4.29.2013

10 things + Musical Monday {Domino}

10 things that are bringing me happiness of late (in no particular order):

1. The weather predicted for the rest of this week is 70s and sunny!

2.  The feel of freshly shaved legs (even if I did miss a small section of my knee).

3.  I just got back from what started out as 1 mile walk around my neighborhood turned 2+ mile walk. I was having too much fun taking photos:) 

4.  Daydreaming of our trip to Palo Alto in June to visit one of my sisters for a week.  I have never been to that part of Cali and cannot wait. 

5.  The kids I nanny for make me laugh every single day.  

6.  Coffee.

7.  Discovering new music from another blogger. 

8.  Husband. 

9.  That Selena and Justin are possibly back together.  Yes, I said it. 

10.  MY NEW BLOG DESIGN by ItBritt!!!  How cute is it?!  I am absolutely in love with it!  What do you think?  Thanks again, Britt!!!

Van Morrison - "Domino"

Don't want to discuss it
I think it's time for a change
You may get disgusted
And think Im strange
In that case I'll go underground
Get some heavy rest
Never have to worry
About what is worst and what is best

Oh oh domino
Roll me over romeo
There you go
Lord have mercy
I said oh oh domino
Roll me over romeo
There you go
Say it again
I said oh oh domino
I said oh oh domino

There's no need for argument
There's no argument at all
And if you never hear from him
That just means he didn't call
Or vice versa
That depends on where ever you're at
And if you never hear from me
That just means I would rather not

I said oh oh domino
Roll me over romeo
There you go
Lord have mercy
I said oh oh domino
Roll me over romeo
There you go
Say it again
Oh oh domino
I said oh oh domino.



   
   

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4.24.2013

craving adventure

Source: My Pinterest 
In June, the husband and I are heading to Palo Alto to visit with my sister M.  
She is currently spending 3-6 months as a traveling nurse at Stanford University Hospital. 
So, we are taking advantage of her time there and spending a week with her. 
And we CANNOT wait. 
I have been to SoCal but never any part of the state.
We haven't done much planning yet but are looking for some good places for hiking and possibly camping in addition to the obvious wineries and day trips to San Fran.

Any and all recommendations welcome, please!  
What are must-sees in the area?!


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4.22.2013

love actually is all around

Copyright @ acornphotography


This time last week (I am typing this at 9am) people were most likely easing into their Monday morning routine.  Hating the fact that the weekend flew by yet again and it was another start to a long week.  Going about one's business completely unsuspecting of what would happen in the next few hours. 

I do not watch the news.  I used to but not anymore.  It all started when I first moved out on my own and all the different stories of robberies, fires, gun battles, deaths, etc kept me up at night.  At the time it was not much of a conscience effort, it just didn't make me feel good so I stopped watching.  And like most things, since I haven't watched in a while I don't miss it. 

My main source of "news" now comes from Facebook. So when I was scrolling through my news feed last Monday afternoon and my "friends" were talking about the bomb that went off during the Boston Marathon I was completely thrown.  Of course my heart broke as I started to learn more about what happened and hearing of the fatalities and casualties throughout the day.  How did this happen?  Who would do this?  

During the past week there have been many posts like this one wondering why there is so much more hate than love in the world.  And when awful things like what happened in Boston and West Texas happen, that is a hard thing not to wonder.  But let me tell you a little secret, my friend.  There is more love than hate in this world.  It happens every day but we tend to overlook it because of how often it happens.  The love we experience every day is not necessarily huge or significant but it is there.  

There is love when:
a complete stranger smiles at you, just acknowledging your presence 
when you hug a friend you haven't seen in a while
when you say "I love you" to your significant other, family members, children, etc before leaving in the morning
a complete stranger opens the door for you
when you make someone laugh or vice versa
when we support one another in our goals and dreams
when the cashier at your local coffee shop or grocery store says "have a good day" to you
a complete stranger says "good morning" to you

See?  There is more love than hate but since it happens so often we seem to take these small expressions of love for granted. 

So today and every day, I challenge you.  Look for love.  Share love.  I guarantee you will see it more then you might think.  I promise. 

