tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57704026524228745172024-03-19T18:56:20.144-04:00A Latte LoveAdventures in the real world, with a little help from my latte.Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00225242975147233102noreply@blogger.comBlogger165125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5770402652422874517.post-92107525963266816772014-04-10T08:59:00.002-04:002014-04-10T08:59:27.795-04:00On grief<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It has been a long time since I've written a real blog post and I don't think I've ever written one like the one that is to follow. It has been a very difficult few weeks and I think that my fingers and my heart will meet and produce something that is cathartic for me and hopefully inspirational for you. <br />
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For 24 years of life, I have been blessed to never lose anyone very close to me. The closest I ever got to true, deep grief was when my dog died suddenly during my freshmen year of college. That was sudden grief, coupled with a new environment, new stresses, and not a very solid support system in place in my new home environment. </div>
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Side note which will tie in- the Lenten season is very powerful for me. I love gathering in the evenings to commemorate Ash Wednesday, Wednesdays throughout Lent, Good Friday and finally rejoicing on Easter morning. </div>
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Little did I know what this Lent would hold. The message of "ashes to ashes" on Ash Wednesday was foretelling of the message that God would provide throughout the past few weeks. My grandfather on my dad's side, Clair, who suffered with dementia and Parkinson's, past away two weeks ago. His suffering was long and his life was really taken from him years ago. When he left this earth, we mourned his loss but rejoiced in his peace and freedom from illness. </div>
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After a month of battling health problems, my grandmother on my mom's side, Winnie, passed away on Sunday. She was 90 and while her mobility had been limited for years, her overall health and her mental health especially was good until the last month of her life. Again, she had been suffering which I saw firsthand when I went to see her a week before she passed away. When she finally let go, I knew that she was no longer suffering. </div>
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Here's the thing about grief...</div>
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It does not look the same for any person. Every single person grieves differently. My mom and dad have been strong and have felt at peace with everything. I shed more tears than they both have, but I too have peace. They were focused on preparing for cremations and services and moving forward. I have been focused on keeping my life in order amidst the changes, the trips home, the chaos. My grief looks very different from their grief. What is healing to them, is not necessarily healing to me. </div>
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Death is a funny thing. It is something we don't talk about easily. We don't discuss what happens towards the end of life or the questions you will be asked or the things you will have to face. Yet, when that time suddenly comes, we are forced into this world of hard questions and choices. </div>
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<br />Nothing could have prepared me for the past two weeks. Losing two grandparents so quickly was never something I considered but here I am. Nothing could have prepared me for the phone calls or the tears. But I am thankful for my faith throughout everything. I have trusted that God's plan is more perfect than anything I could concoct or wish for myself. I know that both of my grandparents are with the Lord and that their suffering is ended and they will watch over us. These have been comforting to me. </div>
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So yes, this post is mostly for myself. But it's also to say: grieve how you need. Cry however much or little you need to cry. Don't push people out, but feel free to tell people if you need space in your grief. Speak up if you need help and care for your weary heart. Tell people you love them. Stop being scared to talk about death and the creepy, crappy things that go along with it. Rely on God. Rely on others. Be thankful for the life you have. Live, truly live, the life you have. Take heart- it will be ok. </div>
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Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00225242975147233102noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5770402652422874517.post-52643093610906548122014-04-02T18:08:00.001-04:002014-04-02T18:08:30.647-04:00Oh Hey Blog World<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well hello there friends! It may have looked like this little space of the blog world was going to be silent for good. But have no fear, I am coming back! And I'm starting off with a fresh space in this little blog space of mine. It's all thanks to Caitlin at Celebrate Today! She was so sweet and helped me freshen my blog. I love the new look-it's clean and fresh...just what I needed for this space. <br />
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A lot has been happening in my world...both the good and the bad. There's been a lot of challenges in the past few months and I think I'm ready to reclaim this blog and use it as a way to write it out. I have found that I'm pretty darn good with words and I think that could be a really good outlet. <br />
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So here I am friends, back and ready to write. </div>
Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00225242975147233102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5770402652422874517.post-26217298925421782662014-02-09T15:58:00.002-05:002014-02-09T15:58:28.362-05:00Sweetheart Swap<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So it has been a very long time since I have hit that little orange button for a new blog post. I haven't had the desire or the words to blog for awhile and I'm ok with that. Life has been a rollercoaster of good and bad, beautiful and devastating, rewarding and frustrating. In fact, that pretty much describes life as a whole. If you're living in the bad, the devastating, or the frustrating- just know it won't last forever. <br />
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I actually have a reason to write today though and it is a lovely reason! I decided to join up with <a href="http://myborrowedheaven.blogspot.com/">Meg at Borrowed Heaven</a> for a Sweetheart Swap. The weather here in Pennsylvania has been downright depressing. We have had a constant series of snow and ice and arctic temperatures so I thought a blog swap might be a nice way to cheer up and look past the ugly weather. <br />
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With this swap, we got paired up, had to get to know our partner and then send them a box filled with happy Valentine's things! I was paired up with Julie from <a href="http://monroesonthemove.blogspot.com/">Monroes on the Move.</a> Julie was a serious doll and it has been so great getting to know her. She is a personal trainer and currently lives in Washington with her man and her dog. But they are moving to Germany soon! So I'm glad I got to know her before she left the country. Julie-THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for the box you sent me. It came on a day when I really needed a pick me up and everything you included in the box was so heartfelt and I just felt like you knew my heart. I have been loving all of my surprises all week long. <br />
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Here's what I got...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wmdKmYqosiN1N_2coA8MNk5JkW_YKqRx6_qYozxEOPzSp1aeLlTH31ejztdjHqSxDM9pEuh_m84iYSiTeOlUcA8SBt7opkhd-ky7fDKk7ulwESJDQlzLrSmJAcWfz0uquIKvunV1kvxw/s1600/889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2wmdKmYqosiN1N_2coA8MNk5JkW_YKqRx6_qYozxEOPzSp1aeLlTH31ejztdjHqSxDM9pEuh_m84iYSiTeOlUcA8SBt7opkhd-ky7fDKk7ulwESJDQlzLrSmJAcWfz0uquIKvunV1kvxw/s1600/889.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>{I knew there would be good stuff when I saw hot pink and sparkles!}</strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">{A GOREGOUS scarf in reds, pinks and oranges-I have gotten so many compliments the two times I wore this during the week. It's also incredibly soft!}</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>{A chocolate marshmallow stirrer for coffee or hot chocolate- brilliant!}</strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">{A lovely spatula! I love fun utensils!}</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">{A mug-does this girl know my heart or what?! And it goes with my blog name! I actually cried when I opened this!}</span></strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVttT1V33FFTqBkLzv_8OHgknp-wFh6UElRk-TKXaOqlPJABz7lTdD4juAQ-c11NM5axVO4uCtOiJSEo4GfjfehWLWpjNp8kYfbxeL4RZafWcC-qfNGy3hhgGC2_R0-kJbSUnFhcoIplVy/s1600/897.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVttT1V33FFTqBkLzv_8OHgknp-wFh6UElRk-TKXaOqlPJABz7lTdD4juAQ-c11NM5axVO4uCtOiJSEo4GfjfehWLWpjNp8kYfbxeL4RZafWcC-qfNGy3hhgGC2_R0-kJbSUnFhcoIplVy/s1600/897.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">{An eos lip ball-love these guys!}</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong>{A HUGE Kit Kat-one of my two favorites!}</strong></span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">{A Hershey bar-my other favorite}</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">{The carnage-there was lots of tissue paper. You can't tell me that this table doesn't brighten up the day}</span></strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: x-small;">{My wonderful goodies-I definitely was feeling the love}</span></strong></div>
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This box swap was truly wonderful. I have had good experiences every time I have done a swap and I am really thankful for that. I've done a Christmas one, a Valentine's one, a "Hometown" one, a mug one, a nautical one. Each has been a blessing in that it connected me with other women around the inter-webs. And really, who doesn't love to get a box on your door step. </div>
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So in spite of the weather, we carry on. And we spread the love. Keep spreading it, darlings. </div>
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Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00225242975147233102noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5770402652422874517.post-1844168004539529682013-08-03T14:35:00.000-04:002013-08-03T14:35:23.916-04:00July's Cara Box<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So the award to the worst blog poster ever would go to me. Since I never post. You know what though-I'm living it up this summer with friends, good food, a great job and lots going on. However, I did participate in the July Cara Box with <a href="http://www.wifessionals.com/">Wifessionals!</a><br />
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The July theme was Set Sail! I am loving all things nautical right now so I absolutely had to join in for this box. I was paired up with two Ashley's this month! I sent a box to the sweet Ashley at <a href="http://monogramsandmargaritas.blogspot.com/">Monograms and Margaritas.</a> I had a blast shopping for her stuff while I was down in Ocean City in June. <br />
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I got the most amazing box from Ashley at <a href="http://ourlittledevilpup.blogspot.com/2013/07/cara-box-july.html">Raising our Little Devil Pups</a>. Here's what I got! Each package had a little note stuck on to give me a clue as to what was inside. All nautically themed of course! <br />
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Such cute art right!! </div>
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Little did Ashley know that I LOVE fun plates and napkins. </div>
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What keeps me going! Coffee! </div>
