Christmas Cookies 2011

Hello folks-

Here it is, the list of all lists. The cookies to be made in the D household over the next 2 days!!!

-Almond Streusel Cheesecake Bars
-Mint Chocolate Chip
-Italian Sprinkle Cookies
-Chocolate Mousse Bars
-Strawberry Angel Cookies
-Cookies & Cream Cookies
-Peanut Butter Blossoms
-Chocolate Chip
-Spritz Cookies
-Raspberry Ribbon Slices
-Sugar Cookies
-Reese's Cheesecake Brownies

I will be baking up a storm and hopefully remembering to take pictures!!!!

This hiatus wasn't my fault...

So remember my last post with those scary looking pictures? Yes, well it was scarier than we ever anticipated!!

While we only got about 6-7 inches of snow (totals were VERY different from town to town), we lost power- for 7 days!!! Some towns are still without power as I type this. Mr. D and I luckily had power restored Friday morning while we were at work. I really hope we never have an outage that bad again! Our saving graces were that we still had running water (albeit cold), and we could light our gas stove with a match to boil water. All our food went bad in the fridge/freezer, however we were able to save the chest freezer and it's contents.

I do have to say one thing, though- it was kind of nice to not have technology interfering. No computers, no internet, no phones ringing, no TV. We fought less this past week and I truly believe it was because we didn't have distractions of electricity. Now, this isn't saying I want to call the power company and cancel my line!!! However, we have vowed to use technology a little less around here.

Now I am off to the grocery store to restock- this should be fun...

It's October, right??

So why does our weather map look like this??

That's right folks, Mother Nature wants to break some records so she has decided to bring us an October blizzard. What a nice lady, right? Just in time for Halloween....

Oh and I don't like the looks of this map, either...

There are our exciting weekend plans!! And I have to work tomorrow, so here's to hoping we don't get too much snow...

Neglected

So once again this blog gets away from me. I just don't feel inspired to write, and I lack a topic most of the time as well.

Currently I am at the end of a week long stay-cation. I did a lot of reading (up to 31 books this year), we did our Trash the Dress shoot with our awesome photographer from our wedding, and saw the Dan Band in concert. (Don't know who they are? Video below. You are welcome.)

Currently I am attempting to put together my Christmas cookie list. Yes, I do know it is only October. It's difficult, I have a lot of cookies in my arsenal and not enough people to feed them to. I try to limit myself to one batch of between 7-10 different cookies. Narrowing it down to 7-10 and then figuring out ingredients is the hard part. Hence my not waiting until the last minute.

Back to work tomorrow, long stretch until my next vacation (about 6 months) but I will make it through!!

Day 5: A Picture That Makes Me Happy

First time in public as Mrs. D :)

And our first dance :)

Day 4: About my Family

First and foremost, my family is myself and Mr. D. Here we are on a St. Lucian beach during our honeymoon. We got married in May 2010, have lived together since December 2007 (when we also got engaged), and have been together since April 2005. We like to say we are stuck together now, it's been too long and we know too much :-P

My parental units. Mom and I are close. Let's just say Dad and I have a pretty strained relationship. However, they will always be my parents. I look like them and act like them, there is no mistaking where I came from!

My in-law family, complete with brother and sister in law, parents in law and Grandma in law (affectionately known as Gram). From the beginning they took me in and 6 years later I can really say that I feel like I am a part of this family. This family will soon be growing as my sister and brother in law will be welcoming our nephew in January!!!

And how could I possibly talk about family without including our furry babies?!?! The black kitty is Bonkers. She was Mr. D's before we met and it took a while for her to like me. She is a scaredy cat and is afraid of her own shadow. And she is a daddy's girl. The grey and white kitty is Amy, she was adopted at 8 weeks as a kitty for me, however she is also a daddy's girl most of the time! She's young and playful, loves yarn and attacking Bonkers. She likes to follow us around the house, lay on top of things we are trying to read and snuggling before bed.

Day 3: About My Job

In September 2010 I graduated (after 6 long years!) with my doctorate in physical therapy. I am working as a physical therapist at a large level one trauma hospital, have been there almost a year now! I have seen alot of things that people wouldn't even believe. My co workers and I always joke that we should write a book, but no one would believe any of it!

I absolutely love my job and wouldn't trade it for anything (although I may say differently after a bad day or a long discussion with a silly doctor!) I think what makes it so appealing to me is the combination of helping people that really need it as well as meeting new people every single day!

