheese, stir to combine making a paste-like consistency.  Add beef into the bowl and (using your clean hands) carefully mix together with the paste.  As soon as the paste is combined, STOP!  By stopping here, it will prevent over mixing.  Over-mixing leads to tough meatballs.  Make your meatballs to the size you desire, I like to make mine a little bit bigger than a golf ball.  Roll each meatball carefully and place them onto the top pan, evenly spacing them out so that they are not touching.

Make sure to clean your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap!!

Place the pan into the preheated oven and cook for 20-25 minutes.  They will be lightly browned on the top and should be very juicy.  Once they are out of the oven, let them sit for a few minutes to allow the juices to lock in.

Add these to your favorite tomato sauce and serve with your favorite pasta!

Guess what?!?!?!

Well, this one particular recipe seems to be an overall favorite, among adults.

I say among adults because, well, what kid LOVES chicken?

I know when I was a kid, I HATED that we ALWAYS ate chicken.

This recipe is as simple as they come...

Buying good, organic, flavorful chicken is key.

It  is also the starting point to SO many of my other recipes to come.

SO BOOKMARK THIS PAGE

So now I present,

BAKED CHICKEN~

Serves 5-6
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes - 1 hour

Here's what you need:

4 Bone-in Chicken Breasts
3 Bone-in Chicken Thighs
3 Chicken Drumsticks
Salt
Fresh Ground Black Pepper
Garlic Powder
Paprika
Extra Virgin Olive Oil


...and all you need is a broil pan and some foil.

(You can also just make this recipe for 2...with 2 breasts,
however I've found that it's a great leftover to put into salads, day 2 meals, and also very easy to reheat)


Line bottom half of broil pan with foil (this helps with clean up).  Replace top pan and evenly place chicken on it, making sure pieces aren't touching.

Drizzle oil onto each piece of chicken.  You don't want too much oil, as it will make it greasy, so just a drizzle on each piece.
Sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika onto oiled pieces of chicken.

Place seasoned chicken into preheated oven and bake at 375 degrees for 45-50 minutes.

When chicken is done, it should be  a nice crispy golden brown skin.  Let chicken sit for about 5 minutes before serving (this will help lock in the juices).

Hopefully later today, after I get some work stuff done, I can put some side dishes up on the blog.

~It's all out there in front of us......

On a roll....for now

So here I go, while I have a few minutes....

NOW TRANSFERRING

Favorite meal #2!

Sloppy Joe's

Serves 4-5
Total time:  30 minutes

Here's what you need....

1 LB Ground Sirloin or Ground Turkey
1 T Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 t Salt
1 t Pepper
2 t Garlic Powder
1/2 c Packed Brown Sugar
2 T Ketchup
1 T Yellow Mustard
1 T Worcestershire Sauce
1-6 oz can Tomato Sauce
1 package Hampburger Buns

1 Large Pan
1 Spatula
Colander
Can Opener

Here's how you do it.....

Begin this recipe by drizzling the olive oil in a preheated pan at medium high.  Brown the meat in the olive oil, breaking all pieces very small, adding in the salt, pepper and garlic powder while it is browning.  After all of the meat is browned, you will want to drain it in a colander, then return it to the pan over medium low heat.

Add in the brown sugar, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire and tomato sauce.  Stir to combine.

Lower heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes.

Serve on hamburger buns, with tater tots, and LOTS of napkins!

You can even make this recipe with vegetarian "crumbles"...

My sister said this was the first time she has had Sloppy Joe's since becoming veg...

and SHE LOVED THEM!

~It's all out there in front of us......

Let's start with a favorite~

This one has proven to be a favorite of MANY!!

It is a great go to for a quick meal,

and it's also easy to freeze.

Cheeseburger Macaroni

Serves 5-6
Total time 25 minutes


What you'll need:
1 LB Elbow Macaroni
1 LB Ground Sirloin
1 T Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 bag of shredded Mexican or Cheddar Jack Cheese
1 cup Milk
1 T Butter
2 T Flour
2 T Salt (for pasta water)
1 t Salt (for cheese sauce)
1 t Salt (for ground beef)
1 t Garlic Powder
2 T Ketchup
1 T Yellow Mustard
1 T Worcestershire Sauce
10 grinds pepper


You will only need 1 large pan and 1 medium pot for this….if you use more than that, then you will be cleaning too many dishes.  Also, you will need one colander, 1 plastic mixing spoon/spatula.

Fill a large pot with water, cover and bring to a boil.  Place the pan over a medium- high heat, drizzle in olive oil, and place ground beef in pan to brown, breaking up the meat.
While browning meat, add salt, pepper, and garlic powder.  By this point, water in pot should be boiling, add salt then add macaroni, giving the macaroni a stir every so often to ensure it doesn’t stick.  After you start the macaroni and the meat is cooked, , drain the meat, lower the heat on the pan to low, then return the meat to the pan.

Add the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire and stir to combine.  Shut off heat under pan once everything is combined.

After about 8-9 minutes, the macaroni should be al dente.  Drain, then leave macaroni in the colander.  Lower the heat on the now empty pot to medium low, add the butter to melt it.  Once the butter is melted, slowly sprinkle the flour in making sure to incorporate each bit before adding more, it will make a paste-like consistency.
Slowly add milk, stirring to combine, bring to a slow simmer.  Once sauce is slightly thickened and fully combined, add 1 bag of cheese, stir to melt cheese.  Once cheese is melted (you may need to raise the heat to medium), stir together meat, macaroni and cheese sauce. Enjoy!


 ***This is a great recipe to freeze.  Make sure to store in an oven safe container, and when you reheat, do so after you let it sit for at least 20 minutes on the counter.

Heat in the oven at 350 degrees covered for 40 minutes - 1 hour if still frozen, and if it's not cold, 30 minutes or until it's heated through.

