Friday Friday Friiiiiiday!

Well, it's the 3rd day of Spring and the high today is only 34.
With flurries. 
I am not happy about it. 
Just hoping that means April and May are nice to make up for it.

Anywayyyyyy (said in Ellen's voice), here are daily photos from the past week.

Mar 16, 2013.  Day 86 of 365.

"Fire Escape"

{I have such a thing for fire escapes.  

I have always wanted to live in a building with one.

Perhaps, when the hubs and I finally do decide to sell the house and rent again.}

 Mar 17, 2013.  Day 87 of 365.

"Green Wine"

{Deliciously sweet green wine enjoyed at the in-laws on 

St. Patrick's Day.}

 Mar 18, 2013.  Day 88 of 365.

"Lemon Water"

{Since I have been fighting off cold after cold this winter

I have been craving lemons.  I am assuming it is the Vitamin C

my body needs.  So I have been listening.}

Mar 19, 2013.  Day 89 of 365.

"Breakfast Buddies"

{My girlfriends I spend between 27 to 30 hours with during the week.  

Little girlfriend had just woken up from a nap.  So I snuggled 

with her in my lap when sister wanted in on a piece of the 

"snuggle buggle."}

 Mar 20, 2013.  Day 90 of 365.

"Relaxation"

{Wednesday morning relaxation.  Tea and a new library book while 

the iPhone charges.}

 Mar 21, 2013.  Day 91 of 365.

"Natural Gradient"

{It is beginning to be light again in the mornings.  WOOT!

This was taken from the driveway of the home I baby-sit for. 

I love the colors.}

 Mar 22, 2013.  Day 92 of 365.

"March Madness"

{This mornings set-up.

No, the husband is not home.

I am that girl who actually enjoys watching basketball.  

Especially during March Madness.}

How about some old school J. Lo for #backthatazzup Friday

linking up with:

I hope, wherever you are, are warm and enjoying some sunshine.

Soak some up for me please.  Thanks in advance:)

Okay, now it's time to get my Chris Pine fill

while I watch Star Trek in anticipation of the 

new one coming out in May:)

they dye the river green!

In honor of my favorite excuse-to-day-drink day of the year, I thought I would share with y'all my favorite St. Patrick's Day, circa 2009, to date

Ever since I learned that Chicago dyes it's rivers green for St. Patrick's Day it was something I wanted to do and see.  So, while husband and I were in town visiting family and for the Chicago Half Marathon the previous September, we started slowly plan how we could make that happen.  

I love my extended family.  We try to make a point to see each other at least once a year, even though it has gotten harder over the years.  We all get along really well and have always have a blast when we do get together.  So I figured this would be a great excuse to get the family together for a mini family reunion and to celebrate the small percentage of our Irish blood.  

As I expected, and foggily fondly look back on, it was a great day of dancing, green beer, and laughing with some of my favorite people. 

Sisters. (from L to R) C, Me and M. 

Cousins.  (from L to R) Me, M, C, Kristin and KDKA. 

Us in the bean:) 

Cousins in the bean photo for Grandml 

Uncle Bobby!  And yes, he is wearing jeans with a jean jacket.  He is still one of the coolest adults I know though:) 

Waiting for the train. 

Post day drinking festivities dance party late into the night

Hands down, my favorite St. Patrick's Day.  However, most nights end like this when we are visiting our family in Chicago.  And I wouldn't have it any other way:)

Change + 365 + Nelly

As you may have noticed, well at least if you've be around a while, there are some changes on this here little ole blog. But just in case you are as observant as yours truly, I'll point it out to you. The change is in the title; Starting Over at the Dirty 30.

I turned 30 in October.  The big 3-0.  It was a birthday I was not particularly looking forward but always seemed like so far away.  I mean, people who are 30 have their shit together and are like real adults.  At 29, I certainly didn't feel as if I had my shit together yet and certainly didn't feel like an adult, even though I have a house, I am married, had a full-time job, pay bills, etc.  You know all those adult-like, and what adults don't tell you about when your a kid, kinda stuff.  

Anyway, as the day quickly neared, my opinion of turning 30 started to slowly change.  Not one of dread, like so many of peers seemed to have been experiencing, but to one of hope.  A new decade, a new me.   A chance to start over.  I made some drastic changes in my life, like quitting my job of 6.5 years in June, and started to feel really empowered.  For the first time in my life I felt I was finally in control.  

You know when you were a little girl, when you daydreamed of what your life would be like when you grew up?  For me, I would meet the love of my life while in college, get married quickly out of college then have a few kids of my own.  This would, I had assumed, be accomplished well before I was 30.  Well, as we all know, things don't always turn out as we plan.  

I'd experience moments (most likely when aunt flow was visiting) of the blues when I found myself feeling as if I had failed as an adult because the life I had dreamt of as a little girl was not the life I was living.  I know our interests, wants, and needs change as we age but this feeling would often creep up on me.  

It was not until after leading a group discussion on self-esteem (I led group discussions on illness/wellness management at the old job) that I realized, along with comparing ourselves to others, comparing ourselves to our former self or a self we once thought we should be, is just as debilitating.  Once I realized this is what I was doing, I started to make a conscious effort to stop this self-harming way of thinking.  While it took me another year or so to finally make the changes in my life I needed to feel complete happiness in all aspects of my life, the important part is that I did.  

