Expanding Our Family

There comes a time in every marriage when the couple must ask themselves, how much longer is it going to be just the two of us? Hubby came to me last week and told me he was feeling ready to take the next big step ...

and get a puppy!!!!

I grew up with a Bichon and have been dying to have a another dog around ever since mine passed away in 2003. Hubby has never had a dog before, and is feeling excited, but nervous at the same time. He just doesn't know what to expect. I cannot wait to have a dog, but I know that raising a puppy is going to be a LOT of responsibility. We *may* have found our perfect puppy, and we are going to go to the breeder's house on Saturday. The pup is only 4 weeks old right now, so we wouldn't be taking him home just yet. We are going to visit and see if he is the little man for us! There is only 1 male left in the liter, so I am hoping nobody claims him by Saturday!

I cannot wait to bring a little puppy into our house and give him a great home! We have a LOT of preparing to do- must "puppy-proof" the house (so much to buy, so many pairs of shoes to hide). I am excited for all the little things- buying him his bowl and his leash, getting him his first toys. I can't wait for puppy cuddles and puppy kisses! The training is what I'm of course most nervous for. I potty-train children at work all the time, how hard could it be to do the same for a dog? How quickly do dogs learn? I am hoping he will be trained enough to bring him down the shore with us this summer (to a relative's house) and also trained enough that my parents may consider dog-sitting in August. Realistic?

OK, getting ahead of myself. First need to get the puppy ... hopefully Saturday goes well!

Penn State Pride- $7.8 Million for the KIDS!

Of everything I've been involved in throughout my life, I am most proud of having been involved with THON, Penn State's dance marathon for pediatric cancer. THON is the largest student run philanthropy in the world and it takes place every February (for almost 40 years now!) at Penn State. Students spend the entire year raising money and getting involved in numerous ways. Then, about 700 dancers dance for 46 (used to be 48, back when I danced) hours. Yes, 46 hours. No sitting, no sleeping. The money raised benefits The Four Diamonds Fund, which helps children getting treatment at Hershey Medical Center in Hershey, PA (the sweetest place on Earth). There is SO much I could say about THON, more than I would ever have the time to write here. And I don't even think I can express in words the magic of THON and everything involved with it. I could tell you what it was like to stand and not sleep for 48 hours, and about how that is nothing compared to the pain these children go through. I could tell you about all the families and children who touched my life. I could tell you about how THON is run, or about what goes on during those 48 hours. I could tell you about all the events leading up to THON. I could explain to you how money is raised, and where the money goes. I could tell you about being a dancer, a morale captain, and a family relations captain. I could tell you that THON took up the most part of my junior and senior years of college. But no words could ever express the love that is felt when tens of thousands of students come together THON weekend. I could never describe how THON changed my life. I encourage you to visit www.thon.org for more information.

All I really can say is that I am SO proud that my school raised 7.8 MILLION dollars this year alone. Congrats to everyone involved this year! Oh, and I also want to say this ... FTK! We are ... Penn State!

I leave you with a few old THON pics of mine. I don't have many pics from pre-2004 on my computer. But of the 10 or so photos from THON stored in iphoto, I had a hard time choosing! Too many memories! LOVE YOU PSU!!!!!!!!!!!

With my THON family at THON 2006.

Dancing in THON in 2002. With some sorority sisters, our paired fraternity, and the parents of one of the children.

With some Hasbeens at THON 2007.

On the stage during the last four hours of THON 2003. Yellow love. Most fun people in the world!

Me leading the first line dance of 2003.

Me with the siblings of my THON family and my friend and fellow Family Relations Captain at THON 2004.

Beating the Winter Blues

I cannot stand the cold weather! Usually I've had enough by this time of year, but this winter has been especially bad. I definitely suffer from some blues this time of year. And with probably about six more weeks (at least) until things warm up a bit, I need to find some ways to cheer myself up. Below are some of my methods. What are yours?

1. Pedicures- Just because our feet are hidden doesn't mean they should suffer! I went for a pedicure this past Monday when I was off for President's Day. It was so great- and a bargain at only $13! (City girls- 1st ave between 12th and 13th- manicures $7, pedicures $13). I felt very "summery", until I slipped my feet back into my Uggs and braved the cold outside. And guys, don't think my suggestion isn't for you too! There was a guy sitting next to me getting a pedicure. He must have the winter blues too!

2. Ice Cream- If I'm outside walking around in the cold, I'll get a Starbucks Hot Chocolate. But once I'm inside in the heat, I don't need it to warm me up anymore. I can opt for some ice cream instead! Here's the trick- buy some cones! I am going to do this for me and Hubby this week. Then we can feel like we're down the shore getting some Custard's Last Stand in Ventnor.

3. Sunglasses- I don't tend to carry my sunglasses with me this time of year. Maybe if I drove more often I'd have a need for them. On Monday it was quite bright out and I brought my favorite pair out with me for the day. Just the act of putting on my sunglasses made me feel happier. Has this happened to anyone else out there? I think it just reminded me of warm weather and instantly made me smile. Although I also had to wear a hat, so I couldn't push them to the top of my head to wear like a headband ("Aunt Gladys Style" is what we call this in my family- named for my Aunt who hasn't taken glasses off her head in 80-some years). With my big sunglasses and my horrible looking (but necessary) winter hat, I actually may have looked kinda scary. Oh well, at least I felt good.