A new DIRECTION......

"Whatever you do, do it well.  Do it SO well that when people see you do it they will want to bring it to others and show them how well you do what you do." ~ Walt Disney

Well, as things may have it, life got very busy for me,

 which has made it hard for me to do what I do, and do it well for others to see.

I'm sure you are very surprised to see me back.

On one hand, I am back...

But on the other, I'm heading in a new direction.

I have been listening to what people want, and goals isn't it!

They want

~MY FOOD~

The cookbook is posing too expensive to produce...

So I have come back to the blog to put everything that I worked on in the book,

RIGHT HERE

for everyone to enjoy!

I hope you take the time to make each recipe that I share, 

and let me know what you and yours think.

Off to go make things happen~

~It's all out there in front of us.....

Almost 2 months....

I think I managed to almost forget what it felt like to write. I know that's a harsh thing to say...but I've lost my creativity!!

I'm not sure as to why I lost my creativity, maybe it's the fact that I really like to sit down at my computer and put all of my thoughts down- instead of on the little phone screen that I have. Not having Internet at home has really slowed my desire to write or post, as well as take or share photos. It's nothing against writing, I just haven't wanted to.

So enough babbling about my lack of creativity! Let's see what desire has brought me here to write today...

I'm exactly 1 week away from my departure from this chapter in life! It's incredibly hard to believe that these 3 years of long distance with my babe & fast paced living filled with challenges and bittersweet moments, will be coming to a close. I'm not quite sure how to describe how I am feeling at this moment.

As I've mentioned in past posts, I've had my share of commuting, which will be all finished come Monday. I'll ride, for the last time, into the city, knowing that the next time I do that trip will be for pleasure instead of business. It's been an interesting length of time, that I hope to never have to experience again by myself. Now I'm not opposed to commuting alone, just understand how much I'm looking forward to my newest endeavor.

My newest endeavor.....well it's something that I still can't go too much into detail about quite yet, as I need to confidently be trained in what it is I'll be doing, before I expose my magic!! The wait will be well worth it when I finally do tell you what I've been up to! I will tell you that it has been taking a lot of my ability to challenge myself with what it has to offer. I'll be able to use all of my business sense as well as my creativity!!! I'm very excited about everything!

I like things organized- to say the least. I don't do so well with quick changes....so that's why I've taken my time preparing for this move, by packing myself up a few weeks ago. My car is nearly all packed up, and is extremely organized. I wanted to ensure I was able to fit everything in the back, while in turn, leaving some space for some VIPackages. I can't squish these special things- AT ALL!! I don't mind squishing the other things, like clothes, but these are pretty important and require their own space. So they were left with their own seat!! I'm looking forward to getting them to their final destination!!

I'm all around pretty ecstatic about the upcoming things...so many to look forward to! One being back with 2 of my best friends in the whole world, my babe and my bubbles!! Another being the start of the future. There's so much out there that I'm seeing, I can't wait!!

"There's a great big beautiful tomorrow....shining at the end of everyday."

~It's all out there in front of us.....

297 - 5 = I admit, I've been a slacker

As I sit here today on the train on my commute to work, I'm realizing what a slacker I have been! I really really have been slacking- on production of many many things. I'm not sure of what came over me these last few days, but I really MUST shake this!!!

My production of my cookbook came to a screeching halt when I found myself lazily sitting around with my computer with a lack of ability to type what needed to be typed. The recipes that need to be input, are just in my brain....and not making it into the cookbook to finish it off. I supposed I'm allowed to have some sort of break, after consistently being creative for about 2-3 weeks.

I didn't commute in as much last week, which meant I wasn't sitting quietly for 2 total hours looking to fill time. It also meant my typing of much of anything didn't happen, including my little blog here. I did, however, have my computer with me, pretty much, at all times last week.

I also need to get working on learning these last few stitches for my knitting project! I've got to finish them!!! What I have finished is turning out very very cute, but they aren't quite done yet!

There are only 53 days left until I move back to Florida! I can't believe that it is happening so soon, yet I can't wait to begin this next chapter! I booked the actual trip home last weekend, and we will be relaxing on the auto train. It will be tricky to load everything into my truck, but I'm do very well with puzzles and playing Tetris. I have to think about my last few weeks here, and really make sure to optimize my time.

And now, there has been a bit of new info on a potential job for when I move back......I was going to finish this post tonight, but now I'm going to postpone and work on this bit of info I need to fill out!

298 - 1 = Back for an update

I know it's been about a week since my last goal, but as I mentioned before, this past week was pretty busy.

I got a lot of what I've been working on done....

I finished my book- which was an amazing read that left with such a cliffhanger, and I'm so upset that I have to wait until the next book is out to find out what happens next!!! I'm looking forward to tonight when I'm joining in on a chat with the author of the book! I'm looking forward to submitting a few questions an getting a few answers!

I've also been working very hard on my cookbook. So far I have a total of 64 pages! It's going to be great! I have included chapters, pictures and even a table of contents (in addition to some of my favorite recipes)! Maybe one day it will be so awesome that people would want to buy it! It's wishful thinking, but it's something.

My fortune cookies are coming along, but not quick enough! I suppose I really need to just sit down and focus on them for a consistent amount of time...not for a few minutes here and there. I've admittedly been lazy on that project.

I have some other fun projects that I'm getting ready to work on, but can't tell you about them quite yet!

I had a very special visit from my babe this past weekend as well! It is crazy to think that there are only 2 more flights that are booked- 1 for my birthday and the other is for my babe to help me move back to FL for GOOD!! It was nice to visit with his family on Saturday, and just have a relaxing day on Sunday. I really do enjoy our time together...it's like a singer sang in a song "It's always better when we're together". He makes me feel like there is nothing else in the world I could need to be happy (with the exception of my ladies)! Thank you to my babe for a great weekend!! Only a few more trips alone, then we'll be traveling together from then on!

