What I Did On My Summer Vacation

Wow, I didn’t realize how long it’s been since I’ve written. I’ve been to trying to figure out my direction. For my life, this blog, and everything. And boy have I been busy. So what have I been up to the last few months? It’s been a lot of getting my shit together.

I’ve visited Mom in Florida twice. The first one over Memorial Day was a fun visit. Brother went too and we had a lot of quality family time and got to hang out with our step-sister and her friends a lot. I also go to experience getting a pedicure with my step-dad. That was interesting to say the least. The second visit was to help out after Mom had surgery on her neck-her second spinal surgery this year. They went in through the front (her incision looked like something out of a slasher movie) and rebuilt three disks. It was nice to hang out and not have her be cooped up while my step-dad had to work. The looks she got on that first trip to CVS were hilarious.

After the first visit I also realized how much I miss Mom and Papa Steve. Visiting two or three times a year just is not going to cut it anymore. So I want to build a life that enables me to be in Florida for part of the year (5 months or so) and in PA the rest of the time. I’m still figuring out the details, but I think teaching yoga can be a way to do this. So I’ve started a teacher training program. It’s a year-long course and there is A LOT of information. It’s also keeping me busier than I thought it would, but I’m finishing my second month and it’s totally worth it. I’m also currently obsessed with the new Wegman’s that’s on my way to the yoga studio. They have an awesome prepared food area that is pretty inexpensive and delicious.

I did the Color Run in July with Katie and it was a BLAST. I can’t wait to do it again next year and I want to get a bigger group together. We didn’t run the whole thing-but for a super humid day in July I think we did a pretty good job.

 I also asked for a raise at job #1 and hope to quit job #2 by the end of the year. Asking for a raise was one of the scariest things I’ve done-but I’m glad I did it. My boss was 100% with me on it, which makes me respect him a lot more (even if he does still get on my nerves). We also updated my official job description. 

I’m also figuring out my budget for moving out on my own (either alone or with a roommate) in the new year. I’m so ready. Even though I’m so grateful that my aunt is willing to help me, I need to know that I can be independent. Call it self-validation, it’s just really important to me.

I guess that’s all the big stuff. I’d definitely like to get back on some kind of posting schedule. I miss writing and my journey through yoga teacher training is pretty interesting-at least to me. What have you guys been up to?

I'm BaAaaaack

I haven’t written in a while.

Not because nothing has happened, I just haven’t felt like it. I didn't really mean to take a two month hiatus. Sorry.

So here’s the rundown:

·         I went to DC the weekend after Thanksgiving. My cousin goes to George Mason and Aunt Mary Ann was there visiting. So Aunt Irene, Katie, and I went down to visit. We also went to the Smithsonian. I wish we had more time there. I’ve never visited DC before-only driven through. Which seems silly now considering it’s only like 3 hours away.

·         I visited Mom and Papa Steve for 5 days the weekend before Christmas. It was fun and relaxing. It just doesn’t feel like Christmas down there. Although, I feel like more people decorate there than here.

·         Christmas was good. All of the gifts I got were useful and won’t sit in the bottom of my closet (like that purse-hanger thing I got last year). I got a Kindle Fire, gift cards, a pretty sweet Phillies hat (it’s plaid!), a very cozy blanket that I wish I was curled up in right now, this Wizard of Oz poster, and some other smaller things.

·         Kellifish had the baby! Her name is Lily Alaina and she’s a little peanut.

·         Coconuts (Dana) got engaged.

·         I set some goals for the New Year-most of which have to do with paying off debt. One has to do with jumping out of a plane with my brother.

·         I signed up for Code Academy’s Code Year. I have the first lesson sitting in my inbox and I plan to get to it this weekend.

·         I’ve been watching far too much Grey’s Anatomy. I’m trying to catch up to the current season. I’ve been knitting while watching, so at least I’m being productive.

·         The Foo Fighters and Blink 182 are playing Bamboozle this year. I really think I’ll need to go.

·         I want snow. Just one good snow day where I don’t have to go to work. Then it can be as mild of a winter as it wants.

I’m hoping by posting I’ll get back into the groove of writing. I hope everyone had a great holiday season!

PS-I'll post some photos of some of the things from the list later. I just felt like I needed to hit publish before I put it off any longer.

Grandparents, Baseball, and Happy Bottom

Yesterday was my Great Aunt Gladys’s 90^th birthday party.  (She’s also known as Happy Bottom.  Get it? Gladys=Glad Ass à Happy Bottom.)

Anyway…

Ninety.  That’s so old.  She’s still pretty quick though. 