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I LOVED this little pouch. I carry it in my purse now. It was such a cute idea to put travel sized stuff together for a perfect beach day. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcgLvAZWXdBh6BDr26cxkk4SyEJDw39q_gY1hh500-XulizRkN8DDFfaPKpA0-xN34KS578_dzyRsDYd3nlSYWoJGqq_js2a2llQSvGkhz8iSm9ZRZ4c0vlilhn9ZmpC_5vojvw3Z2BAN/s1600/018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikcgLvAZWXdBh6BDr26cxkk4SyEJDw39q_gY1hh500-XulizRkN8DDFfaPKpA0-xN34KS578_dzyRsDYd3nlSYWoJGqq_js2a2llQSvGkhz8iSm9ZRZ4c0vlilhn9ZmpC_5vojvw3Z2BAN/s320/018.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I didn't know this existed. But I love regular battleship so I'm excited to play this! </div>
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Gorgeous colors. Can't wait to paint my nails with these! </div>
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Thank you SO much Ashley for sending me such a beautiful box of goodies. </div>
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Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00225242975147233102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5770402652422874517.post-18145836645483917722013-06-01T13:06:00.002-04:002013-06-01T13:06:20.183-04:00May Cara Box-Hometown Fun!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So if you've never participated in <a href="http://www.wifessionals.com/">Wifessionals</a> Cara Box Swap, you are seriously missing out. Each month Kaitlyn pairs up women with one another to send a box full of love and goodies. It's such a great way to connect with bloggers and I can't be the only one who loves getting mail that's isn't junk or bills. This month's theme was such a great one that I knew I had to participate. <br />
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This month, whoever you were paired with sent you stuff from where they are from that connected with your interests too! I got to send some great Lancaster County stuff to <a href="http://tobemrscollier.blogspot.com/">Sarah</a> and it was such a joy to get to know her. See her post about what I sent her way. <br />
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I was paired with the sweet <a href="http://museumfanatic.blogspot.com/">Betsy</a> who lives in Chicago!! She sent me the most amazing box you guys. She was so thoughtful especially when it comes to my nut allergy. She asked questions so she knew what type of goodies she could get me that wouldn't be a problem for my allergies. I was blown away by that! <br />
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Here's what Chicago goodies I received...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4znND8P87RwAT73t11y78PvRbuovCEPnIXeJVJHdl1vIYfOR-cHyqCj6hh2kpeAGax3J3jogc9OtwHclOTW-qMPXKsF0MzQqlg3xLYzwQ-HI9gPXN2YujGvFSGH49CMgn1Z26yaRL-ME/s1600/183.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB4znND8P87RwAT73t11y78PvRbuovCEPnIXeJVJHdl1vIYfOR-cHyqCj6hh2kpeAGax3J3jogc9OtwHclOTW-qMPXKsF0MzQqlg3xLYzwQ-HI9gPXN2YujGvFSGH49CMgn1Z26yaRL-ME/s320/183.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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A postcard that Betsy sent to add my to my collection of unique "art". I collect fun art prints and pieces locally and now I can add this! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIuc_sNaZcdiS_sxIWoF3412ghLtKuT4SGz2LRzo-R7KDJbL4-c55OeTwkr-3ixwBVC-82Dy8RAChYIq2ki7rxNQM0IXAxYXUWw8M37xlN0XUVePLDl0oeIiOaJrz4iEpq5ACa4manQdy/s1600/184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZIuc_sNaZcdiS_sxIWoF3412ghLtKuT4SGz2LRzo-R7KDJbL4-c55OeTwkr-3ixwBVC-82Dy8RAChYIq2ki7rxNQM0IXAxYXUWw8M37xlN0XUVePLDl0oeIiOaJrz4iEpq5ACa4manQdy/s320/184.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Hot dog napkins people. Come on now. I love hot dogs. And since sending a hot dog is disgusting, this is the next best thing. Funny story-I actually have a thing for fun napkins too. </div>
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Fruity tea with the state fruit. Yum! </div>
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Local mints since she couldn't get me chocolate because of my allergy. They smell so good, I haven't tasted one yet though. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNTeKVChDF0MN2KwqDXX0Y-r1tU3GOjZwDWkYlFwXvk0BrTYYuEo-V9IQSgMOyRCSDyV40zRhnYiSlIAtAsyMEC_G0i8FXK8srdhgOGdgimJKMiOMb5FvS7yKT1wnDDsuKuT2lirKUx5s/s1600/187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYNTeKVChDF0MN2KwqDXX0Y-r1tU3GOjZwDWkYlFwXvk0BrTYYuEo-V9IQSgMOyRCSDyV40zRhnYiSlIAtAsyMEC_G0i8FXK8srdhgOGdgimJKMiOMb5FvS7yKT1wnDDsuKuT2lirKUx5s/s320/187.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Sweet magnet...it's already on my fridge. </div>
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Planes, Trains and Automobiles-a movie about Chicago! I can't wait to watch it. </div>
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She also sent me a sweet note and a CD of songs about Chicago or done by Chicago artists! I can't wait to listen to it. </div>
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I can't tell you how much love and thoughfulness I felt from Betsy's box. Thank you! </div>
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Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00225242975147233102noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5770402652422874517.post-51495426761705517462013-05-28T17:12:00.001-04:002013-05-28T17:12:05.770-04:00Memorial Day Weekend<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This past weekend truly ranks in the top weekends of my life. Yes, it was that good! <br />
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<strong>Thursday</strong></div>
Got to host a cupcake contest at work. A friend and I made cupcakes the night before that I entered into the contest, though they did not win. My mom then picked me up after work and we headed down to Bowie, MD. We had dinner at a weird little brewery with AMAZING food. We had a crab dip pretzel that I'm still thinking about. My cousin Danica came to stay with us at our hotel that night and we laughed until we cried. <br />
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<strong>Friday</strong></div>
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Friday I got to see my cousin graduate from the Naval Academy. It was one of the most patriotic things I have ever gotten to experience and something I will never forget. I got to see 1047 Naval and Marine Corps graduates get commissioned to serve our country. My cousin was in the top 10% of the class which is such an honor and we are so proud of her. It was an incredible celebration, but the weather was rough! Her commencement speaker- President Obama! Talk about a cool experience. His speech was so moving and I am so fortunate to have attended. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">{That's Obama on the screen!}</span></div>
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<strong>Saturday</strong></div>
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After market and hanging around Lancaster for awhile, I headed to York to meet up with my dear friend and mentor Jacquie and her family. I met them and we made smores at Scott's parents house then we drove down to their house in MD. It was such a lovely break from my Lancaster life. </div>
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<strong>Sunday</strong></div>
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We ate breakfast all together at an awesome cafe then metroed to DC. We went to the National Zoo and it was the most beautiful day. We walked around and looked at animals. Then we got ice cream. For lunch. With sprinkles. It was such a perfect moment. </div>
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<strong>Monday</strong> </div>
Memorial Day started off by me sleeping in which was truly the lovliest thing. My best friend and I got coffee down the street at my favorite cafe, then we watched a movie. We walked down for lunch at one of the few spots that was open for the holiday. Then we went to the mall and finished out the night with her fiance and two of his friends at $1 Taco Night and washed it down for Carmen & David's ice cream. I can't imagine a nicer day. I can't imagine it feeling more like a day off. <br />
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I hope that you all had a lovely holiday and were able to take a break, take a breath, and take a moment to remember the sacrifice of the day. <br />
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Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00225242975147233102noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5770402652422874517.post-74671733380613285302013-05-07T09:33:00.000-04:002013-05-07T09:33:05.237-04:00Playing Catch Up<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello all! I'm playing a vicious game of catch-up on the blog. I haven't been around these parts in far too long. My life has just been so very busy and I am so thankful for everything that has been going on in the last two months. There are some new followers around here so welcome ladies! Happy to have you here. I promise to actually be someone who posts again! <br />
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So here's the scoop of the last few weeks (ok months...) <br />
-My job is going wonderfully. I get to do fun things every day and I love it so much. But it has been very busy. I feel like my mind is constantly thinking about work stuff. I had a dream last night and a colleague was in scooping dog poop. Can you say interference of work thoughts? <br />
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-Church has been a constant game of meetings and opportunities. I joined a women's Bible study on Thursday evenings and that has been so enriching. Getting to be surrounded by wisdom from so many women of different generations truly fills my heart. God has provided an amazing topic, Decision-Making in Faith, at the most opportune time and placed wonderful women to guide me through the conversations. <br />
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-Speaking of big decisions, Aaron and I broke up last month. It came up at Bible study the week before and so the ladies knew about it and prayed for me and I just felt that it was the right decision. And it was a mutual decision that we both are completely confident in. I truly feel like a new person now. I know it was the absolute right decision for my life and I'm now back on the market for friendship and a relationship eventually. <br />
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-My best friend moved into my apartment building! It has been the greatest blessing that I never could have predicted. Walking between apartments, grabbing things that she forgot to pack that I have, making and eating dinners together, walking to market-it's been a wonderful week. <br />
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So I guess you could say it has been a busy, life-changing few weeks. Blogging has been in the back in my mind, but I have been reading and keeping up with your fabulous lives. Babies and marriages and fun! Thank you for the beautiful community that you provide to me. <3<br />
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Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00225242975147233102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5770402652422874517.post-27953792528047291252013-04-25T15:46:00.002-04:002013-04-25T15:46:23.384-04:00Stepping Into Spring Swap<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Why hello there! Remember me...the girl who blogs, except for the past two months apparently. Oops. February and March were truly crazy months with work and church. I am so thankful for so many things that happened during those two months, but that's not what this post is about. This post is about getting mail and how much I love it. <br />
