Snowscapes and Fireplaces

We got into NY yesterday evening and what a relief it is to not have to drive for a few days! The trip was a little longer than usual, as expected. The roads were definetely more congested with the holiday traffic. But we made it in 10 hours safe and sound. We made our customary trip to our favorite pizza place, a quick stop to Truck's house to say hello and then our final destination for the day, my Dad's.

Coming home was the best feeling in the world. The snow still coated the ground, the fireplace smells filled the air, the Christmas lights were in every window, and best of all my was family sitting around the kitchen table having soup, waiting for us to arrive. What a reunion.

Leo and I spent the evening with the Dad and the family, playing Cranium. I never knew my dad was so good at charades. Ask him to show you his interpretation of a volcano!

We hit the sack early - exhausted from the day.

Today we spent some time at the mall. How silly are we? Everyone and their mother, couisn and uncle was there. The 5 foot high snow banks didn't stop every truck, jeep and SUV from parking at 45 degree angles just to get a space. Insanity.

It wasn't so bad though . . I had my husband and brothers in tow and I was in no hurry.

Tonight we are going to Mom & Ed's for drinks, dinner and Christmas celebration. Just the beginning of eating drinking and present-opening for the next few days!

What a Difference a Day Makes

The other day I was raking the leaves in the yard into a pile wearing shorts and a tank top. No kidding! Yesterday Leo and I finished the leaf-job wearing gloves and heavy sweatshirts. Only a matter of days and over a 40 degree difference!

We finally got some rain last night and today it is sunny but crisp - a true winter day.

Last night we went to a friends house for a little Christmas dinner. This is the same group we got together with before Thanksgiving too. They are a great bunch of people - funny, generous and fun! We came up with a few get-together ideas for the new year. Sounds like I'm going to have to learn how to make a Penne Vodka dinner for 10!

Today I have a roast and veggies cooking away in the crockpot for yet another holiday dinner. Later today Kerri & Rob will be coming over so we can have dinner and open gifts together since we won't see them for Christmas. Celebrating lasts all month for us!

Mom called me last night from a holiday party in NY that I was missing. It made me sad that I wasn't there, especially since there was an announcement that I would have liked to see in person. Long time family friend, Brian and Meghan(his very long time girlfriend) are engaged! We had been speculating about this for a while so we are very excited to hear the good news. Congrats guys! Can't wait to see the bling!

Speaking of weddings, Leo and I were talking more about our plans for the next wedding we will attend next April in LA. We will be going to Las Vegas right after that with Greg and Danielle (and whoever wants to meet us out there!). Can't keep us away from that city for long. I'm excited to get back to LA to see some old friends and stomping grounds.

That's all for now. I'm finally done Christmas shopping and gift-wrapping so I can clean up the mess I've made of ribbon, tape and wrapping paper everywhere. Then . . . I don't know what! I feel pretty free from now through the rest of the year. Feels nice to relax.

Summery Winter

Yesterday we were somewhere around 75 degrees . . . today a bit higher. Wednesday the high is predicted to be 79. I hate to brag, but I gotta do it. IT'S BEAUTIFUL DOWN HERE! I don't know whether I should be wearing flip flops and short sleeves or what (I really did just put most of it away and we really did just have the fireplace on the other night). It's just wacky. But no complaints here. Although it will make the transition to NY that much harder. I know I'll be swearing then but at least I will get to make use of all these sweaters I just unpacked.

Mommy Sharon and Stan were lucky enough to experience this wacky weather too. They were down in the Carolinas hunting for a new home and it sounds like they hit the bullseye. They found something perfect in their first few days. They will be moving to thier new home in less than a month! Congratulations! It will be nice to have them closer (only 2 hours from here), have those built-in babysitters when we need them someday and of course be able to enjoy the beach with them!

Well, I have to go put on my sunscreen befor ei leave the house for the day. Later!

shaved heads and scotch tape

What a wild and crazy weekend. At least it was for me. Saturday morning I was rushing around from early in the morning - Arbonne appointments, shopping excursions, and a lunch date. It was a productive day. And it went right on into the night.

Our friend James came over with his family for a craps lesson. Who knew it could be so much fun without money?! But it was! The grown-ups sipped margaritas while their kids played Wii and Playstation for a few hours. Our cozy group of four at the game table grew to ten. Some friends came over and somehow a poker game had begun. I was out early but had been sitting for hours by then and the beer bottles in the kitchen were getting a little unmanagable so I gladly cleaned up a bit. Our friends stayed a while longer - until 2am! I didn't last quite that long although I was present. I was just passed out on the couch. I heard later the boys were poking at me while I was blissfully unaware and lost in dreamland. Luckily there were no magic marker incidents as sometimes happens when you have kooky friends like ours. But we did manage to multi-task and shave Leo's head in the midst of our Saturday night gathering. We like to keep things interesting around here.

