you can count on a Friday post.

FRIDAY

1.   If my house was on fire and I could only grab 3 things (cats and Matt accounted for) I would grab my mac, because it's full of all my photos, my beautiful stuffed elephant from Matt, because it shows that he gets me, my orange boots ;). This is so hard, you know I've got lots of great stuff that I really love but if my home was fire all that would matter would be getting out safely. I'd miss my alebrijes and my books and my blankets but it's all just stuff, sometimes too much stuff. This question is making me really uncomfortable. Can you tell?

2.  A smell I really like is there's a plasticy smell to some magazines that I love, garlic cooking, Matt, sugary lotions and candles, the smell of skin after spending time outside when it's cold or sunny, mmmm that's my favorite!

3.  Something you might not know about me is I work here. 

4.  Some of my favorite websites to putter about on are there are sooo many, there's a reason my reader is up to 751 unread items and counting... always read Amanda. Kyla. Rachel. But that's because they're in my General Awesomeness folder and I see their posts. I think I'm going to do some blog cleaning/organizing this weekend. overwhelming.

5.  This weekend I will  oh there's a list but we'll have to see the only guarantees are sleep, dinner out one eve, finishing decorating for Valentine's Day, snuggling, watching Community, and reading. oh and the above. oh the list I mentioned, I sent it to the boy I always mention and he broke it down by day. love.

6. Nothing makes me happier than love, friend love, man love, kitty love, mumma love, family love, list love, book love. It's alllll good. and sort of a cheat answer, but after that fire question f/u one thing that makes me happiest.

7.  A bad habit I have is L-A-Z-Y.

funk

Do you ever feel like you're just in a FUNK? I do. Right now. The thing that stinks the most is I'm completely aware of it and not sure how to get out of it.

What kinds of things do you do when you're in a funk and want to shake it? I just ate a bag of Grandma's Mini Sandwich Cremes, sooo yummy! I texted Matt, hope you're having a better day than me, subtext fix all my problems!, which in reality probably only succeeded in making him worry about me. I read a couple of blog posts. And admired these beautiful photos:

from Alec Vanderbloom. I want him to shoot my wedding, one day.

Publish Post

 

love this JUST MARRIED text, I'm inspired to add words to Valentine's Day garland. 

Maybe I'll finish that tonight or soon.

Ok. 

I feel better. Yay! Now to stay positive and out of my funk for the rest of the day/week/month. I've got things to look forward to, my second tri training workout, a Pure Romance party, more tri training (endorphins, right?!), bowling, a weekend with no plans other than to snuggle up with Matt and visit the grandparents at some point and time to clean. LIFE IS GOOD. Remember.

it's FRIDAY!!!

It's been a weird week. I'm really disliking this winter. I always feel like I'm always on the brink of sickness and I'm tired and I want it to be summer. so there.

Thank goodness, we're going away for the weekend, me and six of my favorite people!!! Do you think I need it?? ZoodeSKI, Boyne Highlands here I come!

That also means it's time for Fill in the Blank Friday!!!!!

 this feels like spring.

can i live in that image for the next thee months?

can i take matt?

1.   My favorite quote is "Always look on the bright side. Be eccentric. Be inspired. Follow your heart and be your funny self." It's from a beautiful shop in Paris, Karine Dupont.

2.  A bad habit I have is well, can lack of motivation be a bad habit? Because that's definitely my biggest fault right now and inconsistency, same boat.

3.  The first time I felt like a "grown up" was I think that first night I was at Ferris all by myself, I had a private dorm, definitely felt grown up, breaking up the ex was pretty grown up (almost six years ago), moving to New York to be on my own, with no connections was but I can't really pinpoint an exact moment.

4.  Weekends are FANTASTIC, full of possibility but we usually end up in the same state, cuddled up on the couch reading/sports/lazing. Definitely not complaining.