Well I accomplished this goal-

GIVE AN UPDATE ON THE BLOG

I'm saving what other goals I accomplished this weekend for another day this week, this way I can post more than once this week!!

This couldn't be more true....

~It's all out there in front of us......

299 - 1 = Hiatus

I'm sure you may have noticed that I missed a few days last week. I have been working diligently on completing a few of my goals, which is kindof leaving me NO time to come up with and accomplish new goals!

The 3 big ones I'm working on are really keeping me busy! I have my book that I'm reading. It is hard to put down, but I don't want to finish it because I know it will be a while before I get a new book by this author! I'm also very busy on making my cookbook. It takes a lot of typing, and creativity (even if it is being made with a template). I took a little time off from making my "fortune cookies", but I just found out I have a deadline for them, which means I better get back to work on them!

I know it only takes a few minutes to finish a blog post, and I promised to complete a new goal daily, but I just might need to take a temporary hiatus to complete these few. I will work as hard as I can to keep up, especially with updates when each thing is complete.

On another note, I finally got my number under 300! It's very exciting!!!
Another number that is moving quickly is my departure date! That number is under 70! Hard to believe I'm leaving that soon!

Today's goal-
~ COMPLETE THESE LAST 3 GOALS WITHIN THE WEEK SO THAT I CAN CONTINUE MY BLOGGING

It's a beautiful "Sunshiny" day!! I'm wearing SHORTS, so I know it will be a great day!!!!

~It's all out there in front of us...

302 - 3 = Maybe Im crazy...or a little Goofy?

I did it.

I really did it.

I think I may officially be nuts!

Ok, ok, maybe not totally nuts, however some people might think so!

I registered for my Goofy race taking place in January 2013!

I mentioned before in a previous post exactly what the Goofy race is, but in case you don't remember, here it is again....

Taking place in 2013, will be the 20th anniversary of the Walt Disney World Marathon. In addition to the marathon, they host a half marathon. I will be running BOTH races that weekend...the half marathon on Saturday morning, an the full marathon on Sunday morning.

There will be a lot of training going on, as I am also registered for a 10 miler in September, and a half marathon in November....all taking place in WDW.

The goals here are to....
~ FINISH THESE 3 RACES AND TRAIN HARD FOR THEM!!!

Hopefully you can come support me at one of these!! I'll need all the support I can get!!

~ It's all out there in front of us......

303 - 1 = Putting it all together

As you may know, I am moving very soon, which means I will be leaving the family that I work for. They have known that I was going to be leaving them since I began working for them, however the time is now fast approaching.

I do many things for them, many many things. Two of the most important things I do is grocery shopping and....cooking. They sometimes LOVE my cooking, and other days, they are sick of it. Now that's not because they don't like it, they just get bored of the same things over and over again. It's hard to be creative when there isn't much that you eat.

So being that I'm leaving, someone is going to be taking over my cooking responsibilities, and boy there are a lot of them!

I plan the menus, go to the market 3 times a week, usually prepare 2 meals in 1 day, serve the meals, then help clean up from the meals. It's usually only dinners that I make.

With all of my menu planning, I started writing down EVERYTHING I make, including who likes certain things and who doesn't like other certain things. It's a very good thing to have cause I can see, right in front of me, everything that everyone eats.

Certain days, they have lots of activities that require them to eat healthy, energy filled, quick, travel able meals that they can eat on the go!

There certainly is A LOT to be organized with! So here's what I'm working on for them...

~ MAKE A COOKBOOK FILLED WITH ALL OF THE THINGS I MAKE

I'm excited to give this to them, so they can keep my cooking for them going on forever!

Hey, and maybe one day you will get one too!

~ It's all out there in front of us.....

304 - 1 = YAAAAY!!

It's here! It's really here!! The thing I've been waiting for since summer!!! That's almost a year that I've been waiting!!!

No, it's not the time that I'm moving back to Florida....

It's the 5th book in my series that I have been reading...Kingdom Keepers. I've been reading these books for a few years now, and I can't even begin to tell you how excited I am to read it!

These books are about a set of kids who are chosen to help protect Walt Disney World from what they call Overtakers, only they do it at night, while they are sleeping....and how do they do it in their sleep, you ask? They are "crossed over" into the parks as holograms!!! It's just too cool!!

They go into all of my favorite places, and talk about behind the scenes stuff, it's enough for me to escape and feel like I'm right there with them!!! They have been to the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Animal Kingdom, and even Hollywood Studios! This one they will be heading to the cruise line! So exciting!

When I got the first book, I blasted right thru it! Like how many people get linked into certain other series about kids in magic places (let me point out, I refuse to read any of that other crap) I am a devotee to my KK books! I have allowed people to borrow these books, and everyone who has read them, has LOVED them!

One person in particular, is the middle girl at work! She's a true believer in WDW and the KK's! She read the whole series this past summer and we were anxiously awaiting the arrival of this 5th one!!! So yesterday I got mine in the mail and hers downloaded to her e reader! We have decided to read them at the same time so that we can discuss it!

So my goal for now is to

~ENJOY MY NEW BOOK~

Off to put my nose in my book!

~It's all out there in front of us....

305 - 1 = On Broaaadwaaaayyy

I have to confess something, and I'm sure you might be a little shocked when you hear it. Before I confess, I'll give you some back story.

I come from a house of music...and not the great singing, band playing type of music. It's the type of house where the music was always playing, and there was much dancing about. Whether we were cooking, cleaning the house, doing homework, or just vegging around there was always some sort of music playing. Rock and roll, disco, pop, and most of all SHOW TUNES!!

