So it has been a long time since I last posted. Blah. I've been pretty busy with the dance studio-- the holiday show is next weekend and I have so. much. to. do. Sickening. But anyhow... I thought I would post a little holiday survey listed by my favorite senior dance student, Kelsey on her blog
So here goes:
1) What is your favorite Christmas movie? Like Kelsey, I can't just pick one... I love the Griswalds in "Christmas Vacation", "White Christmas" with Bing Crosby, "Elf", "The Santa Claus", and nearly all the Christmas cartoon specials that are now on DVD/video instead of just television.
2)What is your favorite Christmas-type special TV program/programs? I enjoy the 25 Days of Christmas on ABC family, like Kelsey, also. But I just love to watch all of the old cartoons that are replayed on television each year: Charlie Brown, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, etc.
3) What is your favorite Christmas song/album? I don't know that I have a favorite album. I love several different songs, too-- traditional as well as contemporary/modern.
4) Who do you give presents to? My family, friends, dance helpers, co-workers, and pretty much anyone else I can justify buying a gift for! I love gift giving!
5) What is your favorite tradition? I love decorating the tree and putting up the rest of the decor while listening to Christmas music and watching movies. I LOVE our Christmas eve tradition of getting together with my dad's side of the family. And as much as I grumble about it, I do like Black Friday shopping a little bit :)
6) When do you start decorating? Growing up we always put up all the Christmas decorations the day after Thanksgiving. Now that I'm a married adult with my own house, I like to put them up over Thanksgiving break sometime. I'm working on getting that stuff taken care of this weekend, but it isn't looking good right now :/ Typically it is done the by the weekend after Thanksgiving weekend though.
7) When do you start getting in the Christmas mood? Well, since Christmas decorations are put out right after Halloween now in the stores, that is usually a good springboard for me. But my big excitement arrives after Thanksgiving because as much as I love Christmas, I also love Thanksgiving and don't wish to miss out on that.
8) How do you pass the long weeks before Christmas? I listen to the music a lot (studio, car, home, etc). I bake cookies. I shop. I wrap gifts. I decorate.
9) What is better giving or receiving? I am 100% with Kelsey on this... I love to receive gifts (who doesn't!?!) but seriously the bigger joy is picking out the perfect gifts and watching the happiness and joy on people's faces when they open what I've gotten them. :)
10) What is your favorite element of Christmas? I love the reminder that it is Christ's birthday-- the snow on Christmas morning-- the love that you feel "outloud" this time of year-- people's generosity and giving to those in need--the brother/sisterhood that is felt-- peace
Showing posts with label vacation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vacation. Show all posts
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Long time, no post :(
So, it has been a little bit since I last posted... well other than the list I put up from Kelsey's tag a few minutes ago.
After I finished up my last two nights of summer classes, I spent a few days scrambling around working on things for school and the dance studio and then Jason and I packed up our vehicle and headed on down for a few days of fun & sun in Virginia Beach. Our good friends rented a house for the week and invited friends & family to come stay, so not able to resist a trip to the beach that would include lots of rest, relaxation and sunbathing, we jumped. I have lots of fun pictures from that week, so I'll be sure to put up a few in the next day or so.
Upon returning we spent time "recovering" and working in our classrooms. We also went to the Crawford County Fair a few evenings-- one of our end of summer traditions.
Yesterday, we had our neice & nephew for the day. We took a trip up to Panama Rocks in New York for some fun hiking and climbing. Then came back and took them to the fair for the demolition derby and fireworks. It was a great day and ended with a great night.
Today we took the kids up to Ky's football game. It was a dreary, rainy mess of day, but I suppose it should help to make it easier to head back to school tomorrow.
Monday and Tuesday this week are teacher in-service/work days and Wednesday we welcome back the students. Yikes.... summer is over!
After I finished up my last two nights of summer classes, I spent a few days scrambling around working on things for school and the dance studio and then Jason and I packed up our vehicle and headed on down for a few days of fun & sun in Virginia Beach. Our good friends rented a house for the week and invited friends & family to come stay, so not able to resist a trip to the beach that would include lots of rest, relaxation and sunbathing, we jumped. I have lots of fun pictures from that week, so I'll be sure to put up a few in the next day or so.