Because "If you look for it, I've got a sneaky feeling you'll find that love actually is all around."


Dave Matthews Band - "Everyday"

Pick me up, love! 
(Pick me up, love) 
Hey, how long, how long, how long (Everyday) 
Everyday, ah 

Pick me up, oh, from the bottom 
Up to the top, love, everyday 
Pay no mind to taunts or advances 
I take my chances on everyday 

Left to right 
Up and down, love 
I push up love, love everyday 
Jump in the mud, oh 
Get your hands dirty with 
Love it up on everyday 

All you need is 
All you want is 
All you need is love. 
All you need is 
What you want is 
All you need is love. 

Everyday 
Everyday 
Oh, Everyday... 

Pick me up, love, from the bottom 
Up onto the top, love, everyday 
Pay no mind to taunts or advances 
I'm gonna take my chances on everyday 

Left to right 
Up and up and inside out right 
Good love fight for everyday 
Jump in the mud, mud 
Get your hands filthy, love 
Give it up, love 
Everyday 

All you need is 
All you want is 
All you need is love. 
All you need is 
What you want is 
All you need is love. 
Oh... 

What you've got 
Lay it down on me 
What you've got 
Lay it down on me 

All you need is 
All you want is 
All you need is love. 
All you need is 
What you want is 
All you need is love. 

Everyday 
Everyday 
Oh, Everyday... 

Pick me up love 
Lift me up love 
Pick me up love 
Everyday... 

Up from the bottom, everyday 
Up to the top love, everyday 
Pick me up love 
Lift me up love 
Pick me up love 
Everyday

       Comment Promise Hop

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4.18.2013

nostalgic

Dave Matthews Band - "Grey Street"

DMB takes me back to the excitement of the upcoming Summer break, late nights with friends spent outside, crushes, and of course amazing great Dave shows at Starlake with even better company. 
Driving home from work today I turned on my Spotify "DMB favorites" playlist, blasted the volume and jammed to great music with the windows rolled down, sunroof open and my hair blowing in the wind. 
As far as I am concerned, it is not truly Spring or Summer without some Dave blasting through the stereo.

What about you? 
What takes you back?
Are you a fan of Dave? What are your favorites? 





4.14.2013

guten morgen

Got woken up by husband at 10am singing the Dawson's Creek song. 
I would be more sore about it but I needed to get up. 
And I mean, who doesn't love catching their man singing an embarrassing 90s throwback song?  
Not this girl. 

My mom left yesterday and it was a wonderful visit. 
Days filled of long walks in beautiful weather, middle of the day cocktails, and drinking copious amounts of red at night while playing games leads one to feeling pretty exhausted.  
Apparently I needed the 10+ hours of sleep.  I actually feel rested. 

While husband was upstairs crossing off items on his to-do list 
I spent some time catching up on my Twitter feed and enjoying some delicious coffee
while listening to the sound of the birds chirping.  
As much as I do love the hot temperatures of Summer, I think Spring
may be my favorite season.  The smells, the sounds, and the hope I feel
makes it hard not to be. 

I am looking forward to getting back on here on the daily again.  I have actually missed it. 
So, until tomorrow, cheers and I hope you have a great Sunday:) 

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4.08.2013

Reboot the Mission // {Music Monday}

Happy Monday?  Is it ever a happy Monday?  

Anyway, how was everyone's weekend?  We had our first taste of Spring-like weather.  I was supposed to spend most of it cleaning in preparation for my mom's visit but put it off to sit on the back porch and read.  Oopsy Poopsy.  
My weekend was pretty uneventful.  Went to a friend's 30th birthday party Saturday night.  It was nice to see everyone but there were kids everywhere (and having melt downs) so no one got too crazy.  Oh times have changed... 

