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| Always be bright |
Showing posts with label Sam Says. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sam Says. Show all posts
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Monday, June 3, 2013
40 x 40
I turned 30 this year. Whereas my 20s were filled with a lot of change and growth (college, career, first home, marriage, children, etc), I'm looking forward to the relative stability of my fourth decade. Ben and I have a house we love, we're done having children, we're both steadily growing in our chosen careers... we're ready to just be for a bit.
While we may not have any major life events on the horizon, I still want to make sure I'm seeing and experiencing as much as I can. So to keep things fresh and interesting, I developed a sort of bucket list for my 30s. I give you my forty by forty list...
40 x 40
While we may not have any major life events on the horizon, I still want to make sure I'm seeing and experiencing as much as I can. So to keep things fresh and interesting, I developed a sort of bucket list for my 30s. I give you my forty by forty list...
40 x 40
- Run a half marathon
- Get a PhD
- Write a children's book
- Learn how to use my DSLR
- Read Atlas Shrugged (it's 1,168 pages!)
- Become a certified yoga instructor
- Take a 3-4 week trip abroad with the kids
- Enjoy a glass of wine in Napa Valley
- Complete a sprint-length off-road triathlon
- Take a beach vacation with Ben (children optional)
- Visit the Grand Canyon
- Learn how to play guitar
- Knit something
- Serve on the board of directors for a non-profit
- Learn how to use a sewing machine
- Make a quilt with my mom
- Visit New York City
- Master the art of the French press
- Learn to say "hello" in 20 languages
- Become a rock star chef on the grill
- Take a tap dancing class
- Go white water rafting
- Climb a rock wall
- Ride in a hot air balloon
- Learn to play poker
- Read every book that has won a Pulitzer Prize in the fiction category
- Give a speech in front of a large group of people
- Visit the White House
- Participate in NaNoWriMo
- Perform in a community theater production
- Win an award for personal or professional achievement
- Donate $1,000 to a non-profit I care about
- See the redwoods in California
- Go skiing in Colorado
- Take surfing lessons
- Give blood
- Join the National Bone Marrow Registry
- Host Thanksgiving dinner
- Get a tattoo
- Be part of a flash mob
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
30 Years Old
Happy birthday to me! Once again stealing this idea from my friend Maggie... snapshot of me at 30 years old. You can read last year's birthday post here.
What did you read?
Grad school consumed most of my reading time, but since graduating in mid-December I have enjoyed many more leisure books. For non-fiction, I really liked Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion and Purpose by the CEO of Zappos. I've been reading a lot on Montessori (probably 10+ different titles), which I'll write about in a later post about our home preschool. I also had the honor of proofreading my colleague's new book on job search prior to publication.
I managed to do some fiction reading as well... some of my favorites include City of Women, The Forever Marriage, The Book Thief and The Fault In Our Stars.
What did you watch?
Downton Abbey (PBS) and Homeland (Showtime) were my favorite shows this year. I found Homeland while browsing on Amazon and I watched all thirteen episodes of the first season in less than a week. Seriously, it's that good. Although season two just aired this fall, the episodes won't be released to Amazon/iTunes until September 2013, so I have to wait (and try and avoid any spoilers).
What did you do with your spare time?
Once again, the majority of my spare time was dedicated to grad school. Since graduating in December, I've been reading more, setting up the nursery and catching up on projects around the house.
Where did you go?
We spent time in Door County again this summer, which is always fun. Eight days was a little long for Will, so I think we'll have to cut it back a bit if we go again.
I also traveled to Louisville for work, which was a lot of fun. It was a great conference, and Louisville was a really fun city. We visited Churchill Downs and sampled lots of bourbon, which was awesome. I'd like to go back when I have more time to explore.
What thrilled you?
Getting that positive pregnancy test!
What scared you?
Getting that positive pregnancy test.
What are you most proud of?
Finishing my master's degree!
What would you do over?
I don't really believe in regrets. But I have been thinking a lot lately about being a more present parent. Between finishing my master's degree and being pregnant, I feel like I've been distracted and exhausted for most of the year. If I could do anything over, I would try and give Will more of my full attention, to be more present and live in the moment with him. A good reminder for the year to come, especially with BG on the way.