Upon returning we spent time "recovering" and working in our classrooms. We also went to the Crawford County Fair a few evenings-- one of our end of summer traditions.
Yesterday, we had our neice & nephew for the day. We took a trip up to Panama Rocks in New York for some fun hiking and climbing. Then came back and took them to the fair for the demolition derby and fireworks. It was a great day and ended with a great night.
Today we took the kids up to Ky's football game. It was a dreary, rainy mess of day, but I suppose it should help to make it easier to head back to school tomorrow.
Monday and Tuesday this week are teacher in-service/work days and Wednesday we welcome back the students. Yikes.... summer is over!
I've been tagged!
I'm supposed to create a list of 30 things about me... Kelsey (Chapsticks, Cameras, and Crowns) tagged everyone who likes chocolate and since I belong to Chocolate Addicts Anonymous (or should) I guess I better get started... :)
1. I love plants and flowers but don't know much about caring for them and until recently usually had a hand in their death if in my possession.
2. If I could, I would be a perpetual student. I love learning.
3. I'm a nerd.
4. Tying back to #2, I would love to take 1-2 classes a semester for the rest of my life, but they would have to be classes I wanted to take, not necessarily had to take.
5. I love to nap.
6. I am a ridiculous night owl-- I do my best work in the evening and into the night time.
7. I am not a morning person. I am generally grumpy for a bit in the morning (though I am a million times better than I used to be!)
8. I collect stuffed animal monkeys. I have since I was little. My first stuffed animal was 'favorite monkey' which I lost on a shopping excursion sometime in my toddler days.
9. I love to shop. I like shopping for clothing, office supplies, shoes, paint, etc. The only thing I get bored shopping for is flowers/plants (see # 1 as a possible reason why). And the best part is, I even like shopping for other people. It doesn't have to be for me :)
10. If I could change careers every 2-5 years I would. I think this is because I have so many interests that could turn career.
11. I love dancing. I have danced since I was 3 and never want to quit.
12. I turned my passion for dancing into a 'career' by purchasing a dance studio. That was the biggest decision I have made at this point in my life. Getting married was far easier than buying the studio.
13. I love photography. If I didn't own a studio, I would take photography classes and either shoot pics part-time or work for an already established photographer.
14. My dream job would be to make it on Broadway, however, I think I like it better as a dream job than if it would ever have become reality. I have met quite a few kids trying to cut it and it is not. so. glamorous.
15. I have a passion for music. I love discovering new artists and songs, but I also love to return to old favorites. I can remember lyrics to songs that were very popular when I was a child.
16. Since I turned 29, my memory has gone downhill. Oh, sure, I can still remember song lyrics from 20+ years ago but what I ate for breakfast sometimes is mystifying by 10am.
17. I like to write. I don't feel like I have solid ideas.
18. I am a bad decision maker. I worry about what each scenerio might entail depending on outcomes, etc, and consider all options and avenues (no matter how unlikely they might seem) in order to feel like I've made the best choice. Sadly, this applies to nearly all decisions I make, from what to have for dinner to whether or not to purchase a dance studio.
19. I am terribly afraid of bridges over water-- mostly the driving over them part. I have this irrational fear because I worry that the bridge might collapse and my car will fall into the water. I might survive the fall, which is good, but become trapped underwater in the car and slowly suffocate/drown. I know, it's pretty irrational.
20. I also am pretty claustrophobic. I think this also goes along with the fear of suffocation/drowning.
21. I am an extreme over-achiever and have been for as long as I can remember.
22. I am an extreme procrastinator and have been for as long as I can remember... however most procrastinators say waiting until the last minute produces their best work. For me, it is true.
23. I want to learn how to play guitar. I have a guitar. It's been out of its box 2 times since I got it. I still want to learn.