I am looking forward to this week though:)  My mom visits from STL for a few days.  She gets in tomorrow around 5.  We have plans of spending time in Pittsburgh, see a HS musical, walking and enjoying lots of wine.  As much as I love my mother (I do, I promise), preparing for her visits are always stressful.  Making sure the house is clean enough for her standards and that I don't say anything (usually happens when I have had too much of that red) that she can use in the future to criticize the life I have chosen will be the key to making this visit a successful one.  Albeit stressful, I am very excited and know we will still have loads of fun:) 

Now, on to Music Monday

Who doesn't remember this album cover?:
No?  (I probably just dated myself).  Even though I had this CD in my collection of music, I really never listened to it.  I am pretty sure I stole it from my dad who I think got it from one of those places that used to always mail him CDs as a way to get him to pay more money for a monthly membership for other CDs (anyone else know what I am talking about?  No?  Probably dated myself again).   

I knew The Wallflowers popular stuff that was on the radio but never anymore.  However, while driving to work, jamming to WYEP, I heard their newest song and fell in love.  It was released in October.  I still haven't ordered the new album yet, maybe that will be my next purchase.  Well, maybe after I finally decide to get Frightened Rabbit

The Wallflowers - "Reboot the Mission"

Where you're going has no signs
and you're not rollin' in a straight line
you ought to have me on your mind
I dare you to think otherwise.

Under the water, more water
you keep diving and you won't be recovered
you need a clue, I'll come in closer
I want to tell you, you've had it coming

chorus

Eyes on the prize, reboot the mission
I've lost my sight, but not the vision
eyes on the prize, reboot the mission
I lost my sight, but not the vision

move your body, look alive
Oh, don't you think it wants out some time
it's even better than you've implied
dice on the table, let it ride

the movie's showing over the building
midnight shift's just beginning
oh let your hair down, I watch you singing
I've got to say, you had it coming

chorus

No matter how you use it, which way you swing
even the longest day at some point ends
I'll throw your shoes off, hat in the ring
show me a hookshot, the whole thing

welcome Jack, the new drummer,
He jammed with the mighty Joe Strummer
I see Rami, Greg and Stewart
I've to say, Jay, we've had it coming

Since my mom is visiting, I do not plan spending much time blogging so please don't go anywhere.  I'll be back once she is gone full of recaps from her visit:) 

Linking up with a few peeps today: 
      
     

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4.05.2013

365 + link-ups out the bum

If you are new around here, first off, welcome!  Second, Fridays are posts dedicated to my 365 Photo a Day Challenge I have been doing.  What better way to kick off the weekend than with some photos, right? I hope you enjoy.  
Mar 31, 2013.  Day 100 of 365.

"Purple Rain"
{This was taken in my in-laws garden.  First signs of Spring on Easter after some rain.}

Apr 1, 2013.  Day 101 of 365.
"Juicin'"
{Husband is always on me about getting my veggies so I finally decided to pull out the juicer and make some juice.  Kale, Lemon, Apple and Celery.  Not bad, not bad.  And juicing is SO much cooler with a hot pink crazy straw.}

Apr 2, 2013.  Day 102 of 365.
"Evening Glow"
{I love the colors that come through our bathroom window as the sun sets.}

Apr 3, 2013.  Day 103 of 365.
"Photo Organizing"
{My MIL asked me to help organize all of her photos she has.  I'd gladly take any chance to check out old photos, especially ones of  the husband when he was a wee lad.}


Apr 4, 2013.  Day 104 of 365.
"Child's Play."
{The sun was out in full force yesterday, so girlfriend and I got outside for some volleyball and scooter fun.}

Apr 5, 2013.  Day 105 of 365.
"Rainbows."
{FINALLY able to bust out those rainbows and Spring colored toes!}

I am also linking up with Stephanie for the week's Happies & Crappies

Happies:  It was a short week so it was a good week * Little girlfriend fell asleep on me twice.  Melts my heart every time * The sun was out * I have run 5 of the 50 miles I hope to run in April * I have so far completed each day of the 30-day Squat Challenge * I have not had knee pain when I run * I got to go through old photos at my in-laws to help my MIL organize them * My mom comes in to visit on Tuesday
Crappies:  Because it was a short week, I didn't get to hang out with my little girlfriends as much * I didn't get paid as much since it was a short week * I locked myself out of the car, post run and had to sit outside in the 32 degree weather waiting for AAA * I was sore from the squats * I have to clean because my mom is coming to visit. 

