I know the title of this blog may upset some of you but, frankly, I love Mondays.... especially when Christian is gone. I can't stand the weekends when he's gone b/c I have nothing to do and there's only so much stuff I can do by myself. Plus, I'm used to my daytime t.v. shows and my regular routine during the week. But, I did work yesterday for five hours so that killed some time.
Speaking of doing things by myself- Saturday I went to the Philadelphia Art Museum for the first time since we moved up here! I know Christian doesn't like the artsy fartsy stuff so I decided if I was going to go, I was going to be alone. Plus, for those of you who know me, you know that I LOVE doing things by myself sometimes because I need "me time". I get that from my momma. So anyway, the museum was fun! Plus, I got in free b/c they are a Blue Star museum which means military families get in free between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Regular admission is $25 so I figured I better take advantage of this deal! The only other art museum I've been to is the National Gallery of Art in DC. That was pretty neat too but I was w/ Christian and he was making jokes so I couldn't really appreciate what I was looking at. At the PMA on Saturday, I saw two different areas of the museum. I saw all of the American art which consisted of paintings of American Indians and their treks across country and then the majority of the rest of that exhibit was all American-made antique furniture. That was pretty neat b/c I love antiques! It was awesome to see an old elaborate bedroom all set up and staged behind glass or big wardrobes from the 1700s. Then, after the American stuff, I saw some European art which consisted of about 20 different Monet pieces and, of course, several other artists I had never heard of. Then, in that same area was the modern or contemporary art. That stuff is strange! There was a whole room with about 6 HUGE canvases just with Greek gods' names scribbled on them with what looked like crayons. There was a piece that was a wall-mounted sink with two left-footed child's legs coming out of it. Yeah, weird and I don't get that stuff. haha But then, I saw a lone Pablo Picasso piece. That was pretty neat. So, at that point, I had seen two of the most famous artists' pieces. It may not be a big deal to some of you but I thought it was pretty neat. Then, one of my favorite artists is Jackson Pollock. I was walking around and almost out of the area with that type of art when I ran across one smaller piece of his and that made my day. I was thinking I wasn't going to see one. So, after that, I made my way to the gift shop to look around and then headed towards the exit. I didn't have the desire to see the entire museum that day. It was fun, it was free, and I got some culture!
As I mentioned, Christian is on another trip. He's headed out the Pacific but will be back this coming Sunday. He left last Friday. When he gets back, we're going out to his dad's for a couple days which should be fun. It's beautiful out there in the summertime. Then, we'll come back either Tuesday or Wednesday then Dad & Rhonda get here next Friday!!! I'm SOOO excited for them to get here! We have a fun weekend planned. Friday will probably be pretty low-key but we might go to Haddonfield to walk around since they have a celebration on the first Friday of every month. Then, depending on Saturday's weather, there's a really neat farm around here that I want to visit and then Saturday night we're going to take them to New Hope! I LOVE NEW HOPE! It's such a fantastic little town. Then, Sunday is our day/night in Philly. Dad, being his typical self, booked two rooms for us at the Ritz in Center City for us to stay there Sunday night. That should be fun! It's completely unnecessary since we clearly have a place to stay but he insisted so we're tagging along..... darn, right?! haha
I'm really looking forward to my next trip home too! My best friend, Alison, is flying up here in August and we're going to drive back to Florida together! So much fun! We've been best friends for 24 years and this is our first long road trip together. Plus, she's one of the very few people I could actually stand to be in a car with for that long. haha Christian will be gone the whole month of August over to the Middle East. When he gets back, we're planning to go to Germany to see the family. I can't wait. I love going over there. Not sure if we'll go to Austria this time. It all depends on which house his grandparents are staying in (their main house is in Frankfurt, Germany and their vacation home is in Faistenau, Austria- just outside of Salzburg). Faistenau is absolutely gorgeous and just a neat experience but Frankfurt is where ALL of the family is so that's fun too. Then, once we get back from Germany, October will be sneaking up on us. Then, Christian is in a wedding in Houston at the beginning of November and then we'll come to Florida for Thanksgiving and spend Christmas up here. We have a ski trip planned with friends right after Christmas so I'm pretty excited about that! We had a blast two years ago and it's an every two-year tradition now in upstate New York. Then, it will be an exciting 2012, to say the least! Gosh, the rest of this year is going to fly by. I'm already looking forward to Fall! Plus, I wanted to listen to Christmas music the other day but I held back! haha
One more thing- I get daily newsletter emails from Oprah.com and this article came across last week but I've saved it b/c it's a good one. It's about happiness. And, since you all know how much I love being happy, do me a favor and read it (yes, it's a smidge long). :) The seventh paragraph is pretty good. Also, if any of you are looking for a good book, I'll recommend one that I read last year and still think about all the time. It's called The Happiness Project by Gretchin Rubin. It's a really good book that's written really well. I think it's good for folks around my age and maybe a little older. So anyway, here's the article:
http://www.oprah.com/spirit/Mindfulness-and-Positive-Spirit-Methods-to-Achieve-Happiness
Ok- hope everyone has a fantastic week!!!! Do something that makes you happy!
