25 randoms: Number one

I think that every once in a while, I'll elaborate on one of the 25 random things about me that I listed in a blog here.

Since today is a rainy day, and I am feeling kind of blue, I might as well focus on number one, which is something that makes me happy. The first random thing about me is my love for all things sweet: chocolate, cake, cookies, etc.

That may seem like a pretty self-explanatory entry and not need much explanation. I agree to a certain extent; however, my love for sweets really is huge for me.

I have never really had a problem passing up chips, cheese and crackers or a piece of pizza; but if you put a nice big Reese's Cup or ice cream sundae in front of me, it's over.



In high school, I had a very negative self image. When I started my freshmen year, I could afford to lose a little weight that crept up on me at the end of junior high school. However, I lost the weight, and I lost it pretty quickly. Looking back, I think my version of losing weight was very extreme. It was to the point where I was leaning toward having an eating disorder. The day I realized my realtionship with food was bad was when I took a Nilla Wafer out of the box and put it in my mouth; a second later I was spitting it into the garbage can. (I'm being real here.) I don't think I had a disorder; however, if I would have let it go too long, it may have grown into it. I never starved myself or anything along those lines.

In college, life got stressful, and I wasn't as physically active. Plus, the cafeteria had great burgers and fries. I ended up putting on quite a bit of weight my freshman through junior years.

Then, on Dec. 24, 2004, my husband popped the question (that is an entirely different post), and I was elated. However, as the months dragged on, I had no interest in trying on any wedding dresses. In June of 2005, my mom and I joined Weight Watchers. I walked into my first meeting thinking I had approximately 20 pounds to lose. Imagine my shock when they told me I had 40 pounds to lose! I was so upset, but I worked hard, and by November of that year I was at goal and was a lifetime member. I was so happy but so scared to gain the weight back.

Long story short, I was at goal for my wedding, and this November will be five years at goal for me. Wow ... five stinking years! I still can't believe it.

If you asked Joe (my husband) if I still had a negative self image, he would tell you yes, and he's right. I have a lot of areas to work on in that department. But, I am working on it.

Back to the sweets (sorry for the detour). I love them, but I appreciate them now more than ever. I do think I deprive myself of them a bit too much, because I practically make myself sick on them sometimes. It's probably sinful what I do sometimes. (You should see my cookie spread I make for our Christmas party, I will post a picture sometime, if not this Christmas.)




If I had to pick a favorite, it would have to be chocolate. It's probably cheating to say that just because chocolate is in cupcakes, ice cream, candy and even yummy drinks like hot chocolate. But, it's my blog, and I can cheat if I want to!




So, while this entry seems pretty pointless and silly, everyone knows i love sweets, so I might as well dedicate a post to it. Plus, it is a light topic and brings happiness to my cloudy day.

By the way, I may start doing a weekly post on Sundays or Mondays about my weeks. We'll see!

My Tuesday

Yesterday was awful. I work at a newspaper, and we were on deadline yesterday, and I didn't get home until late. On top of all the drama all day long at work, I had to stay there extra long ... perfect!

However, my day completely turned around once I walked into my house. My husband had the house cleaned, candles lit and was heating up my dinner (that he made). The dinner was delicious; he made apple and onion pork chops, roasted potatoes and green beans. I can still taste the yumminess!

After dinner, my cousin and sister came over to watch "Glee" (Britney Spears episode). Quite funny. I had made homemade Rice Krispie treats. So, after the show was over, Joe went to bed, and I stayed up a bit, surfing the Internet and reading Harry Potter.

I stayed up too late, and I didn't get up early enough to work out, so I will have to do that during lunch...blah!

Today is my brother's birthday, so we will go out to dinner tonight. I will have to meet the gang at Dee Jay's (local rib place that makes really outstanding ribs, even though I will probably get a chicken salad) because I have to work at WW meeting before heading over. I can't believe my baby brother is 20! I will have to do a post on him soon. He is my buddy! Then I will be able to relax a bit.

Hopefully, I will have a more interesting post soon. But first, a picture of the birthday boy:

Happy Monday!