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Seriously, I love getting mail. Once you get to a certain age, the mail just contains bills, paperwork, junk, occasionally magazines, birthday/Christmas cards, and once in awhile, a package! Those are the best days. Which is why I signed up for the Stepping into Spring swap! The theme is flip flops & nail polish. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSTExia4LxHEIRVrGudxdyya4RNFSC0KjeBlFQCEj8Zk1s8FhBHHBJF0OmRQKR57laJ_PtxENAuQhxgvFxjnph6IJfLn18PnKoh_CnYqrwXQcurLYhM0Kz6QKmyMp2jT8kMiCruQ-8QHmc/s1600/Stepping+into+Spring+Swap+Button+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSTExia4LxHEIRVrGudxdyya4RNFSC0KjeBlFQCEj8Zk1s8FhBHHBJF0OmRQKR57laJ_PtxENAuQhxgvFxjnph6IJfLn18PnKoh_CnYqrwXQcurLYhM0Kz6QKmyMp2jT8kMiCruQ-8QHmc/s320/Stepping+into+Spring+Swap+Button+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I was paired up with Casey at <a href="http://craigandcasey.blogspot.com/">Everyday Adventures</a>! She is so sweet and I loved getting to know her. Check out her blog to see what I sent her. <br />
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She sent me a wonderful box...take a look! <br />
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Love the first look in the box! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj89eto-4-Uh4LUBFDth7u8z58CPIqhkhUFQPluWojJPkPoCPxBTz15PzR6N6WlaAYTQljYwnW02AlBGqV_OCzzguPN8sUeU_27fRyt9Gyg2OHlzhwgDLgz8QE7sIAePwTZmH1Fe3_T3ni-/s1600/photo+(23).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj89eto-4-Uh4LUBFDth7u8z58CPIqhkhUFQPluWojJPkPoCPxBTz15PzR6N6WlaAYTQljYwnW02AlBGqV_OCzzguPN8sUeU_27fRyt9Gyg2OHlzhwgDLgz8QE7sIAePwTZmH1Fe3_T3ni-/s320/photo+(23).JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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Strawberry banana rings...yum! </div>
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Going with the flip flop theme, she gave me this awesome water bottle, with a curly straw & dome lid!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWQ11GdmPMST9a_yARUj-1nISKBRA1gtjikvzuamxnWDpEDEnuNsPp1aIbNluEWDmhnhPrX-IfcXEDS0fi7H8Rr23gcDItGE9FyC-ElSrn73sL5oTsIR6Vc8jBpCPoVY6qG-6366mcaKx/s1600/photo+(26).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwWQ11GdmPMST9a_yARUj-1nISKBRA1gtjikvzuamxnWDpEDEnuNsPp1aIbNluEWDmhnhPrX-IfcXEDS0fi7H8Rr23gcDItGE9FyC-ElSrn73sL5oTsIR6Vc8jBpCPoVY6qG-6366mcaKx/s320/photo+(26).JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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Inside the water bottle, she added these little guys. So excited to make some lemonade!</div>
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Two pink nail files</div>
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Coral nail polish...</div>
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...and bubblegum pink. I put this on this week and it's such a happy color! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3J9qtyJ0PlyJDLxBOMih7VE5uot_ji-h5VwqwjL4Ins5lxKfFD71kkJSnXAN2KYCHU7LRN418UP8m3eXbmM83oVWIU1F3OYKRHplZpy4NImJYzq2NmCYuxP095f4JqPhkLW20lxCgpaqQ/s1600/photo+(30).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3J9qtyJ0PlyJDLxBOMih7VE5uot_ji-h5VwqwjL4Ins5lxKfFD71kkJSnXAN2KYCHU7LRN418UP8m3eXbmM83oVWIU1F3OYKRHplZpy4NImJYzq2NmCYuxP095f4JqPhkLW20lxCgpaqQ/s320/photo+(30).JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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And finally a pink candle to bring all of the yummy smells of spring inside! </div>
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Overall, I LOVED my box and was so excited to see all of the sweet things that Casey included! </div>
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Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00225242975147233102noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5770402652422874517.post-45716690343404710382013-02-25T18:18:00.001-05:002013-02-25T18:18:14.518-05:00February Cara Box<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So for the month of February, I participated in a fabulous swap! Kaitlyn has a monthly exchange called the Cara Box. Each month has a different theme and this month's theme was #ClubSexy. Kaitlyn got the idea for the theme from a date night she planned for her husband. Read more about the idea <a href="http://www.wifessionals.com/2013/01/clubsexy.html">here</a>. <br />
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Kaitlyn paired all the bloggers up within their states with the hopes that you could actually meet up with your buddy. Unfortunately, schedules didn't work out for me to meet up with Courtney, who I had or with Sarah, who had me. But I am hoping to meet up with these lovely ladies at some point when things are a bit less crazy. <br />
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I had the sweet <a href="http://linedupandwaiting.blogspot.com/">Courtney</a> and I loved getting to know her through some emails. Check out her blog to see what I sent her. She seriously is sweet as can be. <br />
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Sarah had me and it was great getting to know her too. And our "hometowns" are all of 20 minutes apart. Small world! The day my box arrived, I had a long, stressful day and the box on my doorstep turned that around. I told Sarah that my ideal date would be going to get Mexican with Aaron. Then I would want to come home and do a puzzle/watch a movie with him. Then after he'd left, I'd curl up with a magazine and watch reruns of my favorite shows :)<br /><br />
Here's what my box looked like when I peeked inside:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgor1gP7zdMGcFlZirjQYlW9Z8Il2iqj1uHOSdBtujF4fkK-13gzYTsX_KZEEb9RFHsqCyS-VxRXDF7JUFS8-5IbjXkc32P0lgHfygnUSL4JEHDuDOSwBdAWPX_k2fDSjR126e9f-sDLHmY/s1600/177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgor1gP7zdMGcFlZirjQYlW9Z8Il2iqj1uHOSdBtujF4fkK-13gzYTsX_KZEEb9RFHsqCyS-VxRXDF7JUFS8-5IbjXkc32P0lgHfygnUSL4JEHDuDOSwBdAWPX_k2fDSjR126e9f-sDLHmY/s320/177.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
Do you see what I see? A puppy! Sarah said she read on my blog that I wanted a puppy and thought this would be a good start. :) Sweetest idea ever!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVb-7d7_kerFrYkMoMfxWOLmA1z2Wm-ZmceikLXjPI6VTHiI5yQX7QDIAwnyI2471DEKivkHOQUgRC__xgYp7StVgkeLKlxu7meozpcDtzmTlXBIoW9aDnpfljXwKwHU8RTfdtw9nWVjBz/s1600/181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVb-7d7_kerFrYkMoMfxWOLmA1z2Wm-ZmceikLXjPI6VTHiI5yQX7QDIAwnyI2471DEKivkHOQUgRC__xgYp7StVgkeLKlxu7meozpcDtzmTlXBIoW9aDnpfljXwKwHU8RTfdtw9nWVjBz/s320/181.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
Then Sarah did the coolest thing ever. She had three packages wrapped in tissue paper. One was for "Before the Date" then "During the Date" then "After the Date." <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88_37JBrAB1axjDJtHnxQZ0FvsNQhxNAdPwlmdudUkFJ2EvfUKiZOhDoQWrZOlt2afOvxfA8PLxWOSKDri5lwFp-Hk7l5ItVX6M2NJzdlCAufyrCfTmSyRP0vwZBxClZHq5LE90xZ5xF9/s1600/182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg88_37JBrAB1axjDJtHnxQZ0FvsNQhxNAdPwlmdudUkFJ2EvfUKiZOhDoQWrZOlt2afOvxfA8PLxWOSKDri5lwFp-Hk7l5ItVX6M2NJzdlCAufyrCfTmSyRP0vwZBxClZHq5LE90xZ5xF9/s320/182.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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Here's the Before the Date package...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXk-FMt0EZNbwkD__9niFeI6kbTkwALfsSJ8LYXnU-edGnxZCZiMiIIxwk_cKNSx1bqoOm7Lb5__huZ59gAz-dWVc45YmLLImeXvcoeneXfezhjCyLmqNQOq6EjhNUNMN2k2FyJOJ35vpx/s1600/189.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXk-FMt0EZNbwkD__9niFeI6kbTkwALfsSJ8LYXnU-edGnxZCZiMiIIxwk_cKNSx1bqoOm7Lb5__huZ59gAz-dWVc45YmLLImeXvcoeneXfezhjCyLmqNQOq6EjhNUNMN2k2FyJOJ35vpx/s320/189.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2HlKPexvPdssOB_383Do1HNQpZWgPqK2wIS4G6z85X8gwvwW4dDv3M5fE2r6gxpbTBtgohKtw68qikx3H2mUtQVZtYJUwnfyEcdpbGPNWgrVY3csawH17C_YVKBQN8vNof6zSb4Hww2m/s1600/190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv2HlKPexvPdssOB_383Do1HNQpZWgPqK2wIS4G6z85X8gwvwW4dDv3M5fE2r6gxpbTBtgohKtw68qikx3H2mUtQVZtYJUwnfyEcdpbGPNWgrVY3csawH17C_YVKBQN8vNof6zSb4Hww2m/s320/190.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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Pedicure set-sparkly!</div>
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Pink nail polish</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3EamXx_RxU36wFkVfDuIsFdiCoqKBw1iNVQ-mUt8X-S95SVybEu9QVd7klWvr329svDdL6kjg0-qbptUDpUK1OuOj0Zb0-kngUEbM46Z8uwnl9F9BEtg_Vu6wPlaEpsnftk8id90tAs-M/s1600/192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3EamXx_RxU36wFkVfDuIsFdiCoqKBw1iNVQ-mUt8X-S95SVybEu9QVd7klWvr329svDdL6kjg0-qbptUDpUK1OuOj0Zb0-kngUEbM46Z8uwnl9F9BEtg_Vu6wPlaEpsnftk8id90tAs-M/s320/192.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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Gorgeous earrings-I'm wearing them today!</div>
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Here's the During package...(for after the Mexican of course)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkpiT0gjgOXfdFaYw-uZo_UTQFTV_zT4v69pov5gT8bCfksspy9H_Q_Y1nj3pcrU6mYNOcPo663gMAesrUs5tLhizM9rmVrZ5D3LiGjK6XvtVzNMoAwLflcx31q200iVo5sXthBqMuRFo/s1600/179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkpiT0gjgOXfdFaYw-uZo_UTQFTV_zT4v69pov5gT8bCfksspy9H_Q_Y1nj3pcrU6mYNOcPo663gMAesrUs5tLhizM9rmVrZ5D3LiGjK6XvtVzNMoAwLflcx31q200iVo5sXthBqMuRFo/s320/179.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Um yum. Mini delight cakes. </div>
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And finally After the Date...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_s8u29PX23Pvylno9IhBz93iPPzeYHabwEKk3j7KmLWmJJtJ_vzSKndhdNyYaqgrAsfsxPWNJpkWe-N3NWh9UeyKjfrDc650CxluvSO3Cxbvu0-eie39FbKe-0xHNqrNaL5MuWeD6-Brf/s1600/185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_s8u29PX23Pvylno9IhBz93iPPzeYHabwEKk3j7KmLWmJJtJ_vzSKndhdNyYaqgrAsfsxPWNJpkWe-N3NWh9UeyKjfrDc650CxluvSO3Cxbvu0-eie39FbKe-0xHNqrNaL5MuWeD6-Brf/s320/185.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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What a perfect way to end a date! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwdti8tVrBhECwAArSfhjzW8Wwabos2YHGM9WKQZ_k7EBhZIQz4RS7eNY70aihKrCz_Qh9nfDlIO7FR_sCnS1NzQqgljjhfr_hT9I5Rn8UWUArc8qjYzhcltgSBT7AQ6rY1xcuWwkmj4_/s1600/186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJwdti8tVrBhECwAArSfhjzW8Wwabos2YHGM9WKQZ_k7EBhZIQz4RS7eNY70aihKrCz_Qh9nfDlIO7FR_sCnS1NzQqgljjhfr_hT9I5Rn8UWUArc8qjYzhcltgSBT7AQ6rY1xcuWwkmj4_/s320/186.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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Hot chocolate packets</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAXWq7qySP8qeoAqyBAxoPfYgcwBBG-9yyqGRox0MprQ4643qNu8jXQxvC30FgLxSJ8-0T-qR1tmDG3ZQYJIKXCrXPdbmHvIVskkEkIFswPpC5I2ING2CWvnrExTCtcAtWHmLXNp8Zir5N/s1600/187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAXWq7qySP8qeoAqyBAxoPfYgcwBBG-9yyqGRox0MprQ4643qNu8jXQxvC30FgLxSJ8-0T-qR1tmDG3ZQYJIKXCrXPdbmHvIVskkEkIFswPpC5I2ING2CWvnrExTCtcAtWHmLXNp8Zir5N/s320/187.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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Snuggly socks</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JCNJYxZNHXabFJbBuR-2YRsEzVzrh8FgiNzoWrEg-A5MicBcdTVFoRigMSSFQKANYYbow6m1QGXRrF-3WiWS7vtsZ4AZB7nfaGUPH2m5Z9SCQnY0c0VTFI1MKDJQ-6s9gMITKbZSUwhw/s1600/188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5JCNJYxZNHXabFJbBuR-2YRsEzVzrh8FgiNzoWrEg-A5MicBcdTVFoRigMSSFQKANYYbow6m1QGXRrF-3WiWS7vtsZ4AZB7nfaGUPH2m5Z9SCQnY0c0VTFI1MKDJQ-6s9gMITKbZSUwhw/s320/188.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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People magazine (and I LOVE Robin so this is going to be a great read)</div>
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THANK YOU to Kaitlyn for hosting this awesome swap. THANK YOU to Courtney for a new friendship. THANK YOU to Sarah for my super duper special box! </div>
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Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00225242975147233102noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5770402652422874517.post-12332949987153951762013-02-24T16:44:00.003-05:002013-02-24T16:44:50.188-05:00Sunday Social-Memories<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So I think I've done the <a href="http://acompletewasteofmakeup.com/">Social Sunday Link-Up</a> one other time, but this week's was a must. Because it is time to take it back...to the days of middle & high school. Yes, there will be pictures. And it will be embarassing! <br />
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1. Biggest Middle school fashion mistake: So in 7th grade, I grew my bangs out for the first time in my whole life. And when it was slow going, I would twist my bang into two little twists and pin them up with BUTTERFLY CLIPS. Yes, I did. I also had glasses & braces at the same time. <br />