I also grew up in another musical place, my dance studio. I would spend sometimes up to 12 hours a week, after school, on weekends, and even sometimes I got to miss school because of something dance related. I was a "company" kid. We were the ones who performed the big productions every year at the recitals and we're even invited places to perform these productions.

I learned the art of make-up application, costume designing, and hair styling. It was all stage based art with lots of hair spray, grease paint, and tons of sequins! I certainly attribute my love of all of these things to those who I learned them from.

With that being said, I have a true love for Broadway....only (now here comes the confession) I HAVE YET TO SEE A SHOW ON BROADWAY! I have seen off Broadway productions...just none ON Broadway.

So I am dying to see a few before my departure in June. One is about a nanny who leaves when the wind changes, it's a classic, by Disney ;) (would you expect any less). The next is about a witch from an old classic story about a girl and her travels over the rainbow...it was a book, which I read and loved, and if I don't see any other shows, I will make it a point to see this one!

They are a bit pricey, but I think I can manage a few of them.

So here's the goal...

~SEE A FEW BROADWAY SHOWS BEFORE JUNE

~It's all out there in front of us....

315 - 10 = Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

Well I'm officially back in NYC....and as much as I am hating not being with my babe, not being in my sunshine, not being in my favorite place, and not being with my pup, I can say that I am in the home stretch of my time here.

As of today (April 3rd) I have 80 days left here...with some vacation time for my birthday in the middle of it! That's 80 days!!!! But I'm going to save that 80 days topic for another post ;)

This is to recap my week off, that I spent away from my blogging, away from NYC, and away from all things work (well almost all things work).

It was so nice to fly in late on a Friday night, leaving the entire weekend for relaxation and family time. I also had plenty of time alone- for the whole week!! Everyone had to work, which was fine with me, cause I just spent the time hanging with my pup!

At the end of the week, I made my way to my favorite place on earth...with my favorite person on earth! I enjoy our time so much together, and I love dreaming about what our lives will be like in 80 days!

So my goal for my time off was to-

~ENJOY EVERY MOMENT, AS WELL AS EVERYDAY I HAVE OFF FOR VACATION

Here's a few pictures to recap my trip!!
(still working on learning how to edit things on my phone)

Sorry I missed blogging yesterday, I didn't take the train in, since I stayed at Deezie's for the night...it made for an easier commute the next morning. I'm officially back, and my routine is situated once again (for another 80 days)!!!

~It's all out there in front of us....

Clouds on a glorious Disney day!

My 2 favorite people in the world!!

Delicious lump crab salad over watermelon, poolside at the Dolphin

I haven't had a key in nearly 10 years (when I moved out)...I finally got one, look who is on it!!

Mmmmm, yummy puffy pancake!

Mai Tai tiki head by the pool!

My guys!

SO BEAUTIFUL!

Love the tan I got!!

Me and my babe!

Favorite place in the WHOLE WORLD!

She's so funny the way she sits!

Breakfast in bed!  Room Service!

 

 

316 - 1 = Avoid it like the plague or plaque!!

I'm on vacation!

Very much on vacation!

The last thing I want to do while I'm on vacation is go to the dentist!!! I know I need to get in there, but not while I am on vacation.

I managed to squeak out of my appointment, after much battling! I know that I need to go, it's just that I know there is so much work that needs to be done, that I would have ended up either in pain or with an empty wallet (and pain from being with an empty wallet).

I promise to go, once I move back!

Here's the goal-

~GET TO THE DENTIST!!!~

Off to go enjoy my vacation time!!!

~It's all out there in front of us.....

317 - 1 = Leaving on a jet plane

Well today is finally the day!!! What's today you ask? It's my last day of work....for spring break!! Thought I had ya there, didn't ya??

I have a week off for spring break, and you will never guess where I'm spending it.......ok maybe you will! I'm going to Florida!! Not to mention, my favorite place in the world, Walt Disney World!!

I'm very excited to have some actual time off! The last time I went down to Florida, was for movers to deliver my stuff and was a marathon trip- literally!! I ran around like crazy the whole time I was there, this trip will be a very relaxed opportunity for my babe and I to really enjoy ourselves!

I do have a dentist appointment, a hair appointment, have to work, have to organize my stuff that was moved down, and spend time with friends and family...but I know this will be a much more relaxed trip!

It's also going to finish with a really chilled out version of wdw! My babe decided to surprise me with an upgraded hotel for us to stay in! We usually try to save money (since we visit so frequently) by staying at a lower priced hotel. It's nothing special, but it's cheap and consistent. So he decided to get us set up at a place where we won't even have to get into the car! Everything is within walking distance! We will definitely have a very wonderful time together!

So this goal is one that I am really looking forward to!!!!

~RELAX!!!!

I can't wait until it's 9 when I'm on the plane, and all I can do is sit and relax!!! I have some knitting I need to catch up on, some movie watching to do, and just plain old chilling out!!

~It's all out there in front of us!!!

318 - 1 = Dont worry be happy

Well I didn't accomplish yesterday's goal- going for a run....

However, I did manage to have a wonderful dinner out at the diner with AB. We had so many laughs, I'm pretty sure (had I not just gone) I might have laughed until I peed my pants! I really am enjoying her company!

I guess it's ok that I didn't get my run in last night...there's always my Florida trip...where I can run pretty much whenever I want! So that's one small thing.

I started to organize my stuff to travel tomorrow, it's all laid out on my bed...and it's not a whole lot of stuff!! Could it be that I really have THAT much stuff there that I don't need to pack much?? That's another small thing.