Today was a bit of relaxation until I had to go out to get scotch tape to finish gift-wrapping and came home with a bag from Target AND Pier One. No, Pier One does not have scotch tape but they hae great ornaments, pillows and a card holder shaped like a tree for our holday cards. Who knew?!

And now, finally, I can rest for the remainder of the weekend . . . all 2.5 hours of it! Looking forward to being a cough potato in NY!

A little too much holiday spirit?

I know Jen enjoys Christmas, but I keep telling her this was a little bit too much decoration..

Happy December

Happy December. I don’t know about you but I’m pretty excited for this time of year!

A few weekends ago we met up with some old friends who we used to work with back in the old Aloha days. James and his family moved to Durham about a year ago and we FINALLY made it over to their house for a poker night. Their middle son was very cute – he had clearly been practicing and knew the game much better than me. But I still did alright. The homemade margaritas made it fun too!

This past weekend we spent the night home playing a good old game of scrabble. I won. Well, I paced Leo pretty well and he helped me with the last few points but still – next time I’m beating his butt all by myself. He’s admitted I’ve gotten better. He’s a good teacher.

Saturday I started decorating for Christmas. I put up the tree. We have to figure out lights for the outside. I loved what we did last year but we don't have access to a super tall ladder and, frankly, it is a lot of work. I'm ok with it but Leo isnt quite on board. So we are negotiating a simpler approach to showing off our holiday spirit. Pictures to follow . . .

Saturday evening we went to a neighbors house for a little while for a holiday party. Many other neighbors were there as well. It’s a nice feeling – knowing who lives around you. The hostess is an amazing baker and had a very large assortment of desserts. I could only take a small amount – that’s a lot of sugar to consume! But I think we are headed over there this week to help finish off the left-overs.

As for the rest of the month, our December plans are filling up fast. I’m filling my calendar with Arbonne Spa Parties and then of course the regular holiday gatherings. I love December! But it isn’t quite the same without the snow. I’m not complaining – I hear there have been bitter nights in the teens in NY – but I do hope to see some of the white stuff on Christmas Day!

I’ve got shopping under control. I love the internet! You won’t catch me in long lines at the mall if I can help it. The only down-side is the cardboard boxes that are taking over the garage. I could build an addition to the house with it all. . . not a bad idea.

Leo and I finally decided on having a New Years party. We went back and forth for a while and now it’s on. Come on down – make it an excuse to visit!

And that’s it for now. Back to work for me . . .

In my mind I'm Not in Carolina . . .

. . . at least for a few minutes while I think of what we would be doing in NY. We would have gone out last night in Nyack to see old friends (and familiar drunks - haha). This morning we would have woken up a little late, or maybe we would have gotten up to watch (but not particiapte in) the Turkey Trot at Rockland Lake. We would have sat around smelling turkey and apple pies cooking while spending time with the brothers. After dinner we would have gone on a hike at the hook. We would have taken a ride to another part of town to see another part of the family . . .

I have mixed feelings about it all. It's hard to let go of all things familiar over the holidays. I'm missing the family that's not here with me right now. But I'm very thankful for the ones who are.

Ok, so back to Carolina - I expect Mom and Ed will be here in a little while with the turkey. We will enjoy the parade on the big TV, sip mimosas, and cook the rest of our dinner. Mid afternoon we will have Kerri & Rob, Amy & Dan join us and we'll pig out at my nicely decorated Thansgiving table. See my new tablecloth and napkins? And we get to use some of the big stuff we got for the wedding, and all 8 place settings at once! And then perhaps we will enjoy a few silly games of scatergories or cranium. I bet all those brothers wish they were here now!

I miss you all family - I want you all at my table at once! I am thinking of you today!

Part Three's are Dumb

So don't waste your time with Spider Man 3. What a stupid waste of two hours that I will never get back. It did not leave me quite as angry as Pirates of the Carribbean 3 (don't even get me started there) but it was pretty darn ridiculous. As if Toby Maguire isn't dorky enough, they threw in some musical numbers and then used the old "gotta save MJ from the bad guy again". DUMB!

On the up side The Office was entertaining as usual last night, today is Friday and we have a nice short week for Thanksgiving next week. Yay for Turkey.