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2. Who were your best friends in hs? My best friends for most of high school for the following people:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBB2sUZwtaBQUZ6ytGN_jTjD6xQ8xu_ZLYPBRJy_TKub1eA7ClZxFKv4JO3jd-bp6Ijmt0fcWTJtOriJjU0JsJDurU-Cv7-kkaqmu3gWR0Ot5UISWgbDLrqOBj5kt84HNjP5GsTDPdzLR/s1600/254_1009178717661_9562_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcBB2sUZwtaBQUZ6ytGN_jTjD6xQ8xu_ZLYPBRJy_TKub1eA7ClZxFKv4JO3jd-bp6Ijmt0fcWTJtOriJjU0JsJDurU-Cv7-kkaqmu3gWR0Ot5UISWgbDLrqOBj5kt84HNjP5GsTDPdzLR/s320/254_1009178717661_9562_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Amanda, Kim, Sam, Krystie, and myself- we became friends through band and were in most of the same classes together. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha1VhOJD7QNDSOjzNhdWSnBFD1GrZrTSGzweJdMSoIz-gVAuKt5Bxng30vc-_7h841QUrGhxLGhe3V733dmWjz_ek2cnPErCAhcqnsDi5QJzGexPPBcDRIESI6Z7tzC4anYs4CQbTDRQI2/s1600/254_1009178757662_9883_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha1VhOJD7QNDSOjzNhdWSnBFD1GrZrTSGzweJdMSoIz-gVAuKt5Bxng30vc-_7h841QUrGhxLGhe3V733dmWjz_ek2cnPErCAhcqnsDi5QJzGexPPBcDRIESI6Z7tzC4anYs4CQbTDRQI2/s320/254_1009178757662_9883_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Andrew (obviously the boy in this picture) was one of my best friends since middle school (that's his girlfriend Kayleen with us in the picture)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohuO_hxEXiduOGKttylHfM_pXfoePcgIrgvmnMCDW1H8YKedtbqibk80Jsu8-bBi2JmU5fnbND9IG_WoH7QWVt8HfMHNtKzgNk3VRek69_Q2Erji9kag8MGaWe24YMGsyqd8xLuQ9kutj/s1600/208305_1003445134325_610_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhohuO_hxEXiduOGKttylHfM_pXfoePcgIrgvmnMCDW1H8YKedtbqibk80Jsu8-bBi2JmU5fnbND9IG_WoH7QWVt8HfMHNtKzgNk3VRek69_Q2Erji9kag8MGaWe24YMGsyqd8xLuQ9kutj/s320/208305_1003445134325_610_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
And then there's Terri who I was friends with throughout most of high school as well. (This was from Junior Prom) <br />
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3. What was a typical weekend like for you in hs? I was in the marching band so Friday nights we were at the football games and Saturday we had competitions. So basically, I was a slave to the band through the fall and then in the spring, I did indoor drumline or jazz band so I was always busy. :) <br />
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4. Did you have any boyfriends/girlfriends? <br />
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10th grade-TJ</div>
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12th grade- Mike </div>
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5. Did you have any secret codes with your friends? Spill your secrets! I'm sure we did. We loved AIM, writing notes, and I'm sure there were codes. There definitely codes for talking about people who we thought were attractive. <br />
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6. If you could relive one day/moment/experience from middle school or high school, what would it be? Easy peasy- Thanksgiving Day football game, my senior year. <br />
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Every year, our football team plays our rivals, Quakertown. Senior year, I was the drum major and the weather was beautiful (normally it snowed!). My whole family came, with pom-poms, and embarassed the heck out of me. But we played the whole time, enjoyed one last performance, and watched the last football game of my high school years. It was my favorite moment of high school. <br />
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In the process of trying to find other pictures (and I know they exist, but not digitally) I pulled up my old XANGA! Did anyone have one? It was totally early, old-school blogging. And mine was awful. I was whiny and annoying. I can't believe people commented on that stuff. I'm glad I never deleted it so I can reminisce about the disaster that it was. But whoa-I hope that never resurfaces! <br />
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And since I didn't have any of the really awkward photos from middle school, here's a doozy from high school. Yup-I'm a glutton for embarassment. <br />
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Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00225242975147233102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5770402652422874517.post-26828512319204030512013-02-22T05:45:00.000-05:002013-02-22T05:45:36.291-05:00Valentine's Day Recap-a whole week late<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So don't mind me, I'm just here writing about Valentine's Day a whole week after the holiday. But ya know, it's been a really busy week between work, church, and sleeping to do it all again the next day. So here we are. Judge away. <br />
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I love Valentine's Day. I haven't always. Yes, now that I'm happy and in a relationship I do love it. But I also love it because I see the value of decorating for Valentine's to make my heart and my home happy! And Target definitely helped me out this year with garland and picture frames and lots of happy things. <br />
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As for the day of love and kisses, I had a great day at work. It turns out that Sight & Sound is teeming with love every day and that becomes even more apparent on Valentines Day. I had little hearts and gifts on my desk throughout the day and it was truly a beautiful day at my awesome job. <br />
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I ran to Target after work to pick up some last minute supplies for Aaron & my date night! <br />
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I made pasta and garlic bread for dinner. I intended to cut out the bread in heart shapes but my cookie cutter was too big so I used toothpicks that had hearts on them in the bread to spice it up. I bought those cute glasses and straws with mustaches and lips on them for our meal. It was a really fun way to spruce up our dinner. I had "Je T'aime" plates from Target (previous trip) and Valentine's napkins from last year. It was just a lovey dinner <3 <br />
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See-awesome straws. Totally makes drinking (sparking juice) more fun! <br />
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After dinner, we exchanged gifts. Aaron got me lovely flowers & a Hershey bar. The man knows the way to my heart. He also wrote me the funniest handwritten card, complete with hand-drawn pictures of our relationship which were so funny I was crying. <br />
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We then walked a few blocks down from my apartment to paint pottery together. There was a special for Valentine's Day of 1/2 off the sitting fee so that was pretty cool. We each painted two things-here's a peek at mine. <br />
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And here's my boyfriend painting his pottery. I'm going to pick up the finished pieces tomorrow. <br />
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We ended the night with this gem of a picture...<br />
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Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00225242975147233102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5770402652422874517.post-8282986646942044292013-02-19T18:27:00.001-05:002013-02-19T18:27:28.081-05:00Truth be Told, I'm a Lion<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm linking up with this great one-day only link-up put on by several ladies! You should do it too! <br />
Ever played the game "2 Truths & a Lie?"I have played it in so many situations (usually involving Orientation Leaders and church meetings). I typically use the same three but I'm going to try to get a little creative for no real reason (since y'all haven't heard my other answers) other than I feel like it! And it's only three things...<br />
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1) I've been recognized because my face is on a billboard in the mall. </div>
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2) I rode on a float in a parade at Disney World. </div>
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3) I own 6 pairs of TOMS shoes. </div>
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You ready for the answers....</div>
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1. This is true. Several people have said to me, "Hey-aren't you the girl from the mall?" I'm on an ad for the seminary that is in town that I have worked with in the past. The picture is ancient and I don't even look very simlar to that picture but yes, it has happened. </div>
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A picture of me with me exists, but I can't find it! </div>
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2. It's a lie. I've danced in a pseudo-parade at Disney and I've played in a parade when I was little and they invited kids up to dance, but I've never ridden on a float. I get motion sick, so it's probably not the best idea for me, but it would probably be the coolest thing ever! </div>
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3. It's true-6 pairs (and probably counting). This one was a little lame but I was out of ideas. I was trying to think of something fun and funny and after 15 minutes, I gave up. Yes, I own 6 pairs of TOMS, 2 TOMS t-shirts, a TOMS necklace, and Blake Mycoskie's book. I'm obsessed and I'm ok with it because it means that 8 kids got shoes that they needed. I am more than ok with that. <br />
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{Here's the black ones in action, but the gray ones are my favorites}</div>
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How'd you do? Did you figure out the lie? </div>
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Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00225242975147233102noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5770402652422874517.post-22772418929077074592013-02-03T19:22:00.001-05:002013-02-03T19:22:41.494-05:00Sunday Social! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="color: #f1c232;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Two posts in two days...I know what you're thinking. Who took over Alyssa's blog because she never posts twice in a row since she got a big girl job and is crazy busy. But yes, two posts. I miss blogging and while I LOVE reading all of your blogs, I do miss the writing sometimes. I've been feeling a bit under the weather for a few days and will probably have to see a doctor tomorrow if things don't improve (I'm not entirely sure what is going on but it seems to involve some insane reflux, which I NEVER have had before and some pain when I breathe so I should probably see a professional to figure out what's going on.) Either way, I've had a lot of chill time today. I have the Super Bowl on in the background and had the Puppy Bowl on earlier. It's been a lazy Sunday. And it's my first time linking up for Sunday Social</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><b>1. If you were stuck on an island, what are two material items you would want to have?</b> </span>I would love to have my iPad so I could read books and play games to keep me from getting bored. And I'd totally need toilet paper. I'm a big ol' baby when it comes to bathroom-ing in non-bathroom situations, if ya know what I mean. <br />