I know I promised wedding pictures, and I have a few; however, I haven't uploaded them yet! Wow, it was a gorgeous day for a wedding; but, I will have more on that later.

I have felt so incredibly tired for the last couple of months, and this morning started out the same. I got out of bed later than planned, and I didn't work out, unless showering counts?

Once I got showered and off to work, I had a pretty busy morning. At lunch I came home and did Cindy Whitmarsh's "Incredible Abs 6," and her thighs and buns workout (can't remember the name of it). If you are looking for a great ab workout, Cindy Whitmarsh has some great ones. I do them off of On Demand and love them.

Once I packed up lunch, I went back to work. I work at a newspaper that prints every two weeks, and tomorrow is our deadline day, which made for a hectic day today. After work, I went grocery shopping. When I got home, I unpacked the groceries, heated up some leftover homemade chicken noodle soup my mom made and made some cracked peppered beef and Laughing Cow Swiss cheese sandwiches for dinner (turned out similar to a reuben, sans sauerkraut).

I got a little snippy with Joe for no good reason, but he was very understanding. I heart him! He had cleaned the bathroom, basement and was doing laundry. That was a pleasant surprise. When he helps without me asking, it makes me so happy!

After dinner, I made homemade Rice Krispie treats, then ran down to my parents' house (three doors down) and helped my sister pick out clothes for her upcoming weekend trip to Boston. I got a little more than I bargained for because when I got down there my mom and sister were working out, so I joined them. Afterwards, I came home, tidied up the kitchen and am now sitting down watching "Quints by Surprise" and eating popcorn. I never turn down a good reality show...especially ones that feature families with large quantities of children.

I hope to have some pictures up soon. See ya later!

It's the weekend

Woo hoo! It's the weekend, and I am so happy. The only problem is that this will not be a relaxing weekend, by any means. Tomorrow Joe works in the morning, and I may go to an afternoon high school football game. Then, I will head to Mass before going to my cousin Christine's wedding reception, which is at the same hall where we had ours (oh the memories).

Then, I have to get up bright and early to work at Weight Watchers (my second job) on Sunday morning. Following that, I will drive up to Pittsburgh for an afternoon of Weight Watchers awards and lunch. The award event is a big deal. We are having it a movie theater, and it involves two territories of leaders, receptionists, managers, etc. It is an annual gathering, and it is typically a lot of fun.

Then I will hopefully come home for a relaxing evening before another week of fun and excitement. (Can you sense the sarcasm?)

Although I haven't made many plans for this evening, I was thinking about cuddling up on the couch and continuing my rereading of Harry Potter: I am currently on "The Prisoner of Azkaban." I am going to have all of these done by the release of the first part of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," which will be out Nov. 19! I always reread these before seeing each movie. I love doing that, and I actually think the movies are pretty decent remakes. Some movie remakes are awful, but I like what they've done with these ones.

I started contemplating what I want from this blog, and I think I realize that I would like this to be a place where I can document some of my day-to-day activities. However, I also want it to be a place where I can share some of my thoughts and feelings about life, things going on in the world and other things. I don't know. I am still getting a hold on all of this blogging business; so it may take some time to really know where I want this to go or how I want to handle it.

I am a very vulnerable person; so I tend to reserve some things. However, I am also an open book. As a result, once I start to open up, I am like a river. You just can't get me to shut up. I don't want to air all my dirty laundry, necessarily, but I don't want it to just be a storybook of my life without any feeling. Make sense?

Any tips or advice on this are are always welcome. Thanks so much for listening.

Hopefully, I will have a wedding update with pictures next week! I hope you have a wonderful and safe weekend.

Since I haven't posted a picture of my Maddy, yet, and I don't have any pictures in this post, I thought I could put up a few. Enjoy!




I love my Maddy Mae!