Do I have my shit together now?  Absolutely not.  I probably won't ever feel as I do.  Because I don't think I will ever feel as "old" as I am.  So, while I envisioned a completely different life for myself when I was yougin', I am slowly starting to let go of the idea who I thought I was supposed to be so that I can finally start living the life I now want and become the person I am meant to be.  

While I still have every intention of continuing to share my photos on this here blog, I would like it to be more about whatever I feel like at the moment.  So please follow along while let go who I thought I was, to become the person I am meant to be.  And hopefully show you people in your 20s that turning 30 isn't as scary as you anticipate it to be.

With that being said, and since today is Friday, below are this past week's 365 Project Photos.  Hope you enjoy:

Mar 9, 2013.  Day 79 of 365.

"Tree Shadow"

"Fence"

"First signs"

{These were all taken during an impromptu walk through town to the local library for a new book.}

Mar 10, 2013.  Day 80 of 365. 

"Change of Heart"

{New book from the library enjoyed on the back porch on a 60+ degree sunny Sunday afternoon}

Mar 11, 2013.  Day 81 of 365.

"Dinner"

Mar 12, 2013.  Day 82 of 365.

"Night Stand" 

Mar 13, 2013.  Day 83 of 365.

"Winter Bareness"

{My favorite street by far in Sewickley is Pine Street.  It is a beautiful tree lined quiet street that looks beautiful year around.  I laid down in the middle of the street to get this one.  A different perspective then the one I usually I try to get}

Mar 14, 2013.  Day 84 of 365.

"Thursday Night"

{Season 4 of Friends, candle light, and a glass of wine makes for a good night.}

Mar 15, 2013.  Day 85 of 365.

"Morning business"

{Can't believe how long it took me to discover coffee.  If I had, I am sure I would have been much more productive in the morning.}

Okay, okay, I know that was a lot for one post.  But I hope you are still with me as I end with an oldie but a goodie from Nelly for another music link-up (in case you couldn't already tell I really love music) #backthatazzup Friday with I Wore Yoga Pants to Work. 

Nelly - "It's Hot in Here" 

Happy Friday everyone and hope you all have a good weekend!  I am looking forward to a day of Green and day drinking downtown for St. Pattys Day festivities with a friend tomorrow.

Oh, and P.S.  I am now on BlogLovin.  So click on that strange looking head over there on the right and be sure to follow me there as well.  I cannot believe it has taken me so long to join it.  So much easier to follow all of my blogs now! 

Hold On {Music Monday}

So, some of you may have heard of this little show called The Walking Dead.  No?  WHAT ROCK HAVE YOU BEEN LIVING UNDER?!?!

Anyway, husband and I caught up on Saturday night (didn't watch last night's episode so please dont say anything) and both fell in love with the song Beth sings toward the end of the "I Ain't a Judas" episode.  As soon as the song was over we immediately googled and both agree the original is even better. 

Emily Kinney cover of Hold On

Tom Waits - "Hold On"

They hung a sign up in out town
"if you live it up, you won't
live it down"
So, she left Monte Rio, son
Just like a bullet leaves a gun
With charcoal eyes and Monroe hips
She went and took that California trip
Well, the moon was gold, her
Hair like wind
She said don't look back just
Come on Jim

Oh you got to
Hold on, Hold on
You got to hold on
Take my hand, I'm standing right here
You gotta hold on

Well, he gave her a dimestore watch
And a ring made from a spoon
Everyone is looking for someone to blame
But you share my bed, you share my name
Well, go ahead and call the cops
You don't meet nice girls in coffee shops
She said baby, I still love you
Sometimes there's nothin left to do

Oh you got to
Hold on, hold on
You got to hold on
Take my hand, I'm standing right here, you got to
Just hold on.

Well, God bless your crooked little heart St. Louis got the best of me
I miss your broken-china voice
How I wish you were still here with me

Well, you build it up, you wreck it down
You burn your mansion to the ground
When there's nothing left to keep you here, when
You're falling behind in this
Big blue world

Oh you go to
Hold on, hold on
You got to hold on
Take my hand, I'm standing right here
You got to hold on

Down by the Riverside motel,
It's 10 below and falling
By a 99 cent store she closed her eyes
And started swaying
But it's so hard to dance that way
When it's cold and there's no music
Well your old hometown is so far away
But, inside your head there's a record
That's playing, a song called

Hold on, hold on
You really got to hold on
Take my hand, I'm standing right here
And just hold on.

Are you a fan of the show?  Which version do you like best? 

oh and P.S. check out the first comment (if you don't mind the F word) under the Tom Waits version.  HAHA someone who finds Andrea as annoying as we do!


linking up with Angie from My So-called Chaos for Music Monday

365

Oh Fridays, how I love you!  I had such a nice morning and afternoon with you visiting good friends then spending some time with the husband.  Now I have a glass of wine next to me.  All is right in the world.  

Mar 2, 2013.  Day 72 of 365.