xoxo,
Chrissi
Monday, June 20, 2011
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Lordy Lordy.... look who's turning....er, 26.
Happy Sunday morning!!!
I hope all of you are having a fantastic weekend and that you all did something fun! Mine has been wonderful. My girlfriends and I went over to Atlantic City Friday night for my birthday celebration and had an absolute blast! I slept 'til 10 a.m. today to make up for the loss of sleep. haha We had five girls and went to dinner at Buddakon (a great Asian upscale place) and then went out at Ceasars and then over to the Borgata. We were out until about 4 a.m. You seriously lose track of time in those places!!! I lost $100 on roulette, Vicki won $200+ on the Wheel of Fortune slots and then Trish "won" $500 because a guy she was tagging along with a guy who won $15,000 after a $5,000 blackjack bet and gave her $500 (great story!). haha So, we had a blast.
Yesterday was a low-key rainy day and Christian had to work. Last night we walking into town to get sushi and on the way back we saw our first fire flies of the season. I love those things! They make the fields up here look like they sparkle at night. Today I'm going to be cleaning house and working on the yard. We're having Christian's squadron's Admin dept over tomorrow for a cookout so we have a lot to do to prepare for that. The weather has been gloomy this weekend but it's supposed to be sunny and 80 degrees tomorrow! PERFECTION, right?! I love summertime up here. And, it's my birthday tomorrow!
So anyway, I'll catch you guys up on a few things. Last weekend, we were down in Pensacola for a wedding and to see the finished product at our house in Pace. It looks great and we're very happy with the work! But, now we need renters! We have it listed with a realtor so hopefully she'll find someone soon. Jenna's wedding last weekend was so much fun and so beautiful. She looked amazing as well. We had a great time. On Friday night, Dad took Christian and I over to Fairhope, AL for dinner at the Wash House. I HIGHLY recommend that place!!! It's sooooooooo good! The decorations and atmosphere are fantastic too! Yummo! I want to go back TONIGHT! haha The trip was fun and short lived. But, we headed back to Philly Monday night and have had a good week.
I started my new job at Pottery Barn Wednesday! It was a lot of fun. I'll be working two shifts during the week and one on the weekend. And, I've already requested a ton of time off and they seem to be fine with it so I'm diggin' this whole thing. :) I've already redecorated my house in my head with stuff in the store. haha! I LOVE their stuff.
I started studying for the GRE already and I'm a bit nervous. The math portion is going to rock my world. The essays and stuff like that don't worry me but the fact that I haven't had any math in about six years is a little terrifying. Christian has already helped me a little bit so that's good.
I ordered the book "Marriage Confidential" that I mentioned in my last post. So, I'm looking forward to starting that this week.