I love old people.  Probably because I don’t have any grandparents that are still alive.  I love when they come into job #2.  There’s just something about a cute old man that melts my heart.  Both of my grandfathers were adorable.  Seriously.  One of my favorite memories is of my Pop-pop mouthing the words to “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” while watching a baseball game (I'm a baseball girl because of him).  Mom-mom passed when I was still in elementary school, so I can’t remember too much about her (my memory is not so great all the time), but I do have a photo of me, here, and my cousin’s daughter that I love.  Grandma and Grandpa were cute because they were small, Polish, and such happy people.  My idea of the love that I want comes from them.

Both my grandfathers died at 85 and with Happy Bottom turning 90 I know that I have longevity in my genes.  Along with some pesky things like heart disease, but that’s why we have exercise. I do wish my grandparents were still around, but some of my happiest memories are from spending time with them, so I can’t be too upset about it.

Anyone know of any old people I can adopt?

Wordless Wednesday

And then my aunt sent me this picture of my cousin and it made me feel 1000 times better about life right now.

January in Review (Sorta)

Oh wow look at that…I haven’t posted for like 3 weeks. I’m awesome. (Or lazy.)


January was pretty boring. There was a LOT of snow. And a lot of unnecessary driving in said snow since my office refused to be closed. Thanks, guys.

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The new car hunt is on! One of my aunts is like a wolverine when it comes to negotiations, so I’ve recruited her into helping me. She’s great at research and all that fun stuff. I’m aiming for a Honda Civic, and I’ll get it before the end of March so I don’t have to pay for inspection and what not.

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My yoga class got cancelled. Major sads. It might start up again later this year, but there are no guarantees. I was going to try a class at a studio last night but I couldn’t even touch my toes, my legs hurt so badly. I got a trainer at my gym and he doesn’t like to take it easy on me. After sitting for a few hours at my desk, I’d get up and it felt like someone was stabbing the back of my knees. People keep telling me that it’ll be worth it, but I don’t know how much I believe them. We’ll see.

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I bought my plane ticket to go to Florida to see my mom over Mother's Day.  I want to make her brunch, but she's gone vegan which makes it decidedly more difficult.  I'll have to do some research.

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There was an opening in our warehouse. My boss has decided to hire his creepy little look-alike. I may need to find a new job; I don’t think I can take both of them. Why he didn’t hire the attractive guy in the suit I will never understand.

I’ll try to stop being lazy and post more. I’m trying something new this week (something to cross off of my life list), so I’m excited to see how that goes. I’ll share next week!

:Updated: Oh Hey There!

Sorry I’ve been antisocial media (see what I did there?) I’ve hardly even been on Facebook, but I have updated the Twitter a little bit. I have about 6 half-posts floating around, but it’s been really busy and hectic. I’ve done Christmas shopping and crafting and wrapping and baking (oh my). I don’t know what to get people these days. I don’t want to buy them some stupid present that they’ll never use, so I tend to make them. I made my 2 aunts that I’m close with necklaces, and I’ll be giving another aunt 2 Katie-sitting sessions (so she and my uncle can have some time out if they want). And I always give people baked goods.


Work’s gotten busy. I feel like they’re actually trying to use my creative skills now. It only took 2 years. On the negative side, I’ve had money taken from my wallet (which was in my purse, in my desk drawer in my office) twice in the last month. The second time was on Wednesday. This has been going on for 6 months and they’re finally going to do something about it. Six other people have had money taken; a few were missing over $100. Then last night I found a $20 bill on the floor at job #2. People said I should keep it because I’ve had money taken (karma?), but part of me feels like I should donate it or something. I’ve donated to Hopeline and the MS Society this year and donated stuff for care packages for the USO. But I always feel like I could/should be doing more, so I’m torn.

Today we’re decorating the lunchroom for our holiday party on Tuesday. And tomorrow I’m taking everyone’s donations down to the USO. I hope I don’t see a soldier. I’ll cry. Eventually I’d like to volunteer there and I’m sure I’ll cry then.

I hope everyone has a healthy, happy, and safe holiday!  My mom and step dad will be here in less than a week!  I still have baking to do! Crap!

PS: I did not win tickets to The Starting Line show in Philly tonight. Sads.

UPDATED:  I took the aforementioned money and participated in the movement Jenny the Bloggess started.  I couldn't stand the thought of someone's child not having a Christmas.

Very Exciting News!