And last, but certainly not least, linking up with one of my favorites Whitney for #backthatazzup Friday! 

I mean, who doesn't love a little old school jams to help get your weekend started?

Blackstreet - "No Diggity" 

Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend!!!  


The Vintage Modern Wife: Happies and Crappies Link Up

 ,  Aloha Friday Blog Hop   Marine Wife Mommy and Life

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4.03.2013

morning view

I actually got up this morning when my alarm went off at 7:30. Actually, I just lied.  I got up at 7:32.  But close enough.
I wanted to get an early start to my day. 
Grabbed me a cup of coffee then sat down to catch up on some of my favorite blogs. 
And as I sat down the sun shining through the window was blinding.
But I couldn't be mad about it. 
We haven't been seeing much of this giant ball of light around these parts much. 
So, when it makes its appearance, even making it hard to see the computer screen, I find it hard not to feel gratitude.  
And I can tell, today is going to be a good day:) 

photo taken with iPhone4 using the Afterlight app. 

What made you smile today?

Linking up with, 
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4.01.2013

caffeine fueled monday // Closer {Music Monday}

Woot to being a nanny for a mom who is a teacher.  Even though it wasn't the kind of spring break I am used to from HS or college, I'll take the extra day off.  I have had a nice morning off.  I got up early enough to hang out with husband before he headed out the door for work and caught up on blogs and entered giveaways like it was my job (<---I wish!). 

While browsing some favorite blogs, and quickly becoming new favorites, I stumbled upon some good work-out motivation for the month of April.  One is to run 50 miles in 30 days from Humble Haro Abode.  I know motivation should come from within but having a challenge certainly helps.  The second is to complete a 30 day Squat Challenge I saw here, from House of Glass.  I was trying on clothes at Target on Saturday, and let me tell you, those mirrors are not flattering.  at. ALL.  I was not happy with what I saw, so this is perfect.  
And since I am still fueled with caffeine from my morning coffee, I have decided to accept these challenges and feel pretty positive about it.  I will let you know how it goes:) 

And with needing motivation, finding good music to listen is a must.  Recently, husband and I have been on a Tegan & Sara kick.  Like I know I have mentioned before, a lot of my favorite Indie type of music favorites come from watching Grey's Anatomy.  Tegan & Sara are no different.  Their song "Where The Good Goes" is still one of my favorites.  I don't think I could ever get sick of it.  However, earlier this year they released an album that has a much more Pop sound to it.  They are someone I definitely see being around for a very long time.  

Tegan & Sara - "Closer"

All I want to get is a little bit closer
All I want to know is, can you come a little closer?

Here comes the breath before we get a little bit closer
Here comes the rush before we touch, come a little closer

The doors are open, the wind is really blowing
The night sky is changing overhead

It's not just all physical
I'm the type who won't get oh so critical
So let's make things physical
I won't treat you like you're oh so typical
I won't treat you like you're oh so typical

All you think of lately is getting underneath me
All I dream of lately is how to get you underneath me

Here comes the heat before we meet a little bit closer
Here comes the spark before the dark, come a little closer

The lights are off and the sun is finally setting
The night sky is changing overhead

It's not just all physical
I'm the type who won't get oh so critical
So let's make things physical
I won't treat you like you're oh so typical

I want you close, I want you
I won't treat you like you're typical
I want you close, I want you
I won't treat you like you're typical

Here come the dreams of you and me
Here come the dreams
Here come the dreams of you and me
Here come the dreams

It's not just all physical
I'm the type who won't get oh so critical
So let's make things physical
I won't treat you like you're oh so typical

I want you close, I want you
I won't treat you like you're typical
I want you close, I want you
I won't treat you like you're typical

I won't treat you like you're typical
I won't treat you like you're typical

All I want to get is a little bit closer
All I want to know is, can you come a little closer?


Linking up today with; 
.
and


What motivates you to exercise?
What music is your favorite work-out music?

Hope everyone had a nice weekend and a happy Easter!
Did you get a chance to see The Game of Thrones premier?
What did you think?
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