Well Hello...

Welcome to 2011. It's crazy how the new year has already started and is well underway. I know I'm behind on blogging, but what's new?

Well funny you should ask. I've got something new. Another blog. Yup. As a sort of new years resolution, the bff and I are channel our best efforts into a team blog. It's focused on food, fitness, and the ridiculousness that is our lives.

I'll be blogging from there mostly, so all four of you loyal followers should add it to your google reader and spread the word.

www.betterfoodandfitness.blogspot.com

Today I blogged about bras. Clearly it's a winner.

Christmas Recap

Two posts in one day? I know, I know, it's nuts! But I thought I'd do a Christmas recap post while I was at home and had some pictures readily available. (What I don't have is an updated snow picture because it's too dark now and they just come out as blurs, but trust me when I say we're well on our way to those 14-20 inches).

Christmas was different this year because my mom and my sister had to work. Last year I was the one missing from the family festivities because I was with the in-laws, but this year my mom stayed in VT and my sister missed the mid-day fun at my dad's. As we grow up there have to be these kind of adjustments, but it's definitely weird to no longer being doing our normal traditions.

We did pretty well on our own though. On Christmas Eve the hubs cooked some roast beast for us, and we played a ruckus game of Spoons well into the night.

my sister enjoying the roast beast

It's tradition in our family to have mini hot dogs and Christmas-shaped pasta for dinner on Christmas Eve, but this year we opted out of that. We did have some "beanie weenies", as my mom calls them, for an appetizer, but I have to say, the top roast was MUCH more appealing :)

We turned in fairly early, because we knew Christmas morning was an early one. My sister had to work at 10am (darn hospitals being open on Christmas), so we had to get in our stockings, breakfast and gifts before then! We don't have a fireplace, but we do have a mantle (don't ask...old apartments in Boston are weird), so we had a good place to hang the stockings. To make it feel like an actual fireplace, we used the Comcast "Yule Log" to create a more cosy ambiance. I think it worked like a charm!

stockings are hung by the fire with care

It was a fun morning, and I was sad to see my sister off to work, but we had other places to be. It was into the car and off to my dad's for more family fun. My dad's wife's family was there as well and it was quite a house full. We had a nice time visiting, but I do wish I'd gotten to spend more time with my Dad (he was busy playing host). I did get to see him when he opened his gift from my Gram, my sister, the hubs and me, and his reaction was priceless. We booked a private dinner for he and his wife while they're on vacation in Jamaica next week. It's on the beach and they'll have white glove service. It's something much fancier than they'd do themselves, so they were super excited. Here's the proof:

they love it :)

After that (yes, the day kept going) it was back up to Boston to meet back up with my sister and have Christmas dinner with my uncles. We had a fun day, but it was nice to be back in the city. Dinner was amazing (the norm when my uncle's cook), and we had fun with a pack of fake mustaches my sister's boyfriend brought.

do I fit in with the boys?

it's only a little creepy...

 The highlight of the day was definitely the fun family time. I have a great family, which is awesome when you have to spend that many hours straight together. We had some good laughs, and the gifts were extremely thoughtful. My favorite gift was one my uncle made for the whole family. He took the time to put together a photo book of our wedding pictures, and it's so gorgeous. We were so touch that he made us one, let alone everyone else too (including the in-laws!). It's a perfect Christmas gift, and I'm pretty much obsessed with it now :)

THE book :)

Now it's bed time. The hubs is enthralled with his new XBox, and already knows he has a snow day tomorrow, so I'm just leaving him to stay up as late as he wants. I'm REALLY hoping not to have to venture out into the blizzard tomorrow to get to work, but there has been no word about it thus far, so I've still got to plan on going. Let's keep our fingers cross that the next blizzard picture I post shows LOTS of snow!

Let it Snow!

Although we didn't have a white Christmas, a white Boxing Day works just fine for me too. We're bracing ourselves to get slammed with 14-20 inches of snow and I'm so excited! I don't have anywhere to travel to, so bring it on! (And I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a snow day!)

About an hour ago, this was the view out my window:

just starting to build up

And now it looks like this:

a fair bit snowier

I love seeing it accumulate so quickly! I can't wait to wake up to a full on winter wonderland tomorrow.

Gearing Up

It's about that time. The time of year when I run around like crazy because there is always something I forgot. The time when there are nine places to be at once, all nine of which would be great to go to. The time when I have to prepare myself for several days in a row of family time, and be thankful that I actually like my family.