How's married life?
Ben is wonderful. He's really gone above and beyond in the past year, picking up the slack so I could finish my degree, as well as doting on me throughout my pregnancy. He's so supportive of all my pursuits and I'm eternally thankful for that.
Marriage with young children is... hard. We don't make enough time for each other, and unfortunately, I'm sure that will only get more challenging after BG arrives. Admittedly, we both put our children before our marriage. We're working on it every day though, and trying to be more mindful of who we are as partners (not just parents).
How's parenthood?
Will is the absolute light of my life. Being his mother is the most incredible, exhausting, rewarding and frustrating thing I've ever done. Two can been really challenging at times, but it's also a blast. I'm so proud of the person Will is growing in to. He's intelligent, articulate, sensitive and funny. He loves to give cuddles and hugs. He's curious, shy and strong-willed. He is my greatest joy and accomplishment.
What did you read?
Grad school consumed most of my reading time, but since graduating in mid-December I have enjoyed many more leisure books. For non-fiction, I really liked Delivering Happiness: A Path to Profits, Passion and Purpose by the CEO of Zappos. I've been reading a lot on Montessori (probably 10+ different titles), which I'll write about in a later post about our home preschool. I also had the honor of proofreading my colleague's new book on job search prior to publication.
I managed to do some fiction reading as well... some of my favorites include City of Women, The Forever Marriage, The Book Thief and The Fault In Our Stars.
What did you watch?
Downton Abbey (PBS) and Homeland (Showtime) were my favorite shows this year. I found Homeland while browsing on Amazon and I watched all thirteen episodes of the first season in less than a week. Seriously, it's that good. Although season two just aired this fall, the episodes won't be released to Amazon/iTunes until September 2013, so I have to wait (and try and avoid any spoilers).
What did you do with your spare time?
Once again, the majority of my spare time was dedicated to grad school. Since graduating in December, I've been reading more, setting up the nursery and catching up on projects around the house.
Where did you go?
We spent time in Door County again this summer, which is always fun. Eight days was a little long for Will, so I think we'll have to cut it back a bit if we go again.
I also traveled to Louisville for work, which was a lot of fun. It was a great conference, and Louisville was a really fun city. We visited Churchill Downs and sampled lots of bourbon, which was awesome. I'd like to go back when I have more time to explore.
What thrilled you?
Getting that positive pregnancy test!
What scared you?
Getting that positive pregnancy test.
What are you most proud of?
Finishing my master's degree!
What would you do over?
I don't really believe in regrets. But I have been thinking a lot lately about being a more present parent. Between finishing my master's degree and being pregnant, I feel like I've been distracted and exhausted for most of the year. If I could do anything over, I would try and give Will more of my full attention, to be more present and live in the moment with him. A good reminder for the year to come, especially with BG on the way.
How's married life?
Ben is wonderful. He's really gone above and beyond in the past year, picking up the slack so I could finish my degree, as well as doting on me throughout my pregnancy. He's so supportive of all my pursuits and I'm eternally thankful for that.
Marriage with young children is... hard. We don't make enough time for each other, and unfortunately, I'm sure that will only get more challenging after BG arrives. Admittedly, we both put our children before our marriage. We're working on it every day though, and trying to be more mindful of who we are as partners (not just parents).
How's parenthood?
Will is the absolute light of my life. Being his mother is the most incredible, exhausting, rewarding and frustrating thing I've ever done. Two can been really challenging at times, but it's also a blast. I'm so proud of the person Will is growing in to. He's intelligent, articulate, sensitive and funny. He loves to give cuddles and hugs. He's curious, shy and strong-willed. He is my greatest joy and accomplishment.
How's work?
I feel like I've found a nice balance between work and family in the past few months. I'm working 8-12 hours a week in the career services office of a local technical college. The work is fast-paced, and I really enjoy interacting with the students. The hours are enough to get me out of the house on a regular basis, but not so much that I feel overextended. I look forward to going back to work full-time in a few years, but for now, this very part-time schedule is perfect for our young family.
What's next?