I didn't have to be at work until later today (a last minute change given last night that I didn't totally mind), which gave me the opportunity to sleep in a bit and get organized. So I have figured out what the train schedule is and I now know that when I drive myself to the station that I need to leave a bit of time to find parking. Certain days, I have managed to find a spot right away, others it's taken me some time to find a spot...at least I know that there are 2 options of trains I can take that will get me to work on time. If I get that spot right away, I'll make the earlier train, giving me a few extra minutes to myself before walking into work. If I DON'T find a parking spot right away, I drive around the lots a bunch of times, watching people find spots before me! I still manage to get a spot, but I end up taking the second train. Oh well, another small thing.

So I'm sure you have noticed me mentioning all of these small things...it leads into my goal for today-

~DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF

This is a somewhat long term goal that I will be bringing into a bigger long term goal. I'm trying to not get so annoyed all the time, and I'm starting small stuff. Hey, it's a start!

Well, as I always say- No worries!

~It's all out there in front of us

319 - 1 = I dont do early...

This week has been a bit difficult for me because I've had to get up early for work.

I've always wanted to enjoy getting up early.....wait! Who am I kidding!?!? I love my bed so much, especially when it's toasty and warm!!!

I guess the benefit of going to work early is I get done early, and with it being so nice out here the past few days, I have been enjoying it. Perhaps this evening when I get home I'll accomplish a goal...

~GO FOR AN EVENING RUN

I'm going to get a few extra minutes of sleep here on the train.....Wake me when we're at Penn....

~It's all out there in front of us

320 - 1 = Bombshell??

As you may already know, I decided to go brunette for the winter season. I figured it would be a good opportunity to start over with my goldilocks hair that I once had.

My goldilocks hair I did have, was long- with dead ends...and the colors were all over the spectrum with blondes! It was kind of a mess!!

I have decided (with the help of my new hair fairy) that I will be setting a new goal:

~GO BACK TO BLONDE

It will be a somewhat long process, but I know once it will be done it will be amazing!

I go thru phases with my hair, like I'm sure many of us do! Short, long, layers, curly, straight, colored, and well like what happened to me- when the hair girl just keeps cutting! I was, at one point, very happy with my short hair, but then I went for a trim, and she cut too short of layers in my hair! They were uneven, and when you have curly hair, layers don't work right I they aren't cut right.

I went to my sisters "hair fairy" when I was in Florida last! He is WONDERFUL!! I went in to get a blow out, and he just happens to be (as he said himself) a little OCD with hair. A perfectionist of sorts!! Thank goodness for him!!

So he has me on the schedule for next Wednesday! Back to the blonde girl that everyone knows and loves! Boy will my granny be happy- she thinks my dark hair makes me look "tired"....what she doesn't realize is it's the lack of sun, and the fact that I work a lot that makes me look tired, NOT MY HAIR COLOR. She will be happy though...and that will make me happy.

Just like my scheduled hair appointment....

~It's all out there in front of us

322 - 2 = Birthday girls

The next few weeks are very special weeks, because they host the birthdays of two amazing ladies in my life!

They are both so special to me, and both so very different, but on the other hand, so incredibly similar!! The biggest thing that's the same is kindof selfish....they both make me incredibly happy and make me want to be a better person!! It's an incredible thing to have such a great core!! Love you both!!

So with it being birthday month for both of them, I had to get to shopping!! About 2 weeks ago I headed off to my favorite craft store. I had no idea what to get for them, but I knew just walking around I'd be able to think of something perfect for both of them! I wrote a goal down...

~FIND THE BEST GIFTS FOR THE BEST GIRLS

I got a box, I got some chatchkies, and then I found myself walking towards the glitter paper!! Man was that paper glittery!! I had to wrap everything on top of newspapers.

Now, I ended up doing some research and found out that my Deezie was quite the enjoyer of art. So for her, I ended up setting her up with brushes, paints, and canvases, and told her that we will be going to take an art class together!! Her birthday isn't for a few weeks, but I'll be away for the actual day...so I gave her everything this past weekend. She loved it!!

I mailed a box for my Marezy last week, hoping she would get it in time for her birthday, which is today! She is growing my little fairy babies, so it was hard for me to shop for just her, and not want to shop for the babes too! So I ended up basing her gifts somewhat around her being pregnant, but made sure they were special for her. She mentioned that she was looking for a dress that could be comfortable for her to grow into....and boy did I find one!!! She's worn it so much already!! There were a few other amazing things in there...but you can read all about them on her blog.
www.ciaomarezy.blogspot.com

I'm so happy that both of them loved their gifts, and that I have them in my life!! I love them both in their own ways!!!!

Thank you to both of you for always being there, and being (possibly) the only two people who read my blog ;-) I'm kidding, my babe reads it too. You both mean the world to me!!!

Happy Birthday Girlies!!!!

~ It's all out there in front of us

323 - 1 = a bonus on a Saturday!?!

So today is St. Patrick's day!

We were going to head into the city today to watch the parade, but decided that it would be too crazy! So here we sit in our little local place, preparing for our little local day! Should be so much fun!

We have all of our green on! Our goal for today was to

~DON'T GET PRICKED BY A LEPRECHAUN!!!

I think we accomplished that by wearing so much green!!!!

The luck of the Irish to ya!

~It's all out there in front of us....

324 - 1 = "Poop and corn"

I know the subject of this post sounds a little gross, but it was yet another challenge goal...

~WRITE ABOUT POOP AND CORN

I am actually happy to accept all challenge goals (yes, even ones like this). There are 2 that I know will be mentioned (as they have before by 2 men in my life, and I will work on them, perhaps in the latter end of the year, just not now, so don't go there). Bring on the challenges on what a goal of mine should be, and maybe you will see me write about it.

So with a week of blogging daily under my belt, I figured I'd go into the holiday weekend with some insight, and humor.

Wanna know what I miss, my little walks with my pup, including picking up her little poops! She is such a great little creature of habit...she knows to sleep in when it's time to sleep in, knows when I'm sad and to come snuggle with me, she also knows that I love and miss her! I've tried to video chat with her, she hears me and looks around, but I'm sure she's a little sad cause I'm not there. I get to see her next Saturday!! I can't wait to snuggle with her and take her for walks and pick up her little poops again for the week!!