Although I had a few super fun holiday parties two weekends ago, and spend a great couple days in DC last weekend, the real fun starts today. Today is the holiday party at work. I enjoy getting to see everyone outside the discomfort of our cubes and enjoying toasts on the company's dime. The yankee swap always proves amusing, and hopefully my hot chocolate and alcoholic whipped cream gift  proves to be a winner.

Tomorrow the fun will continue with a half day of work and the arrival of my little brother.This is probably the best part of my week. I love having my brother in Boston, and I know he's looking forward to the break from school. I found him to be a huge pain for the majority of my childhood, but now he's pretty great to have around. :)

my little brother, looking super cool at the wedding

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are a mass coordination of working around people's schedules to see everyone and eat too much. I'm in charge of making cupcakes for my Dad's party...I need to not forget that. I am really looking forward to Christmas morning though. Even though neither of my parents will be present for the first time ever, my siblings and I (along with the hubs) are going to make the most of it...complete with fake fireplace compliments of Comcast OnDemand and egg sandwiches. Who wouldn't be excited for this time of year?

Love/Hate

This morning was one of those days that crawling back into bed and starting again seems like the best option. It was the kind of morning where I hate the city that I live in and really love so much. And it's a Monday. It's a lose-lose-lose kind of morning.

It started with my alarm being too quiet. I guess in the madness of waking up at 4am yesterday to take the hubs to the airport, the alarm was turned down (who knows how), so this morning it went off for a good 1/2 hour before I woke up. I had ear plugs in (Mass Ave is SO incredibly loud when it's rainy, so I often bust out the plugs), so the quiet alarm was just not cutting it. It was the jack hammering outside my window that was loud enough to wake me. WHY Boston, must you constantly find awful times to jack hammer on the already too loud street I live on? Not the most pleasant wake-up call at all, and not even an on time one. I set the alarm intentionally early because I love to snooze, but at this point I'm running 20 minutes late.

Rushing to get ready, I come to the realization that we have no hot water. Awesome. Some times when too many of the apartments are showering at the same time the water is just a little too cool, so I figured I'd wait, get lunch ready and try again. No success. There is just no hot water. Well it's 7:30am...can I call the landlord this early? He doesn't ever call me back anyway...he LOVES the hubs and so I stay out of the landlord-tenant convos at all costs, but today I have no choice. I decide 8am is a decent time to call, heat up some water on the stove to wash my face and clean up a little with, and go on getting ready. I try the water again, still nothing. I call the landlord, no answer. Oh well. It's off to work with yesterday hair.

Out the door and first thing I do is spill coffee down the front of my jacket.What a day to not have a husband to laugh at you/make things better.

I'm hoping that it doesn't turn into one of those "days" and just stays "one of those mornings." So far work has been fairly uneventful, so I'm hoping for the best...

My Grown-up Christmas Wish

Dear Santa, I have been good all year, I promise. I would be really grateful if you'd bring me a few things....

1. A new couch. The one we have was free and has served us well (it's even still in great condition and will most definitely have a good home after ours), but it's not super comfortable and I'd like something squishier (that's still a sleeper! We have lots of guests in Boston!)

2. A Garmin Forerunner 205. I'm just getting into running more, and I would love one of these babies to keep me on track. It would definitely help me reach some running goals I've set for myself, and that's always a bonus.

3. Some nice new fluffy slippers. I love my slippers. I wear them around the apartment whenever I'm home...even in the summer! But the ones I have are a little worn down and I'd love some newer fluffier ones...likes these amazing ones from Brookstone (teddy bear not required).

4. And if you're feeling REALLY generous, I'd love a new camera. The one the hubs got me for a wedding present is wonderful and I love it. It's perfectly pocket sized and takes great pictures, but not the pictures that a DSLR could take. I love the Nikon D60s. Maybe with a strap too?

Thanks a million.

Love, Maddie



 



Images from here, here, here, and here.

Maine is Cold

We had a holiday fun filled weekend. We picked out and cut down a tree, saw Santa on a lobster boat, and did a little shopping. It was a really good time, but it was cold. Turns out it's pretty chilly in Maine in December.

the view is just as good in the winter as it was on our honeymoon

 our tree is so little the hubs could haul her off with one hand

Santa arrives in Maine style...on a lobster boat

back in Boston, all dressed up!