Difference of Opinion

My mom always made chicken soup with vegetables all cut up and noodles and chicken all in one pot. Leo's Dad always made it with big pieces of vegetables and chicken then the noodles seperate. The revelation that there are different ways to make chicken soup happened the other night. Leo asked for soup to compliment the cooler nights we've been having so I made it. Only I do it mom's way of course. That's all I know. And Leo wanted it without the noodles in the soup (so that he can easily seperate the soup part that he wants with the veggies and chicken that he doesn't want). I was a littler perturbed I suppose - that's now how I know chicken soup! But I relented. It's not a big deal to add the noodles later. But now the way our children will know chicken soup will be forever changed. Chicken soup with the noodles on the side it is.

VA Beach

It feels as though we skipped autumn and went straight to winter. We had a few nights where we met 32 degrees and the days are certainly crisper. I don't mind it for the most part except when I just can't get my feet warm enough!

Last weekend it seemed we stared this change in temperature in the face. Leo and I drove up to Virginia Beach last Friday where we stayed for the weekend. Since this Noel storm was brewing to the East we had some overcast skies and strong winds to contend with. But it was kinda cool.

The first night after checking in to our hotel we found a quaint Irish Pub called Murphy's. We walked in a immediately felt at home. Mental note: find quaint Irish pub in Raleigh. The low lights, the roaring fire, the heavy Irish accents thatmust have belonged to the owners and loyal patrons and the walls that were littered with Irish flags and years of memorobelia made the place feel homey. The food was good too!

Aferwards we took the short walk towards the beach to get a quick glance at the ocean and search for local maps or coupon books to help guide us towards things to do. What we found instead were 40-50+ mph winds between the buildings. You know how stupid those weather poeple look trying to stand up against those winds? We looked like that. It was fun. That didn't last too long though as it was pretty chilly out there, so we made our way back to our car, went to 7-11 for some cocktails for the room and called it a night.

Saturday I has an appointment at another local hotel to see a speaker , Michael Clouse, who came to town specifiaclly to speak to Arbonne consultants; thus the reason for this trip. The speaker was great and I met a very nice woman who sat next to me. The thing about Arbonne is that most people in it are really nice. You have to be to be good at this relationship business. So wherever I am, if there are Arbonne people, there are very pleasant people.

After the morning meeting I returned to the hotel to get Leo and we were off to enjoy the day. The sun was slowly coming out and warming everything up.

We went to a little diner-type place for lunch. It was less than spectacular unfortunately. But the next stop at the Aquarium made up for it. It's a pretty big place with sea lions right in front before you even go in the place where they frolick in the sun. The interior was having renovations done, but they still had great exhibits inside. We saw the Sea Creatures 3D movie and then went to check out the fishes. This was our first trip since I got my snazzy new camera so I was busy experimenting and taking pictures of everything I could. Leo was good enough to patiently wait for me to be done at every tank I ran into and gently guided me away when it was time. Seriously I was like a little kid - I could have wondered into a pack of strangers and been lost forever.

We hung out there for a few hours and then we headed back towards the hotel area. I wanted to make sure and get some daylight shots on the beach.

The winds from the storm had passed at that point so it was just a nice breeze and steady sunlight while we walked several blocks from our hotel along the boardwalk to a pier. It looked like it would be cool to go to the end and take a look, but of course this is America and you have to pay for the view. So we settled for a walk under the pier instead and got some other great pictures there.

By then it was still early but about time for dinner so we walked back to a restaurant we had decided on earlier. We were looking forward to a nice bottle of wine and an Italian dinner . . until I realized I forgot my ID. Oops. I made the quick walk to our hotel and back and then we were really ready for food. Unfortunately this restaurant was not what we were hoping for either. The food was a bit oversalted and overpriced. The waiter was nice but it was still a let down. And I'm not really picky about food for the most part.

We made up for it with ice cream bars from 7-11 for dessert.

The rest of the weekend wasn't super eventful. VA Beach is obvioulsy a beach town and isn't jam packed with activity in November. We missed the live music on the boardwalk and the mini-golfing and the sand sculptures. But still, it was nice to get away.

Sunday morning we woke up early (taking advatage of the time change) and went back to Murphy's (the only reliable food source besdies 7-11) for brunch before we hit the road. We went north first to see what all the fuss was about with a pair of lighthouses that I read about. We had seen many low-flying military jets so we knew there were several military bases somewhere, but we didn't know we would be going into one. Driving along we were suddenly at a post, getting our ID's checked, opening the trunck, hood and glove box so the military dodes at the entrance to this base could check it out. It gave me the willies. I wondered if they had fun intimidating everyone who came through there or if it just can't be done any other way. You start to feel guilty when all your stuff is being checked and wonder if they are going to find something wrong even though you didn't do anything! Anyway, we got through and went on our merry way to check out the lighthouses and the beach. We skipped the lighthouse tour and opted for a quick look at the water. We even met a little crabby friend.

We were making good time before we hit traffic and parked on 95 for about 45 minutes. The sun was shining and the Leo has his Treo to keep in touch with the Sunday sports scores. We made the most of what we had.