Now, not every patient is friendly (or completely with it mentally). I've been hit, scratched, bit, peed on, pooped on, and a patient even grabbed my butt one day. My job is also multi functional most of the time, getting pt's cleaned up, changing sheets, etc. But in the end, my goal is to get people up and moving. The unit I am on right now is an overflow unit, so we see everything except trauma. I have a lot of abdominal surgery patients and general medical (like people with pneumonia or a fall). The unit is about 40 beds so it's never a dull moment!!

I think my favorite patients are the cute elderly men and women who are like grandparents to you when you walk in. I also get lots of marriage advice from people. One of my patients had been married for 77 years! #1 piece of advice received so far: Be tolerant! :)

Day 2: About My Blog

Well I can start this off my saying that my blogging has been sporadic at best. My blog is like "here today, gone tomorrow!" Like I said in my last post, I am trying to get better!!

What is the meaning behind your blog name?

Misc. Musings- I post about a lot of random stuff, have no theme, and vary on consistency. It's a lot of misc. information that I ponder!! This is actually the 2nd name of my blog, it started as a journal to chronicle my growing up by becoming a homeowner, a wife, and a working girl.

How long have you been blogging for? What made you start blogging?

Well let's see, my first blog post here was 12/21/09 so almost 2 years. I did have a blog from September 08 to March 09 while we were building our house to track the houses progress for our friends and family. This blog, though, I started to chronicle my life as a wife and a working woman.

What are your favorite things to blog about?

I blog about a lot of random stuff but mostly recipes I have tried, books I have read, and updates about my daily life. 

What is one tip that you would give a new blogger?

Try to be consistent with your posting, you won't keep readers if you don't post!! 

Day 1: Introduce Yourself

Today is September 1st, the end of summer, and the start of Katie's 30 day challenge over at Katie's Journey!

Day 1: Introduce Yourself

Hi! I'm Mrs D as I am known here around the blog world. I am a mid-20 something that married my best friend in May 2010!

Here I am with Mr. D at the top of the Empire State Building. We live in New England and I wouldn't change it for anything. I love the four seasons (though fall is probably my favorite). Only a true New England girl could love a 2 foot blizzard as much as a 95 degree day!!



We have recently found a love for travel since our honeymoon in St. Lucia and Orlando, FL. We do a lot of local trips, but do have a trip to Antigua booked next summer. So excited!!

I am probably one of the world's worst bloggers, but I am trying to get better. I find that my life is pretty much work and home, and I don't have a lot to write about. However, I am trying to be better and post recipes and such, and more frequently at that!!! Feel free to follow me and my life!

Dinner Menu 8/29-9/4

Monday- Baked Honey-Dijon Chicken Tenders with steamed green beans
Tuesday- Eggplant Parm w/pasta
Wednesday- Creamy Taco Mac
Thursday- Veggie Stir fry w/beef
Friday- BBQ Chicken Calzones
Saturday- Thai Turkey Burgers w/ baked pickles
Sunday- we will be at a friend's apartment warming party

Ok this will be the deal- if Mr. D and I like the recipe, it will get posted on the blog and tagged. That way I can share with you all and keep the recipe for myself as well!!

Yeah I kinda suck at this...

So yeah, 2 months since my last post. What a blog winner I am. I think I always kinda sucked at journaling. I would keep a diary when I was younger and only last about 2 weeks and forget about it. I see a trend here, people.

Well anyway, HI to whoever may still be following me!! I'm still here. The hurricane didn't sweep me, Mr. D or any of our belongings away. Kitties are well. New news: I'm going to be an auntie!!! Mr. D's sister is expecting in January and I am over the moon excited for them!! This kid is going to be spoiled by his auntie like crazy until we have one of our own :)

So yes, I am back. I can't guarantee posts on a daily basis, but my blog friend Katie over at Katie's Journey is hosting a blog challenge for the month of September so you will be seeing those posts from me! Re-introduce myself to you, readers, since I have been away so long. And meet some new people!

June?! Already?!

I feel like every time I write in here I am apologizing for being a bad blogger. But, friends, it has happened again. Has it really been a month and a half since my last post?! It has been brought to my attention (thanks Cass) that there is no new material for you!!