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><b>2. What are two TV shows you'd watch over and over?</b> </span>I'm a big TV person. Watching a movie is sometimes a little too long for my short attention span but an episode of a TV show is usually my perfect amount. My two shows-definitely Boy Meets World (which I absolutely watch over and over again). I guess the other would be Castle. I love when TNT has reruns on Wednesdays. But I also just love shows that were on when I was younger-I was totally born a few years to late for some of the best TV viewing. What shows am I talking about: Will & Grace, Friends, Frasier, and the Nanny are some of my faves. </center>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><b>3. If your house was on fire what two things aside from family, pets, etc would you grab?</b> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"></span>My stuffed animals (which I'm counting as one thing) because they are what I sleep with and I can't sleep well without them. If I was displaced from my home, I'd need that bit of comfort. Yes, I'm 5 years old. <br />So I just sat here for 15 minutes trying to think of what my other item would be. I guess that means that everything is pretty much replaceable and if it's not, well it doesn't matter. I thought about taking the unique art that I have from Lancaster, artist friends, and my small adventures. But it doesn't matter that much to me. I thought about my diploma but they could always reprint that if it was destroyed. I thought through everything I could think of. Ultimately, I came to the conclusion that if it was possible (as in I had enough time and professional movers), I would want to take the hutch that is in my dining room. It belonged to my best friend Sarah's family (not sure which member but it goes back fairly far). She brought it to our house that we shared in college. When it was time to move, her family didn't have room for it anymore and since she wasa moving to SC, she couldn't really take it along. So she gave it to me. It holds memories of our time in college as well as the knowledge that it connects me to her family. But it's freaking heavy so I'd need time/movers to save it. </div>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><b>4. What are your two most favorite articles of clothing?</b> <span style="color: black;">This is hard! I have a lot of outfits that I love. I'm going to go with my brown Old Navy grandpa sweater because it is my go-to snuggly sweater. My other favorite item are the Gap Body pants that I'm wearing right now. They are like ultra-soft yoga pants. I live in them evenings/weekends. They aren't like fashionable necessarily but they are crazy comfy. (If I can pick a 3rd article, I'd pick my new Gap jeans because they are the smallest size I've ever been! Exciting!)</span></span></center>
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<span style="color: #f1c232;"><b>5. What two movies that you saw in the past year would you recommend to us?</b> </span>At first I was thinking that this question meant in the movie theatre. I've only seen two movies in the theatres this past year that I can remember to see Brave & Wreck-It Ralph. I recommend both. I loved Brave and it was truly a Disney movie with all the beauty that you could ever expect. But Wreck-It Ralph is more of a movie for everyone! Aaron loved it and I loved it. The characters are totally endearing and likeable and the story is wonderful. A movie that I saw but not in theatres that I totally recommend is The Untouchables. It was made in the late 80's so it's not new by any means but it is fantastic and a great story about Al Capone and the team who brought him down! I now have a crush on Kevin Costner as he was in that movie. </center>
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<b style="color: #f1c232;">6. What are your two biggest guilty pleasures? </b>Diet Coke. Pillsbury Holiday Sugar Cookies (the ones with the image "printed" on the cookie) </center>
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This was fun! Looking forward to reading what others post! </center>
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Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00225242975147233102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5770402652422874517.post-88415554504309871992013-02-02T16:06:00.002-05:002013-02-02T16:06:13.594-05:00A February of Fabulousness<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Am I the only one who is completely shocked that it is already February? Weren't we just carving pumpkins, expressing how thankful we are, and singing Christmas carols? Yes, yes we were. And now it is February. But for a short little month, February 2013 sure is going to pack a punch. There's loads going on and loads to celebrate! Here's a little peek at what I'll be up to in the next 26 days...<br />
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<strong>Church Meetings</strong></div>
Like a billion of them. But you know what-they signify change & growth & a future in the church. We are movers and doers and change-the-worlders. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">{Taken at our amazing Halloween Party-notice I didn't put up the picture of my costume.}</span></div>
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<strong>Fastnacht</strong> <strong>Day</strong></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ok, so I know that all of you are not from Pennsylvania and thus may not know the beauty of Fastnacht Day. Or maybe you do and if you do, you are fortunate. Fasnacht Day originated when the Pennsylvania Dutch (both English & Amish) needed to use up the last of their baking supplies prior to Lent, when people would often give up desserts in observance of the Lenten period. Thus the fastnacht, a delicious donut (without a hole) was baked to use up the ingredients. It is always celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday and coincides when others celebrate Mardi Gras. This year, Fastnacht Day is on February 12. If you can't get authentic fastnachts, a donut will be an acceptable substitute. But in Lancaster County, we do it right! The market sells them at most stands (even non-baked goods stands sometimes). And they are delightful!</span> </span></div>
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<strong>Ash Wednesday</strong></div>
I love Lent. I know that it is more somber than Advent and sometimes involves giving something up (a tradition I practice each year), but I find Lent to be such a renewing time for me. I love to just think about the journey leading up to Holy Week and I have a feeling that it will hold an even more special place for me given that my job will allow me to focus on this season. <br />
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<strong>Lenten Meals</strong></div>
A tradition that my church has is to gather each Wednesday evening in Lent to have a small meal of soup and bread, followed by a small, beautiful worship gathered together in the sanctuary. The team that I chair at church is responsible for organizing these meals. We are hosting the first Wednesday and will bring our crock pots, our bread, and our open hearts. I am looking so forward to the 5 Wednesdays when we will join together. <br />
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<strong>Theatre with My Mom</strong></div>
Next weekend I'll travel home to see a show at a local theatre with my mom. We've never been to this particular theatre. We'll be seeing a fun little show, seated right in the front. We'll also be making the effort to see Les Mis at the movies-we STILL haven't seen it which is insanely ridiculous. <br />
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<strong>Assorted Dinners and Dog Walkings with Some Dear Friends</strong></div>
Self explanatory but it is always good to connect. I am working to be better to connect with people this year. As an introvert, I often duck into my shell when I'm burnt out and that's still going to happen. But I'm making an effort to planning things here and there to connect and be filled with their joy. Friends re-runs, gossip, and puppies...what can I say-I have cool friends. <br />
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<em>Wow-that's a lot going on this month! What does your February hold?</em> </div>
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Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00225242975147233102noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5770402652422874517.post-75015260943476140662013-01-28T21:52:00.001-05:002013-01-28T21:52:08.076-05:00Sometimes...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Sometimes...<br />
-you just know you're going to spill something on yourself so you change and wouldn't ya know, here comes the spill. <br />
-it's such a Monday, you wonder why you even bother. <br />
-you require Goldfish to get through the post-lunch slump.<br />
-hot chocolate and warm apple crisp warm you up from the damp outside.<br />
-dishes can stay in the sink.<br />
-James Taylor is the best crooner. <br />
-meetings are long and boring, but sometimes they feel uplifting and forward thinking. <br />
-big decisions come naturally, but sometimes they really, truly do not. <br />
-dinner is a hit and you feel good about the choices you made. <br />
-winter just feels too long, dark, cold, and lonely. <br />
-February sneaks up. <br />
-friends feel so far away when you want to just be there for them. <br />
-the words are so clear and beautiful in your mind that just don't seem to flow out the way you'd imagine. </div>
Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00225242975147233102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5770402652422874517.post-44681407172206311202013-01-22T19:42:00.001-05:002013-01-22T19:42:22.569-05:00The Facts of Me<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I'm back ladies! What can I say-I'm not a consistent blogger. Sorry! But I am going to attempt to be better. I have some ideas for blog posts I'd like to write, so maybe that will keep me going in a forward direction. For today, I'm linking up with lots of lovelies for <a href="http://www.iworeyogapants.com/">The Facts of Me!</a> </div>
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{1} I am a lover of coffee (as if my blog name didn't give it away!) I only have one cup a day (the size of the mug varies, but it's one time a day regardless.) so I'm not a complete addict. I do get a headache if I don't have my happy little cup though. I have favorite mugs, and really too many mugs in general. I only use three flavors of coffee creamer and rotate through them each week...french vanilla, peppermint mocha, and caramel macchiato. <br />
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{2} I am also a lover of Diet Coke. Again, I only ever allow myself one of these a day. I didn't used to have such an addiction to these bad boys, but college changed that. I have my cup of coffee at breakfast and my diet coke at lunch. My boss is also a lover of the good stuff and will frequently bring me DC from Chick-Fil-A if she's there for lunch. She also got me DC pencils as part of my Christmas gift. <br />
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{3} I collect unique art. Not expensive art by any means. I like local art especially and art created by friends. I have several pieces from Lancaster (some are simply prints of larger pieces) and several pieces from a good friend who is an artist. I also love Etsy prints. <br />
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{4} I am jonesing for a puppy. When I move, my new place must be pet-friendly and I will be getting a dog immediately. </div>
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{5} I come up with nicknames for people in my head and often refer to them as that...in my head only. If the nickname is for Aaron, it usually eventually is revealed. (He has WAY too many nicknames and most of them are embarassing) I have to laugh when I almost call people by their secret name(s). </div>
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{6} My favorite movie is You've Got Mail. I remember watching it years ago and wishing we could get AOL so I could hear the "You've Got Mail" voiceover. I think part of me loves the movie so much because I'd love to own a bookstore one day. </div>
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{7} I'm awesome at recognizing people from movies. If someone appears on tv/in a movie, I can usually pinpoint other movies I recognize them from. I get this skill from my dad. </div>
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{8} I would love to be Amish for a week or two. I could use the time unplugged. I'm not sure my Amish neighbors would appreciate my lack of commitment. </div>
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{9} I love Disney. Like to the point of being a nut. I love to read behind the scenes information, books by insiders, facts about Walt Disney, and tons of other stuff. My mom and I are the Disney girls and we love travelling to Disney World. Our next trip-planned for this October. And this trip will be our behind the scenes trip. We are going to go on tours to learn more about what happens to make all the magic. </div>