One of the nicest things about this weekend was being right back where we had our honeymoon. It is such a relaxing place, and we have such wonderful memories from the summer that it just made the weekend that much better. It's nice knowing that we'll be able to visit the spots where we got married and where we honeymooned as frequently as we'd like. I didn't realize how much of a bonus that is :)

December to Remember

This month I will try my best to remember to blog. A lot of fun stuff goes on during the holidays, and hopefully I'll have something exciting to mention here.

I am excited that it is officially December. I do not feel badly listening to Christmas music in December or hanging up our lights (which we did Monday, oh well!) I'm so excited to get a tree and dive head first into the holiday season. I love Christmas...and not just because of the presents. The parties, the decorations, the family, and the lights! How can you not love it?

This December will be a little different, as the hubs is going to New Mexico solo. We both went last year for Christmas, so this year we're spending the real day with my family. But he couldn't NOT see his family some time near Christmas, so he'll be gone for a week. I couldn't go this time because I am fresh out of vacation days thanks to the multiple trips we took in 2010, and New Mexico is a little far to go for a weekend. He hasn't gone to NM without me in a few years, but I think he'll survive :) Me? I'll be just fine. Although many of my dinners may come from the microwave, I am looking forward to complete reign over the remote control. And I'll be making my own mini-vacation to Washington DC to visit my non-Welsh friend from Wales. I'm pretty psyched.

Until then I'll be surviving work days to make it home to Christmas fun...like making snow flakes!

Thankful

I have a lot to be thankful for in life. One thing I can be thankful for is no one caring if I blog on a regular basis or not :)

With Thanksgiving just a few days away it seems as though I, like so many other people, should give thanks for the wonderful things in my life. There are far too many things to list them all here...like water, air, health, an apartment to live in etc....so I'll just give you one super important one... 


My family. Cliche, I know, but I am. I love them. They are so wonderful and supportive and some of my closest friends. Life would be hard without them. Husband included in this, of course :)


I'm so ready to eat turkey...And only work two days this week.

Brrrrr It's Cold in Here

It's really darn cold in my apartment. After two years of living here, I'm still not sure when the heat turns on...or what it's set to...or how darn cold it has to get in here before it comes on, but it's apparently not cold enough yet! I just hope it doesn't get worse as the weather does...

It's all fine and good to look for an apartment with heat included in the rent, but it's definitely worth it to pay if you get to control the heat. Right now I would turn it on to take the edge off...so that maybe my fingers wouldn't feel like they were going to fall off. I had a great dinner out with a friend tonight, but we stood in the cold and chatted for too long afterward, and now I can't seem to warm up! I liked it a lot better when it was 70 degrees during the day and 50 at night...instead of this 50 during the day and 30 at night!

I know that people deal with this all winter long. I know that there are people who don't have heat ever, not just fussy heat like mine. I know that the cost of oil is high and some people won't be able to buy it. I am so fortunately to not be one of those people. I am lucky, and I know that, but I just felt like complaining. Sorry.

Appalled

I'm not one to get too heated about anything going on in the media, but this is ridiculous. A few weeks ago, Marie Claire (the big magazine) posted an article about healthy living blogs. Apparently, they don't think these blog are healthy. They think that women showing how they have personally chosen to live their life is not portraying reality. We are not all marathon runners, so we can read these blogs? Some of us require a higher calorie intake on a daily basis, so we can enjoy some healthy recipes? I can see if I were to try to mimic these women's diets and exercise habits exactly that it would not be healthy for me, but I can't image that TOO many people actually do that. So why is MC slamming a great resource for people who are looking to make their lives better health wise?

Now that might not seem THAT bad, but Marie Claire also found it ok to publish an article about plus-size actors being gross to watch. The article was referencing the new show "Mike and Molly," which I have not seen, but apparently the author of this article couldn't stand to watch two morbidly obese people with "rolls and rolls of fat" making out. SERIOUSLY? First off, that's so rude. Maybe it's not the best show ever, and maybe it's not the typical hot people pouring themselves onto each other in unrealistic sex scenes, but there is NO NEED to describe it with such disgust. Get over yourself and watch something else. Second of all, do you stand for anything good Marie Claire? Healthy living blogs are no good. Overweight people on TV are no good. Don't be healthy, don't have a sex life if you're big.

It's such crap that a reputable magazine would be willing to run either one of these stories. I completely understand that the life style of these bloggers would not be healthy for everyone...nor is being overweight...but why on earth would you make these things out to be SO negative? How about running an article with some good advice instead of just trashing other people?

