Day 21-Ripple

The butterfly effect posits that a small change can ripple across whole ecosystems. Who do you credit for the small action that made all the difference in your life this year?

There are a few people who had this effect on me but two in particular are my husband and a close friends.  Both have done or said things to cheer me up and pull me up by my bootstraps.  They both did not allow me to fall down the rabbit hole when things got bad and were always there to talk.  My friend calls, skype or IMs with me daily and when I had to give her some sad news she was on the phone with me in minutes.

My husband has been my rock and was just there when I needed someone.

These two helped me so much.

What about you, who were your butterflies?

#20 Plug in/Un plug

How has technology affected your life (positively or negatively) in 2011? Do you want this to continue for 2012? With all the technology that is now accessible on smart phones, I find myself more connected than I want to be at times.  I have email, fb and twitter all at my finger tips.  While it was good when Iw as looking for a job or waiting on an email it is also a great time waster.  It takes a conscious effort not to constantly check my phone. So I wam trying to unplug and focus on other things that technology.  i turn off my computer and my phone for a few hours each day and sped time doing other things like cooking, playing with the dogs, errands, chores and reading.  It is shocking what a time such being connected can be. My goal in 2012 is to continue to be plugged in to life around me and not online. What is your plug in or unplug goal?

Day 19-Laugh

Tell us about your biggest belly laugh in 2011.

There were a few moments of hysterics this year but I can't remember specifics.  Most of it is laughing with my husband or one of my friends.  My animals make me laugh daily, for example, my cat likes to be tucked in.  So the other day she was in our bed, with her head on a pillow and tucked in.  I am not sure how long she stayed there.


 I hope to have many belly laughs in 2012!

Day 17-Discover

What did you discover (big or small) in 2011?

For me it was a small discovery and it was how to paddleboard. While in Hawaii, there were a few things that I wanted to do and paddleboarding was on top of my list. So as my birthday gift, my husband got me a lesson and off I went. It was a lot of fun and it was just so peaceful to just paddle around. Sure I fell off a few times but kept getting up. I can't wait to do it again!

What did you discover?

Day 16 Persevere

Describe something that disappointed you in 2011 and how you persevered.

Losing my job was not the disappointment, I saw it coming and I was glad to go, things were getting bad within the company. Finding the job was the disappointment, it has taken a number of months to finally land a position. I did not expect it to last that long especially since I got calls the week that I got laid off for meeting and interviews. There was a period of time when things got bad, after a number of interviews were I was a top candidate when it fell through the cracks for various reasons. It has been very tough.

But I picked myself up and moved on and finally found a position that fits my skill set and can lead to other possibilities. I had a great support system with my husband, my family and some of my friends cheering me up and cheering me on. I found strength in them sometimes and had to lean on them in others. But thankfully, I made it through.

What was your 2011 disappointment and how did you persevere?

Day 14-Breathe

How did you make space + peace for yourself in 2011

I have started this ritual a few weeks ago and it has given me some "me" time. It is such a simple solution, take a bath. There is something about it being a ritual. From turning on the water, to figuring out what bath bomb, salt or even bubbles to use and just sitting there and being forced to relax. I find that it calms me down and makes me ready to face the days ahead. It puts me in a better frame of mind, and I try to focus on the positives and how to deal with the negatives.

It is something that I want to continue in 2012.

How did you find peace?

Day 13-Read

What article or book changed your outlook on an issue or life?

One book that really got me thinking was The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. It was a stellar book that had me thinking about how your cells cease to be your property once they are removed and how one set of cells went on to help develop some of our modern medicines. Yet, as historical as the impact of these cells became famous among the medical community, the story of the woman and her life were insignificant and how her family fought to get her recognized.

It kept making me think that behind every new discovery or invention there is a person who has ups and downs and who thorough direct or indirect have altered our lives. And it made me want to learn their stories.

What did you read that was though provoking?

Day 12 Thrive

What was your healthiest habit of 2011? What would you like to change or do differently in 2012?

One benefit of not working is that it allowed me to focus on hitting the gym. I love taking classes but my work schedule left me with little time to take the classes that I wanted. So I got to take a number of classes and find my favorite, Zumba. I also liked a stability ball class and a few strength training classes. I also changed my eating habits and a combo of working out and eating better caused me to tone up and lose weight. However, I fell of the gym wagon once it got colder and I need to get motivated (and stay motivated)

For 2012, I want to continue to work out and focus on tone. I also want to stop ordering out once a week. It can reek havoc on my body sometimes. I want to continue to be healthy.

What was your heathy habit?

Day 10 Create

Share a creative project you undertook this year (art, writing, DIY, cooking home decoration, crafts, photography … whatever comes to mind). How do you use your creativity to express yourself?

There have been a few projects that I undertook this year. I have made a few beaded jewelry pieces, made a Christmas wreath and cooked some new and yummy dishes.

I tend to experiment more in the kitchen than any other room. I made some amazing short ribs pasta this past winter, learned how to make chili, made tapas and made these amazing baked s'mores that have become my signature dish among my neighbors and any party that they have. I love to cook and create things that I can watch people enjoy. Not to mention we have about 20 cookbooks we have a number of experiments in our future)

How did you channel your creativity?