New television series

This week has really been the week of television premiers. Joe and I used to really love "LOST." We started watching it in January of 2008, and watched the show to the very end. When we realized it was going to end, we were desperate to find something else to watch Although we really loved "LOST," it was more than a television show to us. Joe and I have a lot in common, but when it comes to everyday activities and interests, we differ significantly. Joe loves video games, action movies and sports. I like scrap booking, reading and cooking. Yes, we do have some common ground, and "LOST" was one of those things. Life gets crazy, but we knew when "LOST" was on television, we were together and watching it. Also, since the show was so deep, we had a lot to debate and talk about after the episodes rolled the credits. We loved it!






Then, I ran across "Glee." It was a completely different kind of show and was new; so, in January of 2010, I started watching it, and I asked Joe to watch one episode with me. It was fun. light-hearted and had excellent music. We were in the band in high school, and we could relate to many of challenges and antics that teh glee club kids went through. If you haven't seen "Glee," you must get your butt to a store and buy the first season. I promise you will not be disappointed. In fact, I might start posting the "Glee" quote of the week.




The other show is a show we watch with my brother Derek: "The Office." I have always loved that show, and I got my brother hooked. So, Derek cam up for Italian sausage, couscous and salad. After dinner, Derek, Joe and I played Guitar Hero, until "Community" started. Then we watched the season premieres, including a new show called "Outsourced." It had a few funny moments; we'll see how that one goes. It was a great night.

I love television, so you may see a lot of references to show and movies. Joe and I love watching new movies and television.

So, here's to a new season of television. Woo hoo!

Officially fall!

I am trying to figure out what happened to the beautiful fall weather we had at the end of summer last week. Suddenly it is sweltering outside, and it's officially fall. Bring back the cooler temperatures!

I absolutely adore fall. I think one of the most amazing ways to hold onto memories is by using all of our senses and being in touch with everything around us.

The first sense is touch. When I think of the actual touch of the season, I think of how I love the touch and warmth of big sweaters and cuddling up next to a fire with my hubby (except we don't have an operating fireplace, but let me dream). I also love the crisp feel of the outside air.

The smells of fall are warm apple cider, the fall air, pumpkin spice, cinnamon and the smell of a crackling fireplace.



To me, the visions of fall are incredible: fall leaves changing colors, pumpkin patches, hayrides, people wearing warmer clothes, football and shorter days.

The tastes of fall are very similar to the smells and include pumpkin pie, apple cider, chili and cornbread, stews and soups. Oh how I love the comfort food of fall!

The sounds of fall include crackling fireplaces, football fight songs, the heater kicking on and the crunching of leaves on the ground.

I love wearing the warmer sweaters. Think about it, summer clothes aren't as generous when it comes to your figure (at least for me). I love the comfier clothes. Although I do have to be more cautious of my weight because of that very reason. I also love going to high school football games and listen to college and NFL football games playing on my television.




My biggest weakness in life is anything sweet. So, when it is pie, cobbler and cider time, I have to be careful. (You will probably notice I talk about my weight a lot. I worked hard to get it off five years ago, and it is something that is contstantly weighing on my mind.)

Since I am at work, I don't have any photos with me that I have taken in the fall; however, I will have to get some posted at some point.

Anyone else love fall, or is it just me. Think about it, what is fall to you?

25 random things about me

I have seen a lot of bloggers doing a "25 Random Things About Me" post, and I am not above being a copycat:) There are many quizzes and surveys out there that answer a lot of the basics, but this seems like more fun. This might get long, and I apologize in advance. I might go into a little more description about these in future blogs. So, here it goes:

1.) I have a major sweet tooth, and I mean major. I adore chocolate, candy, cake, cookies, and since I am constantly watching my weight, I have to work hard to limit these treats.

2.) My husband and family mean the world to me, and my biggest fear in the entire world is losing them. Enough of that, too depressing.

3.) I absolutely love Thanksgiving time and on through December, because I have a real obsession with Christmas. I love the sights, smells and sounds of the holidays. I think it even annoyed my husband when we were first together. Growing up, Christmas music began Nov. 1, and that tradition has finally taken hold in our household now.

4.) I obsess over my weight. I lost 40 pounds five years ago, and I have kept it off, but I still worry I will wake up one morning, and it will all be back on my body - irrational and silly, I know.