That would be BG! We're all just hanging out here, nine months pregnant, waiting for her to arrive. If she's on the same timetable as her brother (15 days early) that would be early-April. Hopefully I'll go early again, but emotionally preparing myself to go past my due date.
I'm on maternity leave all summer (over 5 months, yay!), so I look forward to a lazy summer of outdoor concerts, running barefoot in the backyard, and park play dates. A lot of our summer will be dedicated to finding our new normal as a family of four, but I'm ready for this next phase to begin.
Onward into my 30s!
I'm on maternity leave all summer (over 5 months, yay!), so I look forward to a lazy summer of outdoor concerts, running barefoot in the backyard, and park play dates. A lot of our summer will be dedicated to finding our new normal as a family of four, but I'm ready for this next phase to begin.
Onward into my 30s!
Saturday, April 14, 2012
29 Years Old
I actually wrote this right after my birthday last month, but never posted it. My friend Maggie did this for her 29th earlier this year. I am unabashedly stealing the idea. (Thanks, Maggie! xoxo)
I make a point to chronicle Will's growth and development (almost) every month, but what about my own? I turned 29 on Tuesday (March 20), and I took a moment to reflect on the year that was. Here are my thoughts, which I hope I will find endlessly entertaining 10 years from now.
What did you read?
Almost all of my reading was dedicated to graduate school. The stuff I enjoyed the most was on adult learning theory, technology trends, and student retention initiatives. I fully understand that your eyes just glazed over (Ben, I'm talking to you). But I love it, thus why I'm studying it.
I did find a little time for fun reading over interim breaks, which allowed me to read the Hunger Games trilogy (Suzanne Collins), Enrique's Journey (Sonia Nazario), Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me And Other Concerns (Mindy Kaling), Run (Ann Patchett), and The Night Circus (Erin Morgenstern). Although I have traditionally preferred reading nonfiction or classics, I'm definitely in a contemporary fiction phase. I attribute this largely to the amount of scholarly reading I do on a monthly basis. Fiction provides an escape.
What did you watch?
TV shows I obsessed over this year include: Downton Abbey (PBS) and Sons of Anarchy (FX). We also watch a ton of old shows on Netflix. I'm still working through Brothers & Sisters, but I got through all the seasons of Gossip Girl and the one glorious season of My So Called Life early this year.
What did you do with your spare time?
Ha. Ha, ha. Oh, that's a serious question.
Well, if you define "spare" time as time not used working or being with my family, I guess most of my "spare" time goes to graduate school. I typically do most of my homework between the hours of 8:00 and 11:00 PM, so that leaves little time for a social life if I also want to see my husband, sleep and be up with my kid at 7:00 AM.
When I do manage to get out, it's usually for drinks, dinner or a run. All of which I enjoy. All of which help me chill out and reconnect with myself.
Where did you go?
We haven't taken a real vacation in years. Years. We did go to Door County last summer, but we had to cut our trip short to close on our new house. I visited my dear high school girlfriends in St. Paul for our annual sleepover. And made countless trips (at least once a month) back to my parents' house in Minnesota. We also spent some time in Madison for football games, and one particularly raucous hockey game.
What thrilled you?
Selling our house in just a month! We had a kick ass realtor, and I had that place staged damn cute. We worked our butts off for that offer, but we did it. And we love our new place.
What scared you?
My Mom and Dad were both in really serious car accidents. Mom vs. ditch in November and Dad vs. car going 55 MPG while on his motorcycle in March (just two days before my birthday, in fact).
What are you most proud of?
Juggling it all - mom, wife, student, professional, informed citizen. It's not always pretty, but most days I'm making it work.
What would you do over?
I need to figure out how to say yes to less. Just because an opportunity is exciting, doesn't mean I have to do it. I need to prioritize and find focus.
If I could go back, I would also obsess less over Will's helmet. Although it felt very major at the time, it really was such a relatively short period of time. I'm glad we did it and I'm glad it's over. But it wasn't worth all my worry and tears. We made it through, his head is beautiful, and everyone is fine.
How's married life?
I need to find more time for Ben. He often gets overlooked in the chaos. But I love him with all my heart. He's the one person who can always make me laugh, let me cry, etc. He just "gets" me. And at the end of the day, there's no one I'd rather snuggle up next to.
