Home, Health and Holidays

Pete, Donny, Samantha, Kelly, Sam, Brent, Ashley, me, Danielle, Paul, Allie

Donny and Me

 As I look at a calendar I realize it has been almost a month since I wrote my last blog, not because my life is not interesting (but it's really not that interesting), but because I have just been busy. I guess I could call the past month the month of home, health and holidays, as I have been in the tri-state area since December 5th. I know what you are all thinking - that is a long time home, yes yes it is. The longest time I have been home in a long time actually, but while this much togetherness for my mother and I could have been disastrous, thus far it has been good (knock on wood). So what have I been up to the past month? I started the holiday season before leaving South Carolina, 

having a holiday party with some friends! Then the festivities followed with a goodbye dinner and going away party for Donny. Donny is graduating a semester early, as he as decided that Higher Education isn't what he wants to do, instead he wants to be a high school science teacher. While all of my friends support his decision, I would be lying if I didn't say it was hard for me to see him leave. He was my first friend in South Carolina my roommates a side, and we treat each other like brother and sister. Leaving South Carolina I headed to North Carolina for Hannah and Laura's confirmation. I was honored and blessed to be Hannah's confirmation sponsor, and we enjoyed a beautiful ceremony, followed by a delicious italian meal and some family time.

Hannah & me

Once home I got a glimpse of what it was like to be an only child, as Shan and Trav were still at school for two weeks. (while it was fun, it made me appreciate my siblings even more) I visited Trav at Bloomsburg, filled my time with doctor's appointments and a lot of doing nothing (which was fine by me). I also went into NYC for the weekend, and than again with my parents for a night! The weekend was spent at a holiday party and Santacon, a Santa convention mixed with a bar crawl. This event was a mix of home friends with South Carolina friends, as Kelly and Danielle two friends from South Carolina came, and they brought their best friends from home and I brought mine! The santa convention was an interesting experience to say the least. Then my parents and I went back into the city to see "Next to Normal" on broadway (which was fabulous), ate at Dos Caminos (which had delicious guacamole and margaritas) and saw the tree and all of the store displays, it was a wonderful evening! Come Tuesday I had mentioned to develop torticollis (extremely painful back and neck spasms), so I spent the next three days on steroids, valium, cough depressants and muscle relaxers doing a lot of laying still. Thankfully I was home and had my mom to take care of me, funny how things work out like that.

Kelly, me, Jo, Danielle and Sam

Daddy and me

Mom and me

I then went to Wilmington, DE to see my friend Amee, her new house and her new dog Annie. I have not seen Amee since her wedding in August 09, so it was nice to sit down and catch up. I then went to Philadelphia to see my friend Meghan who was having a holiday party at her apartment.

Meghan and I at the holiday party

My baby brother turned 19! (Dad, Trav, Mom)

Then came the holidays. We spent Christmas Eve with family friends, and had Christmas day at our house, and open house of family, friends, and neighbors! This was by far our latest Christmas morning, not waking up and opening presents till 10:30, and I was the first sibling up at 8:45, that I don't think has ever happened. 

my mom's reaction when she got our present

Christmas morning - Trav's new Knicks jersey, my yellow cardigan and Shan's rain jacket

all the "kids" Shan, Brieanna, Zach, Trav, me

Family

They have been friends for forty years, may everybody be blessed with that kind of friendship (my mom and Marie)

Jackie, me and Johanna

Mom, Dad, Monica and Lenny

I'll quote my 19 year old brother who said "this was the best Christmas since I was 7". I don't know what made it that way, but it was nice. I can only hope my next nine days at home are just as fabulous. 

A lot to be thankful for

This thanksgiving season I realized that I have a lot to be thankful for. First, I am thankful that I have a family that loves and supports me, and is willing to visit me where ever I go. Two weekends ago my dad came to visit me for a father daughter weekend in Columbia. Now, if you have met my father, he is really an oversized child so putting him on an airplane, well terrified my mother and I. However, he made it safely and we had a fabulous weekend, including: dinner at Paulie's with my roommates, tailgating, the South Carolina vs. Troy game, the Columbia Zoo, dinner with the Ward's and oh, a clean and functioning car! I hadn't spent more than two days with my dad since May, and as a Daddy's girl (yes I'll admit I am) it was good to spend time with him!