Let's see- I have been working. A lot. I do have to say though, I still am loving my job. I wouldn't trade it for anything right now. Even though there are days where I come home looking like this:

Many days, actually. But all in all I am completely content. I am actually getting a new responsibility tomorrow- I will be preceptor for a new employee until September. i have to teach her everything about the computer, the system, how we roll, ya know? And I have to co-sign all of her work. I'm not sure how I feel about it yet, I'm a tad nervous and don't want to change my routine of treating my patients when/how I want, but it's something new that I have to try.

Mr D and I celebrated our one year anniversary!!! We went away for 3 nights to a town that we thought was going to be fun, but actually turned out to be kind of boring. We did, however, go to the aquarium and meet a penguin! (We love penguins if you didn't know.) It was the best experience!

We had a special anniversary dinner that night and bought some champagne to celebrate. When we got back, we ate a piece of our year old wedding cake. It was actually very good for being so old! We only ate the one piece and threw out the rest, however. It wasn't good enough to keep it all. 

Last week, our younger cat got sick. We found her lethargic and very hot, turns out she was running a fever. We brought her to the vet ER and more money that I want to admit later, we still had no answers. Thankfully we took her to our normal vet the following day and he gave her antibiotics. She is back to her crazy self that kept me awake all night last night!!!

I am attempting to eat better, take my vitamins, and get the motivation to finally join the gym. It's my "well I want to have a baby in the (semi)near future so let's try to get healthy first" routine. Let's see what happens. Looking at the picture of myself above makes me kind of upset, I need to do something about it!

Oh and I am way behind on my books for the year goal. I am only 15 books into my goal of 50, which is 9 books behind according to Goodreads. I have to step it up!

I will try to update sooner rather than later. After all, I need to show off my garden!

Changes need to be made...

So folks, in August I am turning the big 2-5. No biggie, I know. But I am starting to notice that my body isn't reacting to things like it used to. Like how I have gained 5 pounds in the past 2 months from not watching what I eat. Like how tight my muscles are after not stretching for...*insert very long time frame here*.

See, when I was a teenager, from 14-22, I was a dancer at a local studio. It was pretty much my life for years and years. We were a competing school, so every fall we worked on choreography and every spring we went to competitions before our big recital. Photo evidence:

Me during my solo, I think I was 20 or 21 here.

I'm the tallest one with the longest leg highest in the air haha

While I know that I will probably never be able to return to this flexibility, I would like to return to that weight and that activity level. I was dancing 5 days a week, now I go to work and come home to sit on my butt. This has to stop.

An online friend is starting a 30 day challenge June 1 and I think I will be joining her. The start date is perfect, we are taking our anniversary trip right before that so while I will try to watch what I eat and such, I won't have to be crazy or too guilty if I indulge a little bit.

For the 30 day challenge, I would like to lose 5 pounds and start working out at least 2-3 times a week. My long term goals include losing 20-25 pounds, getting toned (aka beach body for our Caribbean vacation next year), and working out 5-6 times a week. I also want to finally join the gym. Maybe if I am paying for it, it will motivate me to actually go.

What are your health/fitness goals? Would anyone like to join me on a 30 day fitness challenge?

Welcome to our home, please ring the bell.

So there are things about this house that I don't like. That seem cheap. That I would totally change if I could. Two examples: our doorbell and the front door deadbolt/handle.

Our doorbell disintegrated. It was one that lit up, and is in direct sunlight pretty much all day. So it disintegrated, as in you had nothing to push when you came to my front door. You had to maneuver and push on the thin side that was still kinda sorta there.

Exhibit A. Can we say "Ick"? So Mr D and I went to Home Depot and we picked a new one. One that is halo lit, meaning the actual button doesn't light up but thin area around the button does. And here we are, our pretty new doorbell:

Moving onto the door handle, it was even uglier than the doorbell. The finish peeled off. It started off as "gold". Yes, gold in quotes. Cuz it was cheap. And it too gets direct sun. And all the finish decided it was going to peel off. This is the first thing people see as they enter our home and it was an eye sore. Exhibit B: Door handle:

Ew. So while we were at Home Depot, we wandered down the door handle aisle and I chose a new handle to match our new doorbell. I actually helped to install this, which completely made me want to do all the home improvement projects we have on our list (It doesn't take much for me to make a grandiose plan). After all was said and done, we had a pretty new handle. See?

Unwinding before bed w/ GTKY!

GTKY Sunday over at MannLand5!!!

1. do you weigh yourself? I try not to because it just makes me sad

2. what's the nastiest thing you've ever eaten? Um I will have to go with an oyster. I tend not to eat something if I don't know what it is or how it tastes.