How's parenthood?
Will is, without a doubt, the greatest thing I will ever do with my life. The toddler stage can be trying at times, but more often than not, it's a blast. I love this age way more than having an infant. Watching him learn and interact with the world is so awesome.
How's work?
Work is crazy busy. In case you haven't been keeping track, I now have two part-time jobs and a full-time graduate student schedule. Insane! Every day is an exercise on finding balance. I'm still learning, and trying to figure out how to prioritize.
What's next?
The next year is poised to be a big one... I'm graduating in December, and Ben and I have started talking about having another baby. I really don't want to start trying until after I'm done with school, but hopefully I will have some fun baby news to share before my next birthday. Not to mention that birthday will be a big one... 30 (eek!).
I make a point to chronicle Will's growth and development (almost) every month, but what about my own? I turned 29 on Tuesday (March 20), and I took a moment to reflect on the year that was. Here are my thoughts, which I hope I will find endlessly entertaining 10 years from now.
What did you read?
Almost all of my reading was dedicated to graduate school. The stuff I enjoyed the most was on adult learning theory, technology trends, and student retention initiatives. I fully understand that your eyes just glazed over (Ben, I'm talking to you). But I love it, thus why I'm studying it.
I did find a little time for fun reading over interim breaks, which allowed me to read the Hunger Games trilogy (Suzanne Collins), Enrique's Journey (Sonia Nazario), Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me And Other Concerns (Mindy Kaling), Run (Ann Patchett), and The Night Circus (Erin Morgenstern). Although I have traditionally preferred reading nonfiction or classics, I'm definitely in a contemporary fiction phase. I attribute this largely to the amount of scholarly reading I do on a monthly basis. Fiction provides an escape.
What did you watch?
TV shows I obsessed over this year include: Downton Abbey (PBS) and Sons of Anarchy (FX). We also watch a ton of old shows on Netflix. I'm still working through Brothers & Sisters, but I got through all the seasons of Gossip Girl and the one glorious season of My So Called Life early this year.
What did you do with your spare time?
Ha. Ha, ha. Oh, that's a serious question.
Well, if you define "spare" time as time not used working or being with my family, I guess most of my "spare" time goes to graduate school. I typically do most of my homework between the hours of 8:00 and 11:00 PM, so that leaves little time for a social life if I also want to see my husband, sleep and be up with my kid at 7:00 AM.
When I do manage to get out, it's usually for drinks, dinner or a run. All of which I enjoy. All of which help me chill out and reconnect with myself.
Where did you go?
We haven't taken a real vacation in years. Years. We did go to Door County last summer, but we had to cut our trip short to close on our new house. I visited my dear high school girlfriends in St. Paul for our annual sleepover. And made countless trips (at least once a month) back to my parents' house in Minnesota. We also spent some time in Madison for football games, and one particularly raucous hockey game.
What thrilled you?
Selling our house in just a month! We had a kick ass realtor, and I had that place staged damn cute. We worked our butts off for that offer, but we did it. And we love our new place.
What scared you?
My Mom and Dad were both in really serious car accidents. Mom vs. ditch in November and Dad vs. car going 55 MPG while on his motorcycle in March (just two days before my birthday, in fact).
What are you most proud of?
Juggling it all - mom, wife, student, professional, informed citizen. It's not always pretty, but most days I'm making it work.
What would you do over?
I need to figure out how to say yes to less. Just because an opportunity is exciting, doesn't mean I have to do it. I need to prioritize and find focus.
If I could go back, I would also obsess less over Will's helmet. Although it felt very major at the time, it really was such a relatively short period of time. I'm glad we did it and I'm glad it's over. But it wasn't worth all my worry and tears. We made it through, his head is beautiful, and everyone is fine.
How's married life?
I need to find more time for Ben. He often gets overlooked in the chaos. But I love him with all my heart. He's the one person who can always make me laugh, let me cry, etc. He just "gets" me. And at the end of the day, there's no one I'd rather snuggle up next to.
How's parenthood?