4. Exercise- Exercise gives you endorphins, and endorphins make you happy! I learned that from Legally Blonde, but it's true. Not only will this make you feel good, but it will prepare you for summer. I like to imagine myself running on the Boardwalk or in Central Park. And, I'm not going to lie, I imagine how amazingly toned my body will be by summer (ha, right). What else is going to make me keep running?

5. Shopping- OK, so this makes me feel better ALL THE TIME. Seriously, I bought new contact solution at Duane Reade and I was thrilled (sad, I know, but I've been on a shopping ban and I'll take anything I can get). This time of year stores start putting out their spring and summer clothes. I like to walk around and at least figure out what I want to wear in the upcoming season. I have my eye on some shoes already! I also like to think about my summer purses, which are waiting so patiently on my shelf. I am dreaming up some outfits to match with them. Dreaming of clothes may seem odd, but by this time of year I'm always sick of my winter wardrobe. Stuck in a fashion rut, and I can't wait to get out of it!

These are just a few things I'm trying to do to bring a smile to my face on these cold, blustery days. Anyone else out there have any ideas? Besides vacation or moving to Florida, of course.

Olympic Love

Happy Valentine's Day to all! Hubby and I don't really do much celebrating. I feel incredibly loved 365 days a year! However, I did get a little something- my first ever card that said "To my WIFE." Yay!

We spent most of the weekend watching the Olympics. This is one of many things in life that my husband just lives for. I find it hard to believe, but this is actually our fourth Olympics since we began dating in 2004. The summer Olympics were on during our first few weeks of dating, but I'm convinced Hubby hid his obsession from me back then. During the last Olympics in summer 2008, I went to Israel for 10 days and missed most of Hubby's craziness. He confessed that since the Olympics were in China then, he would stay up late to watch events live. What a nut. But I love him.

For the most part the Olympics just don't do it for me. On Friday night I watched The Opening Ceremony. I enjoy watching all the countries come in, but only because I like seeing all the obscure places I've never heard of. And I like making a list of everywhere I want to visit! As for the rest of the ceremony, I found it quite boring. Five minutes of a boy "flying" around the stadium? No thank you.

Last night I found myself almost enjoying the women's moguls and men's short track speed skating. Hubby was standing and screaming at the TV, and I may have joined in once or twice. This afternoon's events were another story. Anyone out there see the biathalon? It is a combination of skiing and rifle shooting. I just do not understand why these go together. Ski a few meters, stop and shoot a gun. Who came up with this? I thought of a few of my own little "events" I could come up with that also just make no sense. I'm thinking of starting a contest where we paint our toenails as fast as possible and then do a mile on a hippity-hop. Why not? Hubby will most likely not appreciate that joke, as he thinks the biathalon is amazing. I spent 15 minutes listening to him talk about the incredible skill required for the biathalon, in between him screaming "This is so exciting!" multiple times. Annnnnd then I left for the gym.

And Curling hasn't even been on yet ... oy.

Going to be a long two weeks in Brooklyn!

Snow Day in Brooklyn

I'd like to start this post by giving out a shout-out to Chancellor Joel Klein and Mayor Michael Bloomberg for granting us this snow day. New York City doesn't often get snow days. I believe this our second in six years. Thank you!!!

Hubby gets to make his own schedule at his new job, and thus, is working from home today. It's nice to spend a weekday together! We decided to head out into the blizzard for some good food. Williamsburg, besides being home to more hipsters than you could ever fathom, has some amazing restaurants. Some of the most highly rated restaurants in the city are steps from our home. I definitely plan to talk about some of these on the blog as we visit them more and more.

Today we ventured to Egg. (www.pigandegg.com) Egg has a 23 for food in Zagat. Eater NYC rated it the best southern/soul food. We have tried to eat at Egg several times, but on a weekend you can expect about a 2 hour wait. I tried to go with a teacher friend on Columbus Day, and the wait was still over an hour. Even on this wintery day, we got the last available table. I'm happy to say our trek in the snow was worth it. Coffee comes in a french press, and Hubby and I ordered "Coffee for Three" (yes, even though it was just for the two of us).

The coffee was delish! Much better than your average cup of coffee. Possibly better than The Waffle Shop at Penn State, which is my all time favorite place for coffee (tastes better after a night of partying).

They also give you crayons to color on the table while you wait for your food. What can beat that? Here is what I wrote ...

I'm sure the whole staff really appreciated that, as, obviously, they are all hipsters. If you don't know anything about Williamsburg, then you may be confused. It is the mecca of hipsters. It isn't just a stereotype, it's truth. Google it, you'll see. The only non-hipsters here are the yuppies buying new construction condos (hubby and myself). And the hipsters aren't so welcoming. But this is a topic for another post!

I had an omelette which comes with hash browns in the shape of a muffin, and broiled tomatoes which were spicy and quite tasty. Hubby recommends the grits and candied bacon. Yes, that's bacon cooked in sugar. Sounds like heaven to me!