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{10} I have sharp hearing and a sharp nose. I can usually pick out the smallest noise (Aaron hates this) and I can smell even the faintest of stink (Aaron hates this too). I'm always asking "do you hear that? do you smell that?" Poor Aaron. <br />
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Alright well now that you know a little more about me, I can't wait to learn more about some of you! <br />
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Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00225242975147233102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5770402652422874517.post-90043761330835569362013-01-06T21:44:00.001-05:002013-01-06T21:44:15.862-05:00So Long 2012! Welcome 2013! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's interesting to read posts regarding the New Year. A lot of people look back and are thankful that 2012 is over because it wasn't so good to them. It was filled with loss, a lack of money, heartbreak, sadness, and unfulfillment. They welcome 2013 because it is a chance to leave all of those things behind. Hearing that makes me sad. I understand that it seems like a fresh start, but for me, it is a chance to relish in all the wonderful, beautiful, gracious moments of the past year. <br />
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For me, 2012 was the best year of my life thus far. I may have only lived 23 years so far, but this past year has been the best one. I passed my thesis (with what I went through to get there, it was a serious accomplishment), graduated college, found an apartment and moved finals week, went to Disney World!, worked at Millersville for one final summer, nannyed part-time until I found my amazing job at Sight & Sound. I'm not going to lie-not much could top all of that! <br />
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But here's to 2013-a year of possibility! A year trying just a little harder, eating just a little better, worrying just a little less. <br />
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Here's just a few of my goals...<br />
1. Create a budget and stick to it! <br />
Now that I am paying my student loans, I need to create a budget to keep me financially stable. <br />
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2. Get back into yoga. <br />
When I was working as a nanny and wasn't working at Sight & Sound, I did yoga a few times. There's a great studio up the road but I just haven't been back with my schedule. The evening classes are more advanced than my level and the levels I could do haven't worked out. But I would like to try to get to more. <br />
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3. Make more recipes & experiment more with cooking<br />
I'm sick of just throwing something together because I didn't plan well enough. I really would like to meal plan better, make recipes, and be smarter about my food<br />
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4. Unplug sometimes! <br />
I'm way too plugged in. Since I do most of my job at my computer/with my phone, I'm always connected. When I come home, I'm reading blogs, texting, playing games on my iPad etc... but sometimes I just need to shut it all down. <br />
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5. Breathe. Stop being afraid of so much. Stop letting anxiety rule. <br />
I struggle with stress. I struggle with anxiety problems. Sometimes I have it in control-other times, not so much. I'm working to just breathe and work on being in the moment. <br />
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That's just a taste of what I'd like to do this year. Best of luck with whatever dreams and goals you're pursuing this year! <br />
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Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00225242975147233102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5770402652422874517.post-86995700987998395112012-12-31T10:29:00.000-05:002012-12-31T10:29:10.787-05:00Festivus Gift Exchange Big Reveal<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Oh you lovely people-I am sorry that I've been MIA lately. I'm a terrible blogger when I'm busy. I still keep up with what you all are doing but I just can't seem to get a post written. With Christmas, church obligations and just getting to spend some much needed time with my family, I only brought my iPad home for the holidays so I couldn't post a good one while I was away. Eh-there's always next year right?! </div>
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Anyway, before Christmas, I knew I wanted to get in on the action of a blogger gift swap. I love Christmas. Aaron laughs at me because I want to fit every single moment of December with Christmas lights, movies, food, and anything that boasts some holiday fun! Of course, December also becomes such a crazy time that a lot of that sadly gets booted for other things. Well I found a great swap hosted by <a href="http://www.adayinajoyfullife.com/">Allie </a>& <a href="http://sarcasticremark.blogspot.com/">Melissa.</a> What I loved about this exchange was that in addition to sending & receiving a package, you had to participate in some kind of charitable activity. I love the idea of giving double for this. </div>
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I was paired with the sweet <a href="http://meganscrzylife.blogspot.com/">Megan.</a> I had a great time shopping for her and got her some Christmasy items (a snowflake picture frame, Christmas napkins, a monogrammed ornament) as well as some "officey" items (a weekly wrip-off planner, notecards, an M keychain) and some other little items. </div>
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I was so excited when my box arrived! Melissa {one of the swap hosts} had me and she spoiled me rotten with so many goodies! Here's the contents of my box!</div>
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{An adorable neon leopard print cosmetic bag...}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0qmLpRPjnGf97OvMb7VqKfaIhqZPi5BO6EYKOK0AKIXWeBFktvKE0-vTW-qu7f9BSgNSd1OwzbQyuYLKCjvxvTHNwAyNjgoeXKOj5BGyvM8bw0-Ryx18MYBLWMiGPISx_sHbBIZQyG7C/s1600/photo+(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw0qmLpRPjnGf97OvMb7VqKfaIhqZPi5BO6EYKOK0AKIXWeBFktvKE0-vTW-qu7f9BSgNSd1OwzbQyuYLKCjvxvTHNwAyNjgoeXKOj5BGyvM8bw0-Ryx18MYBLWMiGPISx_sHbBIZQyG7C/s320/photo+(2).JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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{...filled with blue leopard print nail tools & awesome sparkly purple polish...}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIj4VtXAH02L-OBGipAnHEy4_ngMaNAbD0Vkhtmv-jCd6ImKAzUIcgYOeQhWbNikTWHRzPcO1bSSY5S1WaNHzDz-bb-hNFTVSfbZhQ4bMqbEUthFy8zRD8lEJCE7MCsNZQunNwLOvKxXb/s1600/photo+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWIj4VtXAH02L-OBGipAnHEy4_ngMaNAbD0Vkhtmv-jCd6ImKAzUIcgYOeQhWbNikTWHRzPcO1bSSY5S1WaNHzDz-bb-hNFTVSfbZhQ4bMqbEUthFy8zRD8lEJCE7MCsNZQunNwLOvKxXb/s320/photo+(4).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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{...and blue & purple leopard print knee high socks!}</div>
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{Purple handwarmers from Melissa's etsy <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/issaino">shop</a>}</div>
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{Pumpkin spice coffee}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6HHGDfkFcm6Uh2_sd8xWabOvh8qBa_EmGf3ucw2Yvwc7iz22teIChpaXMFObFZ3XA2EoxI_i15AXo7CFtqyZ5GYODfYnPCeXtUQM5stSsoB1sWjVA3dqztoJUa_gApvNDwMV3VkMb8zCr/s1600/photo+(7).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6HHGDfkFcm6Uh2_sd8xWabOvh8qBa_EmGf3ucw2Yvwc7iz22teIChpaXMFObFZ3XA2EoxI_i15AXo7CFtqyZ5GYODfYnPCeXtUQM5stSsoB1sWjVA3dqztoJUa_gApvNDwMV3VkMb8zCr/s320/photo+(7).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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{The cutest little purple planner for 2013}</div>
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{The lovliest green & grey scarf-it totally matches both of my winter coats-not sure how she managed to do that!}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCzKgvT5rRO7bGrERkTMdvU6XabNoJ7vcJ_aMVz65LKXF2GV3TfPdL_jhYmk8qqD0-xaVvtxgKsU9sWbS4X-ogpiJ3Uj0IqIGWMDRj8sHFOiPu5wTiG2U_1_W0zRKbBFcc7qoJlpwl5pu/s1600/photo+(10).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCzKgvT5rRO7bGrERkTMdvU6XabNoJ7vcJ_aMVz65LKXF2GV3TfPdL_jhYmk8qqD0-xaVvtxgKsU9sWbS4X-ogpiJ3Uj0IqIGWMDRj8sHFOiPu5wTiG2U_1_W0zRKbBFcc7qoJlpwl5pu/s320/photo+(10).JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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{Cheez-its-this will be at work for when I get the munchies!}</div>
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{The cutest little crafted card}</div>
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It was like the jackpot of boxes. Thanks Melissa-I love everything!</div>
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As for my "charitable" act, this Thursday, my church is the host for the women's winter shelter held at the YMCA in town. I will be volunteering to register the women that come in for the shelter on Thursday. It's definitely a little out of my comfort zone but I think it's a wonderful thing to provide someone with a place to sleep that's safe & warm. I also participated in a giving tree project that my work hosted. I picked a name off of a tree and provided the gift for that child. I bought a really warm & snuggly sweatshirt for a teenage boy. It warms my heart to do acts of kindness-big or small- and it is something I am vowing to do more of in 2013. </div>
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Lots of love to you all at the end of 2012. I'll be back at some point with a recap of 2012 and what I'm looking for in 2013! </div>
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Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00225242975147233102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5770402652422874517.post-86749260168687557212012-12-11T18:12:00.002-05:002012-12-11T18:12:37.115-05:00Celebrating!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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So the past week has been full of celebration! Why you may ask? Well it just so happens it was my 23rd birthday on Thursday. So in honor of my birthday (and then my mom's birthday which was on Saturday) it has been a week of wonderful things. Here's a little bit of what was going on in my birthday world. </div>
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Thursday (aka the best day ever because I was born) </div>
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I went to work and everyone there was so sweet to wish me a happy birthday and shower me with cards, gifts, and lots of love. I received these gorgeous flowers from my parents. </div>
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After work, I went to Aaron's and he cooked a delicious dinner for us of steak, macaroni & cheese, and green beans. We had planned to go to a Christmas light show but it was outdoors and it was cold. I decided I'd rather be toasty warm on my birthday so Aaron made a fire and we finished watching Polar Express because it was on tv. It was a lovely, lovely day. Simple, no frills, but lovely. </div>
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Friday (aka there's now 364 to my birthday-boo) </div>
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The work celebration continued by going out to lunch to celebrate my birthday and Simi's (who is in my office) birthday which was on Tuesday. We went to this great pizza place and had a blast with the Sales/Marketing team. After work, I met Aaron and his family for dinner at Cracker Barrel and then they finally got to come see Jonah. It was a great show (as usual!) and it was wonderful to share my job with them. </div>
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Saturday</div>
To celebrate both of our birthdays, I got Mom and I tickets to the American Music Theatre's Christmas Show. We went last year and it was wonderful. She came to my apartment first and we did birthday gifts! <br />