3. snail mail or email? I love love love getting snail mail...but it's mostly email. And I don't get either very often :(

4. do you have any irrational fears...what are they? That what I think or say now can jinx me for future endeavors

5. do you play an instrument? I played clarinet for 7 years...that was 7 years ago, though, as well. So I guess you can say I used to. I don't think I would be able to if I tried now.

6. would you rather be bitten by a snake or attacked by a bear? Bear because I hate snakes!!!!

7. do you ever go braless in public? Nope, never.

8. today i am thankful for........................? My hubby and the fact that we were able to enjoy a MLB game together

GTKY Sunday is back!!!

 Yay it's back!! (Ok so it's been back since last week but I wasn't really paying attention.  It's easy. Copy the questions, answer them in your blog, and head over to mannland5 to link up!!

1. what inspires you? My huband, the future, new books, fresh air...

2. what was the last thing you bought yourself? 7 new books at Borders (Book post to come!)

3. would you rather watch a movie in a theater or from the comfort of your own home? Comfort of my own home. Definitely. Snuggled on the couch with Mr. D, a blanket, and some popcorn.

4. household chore you don't mind doing? laundry (and by laundry I mean putting it in the machine, moving it to the dryer. I am NOT including folding.) I don't mind vacuuming either.

5. coffee or tea? Depends...I usually make a cup of coffee and bring it into work with me, but sometimes I make tea.

6. what could you eat every day and not get sick of?? Mozzarella/cheddar cheese, Panera Bread haha

7. what's the last book you read? *See previous post* I am almost done with Deja Dead by Kathy Reichs (the series that the show Bones is loosely based on)

8. do you think you look you "look" your age? Everyone tells me I look between 2-4 years younger than I actually am. I've had patients get appalled when they find out I'm married because they think I'm 20. There have been a few people that have thought I'm older than I am, too.

Book Catch Up Post

I've read 4 books since I've last updated my 50 books in 2011 goal. Brief review and rating of each book:

Book #3: Shiver- Maggie Steifvater

Young adult novel. The font is blue to match the cover. I gave this book a 4 star rating. Sam is a wolf, Grace is a high schooler who was attacked by wolves as a child and saved by Sam. They fall in love (obvious, right?) This was a good, quick read with a decent plot.

Book #4: Linger- Maggie Steifvater

Sequel to Shiver. The font is green to match the cover, which I found unique. I gave this book 4 stars as well. It was a continuation of Sam and Grace's triumphs and difficulties as a couple. A new character/wolf, Cole, complicates things a bit, almost destroying the pack. Grace and Sam struggle a lot more in this novel than the first making for a more interesting plot. There were times I just wanted to yell at the book! The 3rd book in the series (Forever) will be out in July.

Book #5: My Stroke of Insight- Jill Bolte Taylor

2.5 stars. I picked up this book thinking it was going to be great. The author is a neuroanatomist who suffers a stroke. This book is an account of her lift before, during, and after her stroke. As a physical therapist that sees stroke patients on a regular basis, this was very intriguing to me. However, only a small portion of the book was dedicated to her account. The rest of the book was dry and seemed more like the author was trying to make us all believe what she believes. The brain is a mysterious and powerful part of the body that is capable of amazing things. This book just took a long time for me to get through and wasn't presented in the manner I thought it would.

Book #6: Hex Hall- Rachel Hawkins

5 stars. Sophie is a teenage witch that uses her power in front of too man humans and is sent to Hecate Hall, a school for paranormal teenagers. She doesn't exactly fit in with everyone and makes some enemies along the way. She also finds out more about herself and her family than she ever knew before. This book had a good plot, it sucked me in and I finished it in one day. The sequel, Demonglass, came out earlier this year and I am looking forward to reading it!

I am currently less than 75 pages away from finishing book #7, look for my review!

Source for all photos

In a rut.

This week was a complete bust. I was off on Monday because I worked Sunday, so I took full advantage by relaxing and reading 1 whole book in 1 day.  I took a vacation day Friday and I am so thankful I did. I was feeling so run down and exhausted. Even though I had a doctor's appointment, I took full advantage of my day off. AND it was the warmest day of the year so far (70 degrees!!!) so I got to spend some time outside (without a coat!)

My reading total for the year so far is 6 books, working on 7 and 8 now. I've lost interest in one I started reading. I swear, I've started this book probably 6 or 7 times since I bought it (probably about 12 years ago...no lie.) and I get bored with it every time. Maybe it's just not meant to be.