Daddy and I at the tailgate

Last tailgate

Michelle, Kelly, Pete, Viki (our co-worker) and me at Viki's tailgate

This past weekend I realized how thankful I am for also having family away from home. I spent Thanksgiving in Charlotte with the Ward's and Petrini's, where we had a delicious Thanksgiving meal and quality family time. I realize how lucky I am to a) have family extended family I am close with, and b) to be so close with my cousins. Coming back to Columbia on Friday, I became thankful for alone time and quietness. I spent the weekend being productive, relaxing, and enjoying everyone else still being away for the weekend.

Laura, me, Hannah (the only picture I took at Thanksgiving, oops)

My family celebrating Thanksgiving in New Jersey (while I missed them, Aunt Maurren & Aunt Peggy are really good cooks)

Some other things that I am thankful for this holiday season: my education, the roof over my head, the economic ability to afford what I need, my siblings, my parents, my friends (both here in Columbia, home in New Jersey, from this summer and from West Chester, and all others in between), my health, my job, my experiences (both good and bad) and turkey noodle soup (thank you Aunt Peg). Take a second to look around and realize what you are thankful for.

Now one more week to get through, than off to Charlotte, and home for a month!

You are never too old to celebrate your birthday

Kyle, Amy, Lauren & I dressed in our 80's gear

Birthdays, who doesn't love them? While the older I get the more I realize not everyone enjoys their birthday (what a shame). Luckily, I am surrounded with people who still enjoy a good birthday celebration. Over the past two weeks I have had a lot of people in my life have birthdays, and my second favorite things to birthdays, well that's sending birthday cards of course. However, two of the birthdays have been two of my good friends in my masters program! The first was my friend Kelly (she is a first year in the program, and works in the career center with me. Another fun fact she went to JMU and knows my sister), and we celebrated her birthday with a decades party. You could pick any decade of your choice, but I mean really what is more fun than dressing for the 80's? Lots of color, no need to match, big hair and leg warmers - yea I'm sold. Plus, my roommate Lauren and I love little more than shopping for a good costume.

Everybody at Kelly's Decade themed 23rd birthday

The second birthday was my roommate April's. April turned a quarter of a century in stride. However, her celebration was a little low key - we decorated her room, celebrated with dinner & cupcakes from cupcake on her actual birthday, and than had people over for some drinks and board games on the weekend! I give April credit as one of the most passionate people I know, I'm convinced her and Mary Ellen put together would be a non-profit power house.

Another birthday thing that has fallen into my lap, is a birthday book. Borrowed from a peer, the book "The Secret Language of Birthdays" breaks down every birthday day-by-day. I read mine along with some friends and families, while everyone's had something that related to them, mine and my brother's were so on point it was scary. My birthday is January 26th making me "The day of striking deeds". Those born on this day are highly controversial individuals, bold and aggressive. Their determination in reaching their goals is limitless, and their faith in doing so is unbounded. The downfall, they tend to hurt others and not be considerate of feelings, as they act quick and decisively. I think the part that is most relevant to my current life is "because they are so active and externally oriented, it is incumbent at some point in their lives to get to know themselves better, or their personal development could stagnate. They need to discover their deeper desires and motivations". My strengths: active, dramatic, confident. My weaknesses (or areas of improvement as we tell our students): destructive, dictatorial and driven. I am not saying that everything said is perfect, but I think it is key to be self-aware and sometimes this helps one to do so. I find this kind of stuff interesting, it also explains advice and health issues associated with your birthday. If anyone wants to know theirs please let me know!