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After we did presents (I got other things prior to my birthday so please don't think I was lacking in the present department!), we headed to Sight & Sound to see the pre-Jonah Christmas Show in the lobby. Unfortunately, the audio wasn't working so we didn't get to see it. We went to pick up the tickets for our 3:00 show at AMT and then went for lunch. We ran into Loft Outlet which was nearby and found me a great outfit for my upcoming Christmas parties. Then it was show time. We had a blast! </div>
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Monday</div>
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The Sight & Sound Christmas Party! Aaron and I were invited to the Christmas Party for my company. We got all dressed up and joined a TON of the employees at S&S for a huge dinner (a local smorgasboard hosted us all) and some entertainment. We had a great time and Aaron finally got to meet the wonderful people I work with. It was a fun night! </div>
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So yeah-it's been a busy few days. I'm thankful to be laying on my couch, watching Home Alone (I've been streaming Christmas movies pretty much non-stop since Thanksgiving), blogging, and eventually reading the December issue of Martha Stewart Living. Hoping you all are gearing up for the holidays and having a merry and bright week ahead. </div>
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Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00225242975147233102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5770402652422874517.post-21054664699527246762012-11-21T08:56:00.004-05:002012-11-21T08:56:41.204-05:00I'm Thankful<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I've seen a lot of "thankful" posts lately. And I'm just as thankful as the next person but have been quite busy with my job, church obligations, and my social life too. So now it's time to share what I am so thankful for. There's some big things that I am thankful for and there are little things that I know are also God's blessings in my life.<br />
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So here ya go...<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">The BIG stuff</span></strong></div>
My family has been the biggest support system for me this year more than ever. With graduation in May, I faced a lot of change. But my parents were by my side giving me independence but support when it came to job searching and apartment hunting. There have been moments in the past 6 months when I've questioned my decisions and felt overwhelmed about my choices. But they have done nothing but reaffirm my choices and raise my spirits.<br />
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Aaron is the best boyfriend I could ever ask for. He is always supportive of my job and my involvement in church. He understands my quirks and neuroses and he deals with them. He often lets me decide where we go on a date or what we should spend our time on. I couldn't ask for anything more. His love really lifts me up.<br />
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My job. Oh how blessed I feel because of my job. Finding a job after college was a worry on my heart since junior year of college. I was so nervous about what was to come. But what I got was better than I ever imagined. I have an amazing office that allows to do my work at a high level. My boss is truly the best and my coworkers are the funniest and sweetest. I have found that marketing is something I love even though I had no idea. I feel valued every single day at my job and feel like I have found myself in finding this job.<br />
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My apartment has been a blessing to me as well. It is in a great location, so I can walk to market and my church. (Not to mention for fun coffee and lunch dates with friends when those roll around.) Although I have some loud neighbors, I love how tiny and sweet my apartment is and how it has been a safe haven for me since I moved in May. I've hosted friends on my fire escape for a late summer lunch, I've baked a lot of apple pies in my sweet little kitchen, I've watched Halloween movies snuggled on my couch, and I've been kept safe from Hurricane Sandy as my power remained on during the worst of the weather. I know that I won't be in this apartment forever but these months it has been a safe, cozy space that I can retreat to. <br />
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<strong>The <span style="font-size: xx-small;">smaller </span>stuff</strong></div>
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The smaller stuff in my life also makes me feel incredibly thankful. </div>
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I'm thankful for the feeling I have when I taste that first sip of coffee in the morning and it's the perfect ratio of coffee and creamer. </div>
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I'm thankful for the love that people pour out to me at my job, both in big and small ways. A thank you and good job go a long way in my life. </div>
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I'm thankful for this holiday season and the fact that I have a job and money to be able to love on my family and friends. I get so much joy from Christmas and I love to spread that joy around. </div>
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I'm thankful for reuniting with my best friend today after too many months apart. Texts, phone calls, and skyping are great, but they don't replace being able to sit down over a cup of chai and catch up on the lives we've continued to live even in each other's absence. </div>
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I'm thankful for the beauty that I drive through each morning on my way to work. Corn fields, hanging laundry, and the many Amish neighbors make my commute a lovely one.</div>
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I'm thankful for my market which has provided me with produce, meat, and other goodies for so many years and continues to be a favorite part of my week. </div>
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I'm thankful for Christmas Pandora which has kept me going this week as I look forward to some time at home. </div>
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I'm thankful for Post-Its. I know that might seem silly but they help me do my job better. </div>
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I'm thankful for this little blog and for the little part of the world that reads it. You bless me with your comments and sweet thoughts. </div>
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<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Many thanks for many things!</strong></span> </div>
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Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00225242975147233102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5770402652422874517.post-46092619345084437332012-11-12T13:33:00.001-05:002012-11-12T13:33:36.649-05:00Thanksgiving Time<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I found these questions as part of a Sunday link-up but obviously it's not Sunday. But I love Thanksgiving so I think it's necessary to write about it! I don't know about all of you but this holiday got here so quickly. I absolutely love November and December and the feelings of joy that surrounds these two months. It smells like Christmas and feels like my favorite time of the year. I love the sights and smells. I've already started my Christmas shopping which has been fun. I have Christmas cards ready to write. I will likely be immersed fully in Christmas music the day after Thanksgiving. I hope that you feel a sense of love and light during this time of the year. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">There are two that stick out in my mind. One is a happy memory, one, well not so much. The not-so-much memory was my first year of high school. I was in the marching band and it is tradition to play against our rivals on Thanksgiving morning. That Thanksgiving day was rainy and muddy and we couldn't even march because you couldn't pick your feet up with how muddy it was. I was carrying cymbals for playing in the stands and as I was walking from the truck to the stands, I slipped and fell right on my butt with the cymbals. I then proceeded to yell the big kahoona of curse words (think starting with F...) as loud as possible. It was the first time I'd ever said that word in my life and right at the moment when I said it, there was a time-out so the whole sideline heard. The cymbals were covered in mud. And I had mud and grass everywhere. My uniform was horrible. It was so embarassing. </span></center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The happy memory also has to do with a Thanksgiving Day football game during high school only this time it was my last year of high school. I was the drum major that year and it would be my last football game conducting so it was a little bittersweet. It ended up being beautiful weather and my whole extended family came to the game. They brought pom poms and foam fingers and were more embarassing that I can even believe. But it was the best memory of my entire time in high school and in marching band. </span></center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Favorite Thanksgiving Food </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Everything is delicious. I love all the stuff that my mom makes. She makes an awesome pineapple stuffing which is a new favorite. I also love jellied cranberry sauce. And of course pumpkin pie.</span> </div>
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<br /><b>What is a Thanksgiving Tradition you and your
family have? </b></center>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2oQYLYMqXlxC5upafYpWGtYGyITcTCm_b50c2F_5gZoJrNVckMOUnOcz8VrP521wX8JJiFd8WI6gc3r2CZ61u0XZSGkxFtRPpt6N-1UmGpSsyJZpBbBvCjdulnsdFi9hQWvQ3jLVOtiid/s1600/opening_of_macys_thanksgiving_day_parade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2oQYLYMqXlxC5upafYpWGtYGyITcTCm_b50c2F_5gZoJrNVckMOUnOcz8VrP521wX8JJiFd8WI6gc3r2CZ61u0XZSGkxFtRPpt6N-1UmGpSsyJZpBbBvCjdulnsdFi9hQWvQ3jLVOtiid/s320/opening_of_macys_thanksgiving_day_parade.jpg" width="320" /></a>When I was in high school, the tradition was going to the football game since I was a part of the band. Now that I'm no longer in the band, the tradition is for me to watch the Macy's parade. Although the past few years have been a bust because my dad has taped the wrong one so I haven't gotten to see it. But this year-barring any DVR issues, I will be watching the parade. </center>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong>What are you most looking forward to this Thanksgiving?</strong></span> </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I am looking so forward to just being home. I have been incredibly busy with my job and I work each day during the week so the weekends are my only time to head home. But I have had loads of things scheduled on weekends so it just hasn't been easy to make it home. I haven't been home since the end of September. My family has visited several times so I'm not missing them worse than normal but I miss my dog and my house and my bed and my mom's cooking. It'll be great to be home for an extended stay.</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">I also can't wait to put up Christmas decorations with my mom on Black Friday!</span> </span></span></div>
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Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00225242975147233102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5770402652422874517.post-22972369472211054952012-10-27T15:58:00.002-04:002012-10-27T15:58:29.300-04:00A Little Fall Post<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Oh what a long time it has been since I have blogged. I am amazed at how busy I've been lately. I've been at Sight & Sound for a little over a month. And as of this week, I am no longer nannying. I tried for several weeks to balance both jobs, but working both pushed me over 40 hours and watching a kid does not provide easy hours. So I had to tell the sweet family that I could no longer work for them. I stayed until they found a new nanny and she seems sweet. I definitely miss my little Nola girl though. I miss our walks and cuddles. </div>