5.) I am a journalist, and I love writing. However, I like writing here more than what I do for a living. There is more freedom and less censoring. Side note: When I do write, I follow Associated Press Style because that is what I follow for work.

6.) I love to travel. Since getting married, my husband and I have been to Disney World (honeymoon), Minnesota, Virginia, Baltimore, the Caribbean, the British and American Virgin Islands, Mexico, Florida, New York and Ireland. There have been many other side trips along the way, but those are the major locales. Many of the tropical places were places we visited when cruising. Travel is so important to me. I grew up traveling, and it is something I want to pass onto my family.

7.) I love spending time in the kitchen trying new and creative recipes.

8.) I love to entertain. I work very hard planning parties, and my husband and I throw several parties each year: birthdays, day after Thanksgiving gathering, Christmas party, Super Bowl gathering and St. Patrick's Day party, along with all of the other gatherings we host.

9.) My husband and I have a small, but incredible, group of friends. We have known each other since high school, and they are mostly guys, but we love them dearly. They are very supportive, and we even travel together.

10.) I am a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Yankees, Notre Dame and my high school football team. My husband and I, along with my aforementioned friends and family, still have season tickets to the high school games.

11.) My husband and I eat dinner together, at the dinner table, with the television off every night, unless one of us is working. I am so proud of that and really cherish that time.

12.) I have a hard time picking out one hobby to stick with. I think I get too many ideas and can't stick to anything in particular. I love to read, watch television and scrapbook. I really love blogging;)

13.) I am a very anxious person and stress over so many significant and insignificant things. It drives my husband and me crazy. I really need to figure this one out.

14.) My favorite books are Harry Potter. I adore them, and I am reading them again before the movie comes out in two months. I better get on that!

15.) My pet peeves include: smokers who blow smoke in my face, people who talk on cell phones and drive, loud chewing and poor drivers. I know these things make me look shallow, but it is the truth, and I want to be real here.

16.) I love fall. It is definitely my favorite season: the smell of spices and crisp air, the cool breeze, the changing leaves and the taste of apple cider!

17.) I am a person who loves tradition, and I stick to them. Each year, my husband and I go to a pumpkin patch, go shopping together the day after Thanksgiving and eat lunch at Panera Bread that day, cut down our own Christmas tree, decorate our tree together, go to the B.E. Taylor Christmas concert and much more.

18.) The thing I love about my husband most is that he does so many things with me. From eating together, to attending graduation parties and vacationing with my family, my husband is there and doesn't say a word. My family truly is my husband's family, and I love that about him. I don't have to worry about going anywhere alone, because as long as he is not working, Joe is right by my side.

19.) Since getting married, have become a clean freak. It drives my husband crazy sometimes, I am sure, but I used to be so disorganized. It was like I did a 180-degree spin.

20.) My dog Maddy is a rescue dog and is my life. I love her to pieces.

21.) My favorite day of the week is Thursday.

22.) I absolutely love, love, love anything and everything that is Disney. I love the old movies, the music, Walt Disney World and the magic that I feel when I experience it. I love Disney so much that we went to Walt Disney World for our honeymoon and can't wait to go back.

23.) I equally love musicals. As I mentioned before, my family loves music, and all of us can play instruments. We used to watch musicals when I was a kid, and I still love them to this very day. Some of my favorites are: "Sound of Music," "Music Man," "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," "Wicked," "Phantom of the Opera" and "Jesus Christ Superstar" (which is a musical that brings another tradition into my family, and I will talk about that in a later post).

24.) My biggest dream my whole life has been to be a mom. I feel it is a calling, and I look forward to someday fulfilling that dream. I also hope to stay at home with my kids (to some extent) because my mom stayed home with us, and I am still grateful for that sacrifice she made.

25.) We live in a small town where everyone knows everyone, and although that can be obnoxious at times, it keeps me grounded now and while I was growing up. Also, there is always someone there for you when you need it. It really is a good thing.