5.  When I was a child I wished my name was Abby. That's an easy one!

6.  I wish for so much. Today I'm wishing for inspiring meetings that will build a fire of excitement in me about training for the tri and give me oodles of motivation for Monday.

7.  A secret I have is I'm scared I'll never figure it out.

it started last monday and ended thursday

One of my goals for this year is to "Run a (baby) triathalon." I have a trainer and supporting team and everything. Seriously, I'm going to go from couch to TRIATHALON in five months. I haven't started training yet so in the meantime...

I'm also P90Xing with Matt. We've been talking about it for about a month and were supposed to start the first week of the new year (resolutions!)  but put it off since I was still sick. A week ago it started. I definitely had my, well I'm not really in the mood, I'm cold, I don't wanna moments, but I faked my way through them and we did it! 60 minutes of back work, 15 minutes of abs.The thing with P90X is you have to do it every day and it's long and I pinched a nerve stretching. (lame!) So Friday I was in pain, Saturday we slept in and undecorated for xmas :( and Sunday... we ordered pizza. I really believe in the fact that it's about learning to make a lifestyle change though, so four days is good for the first week.


So we start again get back at it tonight. And next week I start training for the tri.

beautiful

we'll fill the house with flowers.

dinner parties will be had.

(I'm not linking with love here, anyone know where these photos came from?)

i'm going to live here. 

via messes i make

remember this

1.   I feel happy when the sun is shining on my face, I feel productive and focused, I'm with Matt, I'm with my family, I'm with my besties, I'm planning something. On my own, I'm happiest when it's warm and I'm sitting under the tree in the backyard maybe reading, maybe just listening to the birds. 

2.  I get silly when I'm hyper. This has been happening more often recently, the hyper-ness, and then I just ramble on and try to spill everything out at once. It happened when I got home last night. I asked about nineteen questions and then ran off to go pee. (silly that I told you that.) My new bowling moves are silly. On my own I'm silly when I talk or sing to my kitties, or pull funny faces for no reason.  

3.  Something that makes me sad is the feeling of the unknown or that someone is disappointed in me. I make myself the most sad when I dwell on things and don't talk them out.

4.  Something that makes me annoyed is inconsiderate people, squawking, spitting. I annoy myself the most when I am impatient. 

5.  A time that I've been truly surprised was when Matt and I found our quiet way to each other and have carried on for 3.5 months. I surprised myself when I purchased my home mostly on my own.

6.  I am so thankful for the love and support I have in my life. The good health of [most] everyone I care for. I'm thankful that I'm strong on my own as well.

7.  I feel loved when my mum tells me she misses me and invites us over for dinner, I'm snuggled up in Matt's warm arms or our legs are twisted together, the kitties roll around at my feet, friends call, and family gatherings. I love myself the most when I just breathe and feel content with where I'm at.

 

now you.

more goals

I'm still thinking about the beginning of 2011 and how to stick to my 11 goals, work towards the 11 goals Matt and I made (eek!), finish up pretty much start my 25 before 26 and work on balancing it all.

Of course as I read others' lists I want to add to mine. This is why I made making lists my last goal.

Yes and Yes, 13 Ways to Refresh the New Year
1. Get rid of the clothes you don't love and don't wear - Are you really going to ever wear that fringed jacket Mum gave you?!
2. Clean out your car - That feeling when you open your trunk, and it's totally clean, why wouldn't you want it for the whole car?!
5. Reevaluate the relationships in your life - At the end of 2011 I was struggling with what should be one of the most important relationships in my life. But it's not. And to halfass it, to not try to make it work is not working. His loss.
7. Update your resume - Delta's not even on it. 

