Spring Cleaning-Update #2

The first project was organizing all these files and papers. Most of them were bills that I just hadn't had time to file away after paying, so they just kept overflowing the little basket that is only suppose to hold new mail...OOPS! As you can see from the last picture, mission accomplished! I have also organized the kitchen cabinets and am currently going through clothes to donate. Next on the list is to vacuum each room. I'll be back with another update soon.

Spring Cleaning-Update #1

10 a.m. Spring Cleaning Begins!!!! Keep checking in for updates and maybe some pictures as the weekend continues.

My First Spinner Card

I made my first spinner card earlier this month. I made it for John for our four year anniversary, but never got a chance to post it. I realized that I had this picture of it when going through my iphoto albums today. The globe on the top spins from side-to-side when you move the card back and forth. I got the idea after seeing a card that a wonderful paper crafter, Julie Ebersole, posted on her blog. I ended up not liking the patterned paper that I used, but oh well, it's still a fun card...and John LOVED it!

On another note, I have big plans for Spring Cleaning this weekend...I'll keep you posted on my progress. Happy Friday!

Missing You Already!

Just a fun picture of Johnny from last summer to post today. We had a great weekend together and he was able to stay up in NH for a few extra days, so that was a treat for me! It is really fun coming home to him, making dinner together, talking and just "being us" together, as I like to say. Next on our schedule together...hitting the gym (on a regular basis this time)! Hehehe. We're both wanting to get in better shape, and having a partner in crime is ALWAYS a good thing. I have Joanne to keep me in line at work and during the week, and my mom via e-mail/phone, but it's hard on the weekends...so we're going to give it a go! Last week was tough getting my workouts in, with the commute to my parent's house, but that's no excuse. I did get in some walks with the dogs, but I am ready to sweat again. Maybe I'll get back to the 6:30 a.m. workout tomorrow...we'll just have to see!

Gone for a Few Days

Hey, sorry I've been gone for a few days. I'm watching my parents house while they are on vacation and taking care of our little dogs. They have dial-up internet and it is soooooooo slow, I can't take it. So, I may not be able to post again until Monday. But, we'll see. Maybe I'll surprise you and post again this weekend. Hope you all have a great weekend!

A Gift of Gratitude

I am a person who tries to look for the simple pleasures in life; someone who tries to notice the little things and not take anything for granted. But like anyone else, I'm only human and I can have a bad day that would make even the most cheerful girl a little cranky. I was having myself one of those cranky days just last week at work, when I came back to my desk to find a little gift and card had been left for me.

Let me explain a little background. We have a program at my work called the Affiliate Group Service Program, in which we offer complimentary services to certain non-profit groups, associations and organizations that are connected to local government and community leadership/growth in some way. (That isn't the best way to describe the program, but it's probably the easiest to understand without going into a whole long explanation). These groups need our help with administrative tasks, event planning, database organization, mailings, graphic design, etc. We currently have over 25 groups that utilize this service and at least half use the design services on a regular basis. With so many groups, it is easy to feel unappreciated or overlooked when doing work for them. That isn't a bad thing, as we are suppose to be behind the scenes. We want the groups to shine and just want to assist them, as they need. However on this day, one person from one of these groups wanted to be sure I knew just how much I meant to her and her group.

I opened the card to find a lovely handwritten note about just how much I am appreciated for all the help and guidance I offer their group. She wanted to be sure I wasn't overlooked and had thought of me when she saw this gift in a store. I opened the bag to find a box with a special little necklace inside. She wanted me to have this gift to share her gratitude with me for a job well done. Even though the necklace is very special to me, she left me with an even greater gift that day. She reminded me to see the gratitude in the everyday and reminded me to focus on those little details that make our lives so rich and meaningful. Even when you don't think you're making a difference, you'd be surprise at just how many people are appreciating you in their own ways. And for that reminder, I am truly grateful!

My Dad

My dad let me take some pictures of him on his Kubota tractor today. This one was my favorite. Thanks for brunch Mom and Dad. I Love you!

Camera Fun

Another 'Noreaster has hit NH. We went from 70 degrees the other day to a complete snowstorm yesterday and last night. I think there are about 10" here and we're still suppose to get some freezing rain on and off today to finish the storm off. Since I'm snowed in, I'm still in my pjs at noon and playing around with my camera. And after looking at these pictures, it is clear I need to go get my tush in the shower! Hehehe. Hope you're snowed in with someone you love today. Enjoy!

Things That Made Me Happy Today!