Sorry that was so long. If you made it all the way through, you deserve a treat. I say you go for a nice big bowl of ice cream or a warm chocolate chip cookie (that's the sweet tooth speaking).

My baby sister, my friend

Tonight my sister and I got together to watch the season two premiere of "Glee!" Kayla bought herself and me new "Glee" shirts, and we both sported our shirts for the show. I made bbq meatballs, mashed potatoes, fresh green beans and rolls for dinner, and then we were ready for the show. The show wasn't our favorite episode, but it was good, and we are looking forward to next week's Britney Spears episode.

Although I could go on and on about how awesome the evening was, I would rather focus on the relationship with my sister. I don't have any pictures on my computer of us pre-digital camera days. (I might have to change that in the future.)

I am the oldest of three: I have one younger sister named Kayla (who is three years younger than me) and one younger brother named Derek (who is three years younger than Kayla). We were raised in a very wonderful household, with two parents who are still married to this day (which says a lot). We had and still have a strong faith, and my entire family (including extended family) is still very close. My dad, brother, sister, husband and I are still in church choir together, which is something I really cherish, and my mom is at church with us every week. I am not saying we don't butt heads, but in the end, we are a very strong family with a solid foundation.

As you can imagine, Kayla and I had our differences growing up. When I was 16, she was 13, and that was probably when we started to clash a lot. We grew up sharing a room until I was in the seventh grade. That was very interesting at times.

I was oftentimes pretty hard on her, and that is something I really regret, to this very day. I wanted my independence, and she wanted to hang out with my friends and me. I fought it big time.

Since we stem from a band family, we both joined junior high and then high school band. That is when our circle of friends started to meld together. She then switched from playing trumpet to joining the dance team for the band (Royalettes).

That's when I started to see how incredible she is! Who would have thought she could dance? She is an incredible dancer with virtually no training. She is insanely smart, and she is absolutely gorgeous. I love that girl.

(Sorry, I got sidetracked.)

Then I graduated and went to college. Three years later, my sister joined me at the same college. She decided to go into education (studied speech pathology for a while). She actually graduated with honors this past May with a degree in education and a specialization in special education. She started a dance team at the college we attended, and it is still going strong (and winning competitions). Not only did she get a job in this terrible economy, but she got it on her first interview!

I could go on and on talking about my sister. Although she is my little sister, I have learned so much from her: persistence, hard work and dedication pays off. She is a loyal friend, forgiving sister, drop-dead gorgeous, and I love her.

I was honored to have her as my maid of honor, and I look forward to getting even closer to her in the future.

I am so glad she is out of college and living close to me again (at my parents' house, which is three doors down).


Sorry if I bored you. I am sure you will hear a lot about her in the future.

Retreat Day

I don't have much to report on today. For work, we had a day of recollection, which is one of the beauties of working for the Catholic Church. We spend it at a place called Paul VI Pastoral Center in West Virginia (www.paulvi.org). Although I don't typically look forward to the retreat day, I actually had a wonderful and pretty enlightening day.

We had a wonderful retreat master, who has been a priest for 41 years next week, which I think is pretty incredible. He really spoke about the world and the church, and how this world doesn't leave much room for optimism; however, he pointed out that there is plenty of room for hope. Of course he used a lot of proof and examples to prove his point. He also was funny and very down-to-earth.

Side Note about me: I was born and raised Catholic, and it was not in a household where we took our faith lightly. We went to church every Sunday, prayed together and were always very involved in the church. I don't say this to brag or throw it in people's faces. In fact, one of my biggest pet peeves is when people throw their Catholic faith in other's people's faces. I truly believe in living the faith by example and not saying, "I am Catholic." The reason I feel the need to express my involvement in the church is because of today's statistics. Today, 18 percent of Catholics under the age of 26 don't practice the faith, which is scary. So, I wasn't just baptized Catholic, I am Catholic. I will not speak too much about my faith. I just want to be honest about who I am, and that is a huge part of my life. Enough of that for now...lol.

