Thursday, December 31, 2009

My New Year's Eve

Like I said, thanks to a recent breakup, this is my first New Year's Eve flying solo -- boyfriend or otherwise. It's cool, though. In fact, it's great. It's 10:28 p.m. I haven't showered. I'm on my 3rd glass of wine. I'm 90 minutes into a DVR'd Lifetime movie on sororities (holla to my Phi Sigs!). I spent an hour sewing and I cooked a fantabulous dinner for myself.

See? Doesn't this make you droooooool?



For the record, the Mutt Dog has also had a great night. Our activities, however, differ greatly.


Peace out.

Addendum: My new year's also included a chance to ring it in BlackBerry style! Gotta love friends for making sure we're counting down together _ even if we are half a country away.

I'm taking requests!

So, it appears some of you hearted my fancy pants Scrabble pieces picture of my word of the year. I'm happy to make you one of your very own! Just drop me a comment and make sure I have a way to reach you by e-mail. (And let me know if you want B&W, color or both and if you want an "I will" added.)



Lookie, I already made one for the always fab, Ms. H!



All I ask in return is you do something all nice-like to someone else in the next week. Pay it forward, ya know?

Happy 2010, y'all! I'm flipping '09 the bird. Catch you crazies next year!!

In which I cook steak and mock poor spellers

Some of you will be ringing in the new year with style. I will be ringing in the new year in my jammies, kissing the mutt dog at midnight and enjoying a super fabulous steak dinner I plan to cook for myself to celebrate my first-ever 100 percent solo New Year's Eve.

Of course, the folks at my neighborhood grocery store helped make what could have been a sorta depressing evening into one that produced several moments of snickering and word-nerd superiority.

Why? Well, let's just say I hope you enjoy this visual proof of my soon-to-be-cooked filet mignon.



Sigh. Spelling fail, Jewel.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Taking on the Aughts

My lovely pal Ginny wrote up a list of the ten most important milestones she achieved in the past decade and e-mailed it out to some of her closest friends. I loved what she said (among my favorites: "Met the South.") and decided I'd play along too and look back at the past decade.

So, my beloved readers ... here you go. In no specific order: Noodles v. the Aughts.

1) Graduated from college and entered a career with what was probably an overabundance of optimism.

2) Fell in love with that career. Recognized the early signs of burn out. Realized true love comes with a backup plan.

3) Made new friends, but (for the most part) kept the old.

4) Moved to, for varying amount of times: Washington, D.C; Wichita, Kan.; Tampa, Fla.; Belfast, Northern Ireland; Chattanooga, Tenn.; Indianapolis, Ind.; River Forest, Ill.; and Chicago - starting over from scratch almost every time.

5) Adopted a dog, then proceeded to spend copious amounts of money on her medical care, food, toys and subsequent peace offerings with the neighbors who quickly grew tired of her squirrel-fueled barking.

6) Fell in and out of love, breaking a few hearts. Including my own. Several times over.

7) Learned more than I ever expected about myself, my craft, my world and the people whom I love.

8) Bought a condo. Promptly regretted buying a condo.

9) Grew up and became my own person, only to realize that this who growing/becoming thing is a process that will probably never, EVER be finished.

10) Found my faith and became _ I hope, anyway _ a better person for it.

What about you?

Monday, December 28, 2009

In which I sparkle.

Way back yonder, I wrote about Christine Kane's word of the year project to pick a word that establishes your intention for the year. It's a word that guides you through the year and shapes your intention. Think of it is as the better-than-a-resolution New Year's activity.

Anyhoodles, I was struggling to come up with one of my own. I'd been tossing over a few ones: moderation, simplify, release, focus. All seemed to fit. And none seemed to fit. Meanwhile, I'd been yapping away to anyone who would listen about how cool this idea is. At two other friends thought they'd get on board. They picked words right away. And still, I was having trouble.

Fast-forward to this evening. I'm unpacking from a fabulous Christmas trip to see the fam in Maryland and I come across these super-cute pencils I won on Sweet Jessie's giveaway. One, which happens to be in Jessie's picture, says to "sparkle and shine." And it was like, BAM. My word. There it was.

In 2010 ...


I feel like sparkle just ... fits. Everywhere. It encompasses so many of the areas of my life I'd like to improve. It's a reminder of how to behave. What kind of result I should seek from my actions. How to treat others. And how to be.

I sort of love my word. And as a reminder, I took my Scrabble pieces and put them on my bookshelf so I have a daily reminder. So, thanks Jessie. And Christine. And everyone else. Here's to a 2010 that truly sparkles.

Have you picked a word yet? It's not too late. (Well, really, it's never too late! Get on board!)

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Carols

I'm in a weird mood. And I've been in one for a few days. But, what gave me a solid 1:26 of laughter today was this video, set to my favoritest carol ever. Also, I sorta worship Animal. He's the best.



So watch it and let me pose these two questions:
A) What's your favorite Christmas carol?
B) Is there anything the Muppets can't improve upon?

Discuss.