In other news, I have realized that this is me and Mr D:

We come home from work and sit. He takes the love seat and I take the couch. He has his computer and I have mine. Dinner is something pre made or a couple of pre made items put together. I cooked from scratch on Thursday for the first time in weeks. Then again on Friday: St. Patrick's dinner (1 day late, I know). Came out pretty good if I do say so myself:

We don't talk or cuddle or go out or anything. We are such an old married couple. We discussed it today so hopefully it will be getting better.

So to sum it up, I am in a rut. Any suggestions for me, readers?

Survey

Picked this up from Neely at A Complete Waste of Makeup!

The ABCs of Me!


{a} age; 24


{b} bed size; Queen...big enough for me and Mr D :)


{c} chore you hate; Dishes and putting away laundry
{d} dogs; no dogs, but our cat plays fetch and growls like a dog. That should count a little bit.


{e} essential start to your day: The same dog-cat purring in my face and tickling me with her whiskers.


{f} favorite color; blue


{g} gold or silver; White gold


{h} height; 5'8.5"


{i} instruments you play; I played clarinet for 7 years but I wouldn't know what to do with it now, unfortunately


{j} job title; physical therapist, wife
{k} kids; none at the moment, looking forward to it though!!


{l} live; New England


{m} mom's name; Debbie


{n} nicknames; Mel, Melis, Meyissa


{o} overnight hospital stays; none thus far


{p} pet peeve; people that don't want to do their jobs, people who can't drive or follow the rules of driving, people that walk too slow in the middle of the hall so you can't pass them
{q} quote from a movie; I'm drawing a blank right now...
{r} right- or left-handed; Right!


{s} siblings; none, but I do have a sister in law


{t} time you wake up; 5:45. Sleeping in on the weekends now means 7:30 or 8...getting old sucks


{u} underwear; I have a whole drawer full


{v} vegetables you dislike; bets


{w} what makes you run late; sleeping too late, or not wanting to be early so leaving at the last possible moment


{x} x-rays you've had; teeth, foot


{y} yummy food you make; I make a lot of yummy food!

{z} zoo - favorite animal; elephant, zebra or giraffe

Really random, wine induced post

I've finished quite a bit of pinot grigo tonight, and have to work in the morning. Fun times- especially with turning the clocks forward. Tomorrow should be so much fun.

Random thought: The new Rhianna song reminds me of ICQ and AIM profile quotes when I was like 13.."Sticks and stones may break my bones but whips and chains excite me"? Really? Confession: It's a catchy tune and I'll jam out to it if it's on.

On the bright side...I thought my local Borders had closed already, but Mr D and I were in the area today and there were people standing on the sidewalk with "store closing" signs. That means they are still open!! And their discount is now 30-50%. I will be going on Monday, my day off. Woot!!

With that random post complete, I will leave you with this:

source

Two random thoughts

2 random thoughts of today:

1. I was at the doctor today and the woman in the room next to the waiting room was having a stress test done. And all you could hear from the room was a fetal heartbeat on the fetal monitor. What a sweet sound, totally made me smile.

2. Non verbal thought:

Taken by yours truly.

Nausea doesn't always mean pregnant!

So the dreaded stomach bug decided to visit me again this winter. 2 visits is more than enough Mr. Germ, ok?!

I started feeling sick while I was at work Thursday afternoon. I went to ask one of the nurses for help with a patient because I was feeling so poorly that I wanted an extra pair of eyes. When I told her I was nauseous, she point at my stomach and raised her eyebrows. Nope, not pregnant I told her.

After I was done I was talking with a fellow PT/my preceptor and told her what the nurse had said. Went a little something like this:
"Well are you sure you're not?"
"Yes"
"Are you suuuuuuurrreee???" *raised eyebrows*
"Pretty sure...yeah."

A 24 year old woman can feeling like throwing up without being knocked up, people!! Thankyouverymuch.

Borders Haul #1

10 books, 3 magazines, and 1 calendar...$96...not too bad for trip #1. I may go back tomorrow on my day off!