Hope everyone else enjoys their snow day. Stay warm!!!

The Marriage Curse

Married people get fat. They "let themselves go." And I'm really not sure there is any way to escape this "curse!"

My wedding was only two months ago, and I was in the best shape of my life. Not bragging at all, just saying that I met the goals I set for myself. I weighed less than I had in years. I had a newfound love for the gym. I had a personal trainer I saw up to three times a week. He kicked my butt, and I got into shape. I ate less, drank less, and really dedicated myself. I was SO proud of myself. For the first time in my life, I really saw results from the gym. It felt great.

Then came the honeymoon. I gained 5 lbs. OK, that can be forgiven. Got home from the honeymoon and I continued to eat like crazy. I had denied myself things for SO long. Hubby like sweets, and he was a bad influence. He bought cookies, baked cakes, and I indulged. I did some baking too- I made my grandmother's pumpkin pie recipe, and with the leftover pumpkin I made muffins. Mmmmm. It was amazing! Then I realized I was 10 lbs. over my wedding weight. Oops. My jeans do not fit. My jeans are too expensive to just go buy more! Argh! Thank goodness those new legging jeans are in style, because they have been a lifesaver. Oh, and in a one week period two people asked me if I was pregnant. FML.

So back to the gym I went. I honestly enjoy the gym now. I'm fairly hardcore. For four weeks I went 5 days a week without fail. I lift at least 3 days a week. I do cardio at least 45 minutes every time I go to the gym. I vary my cardio so my body doesn't get used to it. I do high intensity interval training. I was doing everything right! My trainer told me the weight would fall right off.

It didn't.

Thus, the I've deemed this "The Marriage Curse".

I will not fall victim to this curse anymore! This week I'm starting to hardcore diet. Before I was just watching what I ate, and I thought I was eating better. But starting this week I break out my little diet notebook again and keep careful track. I do not need to be at my wedding weight (although I wouldn't mind!) but I need to lose at least 7-8 lbs. I'm doing it for ME, not the wedding. Well, I'm doing it for me and my wallet. Cannot buy new jeans right now.

Anyone else out there want to set some goals with me? Or better yet, anyone have any diet or exercise tips they'd like to share?

Tales from a Non-Hipster, Part One

My first post ... oh, the pressure! I don't know who is going to read this, but I'd assume that at first it would just be people who already know me. So I'm not going to spend time introducing myself. If you don't know me, I guess you'll find out all about me soon enough!

Been thinking a lot lately about the way us New Yorkers eat. Over Christmas break my brother came to stay for a night. When he woke up in the morning I asked if he wanted coffee and a bagel, and he eagerly replied "yes." So, I threw on some sweats and UGGs and started to head out the door. Brother appeared really confused. "You don't have bagels here? You don't have coffee here? You have a coffeemaker sitting right there." I started to see how this would seem odd to him, but I had never thought about it before. I've never kept bagels in the house in NYC. Every single apartment I've lived in has had a bagel shop about a block away (Bagel Express, H&H, the amazing brooklyn bagel place I don't know the name of, but I'm already friends with the cashier lady). I remember Brother also asked if I had cereal in the house. Ha, no. That would require us planning ahead!

And coffee, well, don't get me started. I have an addiction to Starbucks. I swear, they put something in it (besides caffeine) to keep people coming back. For my bridal shower I got three coffee makers. Yes, three, and they were all the same. Obviously we only kept one. I swore up and down I was going to use it and bring coffee with me every day. Ha, right. When I get off the subway each morning there is a beautiful, yummy smelling Starbucks calling my name. In the Winter months, I alternate between caramel macchiatos (skim milk), and grande awake teas with one tea bag. Hubby calls this "getting my fix" as if I'm some kind of addict (call the producers of Intervention!).

In all my years in NYC, half of that time now having been spent living with Hubby, we've just gotten food whenever we feel like it. Stop for dinner on the way home. Need a late night snack? Leave the apartment and go grab a candy bar. I think most New Yorkers live like this. We thought things would change when we moved to Brooklyn. Now we have a big kitchen will a full sized fridge and tons of storage. But we still live the same way. Everything is still open 24 hours, and we can get anything anytime that we want. No need to plan ahead. The only difference is that now on weekend mornings I make coffee at home, because otherwise I'd have to take the subway to get to a Starbucks (there are coffeeshops here, but they are overrun with Hipsters). I know people (non-New Yorkers) have asked us why we don't do food shopping for the week. Hubby replies that he never knows what he'll be in the mood for until that day. We are SO spoiled here in NYC. Everything at our fingertips. I wonder if Hubby and I will ever start eating like "real people".

In preparation for the big snow storm (which did NOT happen in NYC), Hubby went out and bought $100 worth of groceries on Friday. This SHOULD last us the week. Especially these days, because we are trying to save money. We are TRYING to change. I'm making a bet right now that we will still need to stop on the way home each night this week to pick up food. Actually, while I was writing this Hubby came in and said "I feel like I'm missing 'Superbowl Food'". Yep, he's going to go pick up more food for tonight.

See, I already won that bet.