I'm interested to see what our lives will be like when I move back! Will we have a nice yard? Will we have to go downstairs to go for our walks? Who knows what the future holds for us and our new lives in Florida!? All I know is that she and I will be there everyday, waiting for our babe to come home from work!!

So, hmmm, corn.
Ah ha!!

Something that I am looking forward to for this weekend is being CORNy with my Deezie!!! We have our corny cute outfits to go watch the corny parade!! We always tell corny jokes and laugh way too much!! I guess it's healthy!! I hope the weather is nice, warm, and permits us to wear our cute outfits without a WINTER COAT!! Oh how I long for warm weather all the time!!

So there!! I did it, I had a blog post with poop and corn in it!!! At least it wasn't what came.....oh wait, I'm a lady! I can't TOTALLY go there!!!

Hahahahahaha!!

~It's all out there in front of us!!

325 - 1 = Doing my taxes

Just a fast post for today, as I am trying to use today's time on the train to get my goal here accomplished!

~GET MY TAXES ORGANIZED!

So I must get back to it!!!

~It's all out there in front of us

329 - 3 = "blog about global warming"

So I know that opener seems a little silly, and TRUST me, it's source is completely that!! While standing on the train platform, I was texting with my silly Deezie and I asked her what I should blog about today...she said global warming, so here I go......

I've been trying to accomplish one of these goals, and I'm sure you are happy with the product!! The goal I'm speaking of is-

~BLOG EVERY WEEKDAY

Everyday I have a near hour commute into work, and a near hour commute home in the evening. I don't mind it all that much, I usually plug in my headphones and jam to my music (which needed desperately to be updated and added to) and I blog away. I ended up setting a goal for myself to help build my music library.

~DOWNLOAD MORE MUSIC

Music downloading can be quite expensive, and those free downloading sites don't seem all that reliable. So, I have found that every week or so iTunes offers $0.69 songs!!! So I have done a little bit of purchasing, and my music is getting better and better. Sometimes I am finding that some of my songs repeat too frequently, so the more music I have, the more variety I'll have to enjoy! If you have any good music choices to recommend, let me know!

Since I'm trying to blog daily, I've found that writing things down helps me get everything done a bit faster. The brainstorming happens a lot quicker when I jot things down and then blog from them...so the goal now is-

~DRAFT BLOGS ON PAPER IN MY PRINCESS NOTEBOOK

Yes I still use my princess notebook!! It's getting fuller and fuller! I'm excited to look back in a year and in the future into this book and see all of the crazy things I've written about, since NOT everything in the book makes it onto the blog!

Now on to more important things.....

"Scientists say because of global warming they expect the world's oceans will rise four and a half feet. The scientists say this can mean only one thing: Gary Coleman is going to drown." -Conan O'Brien

.......and that is why I think global warming is important.

~It's all out there in front of us

330 - 1 = Something to look forward to

Don't you hate when ya type something and it disappears!?! Well that just happened to me! Hahah!

So today is a very important day, I get to register for a second race (will be my 3rd for the year) to complete in the month of November. It is just one more thing I can add to my goal list!!

I don't have much longer here living in New York. It is just a mere 3 and a half months before I move back to sunny Florida. So I have started to get a little antsy, and decided that I need to set another goal-
~PLAN UPCOMING TRIPS

I needed to plan and book them, so I have something to look forward to.

I got to doing my research online about ticket prices, and have found out that these tickets aren't getting any cheaper! I, of course, am not able to travel on cheaper dates because I only get off when my job gives me time off...which happens to be some of the most expensive times to travel.

I am happy to say that I got a very good deal on my upcoming spring visit! I'll be in Florida for a week!! I get to hang at the beach and even get a bit of Disney time in (when do I not make time for Disney!?!)!

I also managed to book an upcoming trip for my babe as well! There aren't THAT many more opportunities for him to come up to visit me here, soon we will be coming up together, visiting family!! It's only a quick weekend trip, but at least I will get to see him in the month of April!

My next trip isn't quite booked yet, but it is planned out...my birthday trip for Memorial Day! Then the next trip booked will be my babe's to come up and MOVE ME BACK TO FLORIDA!!!!

Once I get back to Florida, I have a few trips already in the works. One is going to be a double whammy!! A small road trip to visit with my cousin, and certain lady that's growing my little fairy babies!!! I'm excited to spend some time with all of them!! I hope they are ready for my magic!

I've also got a race in September, in (where else) Disney! Then, as I mentioned earlier, another race in November!

I love having all of these trips planned and giving myself something to look forward to!!!!

~It's all out there in front of us~

332 - 2 = Nom Nom Nom

Just call me Piggy McPiggington...

So, after a full week of living with AB, I'm starting to see how my eating habits will change.

I wrote this goal down on my list a while ago...and it actually made it BACK on the list for a second time.

~EAT BETTER
~WORK HARDER AT EATING BETTER

What's great is, I don't really have a choice now that AB has all of it ready for me. She's helping me accomplish this goal, whether I like it or not. AB is so wonderful & wants to make sure I never leave the house empty or go to bed hungry.

I must say, I never really ate a full breakfast- unless of course it was a brunch eaten at anytime after 11am. When I was living in the city, I'd wake up, lay in bed for 30 minutes, get up, wash my face, get dressed, walked the pup, came back up and left the house....NO BREAKFAST YET. I lived with a famous DDonut shop on the corner, and I went there so regularly, that they knew my coffee order as soon as I walked in, and had it ready for me by the time I got to the register...STILL NO BREAKFAST YET. I'd then get on the train and proceed to drink my coffee for about an hour (drinking it slow and taking my time cause it was usually a HUGE one).