24. Although owning and operating the dance studio is a business, consists of lots of hard work, and usually stresses me out, I love doing it. I love my students. I love teaching them. I love dancing. I love the squeals of delight from the little ones having fun and the exclamations of success from the older ones when things come together for them.
25. I love my doggies and kitty and treat them like human children in some ways. They are definitely spoiled.
26. I love to read. I definitely don't have enough time to read as often as I would like.
27. I love to watch movies. I generally like almost any type, except extreme horror/slasher movies.
28. I think I love to read and watch movies because of the opportunity to exit reality and immerse myself into "someone" else's life/experiences that I will probably never have.
29. I am addicted to facebook. I have a blackberry phone and I check facebook way too often-- though during the school year I do cut back a lot more because I'm much busier.
30. Although I usually try to put up a good front, it is very hard for me to be thick-skinned. I take things personally and often want to cry about stuff. This is not good in my profession. I am also incredibly self-conscious and although I really try to control it, my self-esteem and self-confidence wavers constantly.
Now, there are few people who really read my blog, so I guess I'll tag anyone who happens to read this entry and hasn't already filled this out :)
1. I love plants and flowers but don't know much about caring for them and until recently usually had a hand in their death if in my possession.
2. If I could, I would be a perpetual student. I love learning.
3. I'm a nerd.
4. Tying back to #2, I would love to take 1-2 classes a semester for the rest of my life, but they would have to be classes I wanted to take, not necessarily had to take.
5. I love to nap.
6. I am a ridiculous night owl-- I do my best work in the evening and into the night time.
7. I am not a morning person. I am generally grumpy for a bit in the morning (though I am a million times better than I used to be!)
8. I collect stuffed animal monkeys. I have since I was little. My first stuffed animal was 'favorite monkey' which I lost on a shopping excursion sometime in my toddler days.
9. I love to shop. I like shopping for clothing, office supplies, shoes, paint, etc. The only thing I get bored shopping for is flowers/plants (see # 1 as a possible reason why). And the best part is, I even like shopping for other people. It doesn't have to be for me :)
10. If I could change careers every 2-5 years I would. I think this is because I have so many interests that could turn career.
11. I love dancing. I have danced since I was 3 and never want to quit.
12. I turned my passion for dancing into a 'career' by purchasing a dance studio. That was the biggest decision I have made at this point in my life. Getting married was far easier than buying the studio.
13. I love photography. If I didn't own a studio, I would take photography classes and either shoot pics part-time or work for an already established photographer.
14. My dream job would be to make it on Broadway, however, I think I like it better as a dream job than if it would ever have become reality. I have met quite a few kids trying to cut it and it is not. so. glamorous.
15. I have a passion for music. I love discovering new artists and songs, but I also love to return to old favorites. I can remember lyrics to songs that were very popular when I was a child.
16. Since I turned 29, my memory has gone downhill. Oh, sure, I can still remember song lyrics from 20+ years ago but what I ate for breakfast sometimes is mystifying by 10am.
17. I like to write. I don't feel like I have solid ideas.
18. I am a bad decision maker. I worry about what each scenerio might entail depending on outcomes, etc, and consider all options and avenues (no matter how unlikely they might seem) in order to feel like I've made the best choice. Sadly, this applies to nearly all decisions I make, from what to have for dinner to whether or not to purchase a dance studio.
19. I am terribly afraid of bridges over water-- mostly the driving over them part. I have this irrational fear because I worry that the bridge might collapse and my car will fall into the water. I might survive the fall, which is good, but become trapped underwater in the car and slowly suffocate/drown. I know, it's pretty irrational.
20. I also am pretty claustrophobic. I think this also goes along with the fear of suffocation/drowning.
21. I am an extreme over-achiever and have been for as long as I can remember.
22. I am an extreme procrastinator and have been for as long as I can remember... however most procrastinators say waiting until the last minute produces their best work. For me, it is true.
23. I want to learn how to play guitar. I have a guitar. It's been out of its box 2 times since I got it. I still want to learn.