This week has been busy. I had many an Arbonne gathering and Leo has been recruiting from the couch as usual. This weekend we look forward to going out with friends. In fact Leo is pestering me to hurry up and get ready right now.

"Trick or Treat"

What's with these older kids "dressing up" in basketball jerseys and coming to the door on halloween. They give you that sheepish look when they open their plastic Walmart bags for hand outs. "Aren't you a little old for this?" I ask. They shrug and say "I wanted candy".

Then there are the cute ones of course. The $15 Old Navy costumes are the most adorable. The Monkey even comes with a banana. I just love the littlest ones. The ones who can walk around and know enough to hold a bucket out for treats but aren't really sure why and what "trick or treat" means. We really should be tricking them more so we can demonstrate that there is a choice. I could give them either.

When I was little my most vivid hallowen memories are of those at Aunt Jane's house. That is because my jokster cousins Kevin and Vinny woudl hide behind the tall bushes that flanked the front door and they would jump out as you rang the doorbell. Not funny. Ok, funny now but scared the you know what out of me then! I even remember the candy they would have at their house, the sugary bottlecap candies for example. It was different enough I don't remember getting them anywhere else.

Aahhhh . . . the days of full pillow cases and staying up late to count and trade candy. Maybe I was too hard on that older kid. I think I want candy too.

Brrrr . . .

I'm glad the weather has turned in time for Halloween. It just doesn't seem right to dress up and ask for candy when it's 85. But a chilly 6o something - that's more like it.

It reminds me of the couple years I lived in LA. Halloween is kind of a bummer when you live in apartments anyway but the weather always tripped me up. Then Christmas - fhuggettaboutit! There was a lack of spirit in the holiday as I could have easily been outside tanning versus inside baking cookies. True somedays I long to have that choice. But these days I'm perfectly happy to enjoy frost in the morning, steam coming out of my mouth and always hoping for a little snow. We pretty much seemed to have skipped autmn around here so why not be excited to go straight for winter?

I will be glad to be rid of our Halloween candy tonight. Stupid basket keeps calling my name.

Anyway, I hope you are all have a great Halloween today. Be safe and have fun.

Rainbows & Butterflies

Judging from the faces I saw in the supermarket last night you wold think there were rainbows and butterflies coloring the sky instead of the thick stormclouds that brought us the blessed rain we have been missing! I mean I know people are generally happier, calmer and nicer here but it still struck me as odd (and wonderful!) that I ran into smiling people, friendly people - people that weren't mad at the world! I really love going to the gorcery store!

So challenge you. Smile at someone today . . . see what happens!

This morning the rain is drying up but it's still overcast which means I can still justify pajamas all day, a late breakfast and a movie. The sun would just ruin the mood I think.

Not much else to report. I think I may finally break out the mixer my wonderful mothers and briedsmaids got me/ us for our wedding. Cookies anyone? I'll take requests.

Hello All and Welcome to the new blog! I have seen others use this site and it seems easy to add pictures and whatnot and I needed a little motivation to add new posts anyway so here we are. Bookmark it and return often and don't forget to comment here and there! We like to know who is out there reading!

It seemed a change in the blog was needed anyway as life for us is changing too. We have two new Northerers joining us down here, Leo's Sister and Bro-in-Law, Kerri and Rob. They decided just a month after their own wedding that it was time to make the move. In just a few short weeks the notices wee given, the lease was signed and the boxes were moved! After much back and forth they will make their move permanent next week after their going away party and one more Jets game on Sunday. Who knows, maybe the Jets will even win this time in their honor. (Look at me making sports funnies!)

And so our Thanksgiving table grows. We will have Mom & Ed, Amy & Dan and Kerr & Rob join us for Turkey day where we can celebrate many firsts - first hosted holiday in our home, first married and engaged holidays and just plain first Thanksgivings in NC! We're looking forward to a nice day together.

Otherwise, Leo and I have been out enjoying life. The State Fair was here last week. We did not go out to enjoy that. But apparently we are not super hip because anyone who is anyone goes to the fair. Maybe next year we will have visitors join us during that time so we can endure the parking, walking, line standing and of course eating together. Fried twinkies anyone?

Today is a thunderstormy-day. My favorite. People have been very excited about the rain because it has been so scarce otherwise. The news of course likes to go on and on about floods now since they can't, at the moment, focus on the drought as much - but that's the way of the media I guess.

Well, enjoy some of the photos I have taken lately (with my new camera!) of the silly things we have done, the beautiful things we have seen and everyday pleasures we get to enjoy.

Thanks for visiting the new blog! As always you can see the old posts at our original spot: http://jentrend.livejournal.com/