8. Clean out Organize your bathroom cabinet - just too much clutter.

Lifehacker, Five Things to Make Time for This Year

Passion Projects - getting creative with Matt, sewing, learning to love training for the tri
Your Weekly Review - I really like this as a blog idea and to hold myself accountable
Written-Down Goals -  hey, that's what I'm doing!


other good blogs that I didn't really borrow any goals from:
http://www.notthatkindofgirl.net/2011/01/03/tkog-sets-friggin-goals/
http://bleubirdvintage.typepad.com/blog/2011/01/a-few-good-goals.html
http://www.kylaroma.com/2011/01/a-look-behind-a-step-forward

will these change me?

one day i'd like to have this.

I wrote once before about how I have a problem with google reader, and following too many blogs. I'm not really sure what to do about it... but I'm going to take a look at and share what kind of things I read and, in particular, save.

Recipes, so many recipes. I could make a post about all the recipes I save and never use.

http://www.goinghometoroost.com/2010/seasonal-recipes/butternut-squash-and-walnut-pasta/

http://www.mintdesignblog.com/2010/10/this-weeks-recipe-butternut-squash-and-bacon-risotto/

http://sometimessweet.blogspot.com/2010/10/quick-and-easy-quiche.html

http://the10centdiet.blogspot.com/2010/10/fried-egg-avocado-hash-browns-and-hot.html

http://abeautifulmess.typepad.com/my_weblog/2010/10/tricks-treats-rosemary-and-pear-mini-pies-by-emma.html

http://www.rachelwilkerson.com/2010/10/14/pumpkin-chili-recipe-cooking-naked/

http://inthelittleredhouse.blogspot.com/2010/10/minestrone-soup.html

http://www.greenkitchenstories.com/christmas-bulgur-with-saffron/

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2010/11/08/health/20101108_thanksgiving.html?ref=health#0

variety

Shannon Blue's beautiful photography from Going Home to Roost

random, slightly amusing slogan maker

colorful online shop

silly dinosaurs from Gemma Correll

letters to a future baby, Dear Henry on Sometimes Sweet

a simple tattoo idea

a pretty paper flower project from How About Orange 

thanks to this link, no photo should be credit-less from HAO

sassy love cards, via Rachel Wilkerson

Collective Names of Animals tee

funny penguins I forgot to post at xmas time 

can you do 100 push ups?! me neither, but this site will tell you how to get there.

How about Yoga? Yoga Vibes 

green cleaning suggestions. what's bi-carb soda?

 

Don't Hold Back Originally uploaded by nan lawson

"So the next time I’m on the edge of that cliff, I’ll probably leap even faster, just keep pushing me. I could always use a little shove." Saul, Brothers & Sisters via Dating Optimist --"Your half-orange is either up there with you, or down below ready to catch you when you jump. So do yourself a favor and when you’re getting dizzy up there, remember this and take the leap. We could all sometimes use a little shove."  


great reminders on the brink of a new relationship. 

"when we let our most vulnerable selves and our most powerful selves be deeply seen and known.  and when that offering is met with respect and kindness and trust, that is what love is. love is letting ourselves be deeply seen and known and then honoring the connection that happens between two people who are willing to do that with kindness and respect." ~ Brene Brown via

And if that doesn't work out (even though it did) Frenemy's brilliant Diagnosis: Single

sleeping with kitties! so true. unkown source.

and in the end there's just beauty.

months to go

 mine.

 

Sunday night all I wanted were flipflops and pretty skirts and freckles popping and sunshine on my face.  

Summer. Complete and absolute summer. 

It's the holiday crash. The thought of months of cold, gray melting snow, icy roads and cold toes. 

And I'm a winter lover, can you imagine the poor folk that despise it. 

And apparently I'm not the only one.

Lauren's fill in the blank is all about summer v. winter.

1.   Winter is beautiful mostly, but long and chilly and melting, dirty snow is a total buzz kill.

2.  Summer is sunshine and freckles, boatrides and bonfires, longer days and a beautiful yard.

3.  If it were summer instead of winter right now I'd be sitting in the back yard, recovering from yardwork with an ice cold beer, or wandering around downtown.