24. Although owning and operating the dance studio is a business, consists of lots of hard work, and usually stresses me out, I love doing it. I love my students. I love teaching them. I love dancing. I love the squeals of delight from the little ones having fun and the exclamations of success from the older ones when things come together for them.
25. I love my doggies and kitty and treat them like human children in some ways. They are definitely spoiled.
26. I love to read. I definitely don't have enough time to read as often as I would like.
27. I love to watch movies. I generally like almost any type, except extreme horror/slasher movies.
28. I think I love to read and watch movies because of the opportunity to exit reality and immerse myself into "someone" else's life/experiences that I will probably never have.
29. I am addicted to facebook. I have a blackberry phone and I check facebook way too often-- though during the school year I do cut back a lot more because I'm much busier.
30. Although I usually try to put up a good front, it is very hard for me to be thick-skinned. I take things personally and often want to cry about stuff. This is not good in my profession. I am also incredibly self-conscious and although I really try to control it, my self-esteem and self-confidence wavers constantly.
Now, there are few people who really read my blog, so I guess I'll tag anyone who happens to read this entry and hasn't already filled this out :)
Monday, August 17, 2009
Germany
Earlier this summer we went to Germany for 15 days with the Meadville German Travel Club. It was an amazing trip, one I hope to do again in about 6 years. We flew out of JFK in NYC and flew into Frankfurt in Germany. From there it was a whirlwind of travel-- we visited Rothenburg, a virtually unchanged medieval town that is still walled in- Neuschwanstein Castle, the inspiration for the Magic Kingdom's castle- Salzburg, Austria (where we saw more sights than I have space/time to mention)- the Kehlsteinhaus (Eagles Nest), Hitler's 50th birthday present set high up in the Alps, the view was amazing- Munich (again more sights than I can mention here)- 3 Youth hostels (Jugendherberge Augustusburg, Lutherstadt Wittenberg, and Wasserburg) that were interesting and different in their own right- Dresden, a city that was about 80% destroyed during WWII and still is not completely rebuilt and recovered- Wittenberg, the location where Martin Luther launched the Reformation and nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the church- Berlin, where we saw so many sights including parts of the wall that remain as well as the world-famous Philharmonic- Buchenwald, one of the many concentration camps that were occupied and run by Nazis in WWII that now sit as a memorial to remind us of those horrific times- Cologne, saw the awesome Gothic Cathedral and a few other random sights- Boppard, a Rheine boat cruise (complete with a glass of Rheine Valley wine!), two more castle visits, a visit to Trier the oldest town in Germany, and a few other fun excursions. The food was phenomonal, the history was interesting and most of the sights were astounding. It was a wonderful trip and I'd recommend it to anyone-- however if you're looking for a vacation, I wouldn't recommend this trip because it is not restful or really relaxing. You may walk a lot (we averaged 10 miles a day) and ride on a tour bus a lot (though the company is fun) and travelling from city to city on a schedule is not extraordinarily restful in itself. That is why we are taking a quick trip to the beach next week--R&R 101.
in front of Neuschwanstein castle 
the Coloner Dom 
in the Alps!
in front of Neuschwanstein castle the Coloner Dom in the Alps!
Saturday, August 15, 2009
They say it's your birthday...
Last weekend was Darling Daisy Duke's birthday (our phenomonal Golden Retriever) and she's now 4 years old. In celebration of her birthday we got the customary piece of cake for her and Roquel J-Rose (Rocki, our phenomonal chihuahua) to share.... So we lit the candle and sang happy birthday to Daisy :) I know, I know, I bet everyone will be glad when we get some human kids!
even Bo got some frosting....
Then on Tuesday of this past week was Jason and my dating anniversary (13 years!). We typically don't really celebrate it anymore. So imagine my surprise upon arriving home to a few pretty roses in a vase on my counter. Yay. :) I love my hubby.
even Bo got some frosting....Then on Tuesday of this past week was Jason and my dating anniversary (13 years!). We typically don't really celebrate it anymore. So imagine my surprise upon arriving home to a few pretty roses in a vase on my counter. Yay. :) I love my hubby.
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