I didn’t check my cell phone this morning until after I got into the office. I had a text message from my mom (from 5:30 am). She and my step dad (Papa S) are going to be coming up for Christmas this year! Ever since my mom moved to Florida it’s been one parent or the other for the holidays. Even if I was in Pennsylvania for the holidays, I did still see my mom’s family on Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve is a big deal for us. It’s a Polish feast called Wigilia (Vuh-lee-uh). I go to my uncle’s every year to celebrate, but it hasn’t been the same without my mom being there. And it’s doubly special, because I think Papa S has only experienced Wigilia light-meaning not all of the courses (there are seven, nine, or eleven), and it’s a lot more fun when there are more people.


Not only am I excited for the food part, but I’m extra excited for the family part, too. And trust me when I say that Mrs. T’s has nothing on a traditional homemade pierogi.

I Think I’m An Adult Now

…or at least I’m getting there. It’s a very adult-ish week. Here’s why:


1. My mom is sending her will to me. I’m the executor for both her and my step-dad. I have to sign it and get it notarized. I don’t even know how to do that. Good thing there’s a notary who works in accounting.

2. I’m excited to get paid tomorrow. So I can pay bills. I’ve been paying off credit cards and such and saving for a car down payment as well. Hello being responsible.

3. I’ve been getting my job #2 clothes together the night before. Trust me, this is a big thing.

4. I’ve been better about not buying things that I don’t need (shoes).

5. I’ve grown some will-power. I don’t know if this is considered “adult”, but I feel a little accomplished, so I’m throwing it in there.

And while I still don’t have an apartment of my own, I’d like to think that I’m headed somewhere. I don’t want to go into a lease until I figure some stuff out. Maybe I’ll move. Facebook told me that I should live in San Francisco. Perhaps I’ll plan a trip to Cali—I’ve never been to the west coast!

I hope that everyone has a great weekend and a very safe Halloween. I have to work Sunday night, but I’ll be sporting some devil horns under my stupid visor. At least until I get in trouble.

Wordless Wendesday: My Favorite Subject

I love taking photos of my younger cousin.  This is one of my favorite pictures.  I took it last year when we took a trip to the Philly zoo and went up in the Zoo Balloon.

Fall and Birthdays and Rants, Oh My!

The touch of fall we're having today is reminding me of everything I love about the change in the seasons.  One of my favorite things about each of the seasons is how it smells.  I love the smell of snow in the winter, the flowers in the spring, fresh cut grass in summer, and the smell of the leaves in the fall.  Yes, I can smell the difference when they're changing.

I get excited for the chance to wear boots and sweaters again.  And scarves!  They take the place of necklaces in the winter because my office is always freezing.  Usually I'll miss the beach, flip-flops, and the sun on my skin.  But this year (and I think it's pretty universal) I can't wait for it to cool off. 

September's a big month.  My birthday is coming up.  I'm turing 25.  I don't think I'm wear I thought I'd be at 25, even though I don't really have a life plan.  My mom's visiting for the bday (mine and my brother's (his is the day before mine)).  I'm hoping 25 is a big year.  I really want to cross some stuff off my life list.  Like driving cross-country.  I've never been to Vegas or California, so I'd love to hit both those places on a road trip.

Also, the change in the seasons is remind me how badly I'm doing with my 2010 goals.  I really need to get on that stuff...


Also, I need to fit in this mini-rant:

I have been incredibly out of sorts the last few days. Yesterday, I went over to the mall to pick up new yoga pants ($15 at Old Navy), and went into Charlotte Russe to get a super cute owl necklace (I've been obsessed with the idea since Salt did her Hooty giveaway). Turns out I forgot my wallet. I have never forgotten my wallet in my adult life. So I had to leave my awesome parking spot (it was raining) and run home and grab my monies. Luckily I live all of 5 minutes from the mall. Then I get my necklace, get my yoga pants and run to the bank. I got home and took a shower and talked to Big Pappa (almost-doctor-guy) for a while. I got to remove the tags from my yoga pants and one pair was an extra small-on a medium hanger. So now I get to go back. UGH. On the bright side, they're ridiculously comfortable, and I'm excited to start yoga in a couple of weeks!

Wordless Wednesday

My first WW!  This is from the party on Saturday.  I really wish it wasn't blurry :-/

That wasn't exactly wordless per se.  Oh well.  I'm not known for shutting up.

Weekend Extravaganza

I had a really good weekend last weekend.  Which naturally means I'm exhausted on Monday.  But it's ok, because it was worth it.  Friday I had dinner with some of the girls at the Olive Garden, which is always yummy.  Carbs and seafood are a fantastic combination and I won't have anyone tell me otherwise.  After dinner I headed to Target which is like my Mecca.  Why can't I spend less than $50 there?  I tend to compulsively buy things.  Then it was out to the local sports bar to watch the Flyers go on to victory!  Which is always exciting.  Everyone high-fives and hugs, even if you don't know the people.  There was this woman who wouldn't stop screaming.  Like woo-hoo screaming, but it was at random times.  She was tanked.  It was hilarious.