Day 9- Appreciate

In which moment did you find yourself flooded with gratitude? How will you rally around gratitude in 2012?

During the spring, there was a lot of upheaval, I lost my job and I had some no so positive medical news that shifted the way I treated myself. It was not a pleasant time for me but, in the midst of all this my husband stepped up to the plate. He has been my support and my rock for the past few months and there have been a few really tough days.

Each day I am so thankful for him. He reminds me of why I married him each day, he reminds me of the good things that we have like a condo, dogs and a cat, friends and family. Over the past few months, I have learned to appreciate the little things and the meaningful moments.

My heart is full of thanks and I am a lucky person!

What (or who) are you thankful for?

Day 8-Choose

What was the biggest choice you made in 2011? What caused you to choose what you chose?

It is ironic that this was today's question because yesterday I made a significant decision, I accepted a job offer. It is still surreal and I am in shock, partly because I was so used to the "Thanks but no thanks" that to get a yes was unexpected (even though I should have more confidence in myself). There have been a number of interviews over the past two weeks after weeks of little responses. There may be other offers upcoming but for now I said yes.

Another choice that was made this year was to get a cat. Last Christmas, we lost our beloved cat. He was such a special and wonderful cat and we miss him. We decided in May that we were ready and so we added a cat to our family. She is totally different and took some time to learn about her and her quirks. Like pouncing on your feet at 4 am, she is more vocal and likes to announce herself when she walks into a room and her lack of using the scratching post. But, she has added another spirit in the house and the dogs have become her friends.

What was a big decision that you made this year?

Day 7-Travel

Where did you travel this year? What was your favorite part? If you didn’t get to travel, where do you want to go next year?

this past September we went to Honolulu for a week's vacation. After visiting Maui last year and feel in love with Hawaii, the Hubs and I caught the Hawaii fever. In the beginning of 2011, we put it on our if only list but then the airfare prices plummeted, and our friend had a condo time share and they wanted to go too. So plans were made and off we went.

We spent the week sitting on the beach, exploring Pearl Harbor, wandering around the city. Swam in the pool with fancy drinks. I learned to paddle board and for a week we were just so relaxed. We got to share the experience with our friends so that there was always someone to hang out with.

Next year we have a few places we want to hit but, it will depend on circumstances. So for now, I will remember the island.

What whas your favorite travel event in 2011? And what is on your travel wish list for 2012?

Photo by me

Day 6-Favorite

What was your favorite month of 2011? Why did it beat out all 11 other months?

September, simply cuss it was my birthday and I got to spend it with friends and My husband in Hawaii. That week, we spent time doing nothing but sit by the pool or the beach. We woke up to warm weather, rainbows and sunshine. My birthday was spent learning how to paddle board, floating in the Pacific and having an amazing night out.

September always seems like a new start, I suppose that is because when I was younger, it meant the beginning of a new school year. So I guess that feeling still lingers when the calendar turns to September. It was full of hope, interviews (that eventually did not pan out), and relaxation.

I am trying to keep that month and the hope I feel at the start of a new year.

What about you, what month stands out in 2011?

Day 5-Befriend

Did you meet any new friends this year? How did they impact your 2011?

I met a few new friends this year, one of them is my husband's co-wroker who is fun to hang out with.

We really became close with a few sets of neighbors. One duo in particular have become one of our dearest friends. They adore our dogs and insist that they come with us when we visit. They have a basket full of dog toys that Rosie jumps in and sits there playing with her favorites. We all have shared a number of bottles of wine, have been snarky and silly. We introduced them to some new places to eat they took us to MarketDaze. We hang out almost every weekend for impromptu movie night, game night, or dinner.

We have had dinner and nights out with other sets of neighbors. One who is a wine distributor and always has some new wines to try. We shared a number of summer nights talking until the stars came out and then talked for hours more. Last week we went out with our upstairs neighbors for tapas and movies. And made plans for the coming weeks

It has given us piece of mind to literally be surrounded by some amazing people!

This year re-connected with a friend from elementary school. Although plans did not work out to meet last year, we still message each other and she has a great spirit.

Of course there have been a few others who I rely on for a laugh, support and a dose of reality. I don't know what I would have done without them

What about you, what did 2011 teach you about friendship?

Day 3-School of life

What lesson did you learn in 2011 from “The School of Life” rather than a classroom?

Ahhh school of life....there were a number of lessons:

• It is ok to be sad but not dwell in it otherwise you will be too comfortable and won't get out of it as quickly as you got in
• Friendships take work and sometimes people who don't reciprocate may not have been your friend to begin with
• Cats can really damage your sofa if left unattended or if you just go to the grocery store
• Unemployment sucks
• Being creative can unleash positive energy
• Reoja is a red that I can drink without getting a headache
• You meet some cool people walking your dogs every day
• No matter how old you are being forgotten about by people you care about sucks
• I like hosting parties, I need to have more

What did the school of life teach you in 2011?

the en with the good

So an update on my interview, it went well and the job was not as bad as I though however, it is still not what I want to be doing. They did mention this intensive 5-6 week training that is mandatory and the problems with that is that my vacation is in the middle of that. So while they really liked me the vacation was a deal killer so I did not get to the next round. And I am ok with that, I did not burn any bridges and I can keep looking for something more appealing to me.