I have to mention the fact that I'm sitting on the porch right now typing this and listening to the Smooth Jazz channel on Direct TV and I swear I turn more into my mother every day! haha I remember waking up in middle and high school on Sunday mornings to jazz music playing, windows open and mom either cleaning or sitting on the porch reading. Cat Sunday Jazz Brunch on 99.9.... ohhh memories. :) Love you momma!
So, anyway, nothing much more is going on. Enjoy your Sunday and have a great week coming up!
"Guard well your spare moments. They are like uncut diamonds. Discard them and their value will never be known. Improve them and they will become the brightest gems in a useful life." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
I hope all of you are having a fantastic weekend and that you all did something fun! Mine has been wonderful. My girlfriends and I went over to Atlantic City Friday night for my birthday celebration and had an absolute blast! I slept 'til 10 a.m. today to make up for the loss of sleep. haha We had five girls and went to dinner at Buddakon (a great Asian upscale place) and then went out at Ceasars and then over to the Borgata. We were out until about 4 a.m. You seriously lose track of time in those places!!! I lost $100 on roulette, Vicki won $200+ on the Wheel of Fortune slots and then Trish "won" $500 because a guy she was tagging along with a guy who won $15,000 after a $5,000 blackjack bet and gave her $500 (great story!). haha So, we had a blast.
Yesterday was a low-key rainy day and Christian had to work. Last night we walking into town to get sushi and on the way back we saw our first fire flies of the season. I love those things! They make the fields up here look like they sparkle at night. Today I'm going to be cleaning house and working on the yard. We're having Christian's squadron's Admin dept over tomorrow for a cookout so we have a lot to do to prepare for that. The weather has been gloomy this weekend but it's supposed to be sunny and 80 degrees tomorrow! PERFECTION, right?! I love summertime up here. And, it's my birthday tomorrow!
So anyway, I'll catch you guys up on a few things. Last weekend, we were down in Pensacola for a wedding and to see the finished product at our house in Pace. It looks great and we're very happy with the work! But, now we need renters! We have it listed with a realtor so hopefully she'll find someone soon. Jenna's wedding last weekend was so much fun and so beautiful. She looked amazing as well. We had a great time. On Friday night, Dad took Christian and I over to Fairhope, AL for dinner at the Wash House. I HIGHLY recommend that place!!! It's sooooooooo good! The decorations and atmosphere are fantastic too! Yummo! I want to go back TONIGHT! haha The trip was fun and short lived. But, we headed back to Philly Monday night and have had a good week.
I started my new job at Pottery Barn Wednesday! It was a lot of fun. I'll be working two shifts during the week and one on the weekend. And, I've already requested a ton of time off and they seem to be fine with it so I'm diggin' this whole thing. :) I've already redecorated my house in my head with stuff in the store. haha! I LOVE their stuff.
I started studying for the GRE already and I'm a bit nervous. The math portion is going to rock my world. The essays and stuff like that don't worry me but the fact that I haven't had any math in about six years is a little terrifying. Christian has already helped me a little bit so that's good.
I ordered the book "Marriage Confidential" that I mentioned in my last post. So, I'm looking forward to starting that this week.
I have to mention the fact that I'm sitting on the porch right now typing this and listening to the Smooth Jazz channel on Direct TV and I swear I turn more into my mother every day! haha I remember waking up in middle and high school on Sunday mornings to jazz music playing, windows open and mom either cleaning or sitting on the porch reading. Cat Sunday Jazz Brunch on 99.9.... ohhh memories. :) Love you momma!
So, anyway, nothing much more is going on. Enjoy your Sunday and have a great week coming up!
"Guard well your spare moments. They are like uncut diamonds. Discard them and their value will never be known. Improve them and they will become the brightest gems in a useful life." -Ralph Waldo Emerson
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Happy June!
Can any of you really believe that today is the first day of June? I CANNOT! It's nuts that this year is just about half over! 2011 has been a pretty decent year so far, I must say. We've had a lot of fun, we're loving New Jersey and we've continued our crazy traveling. I hope it's been a great year for all of you as well!