Then on Saturday I got to be a fairy god mother.  My cousin turned 5, so my aunt threw her a fairy-princess tea party.  Yes there are pictures of me with wings, no I do not have a copy of them yet.   All the girls got transformed into fairy princesses when they got there, and they all looked super cute in their little wings and tiaras.  After the kids' party, there was a family get together.  Which really just means I spend 8 1/2 hours getting beat up by 5 year olds.  Huzzah.  But she's my little cheeseball and I like to make her happy and her birthdays special.

Sunday I recouperated a little from being a human jungle gym.  And then I had to go to job #2.  Where the air condition has been broken for the last week and a half.  Which is awesome in 90+ degree weather.  And there were more males than usual working, so I got sexually harassed a lot more than on any given day.  I was really only creeped out by one of the three guys that was there, I'm pretty good friends with the other two, so usually I can just make some snarky comment and then walk away.  But on the bright side, the customer I have a ginormous crush on came in.  He's just so good-looking :::sigh:::.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!  :)

RIP Scott, You Are Missed

*Warning: This is a sad post.  If you want happy, or weird conversations, or pictures of yummy baked goods, I suggest you look elsewhere.  This is mostly cathartic because I've never written more than 2 lines about this.

**Also, there's so much I didn't cover in this, but my brain is so scattered and I don't have

There will always be things that trigger the thought of certain people.  The smell of pipe tobacco, or even cigars, always makes me think of my pop-pop (he smoked a pipe for a lot of my childhood).  Polka music reminds me of my grandpa because he liked to watch polka dancing (seriously) at like 7 am.

And "Ride Wit Me" by Nelly always makes me think of my cousin, Scott.  Most of the time I just smile and sing along, but yesterday I had a moment.  I tried my damnedest not to cry, but a little tear or two did escape.  The reason it hit me so hard was because tomorrow, Thursday May 13, is the third anniversary of his death.

Three years ago, on Mother's Day, Scott took his own life.  It was one of the most difficult things my family has ever been through, but somehow we got through it, and continue to deal with that tragedy. I will never be able to comprehend the thought and will that it takes to put a gun to your own head.  He did this in his family home, in his bedroom, while his parents were downstairs.  They didn't find him, though.  He had the foresight to call 911 himself from his cell phone beforehand.  A police officer showed up at the house and found him.  I am incredibly thankful that my aunt and uncle didn't have to see him like that. 

I still went to work for a few hours every day during the few days it took to get everything situated for the funeral.  I was opening that week, so I had to get up at 4 am.  Which was fine because I couldn't sleep anyway.  Arbor Mist and Tylenol PM was my new best friend.  I left work around 9 or 10 am and headed to my aunt's with the rest of my family.  We did our best to stay strong.  On the day of the funeral I've never seen so many people in my church.  It really was a testament to how well-liked Scott was.He was often the center of attention, but not because he was obnoxious.  He was funny, and kind, and loved his parents and family.

Death is difficult at any time.  But I think it's worse when it's unexpected.  I lost someone who I grew up with.  He was only a year younger than me.  We saw each other every week and went on vacation every summer when we were little.  We did grow apart some as we got older and life got in the way.  But it still hits me every once in a while that he's not at family occasions, he's not here on holidays, and he won't be at my or my brother's weddings.  

I will always think about Scott.  Sometimes I'll smile, and sometimes I'll cry.  And Nelly will always bring him to the forefront of my thoughts.

If you wanna go and take a ride wit me
We three-wheelin in the fo' with the gold D's
Oh why do I live this way? (Hey, must be the money!)

If you wanna go and get high wit me
Smoke a L in the back of the Benz-y
Oh why must I feel this way? (Hey, must be the money!)

Back!

I'm back from vacation and I reallllyyy wish I was still in Florida.  I had a LOT of relaxation time, so I've come back a little pink, very rested, and not at all itching to go back to work.  I got to hang out with Mom and Papa Steve (my step-dad) and see my aunt and great-uncle.  AND I got my beach day PLUS shopping!!

Most of the time was spend hanging out with Mom and Papa Steve.  I even introduced Steve to Shrek.  He'd never seen it before and it happened to be on TV.  We ended up renting all three of them and having a Shrek-a-thon.  He loves the cheesy, so he really enjoyed the movies.  My favorite part of the third one is when the gingerbread man gets scared and poops a gumdrop--gets me EVERY time. 