But poor Borders...it was a mad house. The line stretched around 80% of the store, it was over an hour to wait in line. Let's just say I'm a little more observant than other people and I was only in line for about 30 minutes ;-) The store was just trashed...books everywhere, huge chunks of books missing from shelves, books strewn over tables, chairs, floors. I'll admit I left a stack of random books on a random table...shame on me, I know! *Insert embarrassed face here*

The absolute worst part, the part I cringed at....they had to WRITE on my books with a SHARPIE!!!  I'm one of those people that don't even write my name in my books, don't dog ear pages, loose a breath if I see the cover has been bent in half (ok maybe I'm not quite that bad with the whole bending cover thing...but I do regret it and wish I could go back in time and prevent it!!) They have to put a line through the barcode so you can't return the book elsewhere. Nevertheless, I had a little mini freak out moment when I saw that Sharpie touch each book cover.

My loot. (Don't mind Mr D's feet in the background!!)

Seems like Groundhog Day...

You know, the classic w/Bill Murray where he relives the same day over and over?? That's how I felt this week. I mean, it's not as serious as his situation...clearly. But I have my little routine in the morning (get up, shower, put in contacts, body lotion, get dressed, make breakfast, pack lunch, leave the house) and it is performed in the same exact order every morning. Even work this week seemed like the same things over and over. I guess it happens.

In other news, my local Borders book store is closing. *Insert tear here* But in all seriousness, I'm pretty bummed. I have spent so many hours there, it probably adds up to days in the long run. Supposedly they are having a huge liquidation sale so after a shower I will be heading that way to see how many books I can buy! Mr. D has already been warned!!!

Speaking of Mr. D, he is currently painting our master bathroom. I will post before and after photos when he is finished and my bathroom is put back together!

Can't help to admit that I would love to be back here right now...

Ah St. Lucia. I do realize I haven't blogged about our honeymoon yet. It will come, I promise!!



Off to Borders....

Happy Valentine's Day :)

Happy Valentine's Day to all of my readers (especially my wonderful husband Mr. D!!!!) Hope you all get at least a piece of chocolate or a hug today!

Valentine's Day

I know that Valentine's is supposed to be romantic and all, but in our house we kind of have a tradition. We exchange cards and Mr. D makes me chicken parm. This is what has happened every Valentine's since we have lived together. Tonight, I made him meatball grinders (with homemade sauce and homemade meatballs) and Monday he will make me chicken parm.


However, we have both openly admitted that neither of us have bought cards and he didn't buy me a gift. Either we both go out tomorrow or food is all we get!!


We are kinda sucking out at this whole "first married holiday" thing. We didn't get each other Christmas cards, either. Oh well. Commercialism at it's best.

Lazy...or Exhausted

Do you ever feel like this?

Courtesy of my fav, icanhazcheeseburger.

I am in this lazy/exhausted rut and I just can't get out of it. I come home and want to just park on the couch. I don't want to make dinner because that involves standing at the stove and I stand all day at work. I don't want to read because my brain would have to work then and it's tired from thinking all day. I don't want to talk on the phone because I am tired of changing my personality for every patient I treat. I don't even want to get up to brush my teeth because I don't want to walk!!!

In short, this is pretty bad. In short, this is me:

I am just tired of arguing with people, tired of having to pull teeth to treat people. I don't understand why everything has to be so damn difficult. I just want to do what I need to do.

And I suppose I should get dinner ready for tomorrow now, and make my way to bed. No matter how early I try to go to bed, I'm just tired in the morning. I'm not a morning person!!

Oh and this is my 100th post- thanks for getting me to 100 posts, readers!

The Last Decade

It's hard to believe that it has been 10 years since Y2K and all that mumbo jumbo. These years seem to have just flown by for me! I got this idea from my friend Heather over at Heather's Hodgepodge, a recap of my past 10 years.

2001- I started my sophmore year of high school, turned 15 in August. Danced my first recital with what would become my studio/second home/second family.

2002- Junior year of high school, started dating my high school boyfriend. Turned 16, did not get my learner's permit.

2003- Started senior year of high school, finally got my learner's permit. Learn to drive, get my license December 23 (I will never forget that date!)

2004- Graduated high school, got my first car (2004 Hyundai Elantra- how I loved that car!!), started my freshman year of college. My first taste of freedom, being able to stop for lunch or whatnot without consulting anyone first!

2005- Finally got out of bad relationship w/high school boy. Met Mr. D online, instant connection, we started dating. Started my sophmore year of college.

2006- Continued my relationship with Mr. D. Junior year of college. Spent a lot of time at school studying. Spent my weekends with my love.