4.  My favorite thing to do in winter is celebrate the holidays, snuggle up and watch tv or movies.

5.  My favorite thing to do in summer is wandering downtown, boating or sitting in my backyard. 

6.  The ideal outfit for a sunny summer day is flipflops, a pretty skirt or jeanshorts, and a light tank.

7.  The ideal outfit for a frigid winter day is pajamas and a blanket on the couch. If I MUST go outside jeans, boots, heavy sweater, long jacket, scarf, and hat. So many clothes. 

But it's what, 5 months til May when I finally feel like summer is almost really here. bummer. I suppose for now, I will dream. And plan: http://thepioneerwoman.com/homeandgarden/2011/01/a-time-to-plan

balance

words. resolutions. goals. photos. this is an inspiring time of year. i'm really enjoying reading peoples posts about the end of 2010 and the beginnning of 2011. it sounds like so many have had a rough year. my bestests did. my love did. so did i. (and yet some had the best ever so i'm generalizing, obviously. my year ended pretty fantastically.) rambling. regardless, what i'm hoping for is a kickass 2011. we deserve it.

in the new year i hope to learn and practice balance. i always feel like it's all or nothing with me, usually leaning towards nothing in the form of vegging. maybe we could even call it learning to be a grown up because i need to take care of my house when i don't want to and exercise when i'm tired. there are fun things too, like taking advantage of my craft room and crafty classes, cooking delicious meals with matt, getting outside more, and being healthier. can you believe these beautiful things are lacking from my life because i'm lazy, because i prefer to veg than to do them. i need to stop using that word, veg, and embrace unmotivated (to do anything but sit on my bum.)

in reality to get healthier, be active, stretch my mind and comfort zones in really fantastic ways shouldn't be that hard i just need a little kick in the butt. i'm making this my goal for the year and will hold myself accountable here. to think about the balance of my everyday life and my future. it starts now.

"I'm happiest when I'm relaxed and content with where I am, and the only person standing in the way of that is me." - from my core story post. It contradicts this, I know. It's also about finding the balance in learning where I need to go and realizing I'm happier and more content there.

11 in twenty11

Our New Year's Eve was quite lovely. One of my bestest and her hubby came to "do the shit out of some cheese," play board games and ring in the new year. I'm fighting a sinus infection so I wasn't as high energy as I would have liked, but I suppose if that's my only complaint I'm doing good. And that brings us to today, the day for making resolutions and reflecting on the year past. We'll start there. 

10 things for 2010!

1. Wear more orange! Yes ma'am.

2. Embrace life. It became my word of the year.

3. Rock the crafty nerd that's inside. Not so much, but I've got quite a stock of fabrics and papers to craft with now.

4. Take more pictures. 924 photos in the last 12 months. 

5. Keep my home organized. Much better than a year ago.

6. Strip all the wood downstairs and pull the carpets! SO Amazing.

7. Create a history of the house. Nope.

8. Cook more yummy food and be a more focused cook. I'd say so.

9. Compile all of Grandma's recipes. Nope.

10. Get fit! Nope.

Seven out of 10 ain't bad! I'm quite proud of myself actually! Of course it's time for 11 in twenty11!

mine or from weheartit.com

11 in twenty11

  

1. Take an academic course.

2. Sew (crafty goodness!).

3. Run a (baby) triathalon.

4. Get a tattoo (or two).

5. (Look into) taking piano lessons.

6. Clean up and keep my computer organized (and blog reader).

7. Compile Grandma's recipes and history of my house.

8. Spend more time outside. 

9. Make and stick to a budget. 

10. Stick to a cleaning schedule.

11. Make more lists. (a list of lists?!)

hold me to 'em ya'll!! 

Two things I really liked from two of my favorite blogs.

At this point, I’m a little more than I thought I could be and a little less than I always dreamed I would be. -IndieJane 

... suddenly there's so very much that seems possible -wilybrunette

ps. I don't actually say ya'll or ain't in real life.