So, my last post was all about Oprah's farewell and I must say, I find myself a little lost at 4:00 every afternoon. I'm used to my daily dose of Oprah therapy at that time and I no longer get that! So, I will have to find some other way to be enlightened. ;) I hope to get back into reading very soon. I had a bucket list goal of 12 books for the year and I think I've finished two. Oops. I'm going to head to the bookstore later today and check out a new book my friend, Vicki, recommended to me. She knows that I'm obsessed with marriage and relationships and all that jazz so the book is called "Marriage Confidential". It had a great write-up in USA Today and has been pretty interested! http://usat.ly/iudy6k
One other thing that I will have to keep me busy during the summer is studying for the GRE. I finally bit the bullet and registered to take the GRE at the end of August. I'm super intimidated; especially about the math portion. I haven't had math since my sophomore year of college! Hopefully Christian's engineering brain will be able to help me out with the arithmetic. I probably won't be starting grad school anytime soon, though. We only have two years left here in Jersey and then we don't know where we'll end up so I don't want to start something here and then have to worry about credits not transferring. I'll start once we figure out where we're moving. Something that is slightly unfortunate is the fact that only a select number of schools offer the program that I'm really interested in: sex therapy. As I mentioned in last week's post, Oprah kickstarted the public career of Dr. Laura Berman, a renowned sex & relationship therapist based in Chicago. I started listening to her talk radio show a couple years ago and just fell in love with her work. She's so open-minded and helps everyday people open their minds to new ways to improve their relationships (although, not only through sex). Thomas Jefferson University here in Philly offers a fantastic program instructed by accredited sex therapists. I would LOVE to get into that program but who knows if we'll stay here. I think there are about 11 schools that offer this program and they're pretty much all in the Northeast. So, we'll see if I actually get to do something that specialized or if I'll have to go the more traditional route of Marriage and Family Counseling. There are many more schools that offer that program. We shall see. Either way, I know it will be interesting.
So, other than that stuff, here are a few updates on our lives! We had a great Memorial Day weekend with lots of activities going on. Saturday, we went to an airshow in Millville, NJ and then to a BBQ at Tim & Katie's (Tim is in Christian's squadron). Sunday, we laid low around the house and then went to my friend Vicki's place for a cookout. And then, Monday, we went boating down in Baltimore with Christian's biological dad and his family. We had a great time all weekend!
Christian's back to work for a three-day week and then we leave Friday morning for Pensacola! I can't wait to see my parents and family and friends! I'm so excited. I get even more excited when Christian gets to come home with me! We get in early Friday morning and we have to take care of some final things with our house in Pace and then we have dinner reservations over in Fairhope with Dad & Rhonda. They've been telling me all about this place called The Wash House so I asked Dad to make reservations for the four of us. Saturday morning will be spent with family since we get to see baby Bram and the rest of that clan. Then, we'll probably grab lunch or something with Mom, John and Adam. Saturday evening will be spent celebrating Jenna & James getting hitched! I'm so excited for the wedding and to see all of our friends in one place! Great times to be had! Then, we have Sunday and Monday to kill some time before we head back north.
The following weekend is my birthday weekend so me and about five other girlfriends are heading to Atlantic City! We'll be hanging by the pool by day and partying by night! I'm pretty pumped about it! My first summertime trip to the shore. ha!
Oh- I almost forgot! I had my Pottery Barn orientation yesterday! It went really well and I'm pretty excited to work there to kill some time. Our store manager is super nice and really laid back. I'm pretty stoked about the 40% discount too! I was looking through a catalog this morning and I want everything! haha I start work next Wednesday and I'll probably work two shifts a week. They're going to be really flexible with my schedule because I want to be able to be home when Christian is home from trips. So, that's really great. I met two other new girls that I'll be working with and they're super nice too. Everything seems like it's going to be pretty perfect!