2007- Turned 21, was sick with a sinus infection (in August) but still had an alcoholic beverage on my birthday! Started my senior year of college. Went to NYC for the first time in November. Went to the Radio City rockettes show for the first time in December. Got engaged in front of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree December 8th!! Moved out of my parents house and into an apartment with Mr. D.

2008- Graduated in January with my Bachelors in Health Science. Set a wedding date, started planning. Learned how to live on our own without our parents. Decided we hate our apartment and decided to buy a house. Put a down payment down and they began construction on our new home. Had the instructor from hell for my first internship and began to doubt my career choice, but powered through anyhow. And we got our kitty Amy!

2009- Did the bulk of our wedding planning. Moved into our first home. Completed my first internship successfully.

2010- I completed my second and third (final) internships. Mr. D and I tied the knot on May 29. I graduated college with my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. We bought a new car for me. I got my first grown up job, Mr. D changed jobs.

And so far in 2011- I passed my board exam and got licensed as a PT. Mr. D is switching jobs, again.

As you can see, I spent a lot of time in school the past 10 years, and spent a lot of time with Mr. D :-)

A short mish mash post

I have finished my second book of the year and started my third. Look for the book review to come on the blog!!

I promise that I will be finishing the update to my blog design soon. I haven't had much time to design a new header, but I will start to play around with one when I have a moment or two.

And finally...My knottie/blog friend Alise over at The Syruper's Wife has a wonderful giveaway going right now. Her husband is a maple syruper (if you couldn't tell by the name of her blog) and she is giving away a bottle of his syrup! Head over to her blog to enter. (It's a clickly link even though it doesn't look like it!)

Blog Revamp

I am going to make my best effort to blog more this year, and to be more creative with my posts. But just to warn you all, I'm a boring person so I may have trouble.

I have changed the title of my blog and will be changing the header and such to match the new name. I think I am going to keep my background but change some other things. I have already changed my fonts (or at least I think I did!!)

Let me know if you have any suggestions for me!!

Book #1: Dragonfly in Amber

 -Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon.
(#2 in the Outlander Series)
Image source: amazon.com

I actually started this book on our honeymoon, but didn't finish it until this past week. The length of the book is intimidating to anyone (960 pages), and it's certainly not a quick read. I found that this book had parts that were very intriguing as well as parts that seemed to drag on forever. Outlander (book #1) was the same for me. However the story of Jamie and Claire is too good to walk away from. The twist of Claire's daughter in this book was welcoming and I am very curious to see how Claire and Brianna's relationship plays out in the next book!!

I will be taking a break from the Outlander series for a bit. I read the first and second back to back and the length of the books just gets longer as they go. However, the third is on a list to be completed by April 1st, so hopefully it will be read by then!

Rating: 5 stars!!

**To those of you that are interested in my books for the year, I have added a link to my sidebar to the list. It will be updated as I read throughout the year. Keep me motivated to my goal of 50 in 2011!!

Done and DONE!!!

Well folks...the news you have been waiting for...


I PASSED MY LICENSURE EXAM!!!!!

I logged into the host site about 24 hours after taking the test and saw the most perfect words ever: "Scores received from test center- Passed". Music to my ears. Better than Christmas morning! Now I have to wait for my lovely state to get the news and send me my license.

And what am I doing to celebrate? Reading a fiction book. And going to P.F.Changs for lunch/early dinner with Mr. D.

Heck yes, freedom at last.

I'm gonna read me a book!

I am uber jealous of people that can read two or three books in a week. Now don't get me wrong , I would totally be able to do the same...but only if I didn't go to work during the day!! I used to be a fast reader, let's see if I still am. After I pass this exam. After all, the books aren't going anywhere, right??

And this isn't meant to insult these individuals...I truly am jealous.

Quick Update

I feel like a bad blogger lady!! I have been neglecting you so. Therefore, I wanted to post a quick update.

-I am currently cramming for my licensure exam that is coming up very very very soon. You will hopefully be seeing more of me after I take it (and pass!!)
-The holidays were a blur because we got back from our trip exactly one week before Christmas. Talk about having to do everything at the last minute. But the cookies were baked, the presents were wrapped and the tree was decorated. And that's all that matters. (Full review of honeymoon and possibly Christmas cookies to come.)
-My goal for the year is to read 50 books before December 31. I may need recommendations. Not that my list of 250 to-read books is lacking in choices!!
-This year will hopefully bring new things to the blog: 1. more recipes 2. more pictures 3. book reviews

Stick with me guys!! Are there any readers left?? How were your holidays?