Now, I get up an hour earlier than I used to (not because of daylight savings either, that's a whole different post), lay in bed for 30 minutes waking up, go downstairs, and my breakfast is there waiting for me, and the coffee is sitting in the pot ready for me to pour into my mug sitting on the counter. It's pretty easy to eat right when there are bran flakes, fresh fruit, 1% milk, and whole wheat rolls, bagels, and English muffins at my disposal.

I would usually get to work still chugging on my coffee, now by the time I get to work it's almost time for me to eat lunch. Lunch is something that sometimes can be in the form of a snack off of whatever I'm cooking at work that day, or maybe a salad with chicken. However, more often than not, now I require it, as opposed to sometimes eating.

Last week I found out how late I'd be getting home regularly. If I have a normal night, I'm home by 8:30 and close to 11 on others and there's AB with my dinner waiting for me either way. It's been everything from fish, chicken soup, turkey meatballs, and pizza. Every meal has had either broccoli rabe, broccoli, or asparagus and usually a whole wheat roll. When I got home from work when I lived in the city I usually would have the diner on speed dial...and would only order when I was hungry.

I had poor eating habits. I didn't eat many vegetables, I didn't eat all of the right things...funny, cause I'm a "chef" for a very healthy eating family of 5. It just becomes very difficult to make things for 1 when I would get home, because I usually cook most of the day. Not to mention, I head to the market 3 times a week for work, the last thing I want to do when I get back home, is head back to the market.

This new "eating thing" (we'll call it that for now) will relate and transfer over To my new life living with my babe. We will both have good eating habits and I'll be happy to prepare meals for more than just me.

Almost lunchtime now....


~It's all out there in front of us...

343 - 10 = Playing catch up

So I had quite a bit of a headache with this post, and I know it's not going to look how I want it too, something tells me a new goal I have is to ~LEARN THE CODES FOR BLOGGING ON MY PHONE. I guess I'll start by telling you that this post was near completion and was awaiting a final edit upon my figuring out that it just plain old didn't save (or better yet was pure user error). I did, however, manage to somehow have the preview page up on my computer and was able to snap a few photos of what was typed!! I don't have internet at home yet, but somehow the page came up!! So in all it's "glory" here's what it said.

I'll begin this post with a goal right away, as it is written on my goal list 2 times.
~CATCH UP ON MY GOALS
~CATCH UP ON MY BLOGGING

I usually like to post on a Sunday.
It seems to be the day that I most enjoy, and that I seem to have the most time and energy to get a post up.
However, as you probably could figure out on your own, I haven't posted in about 2 weeks.
It's been a very hectic 2 weeks, to say the least.
So many things to catch up on that I know this will be a very long post.
And if this one isn't, there will be more to follow.
I ran my second half marathon on February 26th.
It was, of course, in Walt Disney World.
I barely did any training this season due to my inability to enjoy running in the cold. Thank goodness it was a perfect temperature the morning of the race.
I had a few goals leading up to this race that must be added!!
~COMPLETE THE HALF MARATHON
~GET MY BABE TO DO A RACE WITH ME
~LOAD UP AND PACK ALL OF MY GEAR FOR THE RACE
~FOCUS ON THE RUN, NOTHING CAN STOP ME BUT MYSELF

I completed the race, a minute worse than last years time! Imagine what it could have been if I trained hard! Once I get back to Florida full time I'll get on a nice running routine. I know it will be a challenge, but that goal will come when I get there.

I registered my babe and I for the 5k fun run to happens the day before the half marathon, however, as we were both geared up and ready to go for it the night before, I ended up waking up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom, and I fainted on the bathroom floor. Being that we had to be up early to get there, and that my REAL run was the next day, I decided to (was forced to) stay in bed. It was for my own good. There will be other opportunities for my babe and I to do a run together, it will have to be an easy one, cause he doesn't DO running...but we will definitely do one one of these days!

I am all set and registered for my next runDisney event... The Tower of Terror 10 miler. I'm excited to see how I do with a bit of training. That race is in September, and there is another that I plan on doing in November...leading into my crazy Goofy Challenge occurring in January.
This was another goal of mine
~REGISTER FOR A NEW RACE

While I was there in Disney I also had a little challenge set to
~FIND ALL THINGS FAIRY GODMOTHER
I didn't find anything this trip, but I did find HER during my race, and I took a picture with her!!!

I have officially moved out of my Sunnyside apartment. It was a long process and very bittersweet.
I managed to have movers help me transport my stuff to Florida, thank goodness for them, I'm not sure I'd be able to move all of that stuff on my own.
The other day, I loaded up the last few things into my car, handed over the apartment keys, and camped out at my friend D's place for the weekend. There were a few things that I didn't have the movers take, one being a dresser that didn't match my set and my tv (which I won't be needing once I move in with my tech smart babe).
D was in need of a bigger tv (or a magnifying glass to watch her old tiny tv with), so who better to give my tv to, as well as a place to put it on, her!!
So the goal for that day was
~MAKE IT UP 4 FLIGHTS OF STAIRS WITH A TV AND DRESSER
Talk about a workout!!
I'm happy they worked in her place and now she has an extra place for some clothes and can watch tv without squinting.

I'm thrilled that I have my time on the train to get done what I need to...especially catching up on my blogging. Please understand that I am not happy with the layout and how it all runs together, I will be perfecting this soon! At least I'm getting my words on the blog and can make it look good later!