Moral of the story, don't buy Marie Claire.

*both these articles can be found online. I didn't bother putting up the links because I don't really want to give Marie Claire the benefit of any more web traffic.

Falling Off the Wagon

I have never been that good at blogging. I got through times when I'm really on top of it and keep people updated all the time, and other times (like recently) where I fall right off the back of the wagon. Oops. Time to try to catch up with the hay ride and jump back on...

It's fall here in Massachusetts, and it's gorgeous. I didn't really notice it until I left the city last weekend to visit my grandparents. It's obviously fall in the city too, but we do not have the amazing leaf colors they have out in the suburbs. I couldn't believe that the colors were changing that brightly without me having noticed at all. The tree outside my apartment is still a shade of greenish-yellow. There are oranges and reds out there! It was beautiful. (Yes, I'm from New England, but I'm a closet leaf peeper. Don't hate).

Today will be a wonderfully fall day of laundry and possibly pumpkin carving with my Gramma. I also need to work on my Halloween costume...I have no idea what I'm going to be....

New Month and Vacation

All of a sudden, it's October! I feel like it came out of no where, and now it's already almost two weeks in.  It's amazing how fast this year is going. At least this month has been good so far.

Last week we were in New Mexico. We went for this:

We had an awesome week and did a lot in the Southwest that we'd never done before, even though we lived there for four years. It was really fun to be a tourist.

We went to Four Corners...

We went to Santa Fe on the train, and even had the most amazing frozen yogurt place in Nob Hill. The most exciting part of the trip for me was hiking up these bad boys:

The top is 10,378 feet up. We started the hike around 6,000 feet and made our way up. It was an intense hike, but it was amazing. The views along were worth it, let alone the amazing feeling of having made it to the top. Just last year I probably wouldn't have made it more than two miles in, and two years ago I would have never even tired. But I did it. It took a while, and I wanted to go back down more than once. But it was so worth it, and I'm so happy we made the decision to do it.

Now we're home, with a some what less spectacular view, and back to the grind. I'm happy to be home and feeling the crisp fall air here in the city. I love being on vacation, and I absolutely love New Mexico, but there's nothing like home and my own bed.

Working for the Weekend

I know it's only Monday, but I really want Saturday to be here. On Saturday, we'll be going to New Mexico! For a whole week! I'm so excited. I can't wait to be there and see the in-laws and the bff, and to have the hubs enjoying spicy food (he loves it and cannot find good enough spice in Boston). 

Next Sunday we'll be out before the sun is even thinking about coming up to be at the Balloon Fiesta. We'll be strolling around freezing out butts off, drinking coffee and having breakfast burritos (no chilies on mine!) I absolutely LOVE the balloons and cannot get enough, which is why we try our best to be there in October every year. It's so worth getting up that early.


This year is an exciting trip because not only are we married this time, but the cousins-in-law are coming too! We went to FL with these cousins and camping this summer, among many other visits, so we know we're good travel buddies. They've never been to New Mexico, so it will be a whole new adventure for them. And we'll get to see the city all over again too. After living there for so long, and having our own favorite places, you forget that there are other things to see and do, and it will be nice to do them again (or for the first time). 


So now I just have to hope I can make it through the week. I'm headed out of work early today for an appointment, and then I plan on tackling the pile of laundry we've got. Not the most exciting afternoon, but once the clothes are clean I get to start packing them (no use putting them in the drawer instead of the suitcase)! And I love packing!

Issues with the State

On Saturday my new license arrived. I was so excited. It's fancy and new, and my picture is awesome. I was showing if off when my sister said, "did you notice they spelled Massachusetts wrong?"

I most definitely thought she was just joking around. The state of Massachusetts would not spell the state name wrong on their licenses! But oh...they did. I live on Massachusetts Ave...but according to my new license, I live on Massachusettes Ave. Really? Yup. Someone who works for the state, and probably sees the word spelled out a million times a day misspelled my address.

So I went online to seach the Mass RMV website for what to do when the information on your ID is incorrect. It says call the number. I called the number, waited on hold for a while, and spoke to a very pleasant woman who thought it was pretty hilarious (as do I) and told me I had to actually go to the RMV to have the change made and get a new license...all she could do for me was a change of address sticker for the back. I'm sorry, but I just got a BRAND NEW license. I don't want that dumb sticker on the back again.