Erin, Me, Kim (my spuddies: first year student's in the program)

What have I been up to with the rest of my life? Work, I am serving on a search committee and transitionting for the spring as my boss will be out on maternity leave. School, which even though I consider myself a life-long learner I am ready to be done with. and other activities, including: seeing Legally Blonde the musical (amazing!), learning the ropes of human resources pages so I'm familiar when job applications start, Carolina Football (we won the SEC east if you haven't heard!), participating in the USC vs. Clemson blood drive, and being a cheerleader for my friends who ran a half marathon (please note this is now on my bucket list, I am my mother's daughter in the sense that I was crying form happiness at the race).

Half Marathon (13.1 mile) runners: David, Katie, Brent, Samantha. So proud of them!

Things to look forward too - my dad is visiting this weekend!!!, Charlotte for Thanksgiving with some family, and home for a month in December! My current quote or motto, "count your blessings" because even when you are having a bad day, chances are their is someone else having a worse one. Realize what you have to be grateful for. For example I have a wonderful support system of family and friends, and that alone is wonderful.

Halloween Weekend

So halloween has never really been my holiday. I was the kid who saved my halloween candy (and than eventually forgot about it). I always remember having to put a turtleneck under my costume to stay warm. Really, the only two Halloween memories I have are my homemade mouse costume (which came with a wooden block of cheese) and Brieanna coming to trick-or-treat with us (we have a picture of us in front of the fire place). Now let me say it was never a bad holiday, just not a favorite.

However, with that being said this weekend was full of Halloween like activities. Thursday we went to see Dracula the ballet (my first one), Friday we hosted a Halloween party, and Saturday we went to see the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Wrapping the weekend up we had a falg football game on Sunday, in crisp fall weather. Now let me say I consider myself a pretty athletic person, and I am awful at flag football, but none the less it is fun with friends. All in all it was a fabulous in the spirit fall weekend.

Having a photo shoot with April. I was Jessie from Saved by the Bell, & I am now convinved I was made for the 90's

Saved by the Bell: Screech (Pete), Slater (Brent), Lisa (Samantha),

Jessie (me), Kelly (Sam), Zac (Mike) and the principal (Drew)

Roommates: Audrey Hepburn (Apri), Lady Bug (Danielle), Suki from True Blood(Lauren), Jessie (me)

Team Huddle

Back Row: Mike, Brent, Megan, me, Pete, Steven

Front Row: Ashley, Cory, Sam

In action

Clockwise from me: me, Ashley, Megan, Brent, Mike, Steven, Cory, Pete, Sam

and than today I woke up to 57 degree weather, so maybe fall really is here. My day by day calendar said "Whatever you are, be a good one" by Abraham Lincoln and that is my motto for the week!

Cruisin' Along

So it's been over two weeks since I wrote, so where to begin and what to include! Well over fall break my roommate Lauren and I went on a three night, four day cruise to Nassau, Bahamas and it was wonderful. Seriously, pure bliss. I now understand why people cruise. We spent our days laying by the pool sipping on coconut drinks, got all dressed up for dinner where we enjoyed gourment (and all you can eat food), and spent our evenings watching shows and enjoying some cocktails. So while we came back ten pounds heavier, we were well relaxed and happy.

Dinner Night Three

One of my favorite parts was that they made animals out of your towels!

Dinner Night One

Our Ship --- The Sensation

Night Two (formal night)

@ Senor Frogs when we docked in Nassau

Our leaving port celebration drink!

The past weekend was filled with all kinds of friendship, new and old. We celebrated my co-worker Jamie's birthday, and two of my friends has friends in town. It made me realize two things: one, that true friends can mesh from all aspects of your life (childhood, high school, college, grad school) and that I love where I work. I am really lucky to have great co-workers, and a great work enviroment. This past Tuesday was Pharmacy Day, a career fair for pharmacy students, which I planned and implemented. The day was long (I never want a job that I am required to be at every day before the sun is up, I don't know how my dad does it), but when it was over we had happy employers and students!