Nothing much else to report. I hope all of you are having a great short week! Happy June and Happy Summer! Enjoy it!
xoxo,
Chrissi
So, my last post was all about Oprah's farewell and I must say, I find myself a little lost at 4:00 every afternoon. I'm used to my daily dose of Oprah therapy at that time and I no longer get that! So, I will have to find some other way to be enlightened. ;) I hope to get back into reading very soon. I had a bucket list goal of 12 books for the year and I think I've finished two. Oops. I'm going to head to the bookstore later today and check out a new book my friend, Vicki, recommended to me. She knows that I'm obsessed with marriage and relationships and all that jazz so the book is called "Marriage Confidential". It had a great write-up in USA Today and has been pretty interested! http://usat.ly/iudy6k
One other thing that I will have to keep me busy during the summer is studying for the GRE. I finally bit the bullet and registered to take the GRE at the end of August. I'm super intimidated; especially about the math portion. I haven't had math since my sophomore year of college! Hopefully Christian's engineering brain will be able to help me out with the arithmetic. I probably won't be starting grad school anytime soon, though. We only have two years left here in Jersey and then we don't know where we'll end up so I don't want to start something here and then have to worry about credits not transferring. I'll start once we figure out where we're moving. Something that is slightly unfortunate is the fact that only a select number of schools offer the program that I'm really interested in: sex therapy. As I mentioned in last week's post, Oprah kickstarted the public career of Dr. Laura Berman, a renowned sex & relationship therapist based in Chicago. I started listening to her talk radio show a couple years ago and just fell in love with her work. She's so open-minded and helps everyday people open their minds to new ways to improve their relationships (although, not only through sex). Thomas Jefferson University here in Philly offers a fantastic program instructed by accredited sex therapists. I would LOVE to get into that program but who knows if we'll stay here. I think there are about 11 schools that offer this program and they're pretty much all in the Northeast. So, we'll see if I actually get to do something that specialized or if I'll have to go the more traditional route of Marriage and Family Counseling. There are many more schools that offer that program. We shall see. Either way, I know it will be interesting.
So, other than that stuff, here are a few updates on our lives! We had a great Memorial Day weekend with lots of activities going on. Saturday, we went to an airshow in Millville, NJ and then to a BBQ at Tim & Katie's (Tim is in Christian's squadron). Sunday, we laid low around the house and then went to my friend Vicki's place for a cookout. And then, Monday, we went boating down in Baltimore with Christian's biological dad and his family. We had a great time all weekend!
Christian's back to work for a three-day week and then we leave Friday morning for Pensacola! I can't wait to see my parents and family and friends! I'm so excited. I get even more excited when Christian gets to come home with me! We get in early Friday morning and we have to take care of some final things with our house in Pace and then we have dinner reservations over in Fairhope with Dad & Rhonda. They've been telling me all about this place called The Wash House so I asked Dad to make reservations for the four of us. Saturday morning will be spent with family since we get to see baby Bram and the rest of that clan. Then, we'll probably grab lunch or something with Mom, John and Adam. Saturday evening will be spent celebrating Jenna & James getting hitched! I'm so excited for the wedding and to see all of our friends in one place! Great times to be had! Then, we have Sunday and Monday to kill some time before we head back north.
The following weekend is my birthday weekend so me and about five other girlfriends are heading to Atlantic City! We'll be hanging by the pool by day and partying by night! I'm pretty pumped about it! My first summertime trip to the shore. ha!
Oh- I almost forgot! I had my Pottery Barn orientation yesterday! It went really well and I'm pretty excited to work there to kill some time. Our store manager is super nice and really laid back. I'm pretty stoked about the 40% discount too! I was looking through a catalog this morning and I want everything! haha I start work next Wednesday and I'll probably work two shifts a week. They're going to be really flexible with my schedule because I want to be able to be home when Christian is home from trips. So, that's really great. I met two other new girls that I'll be working with and they're super nice too. Everything seems like it's going to be pretty perfect!
Nothing much else to report. I hope all of you are having a great short week! Happy June and Happy Summer! Enjoy it!
xoxo,
Chrissi
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