Here are just some things that made me happy today, in no particular order (except #1)...

1. Talking to my mom, my dad AND my sister in the same day!
2. Having a really productive meeting, in which I was reassured that my attention to detail at work IS appreciated!
3. Hitting every GREEN light on the drive home tonight!
4. Having soup with lunch AND dinner! I know that isn't the healthiest, but I LOVE soup!
5. Remembering that it's Thursday and that means GREY'S ANATOMY is on tonight!
6. Hanging out with my friend JOANNE after work today!
7. Getting a voicemail from a friend that I have't heard from in MONTHS!
8. Finding out I am still getting TLC at my apartment, even though it didn't come in at ALL yesterday!
(I only have the $12 cable, so this fluke is bound to come to an end one of these days).
9. Knowing that my fridge has food, all the bills are PAID and I still have extra money to put in the bank!
10. Realizing that my gas tank in my car is still on FULL, even though I haven't filled up since Sunday night!

Hope you are having LOTS of happiness in your day today too!!!! HUGS!

Photo Therapy Needed

I'm in desperate need of some photography time!!! I really want to practice and get better at using my camera, but I just haven't had the time or the subject matter to get inspired. Hoping to torture John this weekend and make him be my model once again. Also hoping to find some interesting places around this little city with fun shapes and colors. I didn't get any responses to my question about what you're looking forward to as Spring approaches the other day. First one to answer me gets a surprise!!!

Cardio Tuesday!

Had a GREAT workout tonight! I just love the fitness class that they have at my work on Tuesdays. The instructor, Erica, is super fun and energetic and it gets my heart pumping and pounding. She does a mix of step, kickboxing, weights and abs. And best of all...it is free for fitness center members, you can't beat that! Tomorrow night is pilates, then back on the running schedule after class. Hoping to increase my time increments this week, but thanks to my sister's words of encouragement I'm focusing on what I AM doing instead of what I'm not. It will all come in time. Happy, healthy Tuesday to you all!

Spring Wishes

It was sooooo gorgeous outside today. I think it even reached 55 degrees here in NH! It made me start wishing for Spring. So, here are some pictures to get you wishing for spring too. Let me know what you're looking forward to as Spring approaches...it might just lead to a surprise!

Wonderful Weekend

I hope that you all had a wonderful weekend, because I sure did! Going into the weekend I finally decided to treat myself to that manicure/pedicure I had been dreaming about the other day...and it was well worth it, I felt beautiful for my big weekend! I also found some sexy red shoes that I had been searching for to go with my cute little wrap dress I had wanted to wear. Both dress and shoes were a HUGE success!

John and I had a relaxing day on Saturday. We slept in late, had coffee together, lounged around in our pjs, then we got ready for our night out. John had made reservations (oh yes folks, he actually made reservations for the first time ever) at this amazing restaurant that I had been wanting to go to for a long time. Every time we'd drive by it he'd always say that he'd take me there "someday" but I had no idea that "someday" would come this weekend. It was perfect. We had an intimate little table with candlelight and a great server. The food was excellent, but the company was even better! After four years, I still found myself smiling for no reason at dinner, searching for John's feet under the table with my own and laughing until the point of tears over a joke that only we would find funny. It seemed like the night flew by, but our dinner actually lasted about three hours! We just kept talking and laughing and holding hands. It was the perfect night and I was just so happy and impressed that I didn't have anything to do with it. But I did warn him that now I know he can make such fun plans, he'll be in charge of them more often.

We finished off our weekend by making breakfast together and snuggling on the couch while watching "The Illusionist." If you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend it. It was a really wonderful little movie that we both enjoyed. I was sad to see our weekend end, but I know that we're both on the same path at this point in our relationship and I love knowing that John will be by my side as we continue our future together. Enjoy some pics from the weekend. I was hoping to have taken more, but I really wanted to just enjoy the time together too, without a camera glued to my face!

Where in the World is Stacy K?

Sorry for missing the last few days. I've been super busy! I'm down in CT for the weekend, celebrating our Anniversary! I promise to be back on Sunday night, ready to post some pictures. Hope everyone has a happy weekend!