So this morning I went. But I didn't fix the address. I am flying to New Mexico next Saturday and I could not risk not having another new ID come before then. So once I'm back I'll go to the RMV...again...for the third time in as many weeks. And next time I go their summer hours will be over, so they won't open until 9 and I'll have to be late for work. Awesome.

All because Massachusettes just isn't right.

Fall is in the Air

The crispness is here, and I could not be happier. The days are sunny and brisk and the night are perfect for sleeping. I absolutely LOVE the fall, and I'm so very happy that it's here.

Fall means some fun things. It means not going to work with wet hair anymore because it's COLD in the morning. It means pumpkin spice lattes. It means apple crisps and apple cider! It means wearing all the pretty scarves I have, and it's almost time for Ugg boots again! It means warm meals and curling up with books and tea. It means going to New Mexico to see the in-laws for balloon fiesta (in just 10 days! yayy!)

AND it means the start of the new seasons of TV! I'm most excited for America's Next Top Model, House, and Biggest Loser. I love the models and the medical drama, and BL always helps me stay motivated with my workouts (although I love the cold, I am the FIRST to admit that it can keep me curled up on the couch rather than at the gym).

Soon the leaves will be changing, pumpkins will be carved, and before we know it we'll be making hand turkeys!

All you Need is Love

The added bonus is when the person you love is an awesome cook. My friends and I have been eating so well recently because the hubs has been flexing his chef muscles and making us some amazing meals. We have a copy of "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" that is his new bible, and I cannot complain. Not to mention, we have a slew of new cookware that makes the whole process a lot easier and more enjoyable than before. Our tiny kitchen is no long an obstacle, but a place where magic happens.

Last night we have the classic Julia Child meal of beef bourguignon. It took the hubs hours to prep it Wednesday night and it was absolutely delicious. Lucky for us, we have awesome friends willing to come share it with us, and watch Jeopardy, and reminisce about TV shows of our childhood. Do friends get better than that?

I've never been a very good cook, I do it because I have to. I am not horrible though, and I have definitely mastered the simple things, like meatball subs, fried eggs, and pasta dishes. But having someone at home who actually LOVES cooking, and just understands what herbs and spices would make a dish without reading in a recipe may be the best thing ever. I am so lucky, however, now even more lazy in the kitchen than I was before.

It's Official...

Today I survived the Social Security office and changed my name. Other than having to wait in line for longer than I would have cared to, it was a pretty painless process.

The painful process has already started though. There is SO much I have to change. My health insurance, my car insurance, my bank account, my student loans, my library card! I have a running list of all the things I'll have to change, and people keep reminding me of more. I almost considered not changing my name at all once I realized just how much there was to do. But I sucked it up :)

Wednesday, how do I Love Thee...

Let me count the ways...or just three ways...

1. America's Next Top Model started it's 15th cycle tonight. And ANTM means Wednesday nights with the girls just got that much more interesting. This cycle is much more high fashion and seems like it won't disappoint.

2. The hubs cooked dinner. I usually cook for the girls on Wednesday, but last night when discussing menu with the hubs, he had lots of good ideas and I had none, so he became the guest chef. And delivered a most fantastic meal.

3. I decided on my name. We did NOT, however, get our marriage license in the mail yet, so I still can't officially change it, but I have decided on what to change it to. After a lot of thought, and writing out all the options multiple times, I'm going the more tradition route. I love the name I was given by my parents. They chose my first and middle name to go together, and last names just happen (no one really picks that for us). So now I have a new last name that I also didn't pick, but the important stuff is all still intact. Mrs. First Middle new-last.

...like I said before, I just really like Wednesday. It once proved itself wonderful. Not to mention, September is definitely here and the cool air is coming. I couldn't be happier!

What's in a Name...

I don't know what to change my name to. Some people may think this is ridiculous, but I really don't know what to do.

To clarify, I will be taking the hubs' last name. There was never a question about that, and obviously I'm going to keep my first name the same. But what to do with the middle? Do I just go the traditional route and drop my last name completely, becoming mrs. first given-middle new-last? Or do lose the given middle and become mrs.first maiden new-last? OR do I go all out and become mrs. first given-middle maiden new-last?

It probably shouldn't be such an issue, but I really can't decide which to be. I like the name I've had all these years, and am reasonably attached to it, but at the same time, I'm married and very much want to take my husband's last name. So where is the compromise? I don't like the hyphens, so it's just a matter of me making up my mind.

Luckily, we haven't gotten our certified marriage license yet, so I don't have decide for another day or two...