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But I am in a much better places mentally and physically working one job. I have time to clean, cook healthy food, catch up with friends, and focus on work for my church which kind of took a back seat. Since I last wrote, I've been soaking up LOADS of fall fun. Here's a peak....</div>
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1. I've made many mugs of hot cider. <br />
2. I've made two apple pies.<br />
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3. I've watched all of the Halloweentown movies...some more than once. Ok ok-some three times. They are just my level of Halloween and they are great background noise! <br />
4. I've also watched The Haunted Mansion, Tower of Terror, part of Beetlejuice, and part of Hocus Pocus. I've never been THIS into Halloween before. But only the tame kind of fun. <br />
5. I've put together the best Halloween costume for the kids party tomorrow at my church. I may or may not be a fiery red-headed Princess. All I need is my bow and error. <br />
6. I've worn my boots and scarves and sweaters to their fullest extent. <br />
7. I've hung out with a bunch of apples, hicks, and a pretty cute guy I know. <br />
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8. I've seen market all decked out for fall with so many yummy breakfast goodies. <br />
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9. I've made pumpkin chili for a chili cook-off at work. <br />
10. I've walked in the cool crisp air to market and church and felt so thankful for where I live. <br />
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So that's just a taste of what I've been up to. I am going to Aaron's tonight. We are heading to an orchard to pick pumpkins and then it's carving time for us. Tomorrow is the church Halloween party with games, snacks, and costumes for the little ones (and the bigger ones too!) And then, barring Hurricane Sandy's fury, I'll be helping hand out candy on Wednesday with my friend Liz and her two pups. What fall fun have you been able to enjoy?! </div>
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Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00225242975147233102noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5770402652422874517.post-35102344051197551382012-09-27T18:35:00.000-04:002012-09-27T18:35:07.383-04:00Back and Better than Ever<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello loves! I know you probably thought I disappeared. But no. I have been incredibly busy lately. Tomorrow I'll have been working at my new job at Sight and Sound Theatres for two weeks. On top of the hours I work there, I also nanny a few afternoons/evenings a week. This week I'll have put in 44.5 hours of work total. Which leaves little time for blogging. I can sometimes get caught up on my blog reading with my iPad while Nola sleeps but it's a pain to write my blog on my iPad so I just haven't been around much. But here's some updates! <br />
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-I am so blessed by my job at Sight and Sound. I truly look forward to going to work every single day. I have amazing colleagues both in my department and within the whole family of S&S. It is TRULY a family. <br />
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-I LOVE that we have conversations about God and that we pray for each other. That just uplifts me. It's just a comfort to know that God has His hand over all of our moments. <br />
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-I have the coolest desk. I know that sounds nerdy. But not that my desk is anything special (though it's BIG and I've decorated it all pretty) but it's the window next to my desk. You see it's a huge picture window. And often I look out and see the show animals walking around. Today I watched the deck crewn eating their dinners after the show. <br />
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-And now let me tell you the best part of my job- I got to see the show today. Right now Jonah is playing and what an AMAZING SHOW! I cried. I laughed (loudly). I danced (to myself). Even though I see the sets, I run into the actors, I know the animals by name. But I was still in awe of the quality of the show, the technologies that were used, and the amazing message of God's love. <br />
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-In other news, Aaron and I went to the beach last weekend. I grew up going to Ocean City, NJ my whole life but haven't been there in 2 years. So we took a little trip and it was beautiful. Truly-best weather ever. We ate way too much, got to walk the beach and look for shells, and be two people in love on the boardwalk. <br />
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-This weekend I've been asked to photograph the wedding of the church's janitor's son. I'm friends with the janitor and his wife. They know that their son and future daughter-in-law just wanted a simple service and weren't looking to pay a lot for a photographer. I know my way around a camera and can take basic shots and capture the moment. So I'm doing that this weekend. It also means I get to hang out with my mom (Dad's away) so we'll be watching tv, eating whatever yummies she makes, and shopping! Looking forward to it. <br />
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-Finally, I just feel incredibly happy with where I am in this moment. I had some major doubts that everything would come together. But they have. I have work, even more than needed. I have a great apartment, one that is proctective and warm and I love coming home. I have wonderful friends. I love my church (though I haven't been quite as present with everything going on.) I get to see my family when I want and need and love them. And I have Aaron-who is truly more than I could ask for. And then I have you-who read my blog, who provide blogs for me to read, and who send me love and light. Thank you. </div>
Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00225242975147233102noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5770402652422874517.post-21997102608520845872012-09-14T08:35:00.001-04:002012-09-14T08:35:31.327-04:00Times They Are A-Changin'<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So you might think that with only a part-time job I'd be blogging up a storm. And yes, I'm sorry I haven't exactly been wordy and babbling on. I wake up in the morning, watch a lot of Boy Meets World (ah childhood relived), drink my cup of coffee in my bed, and do whatever I want until lunch and then work. And it has been glorious. It is truly a blessing after four years of hard work at college and working all summer. It is nice to not have such a strict schedule. But all of that is about to change...<br />
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<i><span style="color: #45818e;">BECAUSE I GOT ANOTHER JOB! AN AMAZING JOB! </span></i></div>
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That's right- I will now be working long hours, packing lunches and dinners, and busting my butt. And it is all going to be worth it. </div>
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I have been nannying part-time and that will continue. But now I'll also be working 32 hours a week for Sight and Sound Theatre. Anyone from Pennsylvania is probably familiar with that name. They are an amazing Christian company that does Broadway style musicals. I saw two shows when I was younger and they were truly a spectacle. I interviewed for the company back in the beginning of August, was called back for a second interview, and was offered the position of marketing coordinator this week! I am so thrilled. I believe that this is a company I am meant to be a part of- I know that God has meant for me to be in this city, in this apartment, in these jobs. It'll be long days. But I am so excited. </div>
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Thanks to everyone for the support and comments on the job search. I know how it feels to wait. And to worry. So thank you! </div>
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What does this mean for blogging- well hopefully I'll be able to blog on the weekends in preparation for the week. But yes-I'll definitely be a little MIA for awhile. Although I will continue to read and love what you all are doing. And I'll try to keep you updated! </div>
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Other than that, nothing too eventful going on over here. Today I'll be running errands, stocking up on groceries, buying a new pair of boots to celebrate, and working a little bit tonight (nannying while Nola sleeps= reading Hunger Games and catching up on a movie or two!) Have a lovely weekend! </div>
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Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00225242975147233102noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5770402652422874517.post-24258444966827333502012-09-09T15:31:00.000-04:002012-09-09T15:31:15.926-04:00Things I Have Learned<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So this past week was a weird one for me. It was my first week not working full-time. It was my first week working part-time. It was my first week as a nanny. It was my first week being able to sleep in each morning (not that I could sleep past my normal wake-up time). And let me tell ya- I learned a lot in this first week of weird. Because it was so gosh darn different and strange, I feel like I'm a different person just in this week. Here's what I've learned.<br />
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1. Children are hard work. They require a lot of attention and a lot of love. I'm prepared to give those things to sweet little Nola, but sheesh- she wears me out by the end of the day.<br />
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2. Walking through this town is safe. But there are creepy people. I need to improve my ability to get out of such situations talking with creepy people. <br />
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3. I have enjoyed digging in my memories for children's music. There are some classic songs that are now part of my repertoire yet again. And thank you Toddler Pandora for keeping Nola (and I) singing.<br />
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4. Yoga is amazing. It is relaxing and therapeutic. And makes me incredibly stiff.<br />
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5. Lunch outside is better than lunch inside any day. Especially when that lunch is a delicious sandwich with tomato, basil, mozzerella cheese, and turkey on a baguette.<br />
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6. I need to find a job for the morning. I like sleeping in but I am way too restless.<br />
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7. I sometimes talk to Nola like she's my dog. Because she often does things that the dog would do- like play with her squeaky ball. <br />
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8. I'm officially an old woman because I planned and executed my first church potluck today. And there was an abundance of food and friends. It was truly a success and I can't believe I pulled it off.<br />
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9. I'm also old because potluck day is one of my favorite days of the year.<br />
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10. The crock pot is an incredible tool. Fall means I'll be using my little guy to make soups and stews and good food. Who's coming for dinner?<br />
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11. My family is the best. I went home for only 24 hours but it was perfect. My parents fed me, allowed me to add a few of my own groceries, and grab a few paper goods from their stock. Oh yes, and just love me too.<br />
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12. The laundromat is the bomb. I can finish ALL of my laundry in under 2 hours. <br />
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13. I could eat pizza everyday. I ate it 3 days out of 7 this week. Don't judge me.<br />
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Ok-well there's some of what I learned this week. I'm sorry that I haven't been a great blogger this past week. I'm hoping to blog a lot more this week now that I'm a little bit more adjusted. Lots of love to you bloggers. I hope that you're doing well. </div>
Alyssahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00225242975147233102noreply@blogger.com1