Back to the retreat: On top of our wonderful retreat master, we had exceptional weather: warm with a cool breeze. Considering the retreat center is on beautiful hilltop overlooking the river, it was truly perfect. I had time to read, reflect and relax, which was very much needed because I am a very stresses out person, which is for a whole different post.

After such a relaxing retreat, I went grocery shopping and made turkey BLTs and fries for dinner. It really hit the spot.

Tomorrow, I have to take my Maddy (furbaby) for a minor surgery. She will have her teeth cleaned and a little tag removed from her eyelid. I am sure she will be fine, but I worry about herl. Tomorrow night, my awesome younger sister is coming for dinner, and then we will watch the season premiere of "Glee." I absolutely can't wait to see what music is in store for this season!
Well, this post wasn't too exciting, but that was my day.

Renaissance Festival 2010

Today Joe and I headed to Pittsburgh for the annual Renaissance Festival. Since we just got back from Ireland Aug. 21, we decided to head up for the Celtic weekend. We aren't what you would call Renaissance junkies, by any means, and we don't dress up in some of the crazy gear that we see others doing. But, we are ones to enjoy a fun atmosphere in the woods, with good comedy and yummy food. The festival has many acts we enjoy seeing every year, and we try to catch a few new ones too.

We attended the festival for the first time in 2007, and here is a picture from that year:


We were married a little over a year when that was taken.

In 2008, we attended again, and here is a picture of me then:


We love two comedy acts that are repeated each year. They are "The German Brothers" and "Well Wenches." They are pretty funny! "The German Brothers" are rappers and comedic, and the "Well Wenches" are hags trying to pick up men ... pretty entertaining.

However, our favorite act is "Cast in Bronze." You can read more about the act at www.castinbronze.com. Basically, it is a traveling four-ton carillon, which is a musical instrument that is a combination of a piano and a bell tower. It is pretty incredible. Joe gets a huge smile on his face every time the musician plays "O Fortuna," and I personally love "Carol of the Bells," which probably stems from the fact that I adore Christmas. We have gone to see this act each year and really enjoy it. This traveling carillon has 35 bells, and the act is the only kind like it in the world. It is wonderful!

Here is a picture Joe took of the man playing the carillon:


The reason he is wearing the mask is because he said he is imitating the bell ringer, whose face you never see. It is quite interesting, and the sound is really impressive.

After the carillon, we watched the "Well Wenches," and then headed to a joust before heading home. I made soup and grilled cheese when we got home, and we relaxed. What a wonderful Sunday it was! I love my hubby!

To conclude is a picture of the two of us from today!


Until next year, huzzah!

Here is a quiz I found and answered some basic questions about me. I am not sure it will be any interest to anyone, but I think I will like having this documented.