I had a few interviews and chats with rewriters since then so at least I am getting calls. I just hoe that there is something out there soon.

On to happier news, Hubs and I celebrated our anniversary this weekend. This year had some up and some downs and there was a rough patch but, looking back it made us more committed to not just each other but making our relationship work better. IT has taught us how to value each other, built trust and increase communication.

This year, hubs decided to make the weekend full of surprises. He did not tell me what or where were may be going until the day before. So On Friday we went to see Cirque Du Soleil OVO. It It was just spectacular. Saturday we went to dinner at one of my most favorite restaurants for tapas. Sunday he booked us a couples massage where we found our Zen. Monday was our actual anniversary and he gave me some pretty presents.

On Sunday night, we had tickets to see Paul McCartney. I have always wanted to see him and when the opportunity came up I jumped at the tickets. I was determined to get them. He was utterly amazing. He just played for three hours and there were times that I had tears in my eyes because I was just so overwhelmed. To say I loved it is an understatement.

Source

So who is on your concert bucket list?

Care package

About 10 weeks ago a friend and co worker suffered a stroke. It left her in a coma and on a ventilator for about four of those weeks. She had countless surgeries to drain fluid in her brain. I lost count after five shunts that they had to put in her brain.

After a transfer to another hospital, she began to come out of her coma three weeks ago. She is now breathing on her own, has limited mobility on her right side, has made attempts at speech and can smile and follow you with her eyes.

Since she across the country I want to send her a care package. Here are some things that I want to include:

Cozy cute colorful socks

Hand and body lotion

lip balm

Big jumbo crayons and art paper (she use to watercolor)

I want to send her positive colorful things but things that she can use in the rehab facility.

Any ideas on what else I can send?

2011 Condo to do list

With the new year came a list of things that we hope to accomplish in 2011 in our condo. So far the first two weeks of the year have been productive. We purchased a rug for our living room and an affordable one at that. This weekend we had our backsplash installed with the help of a friend or ours. Actually, Hubs and our friend did most of the work. I just picked up lunch. But the backsplash looks amazing and we are happy with the results.

The rest of the list we hope to get done throughout the year they include:

-getting a humidifier installed

-paint the bathroom

-re-do the office

The one that we though would be easy but has turned into such a project is finding a bedroom set. We have looked but have not found any that is within our budget and that is stylish. Any ideas??

A pre Holiday vacation

We have decided to get out of Chicago for a few days and hang out in the neon oasis in the desert...V-E-G-A-S. We are going t meet up with my best friend her husband and her baby...yep they are bringing my "niece" (I was given the title of honor of "aunt"). I am in such a need of a bf fix. I have not seen her in ages and I have really been missing her over the past few weeks. She is truly my soul sister

I am getting more and more excited as we get closer to departing. It seemed like it was so far away and then it is just days away. We still have a lot to do before we actually leave so we hare cramming a bunch of things in the next day and we still have to pack. I am not sure what to bring, it will be in the 50s and sunny. I have a feeling that tonight, tomorrow and Sunday afternoon will be a packing un-packing and re-packing frenzy.

The best part is that we have no definite plans other than a show and dinner one night. We are just going to play it by ear and pig out. One stop is going to be this place actually we may be there a few times.

Have you been to Vegas, any suggestions of things to do?

A quiet holiday

I can't believe that next week is Thanksgiving. The fall just flew by but thankfully we still have some leaves and the fall crispness (rather than freezing) is still in the air.

This yer, we re staying in town or rather in the 'burbs for the day. It is typical an event where my in laws convene and the kids are hyped up on various degrees of a sugar high. Which leads to fights, tears and insanity. This year they will be spending the holiday in Florida at a well know kid friendly amusement park. My other in laws are spending it with the other side f the family or out of town.

So it just leaves Hubs, his dad, his brother, his wife and me. So enter the low key holiday. We are going to spend the day and night with my father in law. He is in charge of the turkey and stuffing and we will be making the rest of the side dishes. So we have our menu planned out except for the veggie.

Oh and we are bringing the two dogs with us. They love their grandpaw. He always has treats ready and tends to feed them under the table. As soon as we say grandpas, they wag their tails and Yukon (who has know him the longest) starts to herd us as to tell us to hurry up and let's go.

We are not sure if my brother in law and sister in law will be there. There has ben a lot of tension between them and everyone else. So they have been known to make excuses as soon as they are invited and sure enough they made one last week. But then they ma have changed their mind and will show up. But they may change their mind again.

I will have to post all about this particular sister in law in another post. She is quite a character in fact at our wedding she wore a dress....and used duct tape to keep it up. As she started to dance after a few trips to the open bar the dress kept getting shorter and shorter and the duct tape was more and more apparent. To t his day we have people w ho still talk about the girl in the duct tape.

So what is your favorite veggie side dish?