Will is, without a doubt, the greatest thing I will ever do with my life. The toddler stage can be trying at times, but more often than not, it's a blast. I love this age way more than having an infant. Watching him learn and interact with the world is so awesome.
How's work?
Work is crazy busy. In case you haven't been keeping track, I now have two part-time jobs and a full-time graduate student schedule. Insane! Every day is an exercise on finding balance. I'm still learning, and trying to figure out how to prioritize.
What's next?
The next year is poised to be a big one... I'm graduating in December, and Ben and I have started talking about having another baby. I really don't want to start trying until after I'm done with school, but hopefully I will have some fun baby news to share before my next birthday. Not to mention that birthday will be a big one... 30 (eek!).
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Stuff I Love And You Should Too: July Edition
Note: I am no way endorsed or compensated by the businesses and products below. These are just things that I legitimately love, and you should too!
I love when other bloggers to do this, so here are a few things that I'm coveting this month...
1) Goody Spin Pins
I love these things! For someone who wears her hair up almost every day (like me), they are heaven sent. Cute up-do in half the time, with far fewer bobby pins. Fabulous!
2) Sephora Perfecting Cover Foundation
I've never been a huge makeup person. I want to look polished, but I never want to look done up. Most days I just wear moisturizer and mascara, but as I get older, my skin isn't as flawless as it used to be. So I find myself needing foundation to cover dark eye circles and even out my skin tone. I can't stand most foundations, so I had been using a tinted moisturizer. But I really need something with more coverage. Enter: Sephora Perfecting Cover Foundation.
I just started using it last week, and let me tell you: this stuff is amazing. It's light, blends well and gives me an even, dewey complexion. It covers everything, and is oil and paraben-free. It's my new go-to foundation. Love!
3) Magnetic Cabinet Locks
A dear friend recommended magnetic cabinet locks after baby proofing for her son. We just ordered these for our new house, and they are fabulous. No pinched fingers (a la traditional cabinet locks), plus they are baby safe and adult friendly (which I honestly can't say about most other cabinet locks... you practically need a PhD in engineering to use them). If you're in the market for cabinet and/or drawer locks, I highly recommend.
4) Heartfelt Yarn Wreaths
I came across this Etsy shop a few weeks back, and it was love a first sight! Katie is based out of Manitoba, Canada, creating some beautiful and stunning wrapped yarn wreaths. We bought a grey and yellow wreath (titled "Sunshine and Smoke") for our new house. Simply stunning!
She does custom orders, but her pre-made styles are super fab. With Will's first birthday coming up, I'm coveting some of her new birthday wreaths. Be sure to check her out!
I love when other bloggers to do this, so here are a few things that I'm coveting this month...
1) Goody Spin Pins
 |
| Photo courtesy of Beauty Scribbler |
I love these things! For someone who wears her hair up almost every day (like me), they are heaven sent. Cute up-do in half the time, with far fewer bobby pins. Fabulous!
2) Sephora Perfecting Cover Foundation
 |
| Photo courtesy of Lazy Beautiful |
I just started using it last week, and let me tell you: this stuff is amazing. It's light, blends well and gives me an even, dewey complexion. It covers everything, and is oil and paraben-free. It's my new go-to foundation. Love!
3) Magnetic Cabinet Locks
 |
| Photo courtesy of Amazon.com |
A dear friend recommended magnetic cabinet locks after baby proofing for her son. We just ordered these for our new house, and they are fabulous. No pinched fingers (a la traditional cabinet locks), plus they are baby safe and adult friendly (which I honestly can't say about most other cabinet locks... you practically need a PhD in engineering to use them). If you're in the market for cabinet and/or drawer locks, I highly recommend.
4) Heartfelt Yarn Wreaths
 |
| Photo courtesy of Heartfelt Yarn Wreaths |
I came across this Etsy shop a few weeks back, and it was love a first sight! Katie is based out of Manitoba, Canada, creating some beautiful and stunning wrapped yarn wreaths. We bought a grey and yellow wreath (titled "Sunshine and Smoke") for our new house. Simply stunning!
She does custom orders, but her pre-made styles are super fab. With Will's first birthday coming up, I'm coveting some of her new birthday wreaths. Be sure to check her out!
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