I also got to go SHOPPING.  Clearly this is the most important part of the vacation.  There are these awesome outlets in Estero, FL--the Miromar Outlets.  First of all they're gorgeous--and I'm not just talking about the clothes.  There are fountains, koi ponds, and palm trees.  Brother got a new watch and wallet from the Fossil Outlet.  And I got 2 of the same style shirt in different colors from the Banana.  They were $10 each.  I WIN!  I can wear them to work too, so I double win.

I also got a little sunburned, so I guess I lose a little bit too.

Food Hangover

I've got a HUGE food hangover yesterday. It's a really strange sensation when combined with the fact that my muscles are kind of achy (hopefully from the gym and not from eating too much).  Anyway, I spent the afternoon and evening on Saturday with my aunt (Chow Pie), my little cousin (Katie), and my uncle. 

Chow Pie was nesting...we made an Italian Feast--from scratch.  Chow Pie had the sauce going when I got there, she threw the meatball ingredients in the bowl and I mixed and rolled them, with the supervision of Katie, of course.  We ended up with 42.  Katie counted them.  Several times.  Chow Pie made the bread sticks and mixed the dough for the pasta.  That's right, we cranked out that pasta ourselves.

All in all I spent about 7 hours over there, which is the norm.  We played, and watched cartoons, and I even gave the little monster a bath.  It's nice to know that I can borrow a kid whenever I'm feeling maternal.  And then I can give her back when she decides to throw a tantrum.  I have pictures also, which aren't loading for me.  Hopefully I can get them to work soon.

Hope everyone had a great weekend =)

The Aunts Go Marching 2-by-2

I have a big family.  I love it.  I love family parties and visiting relatives and seeing pictures of my cousins growing up.  Saturday was the first family food fest of 2010.  All of my aunts and my dad were here (I live with one of my aunts in my grandparent's house) for a big family dinner.  That was a total of 20 people--and that's not even including most of my cousins.

All of my cousins, except one, on my dad's side are older than me.  There's a big age difference between my dad and 5 of the oldest aunts, so there's a bit of an age difference between me and my cousins.  Anywho, my cousin brought over his 2 kids.  They're 2 and almost 4 and they make me want to get married and have kids rightthissecond.  Ethan, the 4 year old, made his dad save the seat next to him at dinner so I could sit there (squee!).  We colored, played with cars, and read books.  Also, I think my balance ball is their new favorite toy.

Now for the important stuff.  The menu: shrimp and various dips for appetizers, homemade mac n cheese, homemade pork bbq, cole slaw, chicken, and salad.  And my great grandma's chocolate fudge cake.  I'm going to take a moment to revel in your jealousy.  I'm pretty sure I came out even calorie-wise.  That's why I play with the kids-helps burn off dinner.  Plus I went to the gym....and now I'm sore.

PS  I'm thinking of doing a "Tour de Aunts" at some point.  I've got one in Florida, one in the Outer Banks, one in Delaware, and one in Jersey.  ROAD TRIP!!!

Dear Prudence, won't you come out and play?

The title of this post has nothing to do with the actual post.  I've just had that song stuck in my head for approximately foureffingdays.  Thank you afternoon Beatle break.

Anywhatsit...it's going to be one of those weeks.  Last week was kind of one of those weeks ( I had to give one of the kids at job #2 a talking too...tired of working with high schoolers).  But I think that this week is going to take the cake.  It's only Monday, and I'm pretty exhausted. ...I did work out pretty hard today though.  I'm trying to challenge myself a little more.  (Don't worry--I won't end up looking like those creepy body builder chicks who look like men in bikini tops.  I just threw up in my mouth a little blech).

I found out at job #1 Friday that SURPRISE! I have a new boss today.  Thanks for the warning, guys.   It's someone that worked there before when I was there temping in the summer, so I know him.  Here's the thing though--he's really annoying.  When the official e-mail went out about him coming back there was a collective sigh from everyone that had worked with him before.  

On top of helping him get up to speed, we've got visitors this week, including the regional managers.  The RM's won't be in the building much, they'll have most of their meetings at the hotel.  Fine by me, they drive us nuts sometimes.  

In happier news...Aunt Georgette is coming to visit!  I haven't seen her since a funeral, so I'm excited it's a happy occasion this time.  She'll be here tomorrow.  Her visit promptly snowballed into having all my aunts and my dad here on Saturday, which means....family food fest.  WIN.