Basics:
Name:	Renee
DOB:	January 13
Birthplace:	Ohio
Current location:	Ohio
Eye color:	Hazel
Hair Color:	Brown
Height:	5'5"
Heritage:	live in the U.S. but am proud to be of Irish (primarily), German, English and French descent.
Piercings:	just my ears
Tattoos:	not for me
Favorite:
Band/Singer:	I love all types of music, from Broadway to Christmas (favorites), to country, Enya and even some pop. I really love Keith Urban! I really don't have a favorite!
Song:	Impossible to pick!
Genre of Music:	Does Christmas count?
Color(s):	blue
TV show(s):	"LOST," "Glee," "Everybody Loves Raymond," "Home Improvement," and a lot of reality TV (embarrassing I know). I mainly love "19 Kids and Counting," "America's Next Top Model," and "The Bachelor/Bachelorette."
Movie(s):	Any of the Harry Potter movies
Food:	chocolate
Store:	Old Navy or New York & Company
#:	12 (the day of the month we were married)
Drink:	coffee
Clothing Brand:	I don't have a favorite brand, but I shop at Old Navy a lot.
Shoe Brand:	no favorite
Animal:	dogs (especially my Maddy Mae)
Pizza topping:	peppers and onions (That's two, but I like them together.)
Season:	fall...so excited it's coming
Month:	December because of my obsession with Christmas!
Holiday:	Christmas!
Flower:	hydrangea
This or That:
Sunny or rainy:	rainy (but not all the time)
Chocolate or vanilla:	chocolate
Fruit or veggie:	fruit (I love fruit!)
Night or day:	day (But I'm a night owl.)
Sour or sweet:	sweet
Love or money:	love
Phone or in person:	in person
Poor & happy or rich & miserable:	poor and happy
Looks or personality:	personality
Coffee or tea:	coffee (I did, however, fall in love with tea while we were in Ireland.)
Hot or cold:	hot
Your:
Goal for this year:	I want to find peace with my personaly life goals. I have a great marriage, but other aspects of my life need some fine tuning. I might be able to elaborate at a later date.
Most missed memory:	Christmas morning at my parents' house
Best physical feature:	I am bad at answering anything about my looks ... I have been told I have great cheekbones, and I like my lips.
First thought waking up:	I don't want to go to work!
Future:
Do you wanna get married:	I am happily married!
Do you wanna have kids:	Yes sir!
If so, how many:	3-4
Do you wanna go to college:	I went to college and got a bachelor's degree in communications and a specialization in journalism.
What do you want to be:	I am a journalist and work for a newspaper and work for a weight-loss program.
Do You:
Dance in the rain:	Absolutely!
Smoke:	Never!
Drink:	Rarely.
Shower daily:	every morning
Like thunderstorms:	I love them!
Curse:	Yes, but I try to control it.
Sing:	Every day. I love to sing.
Play an instrument:	I don't play well anymore, but I played clarinet and saxophone in the band in high school. I also took organ lessons when I was younger, but I wasn't very good.
Think you are good looking:	I am a terrible judge of what I look like. I am very negative.
Get along with your parents:	Yes, very well. We live three doors up from them and love it.
Other Questions:
Can you whistle:	nope
Right or left handed:	right
Your bedtime:	not before 11 p,m. on weeknights
Biggest fear:	losing family members
3 things you can't live without:	my family, my dog and my computer
Color of your room:	light blue
Siblings:	one sister and one brother (plus, two sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law)
Middle name:	Lynn
Pets:	Maddy Mae (my amazing dog we rescued from a shelter)
Nicknames:	Babe (from my husband), nay-bay from my brother
Thoughts on abortion:	pro-life through and through
If you could be anywhere right now where would you be:	Ireland (we just got back three weeks ago, and I already want to go back).
Do you wear contacts/glasses:	both
Are you afraid of the dark:	a little
Take this survey or other MySpace Surveys at PimpSurveys.com

Hubby and I

Last night was so nice. Joe went with my family to our old high school football game, and I stayed at home and hung out with my brother's girlfriend...just what the doctor ordered. We watched some girlie movies ("When in Rome" and "Bride Wars") and ate pizza and ice cream. It was wonderful!

Speaking of high school football, my husband and I were high school sweethearts. We were in band together, and we met my freshman year in school. We started dating at the end of that year and have basically been together ever since. I say "basically" because we had out moments in school when we wondered if we should stay together. But, in the end, it all worked out. Every high school dance (prom and formal) I went to, was with him. The whole band aspect is another interesting part of the story. My parents went to the same high school and met through band, and my husband and I share the same basic story. The reason that is so wonderful is because that means he gets along with my family incredibly well.

I want this blog to basically be a day-to-day storybook of our lives, along with fun blog surveys...just really laid back. I am loving this and look forward to being able to read through this in the years to come.

Love always!

Let's get started

So, I am entering the blog world. I anticipate my first post will be very similar to most first-time bloggers, which is just figuring this out! My husband and I got married four years ago, and he will be a huge part of my blog. Our life together is wonderful. We have a rescue dog named Maddy, and she is our only child for now. Although we want a family, we wanted to travel and figure out our life first. We are Catholic and very close to our families. My husband Joe is an electrical engineer, and I am a journalist. These are the very basics. I look forward to this blog documenting our life together. There are good days and bad days, but it is so wonderful to know that when the sun goes down, we will always have each other.