"Southside"

{Sister M was visiting over the weekend.  She has a friend living in the Southside that she hasn't seen in a while.  So we spent sometime walking around, shopping and getting ourselves pierced.}

Mar 3, 2013.  Day 73 of 365.

"Pepsi-Cola"

"Stoop"

"Looking Up"

{These were all taken on my walk around Lawrenceville, quickly becoming my favorite Pittsburgh neighborhood, while husband yogaed.  I couldn't choose my favorite.}

Mar 4, 2013.  Day 74 of 365.

"Crawl"

{Little girlfriend is on the move.  She thinks she is soooo sneaky when she heads to the stairs to climb. Fortunately for me, she has quite a loud hand smack when she crawls so I can always tell she is on the move.}

Mar 5, 2013.  Day 75 of 365.

"Blowing Bubbles"

{Girlfriend showing me how good she has gotten at blowing bubbles.}

Mar 6, 2013.  Day 76 of 365.

"March Snow Drops"

{I am officially over snow now.  You know since it is March and all.  However, it still makes for beautiful photos.}

Mar 7, 2013.  Day 77 of 365.

"Matching"

"Girlfriend dominating me in a card matching game.  I am always amazed by how much she has learned in just the short 6 months I have known her.  When I first met her, she cheated in games and rigged them so she would always win.  Not anymore.}

Mar 8, 2013.  Day 78 of 365.

"Plaintains."

Happy Friday to everyone!  Hope you have a good weekend full of warmer temps:)

The sweetest sound

... is the laughter of a baby

You're welcome. 

  

(please excuse my silly noises.  i do what i gotta do to make little girlfriend laugh.) 

Burgh'n it. N'at.

About a month ago, the hubs and I decided to take advantage of our open Fridays and head into the city for a few hours of exploring.  We needed to get my car's front windshield replaced and I had recently purchased a Groupon for Penn Brewery so we had perfect excuses to head out on a blistery February morning.  

Since we had some time to kill while the windshield was being replaced we wandered down 5th Avenue looking for a diner to grab some breakfast.  Apparently there are none in the area so we settled for 2 breakfast burritos from Subway.  When we asked if she could just wrap the burrito in the egg the girl gave us a funny look.  A very confused female sandwich artist such a request makes. Once husband described to her what we meant she got it. The life of gluten-free living.

As you can see our walk in search of a diner was awfully cold.  I forgot a hat but was lucky enough to bring my scarf my sister got me from her trip to India.  Boy did it come in handy!

Once the ole girl was ready we headed to Penn Brewery for lunch.  I have lived in Pittsburgh since '95 and never been here.  It is a place I would definitely go again!  

view of the Heinz plant from across the street

Somewhere I'd definitely like to return to once it's nice out.  

I have always thought it would be nice to work somewhere that allowed it's workers to go out for lunch on a Friday and it be perfectly acceptable to throw back some beers while enjoying lunch.  That is of course assuming these men shown actually work.  

We then headed to The Strip District.  A neighborhood in the city we wish we frequented more often and lived closer to.  In the Summer the sidewalks are lined with fresh fruit and veggies and flowers.  It also has some of the best stores for food lovers.  As is custom on a trip to The Strip we stopped in Penn Mac to just check out their olive oils, cheeses and olives.  Good thing our stomachs were full from lunch.  Otherwise, this a place you do not want to shop if you are hungry.  

This shop is always open and has clothes displayed outside it's doors year round.  I can only imagine how long it takes for the store owner to get ready to open.  Pretty much anything clothing related, they sell here.  My favorite are the different scarves they have and they are always on sale.  I am such a sucker for a good deal!

Hubs and I have had a popcorn obsession lately.  So we were thrilled to find this.  Neither one of us realized it existed.  How cool is the inside though?  And that old-timey stove?  Loved it.  

Apparently there are a lot of painted murals around the city.  I didn't realize this until my sister and I were walking around The Southside just this past this weekend (post to come), but her and my mom did a Pittsburgh mural tour when they lived here.  Aren't the colors in this one great?  

Since it was so cold, we were looking for some tea and hot chocolate to warm us up.  We found this shop that not only sold tea, coffees and hot chocolate but actually had Almond and Coconut milk as an option for my Chai Tea.  An option that I wish was offered more in the area.  

We ended our walk along The Strip at Wholey's Fish Market.  I do not like fish.  At all.  So walking around Wholey's is such a task.  All the dead fish set out staring at you is something I would much rather not do.  Plus, the smell.  YUCK.  But hubs was on the hunt for sardines so in we went.  

As we checked out, the cashier asked hubs if we planned on feeding the sardines to our cat.  I just laughed and said, "unfortunately no we do not have a cat.  he eats them."  We managed to stun two people in one day.  Not an easy task for many.  

I also made a little video of our trip.  Check it out! 

Song: The Decemberists - "January Hymn" 

Have you ever been to Pittsburgh???  It is definitely a city that I think has a bad name due to the steel mills of the 70s but have noticed that opinion starting to change.  If you are ever are passing through, I definitely recommend you stopping by and making some time to explore the city.  I promise, you won't regret it:)