Leah, Lauren, Danielle and I

Career Center GA's --- Pete, Jamie, Me, Michelle, Kelly

All the girls - Sam, Kat, Leah, Lauren, Me, Kelly, Ashley, Danielle

A bunch of friends out for Jamie's birthday

This week is going to be one full of the halloween spirirt. Last night I saw the ballet Dracula, tonight we are hosting a halloween party at our house, and tomorrow we are going to an interactive viewing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show (in costumes).

The semester is flying by, and I am both excited as winter break approaches (knowing I'll get to spend a week at home), yet overwhelmed by being asked "what do you want to do come may?" and the notion of leaving everyone here who have become some of my best friends. However, I am taking life day by day for now and that's all you can do! Hope everyone has a very happy Halloween!

South Carolina beat Bama, yea that really happened

So in case anyone was living under a rock this weekend, or just chooses not to be a college football fan, it was a crazy weekend in college football. LSU beat Florida, The Tarheels won over Clemson, FSU killed Miami, OH and South Carolina upset the University of Alabama! Why is this such a big deal? Well for a few reasons. First, Alabama was the number one seat and South Carolina was number 19. Second, the Gamecocks always fold under pressure, but instead Garcia, Jefferey and others played with poise and skill. Third, I was at the game and it was by far the best sporting event I have ever had the privilege to attend. In case the win wasn't enough (and it was), ESPN's college gameday also was in attendance on the campus' horseshoe with students camped, families bringing their children, and die hard sports fans coming from far just to witness it. The whole experience was ideal for a college football sports fan.

Michelle, Jamie and I at the tailgate (2/4 of my co-workers)

April, Me, Lauren (3/4 of my apartment)

Jason, Laura, Ashley, April, Lauren, Me at the game

the stadium

police and security preparing for students to rush the field

after the victory!

Not only was it a great weekend for football, but it was a great weekend for friends and family in Columbia , South Carolina. It was my graduate programs Family and Friends weekend, and while my family was at Trav's family and friends weekend, I still got to meet and hang out with with the families of my friends down here. Dinners, Tailgates, picnics and other events occurred all weekend, and it was a pleasure to get to meet those who are important to my friends. Sunday night we celebrated Canadian Thanksgiving with Samantha's family (they are Canadian), and I think my friend Sam said it best when she said "I am thankful that I have family at home, and have friends down here that have become my family away from home, for that I will be forever grateful". In short I whole heartily agree.

Life aside is a hectic, but fine. We are lucky to have a three day week this week (monday - wed) and then oh right, tuesday i leave for a three night / four day cruise to the bahamas with my roommate lauren! I'm so pumped to be on a cruise, as I hear they are the best type of vacation you can take. The forecast says thunderstorms the whole time we are in the Bahamas, but I mean really when you are on vacation and not at work or class, well I'll even take thunderstorms. I'm pretty sure someone once said anyways, that "life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain".

Fall is in the air...sort of

So fall has finally arrived in Columbia, SC and what that really means is that the temperature has dropped to the 70's and 80's (but well take what we can get). I had a very relaxing weekend, filled with fun fall activities. Caught up and hung with friends Friday night, cleaned and went to the Chili Cook Off downtown and what not Saturday (the Gamecocks had a buy in football) and finished today with sand volleyball and fall fun, which included pumpkin picking, a corn maze and a hay ride! Oh, and some homework and getting my life in order tasks thrown in between.

Living in South Carolina has really made me appreciate the seasons - down here leaves don't change, you don't get to bundle up in a sweater, and kids will wear halloween costumes without snow suits bundled under them. However, we make up for it by baking fall breads, lighting fall scented candles, and enjoying the fall like weather that lasts till about noon every day. Some pictures of my life recently:

Paul, Sam and I at Sam's Birthday party

A whoel group of HESA people for Sam's Birthday

Kelly, Michelle and Me with Cocky at the Career Fair for work

Paul and I on our night in with Sam and Pete

Our day of Fall Fun! (Paul, Kelly, Ashley, Me, Ashley, Samantha, Mindy)

Yes we are those people

Pumpkin Picking!

In the maze (yes we did make it out!)