~It's all out there in front of us~

A new way to post...333 -1

Not sure how well this will work for my editing and posting, but here is a new goal for me.... ~FIGURE OUT HOW TO BLOG FROM MY PHONEAs I have mentioned in previous posts, I have moved. Now not only have I moved where I live, but I currently don't have internet. So therefore, I have to become creative in my ways of delivering blog posts. I have internet on my phone, and as I spend this time on the train (there will be quite a bit of it commuting back and forth between work and home), I will have to rely on it for majority of my posting. Hopefully I can do a bit of research on how to get the most out of my mobile blogging.There doesn't seem to be an option to change up the margins, and I'm hoping it won't be difficult to get my formats right. I like to center my posts, as I'm sure you have seen in my previous posts. I also can't seem to figure out how to change the color of my font...this is going to be tricky. It's tricky to type on this tiny keyboard...it's also tricky to pull up my draft that I was already working on. I have a nice long post (heres hoping I didn't delete it by trying to open it on my phone here) that hopefully I can get up sooner rather than later.Here I sit, on the train....day 1 of 109 days remaining in New York. Better submit before I head under ground.It's all out there in front of us~

345 - 2 = It's really here

I've cleaned out every drawer.

I've cleaned out every cabinet.

The closets are empty, except for a few items that I need for the week.

There are boxes in almost EVERY open bit of floor space,

and if there aren't boxes there, there are bags.

I've taken a load out to my aunts,

as well as my car, 

which is 1- finally paid off

and 2- parked safely in the garage.

If you didn't know any better, 

I'm sure you'd think I was moving....

not to mention, I'm moving THIS WEEK!

Things here in my little room have become a little hectic to say the least.

I've just had to try to keep these 2 particular goals in mind....

1- MAKE SURE TO BREATHE DURING THE MOVING PROCESS

&

2- PACK!!!

I believe I have completed all of my packing...

however, I have a feeling I may or may not have lost my cool in a 

few stressful moments.

We'll call them meltdowns.

I suppose when you are living like this....

...it's allowed.

So, as you can see,

I've packed...

and now I wait until Thursday,

that's when the biggest test of emotion and stress will come to the surface.

We'll see how I do...

It's all out there in front of us~

348 - 3 = A Cheater

As I write my goals in my journal,

I find that there are a few that could have been grouped into 1....

but let's be realistic,

I'm trying to accomplish 365 goals this year,

so I might cheat here and there....

These goals could be looped into 1,

but here are the 3

CALL MY GRANDMA MORE OFTEN

CALL MIMA MORE OFTEN

CALL THE REST OF THE FAMILY MORE OFTEN

As I approach my move, I have come to the realization that my family 

(who has been here the whole time) 

is here for me....unconditionally.

I have a very hard time finding the right opportunity to chat on the phone, 

but since recently making arrangements to move in temporarily with my Great Aunt,

I have more of a reason to call

...besides the reason that I just should!

When Mike comes up, we spend a lot of time with his MIMA.

I love MIMA.

I have shared some very special times with her,

and I feel very lucky to be eventually gaining her as 

MY MIMA~

I've also found, at some times, that I spent more time with her than I did with my Granny

not sure how it happened, but for a while there, I was.

She's the MIMA who texts, she always checks in, and always invites me over to EAT!

Although, I haven't really heard from her recently...

I plan on texting her tomorrow.

I mentioned that I am moving in with my Great Aunt.

My AUNT BELLE~

My lovely, silly, and matter of fact Great Aunt.

I'm grateful that she is around and able to allow me to stay with her for the 

interim time frame until I move back to Florida.

She continues to ask if I "Really want to move back to Florida"

I think she just secretly wants me to stay living with her, forever.

If I wasn't moving back to begin my new life with my Babe, I'm sure I might have taken up the opportunity!

 I called her this past weekend to confirm that she was available to spend some time on this upcoming Saturday. 

She is...so I'm excited to see her.

So, that leaves my Grandma and the rest of the family....

I had the delight of calling

MY GRANNY

on her birthday recently,

We spent 2 hours on the phone....

We talked about so many things, 

and I know that I got her mind a bit distracted from her stresses, 

even if just for that time that we were on the phone.

I truly enjoyed our conversation that day.

I find myself calling her more and more

to brighten her day.

I feel like I get her to smile and laugh, and I enjoy it!

I have also found myself becoming more and more intrigued with my family ancestry.

When my sister came for a visit before the holidays,

we were in Brooklyn, chatting with our mom,

when she mentioned that our family roots are based in the area of Brooklyn that we were in.

I go into Williamsburg, Brooklyn, every Saturday morning for my aerial class.

So this past Saturday morning on my way to class,

I decided to call my Granny and check in with her.

As we were talking I was telling her where I was,

and she was familiar with it!

I asked her for the address of the house she used to live in.

221 Devoe Street.

This was the house that my Great Grandparents moved into

when they first got married,

where they raised their family,

and it was the house that MY GRANNY moved into when she got married,

and started her family there (on the second floor)!

My granny and her sisters went to school and church right down the block from their house

St. Nicholas Catholic Church and School

So after getting a little bit of info, 

I drove over!

It was an incredible feeling to be on the street that my family came from.

This coming Saturday, I plan on visiting the house that my GREAT GRANDMOTHER

grew up in.

I look forward to sharing those photos as well.

I called over to my Granny's house once I got home,

I had shared the photos on my phone,

and my cousin was able to see them on hers.

She just so happened to be down at our Granny's place

with our other cousins babies.

I got on the phone with her, and told her to show Granny the photos.

Faithy told me that Granny had tears in her eyes!

It truly made my day!

 It was wonderful to have spoken with that side of the family all in one day!

I'm looking forward to seeing them on Saturday,

and then moving out there for the 4 months.

Can't wait to feed my soul with my family history, 

and my family's love!!

This leads into my goals, because I found myself really enjoyed these conversations...

Once I move back, 

I would like to make sure I continue these relationships with all of these 

SPECTACULAR PEOPLE 

in my life! Phone calls will be the best way to enure these relationships are kept!

I love them all so dearly!

It's all out there in front of us~