Running Routine

I finally got back on track with my running routine this week. Joanne found an article in a recent "Fitness" magazine that had a running plan to help get us started. For the first week, you run four minutes/walk one, run four/walk one...and once more, run four/walk one three out of the seven days. The first day, I ran four/walked two, ran three/walked four, then ran two to finish it off. Not quite what I was suppose to be able to do, but hey, it's a start. Tonight I ran three/walked one, ran three/walked one, ran two. Again, not quite what I was aiming for, but I stuck to the second day! Tomorrow is one of the scheduled days off from running, but now I can't wait to wear my new sneakers that I got this weekend. Yup, you guessed it, they are the ones pictured above. They are suppose to be great running shoes, so maybe they'll help me be able to do the whole four minute bursts. I'll let you know!

Bridal Shower Weekend

This weekend, I got to spend Sunday celebrating my cousin Melissa's upcoming wedding. It was so wonderful because she was completely surprised and I got to spend an afternoon of fun and laughter with my mom and aunts from out of town. It was so great to see everyone, especially since I won't be able to make it to the wedding down in Mexico. Here are some special pictures from the day. Enjoy!

Happy Anniversary Honey!

Today is mine and John's 4 year anniversary! I woke up with such an overwhelming feeling of happiness and love and I just can't wait until I get to talk to him today. Unfortunately, we have to wait until this weekend to celebrate together because he's in CT and I'm in NH until Friday. That's okay though, because he's making the anniversary plans and they are a surprise (I LOVE surprises)!!! Did I mention that I'm excited? Hehehe. Anyway, I woke up to a really cute, funny and loving e-mail this morning. We had both been a little tired and cranky when we talked yesterday, so it was really nice to start my day off on such a happy note. Honey, if you're reading this...I love you so much. You are always there to make me laugh, bring a smile to my face and hold me in your arms...and for that, I am grateful, not only today, but everyday. Thank you for loving me, for talking to me (even when I interrupt), for listening to me (even when I'm emotional), for having fun with me, for laughing with me...and for just being "US" with me. I love you more than you'll ever know. Happy Anniversary!

Home Again, Home Again...

I was suppose to head to my parent's house tonight for the weekend, but the weather got pretty bad this afternoon, so I'm back at home until tomorrow morning. Due to the nasty weather, they also closed my work at 1:00 and sent us home early. It was nice having so much time off this week (between being sick, the power outage and now the weather), but now next week is sure to be BUSY!

Since I'm home tonight, I thought I'd share a simple bridal shower card I made the other night. I was going to save it for Monday, but I'll treat you all since you were kind enough to stop by my page and see what I'm up to! Too bad the pictures aren't the best. Since it was so gloomy outside, it was difficult to take a good picture without the flash...and since there is silver embossing on both the lettering and the champagne flutes, not to mention the metal rim on the embellishment : O ) there is a little bit of flashback. But you can still see that it's cute! Hope you all have a safe and happy weekend! I'll be back to post on Monday night.

I Want to Know Your Opinion

My sister left me some interesting comments on my blog the other day, about a new myspace controversy. Apparently, they are removing pictures from profiles that show women breastfeeding. I wasn't sure how I wanted to blog about it, because I didn't know how I honestly felt about it. But I'm all for hearing different points of view before making an opinion about something. Please check out the links below and let me know what you think about this:
ivillage messageboard

kirotv

Thanks for bringing this issue to light Sis, I think it is worth talking about. Although I think people should be able to post the pictures they want, I also know that you have to agree to a disclaimer when signing up for your account. The account agreement does state that the "owners" of the site have the right to remove ANY pictures at THEIR own discretion. I personally don't think there is anything wrong with the women wanting to post their breastfeeding pics (I wouldn't want to, but that's why freedom of personal taste and opinion is such a great thing), but I think if they are having trouble with myspace, maybe they should create a blog such as this...or another kind of photo sharing page that doesn't restrict these pictures. Anyway, I do think it is unfair that other MUCH more sexual and scandalous pictures are on there, and they aren't being removed. Oh well, I don't want to form a full opinion until I hear from you readers.....so, start the commenting please!

Music I Love Today!

Yesterday, my friend Joanne and I were playing around on itunes and I found soooooo many fun songs that I wanted to download. In order to keep my temptation to a minimum, I decided to buy myself a $15 itunes card (would have done $10, but $15 is the lowest one they sell...so I couldn't help it). This way, I won't go overboard and I can buy myself a little pick me up on a bad day or reward myself with a treat on a good day. Today was a GREAT day, so I'm going to pick a song by Nina Simone that is all too fitting, Feeling Good. Unfortunately, two contestants from American Idol BOTH went out with this song tonight...but I can assure you, NEITHER one of them should have left. What is up with the American voters? Anyway, I'm not letting it bring me down...'cause I'm "Feeling Good!"