Foodie Fridays

Since I normally have Fridays off, coming into the office today was rough. Like, hit the snooze button four times rough. However, now that I am up and here let's celebrate the end of week with Lauren's link-up, High Five for Friday. 

1. High Five for eating healthy and grilled pineapple

In the past two weeks I have been trying to truly focus on eating really well. Paleo has been slightly modified, and my new focus is really just on eating clean. I feel really good, and wasn't even tempted by the receptionist's birthday cake today at work. Normally all that neon icing and layered sheet cake is my kryponite.
I am pretty sure that the simple act of throwing some pineapple on the grill is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. I have been just baking the pineapple with chicken and then throwing it in a hot pan to sear instead of actually getting out all the grill stuff. It is good on everything. My new favorite is to make a quinoa bowl with grilled pineapple, caramelized onions, mango and baked chicken. So good and so easy. 

2.  My new obsession is lemon blackberry water.

 I muddle a few blackberries at the bottom of my tumbler and then add some lemon juice. Add some water with ice and you have a delicious and refreshing summer drink.



3. High Five for calm mornings. I managed to sneak out the door twenty minutes early on Thursday. I was working on Main Campus which is blessedly right across from a Starbucks. I have a lovely period of relaxing and reading before launching into my crazy day.

4. High Five for busy schedules. I am working significantly more hours this summer and so far I love it. Hopefully the business will make the weeks fly by. The extra money is pretty nice too.



5. High Five for really awesome husbands 

First Friday Loves In Forever

Happy Friday! I can't believe June is almost half over. I was counting on my vacation with my parents to make June fly by. That is definitely the case, and I couldn't happier to see July right around the corner. Today is my last day of official vacation and I will be back at work on Monday. To celebrate the end of vaca, I am linking up with Lauren at The Lauren Elizabeth for High Five For Friday. 

 

1. Halfway Done

The best thing that happened (not this week but earlier this month) was that we passed the 50% point of this deployment. I am so relieved to be over the half-way point. I know it's not all downhill from here, but I am feeling good. I am ready to have my husband back. Boo Afghanistan, hooray homecoming!

2. High Five for healthy eating. 

I totally fell off the wagon during my vacation, and this week has been all about getting back on the healthy track. I am focusing on just eating clean, and then turning back to full paleo later in the summer. This salad is one of my favorites. I mix lettuce, strawberries, grapes, carrots, cucumber, almonds, and goat cheese. I stir pesto into oil and balsamic vinegar for a super tasty dressing. 

3. Happy to be back with my main girl 

Y'all, two weeks without Asha was way harder than I thought it would be. I missed her like crazy during my trip. She and I are very happily back in NY. I feel like we are back to our normal schedule. We've had dog park trips, play dates and a huge amount of cuddling. 

4. High Five for awesome communication. 

One of the benefits of not working is that I can lounge around and talk to Lane pretty much whenever he is available. On Thursday I woke up to a message notification, then proceeded to stay in bed and chat with Lane for two hours. It was heaven. I know this is short lived, but oh my goodness it is awesome. 

My favorite member of the U.S Army 

5. High Five for the U.S Army's Birthday 

Today the Army turns 238. Happy Birthday to the nation's oldest military branch. I love being an Army family and being a part of this wonderful tradition. Here's to 238 more 

What are you celebrating this Friday? 

Military Spouse Appreciation Friday

Hello weekend =)
Work was fully crazy this week with everyone getting ready to start the summer session. I can usually squeeze in some blogging at work, but that was just not a possibility this week. Hence all of the super short posts. I am linking up with Lauren to celebrate all of the awesome things that happened this week.

Today is also Military Spouse Appreciation Day. I can't tell you how much I love all of my other milspouse bloggers. Y'all have been some of the best supporters during this deployment. Lots love to all of you!

1. High Five that I made it to the gym every day this week.

Every muscle in my body hurts and my palms look like someone took a cheese grater to them. However, it feels great that I pushed myself this week and did some serious work on pull ups.

2. High Five for being ahead of the game

I was under the impression that Mother's Day was last weekend. So I might have sent out my cards out a week early. My mom and MIL both got theirs last week. Even though they were way early, I'm glad they got there on time.

3. High Five for fitness goals. 

I back squatted my body weight today at the gym. It was so much easier than I thought it would be. I got up to 135 and knew that if I could manage that, it was just a short jump to my body weight. (Sorry y'all not quite brave enough to post my weight on the internet). This wasn't one of my initial goals, but it felt awesome to hit that milestone.  Oh, I also held an unassisted handstand for much longer than I ever have before.

4. High Five for well behaved dogs.
Life is so much easier when Asha is not acting like a crazy maniac.

5. High Five for good friends.
Shannon and I surprised our friend with a mom's day out. I am taking her out for coffee and TJ Maxx shopping while Shannon watches her kids. I can't imagine going through deployment with children. It is hard enough with just myself and Asha.

Happy Friday!

Skype Rules My World

I have no idea how it's already Friday. I am equally confused as to how April is almost over, so clearly time is not my strong suit right now. Don't get my wrong, I am thrilled that time is flying by. This is such a wonderful change from the plodding pace of February and March. I am linking up with Lauren to celebrate Fridays with her wonderful link-up High Five For Friday. 

1. The biggest high five for my first Skype date with Lane. Seeing his face was wonderful. The internet connection was surprisingly good. I am so grateful for the MWR and the other resources available to Lane and other soldiers. 

2. She hasn't done anything special this week, but I always have a high five for my sweet girl. She is so sleepy and sweet in the morning. This was her using the door frame to help stretch. 

3. High five that my battle buddy Shannon is back from visiting home. It has been nice to have her back in New York. Her dogs get along so well with Asha, and she is a wonderful support for me.

4. High five for finishing my first week of FRG leader. I don't I've ever responded to so many e-mails in my life. Whew, I am loving it but man there are a lot of people asking questions.

5. Did I already mention a high five for skype with my husband? Oh I love that face 

High Five for 1/3

Happy Friday Y'all!
This week flew by so quickly. I love feeling time start to speed up a little bit. After the eternity that was January/February the last two months have sped on by. I am excited to get to May and my trip home!

To celebrate Friday joy, I am linking up with Lauren at her newly renamed blog Lauren Elizabeth .

1. High Five for 1/3 of deployment done. I have so many awesome milestones coming up. We will hit 100 days, then it's only a hop skip and a jump to 50% done. Ah the sweet feeling of progress. 

2. High Five for sleepy puppies. We have had a few days of gorgeous weather and multiple trips to the dog park have been the norm. This results in a very sleepy Asha, which I love. She normally is a little fussy right when we get home, but then passes out.

3. High Five for busy days at work. I have been booked solid every single day. I have at least five advising appointments during my shift, and that doesn't include responding to calls, e-mails and other small tasks throughout the day. I still gotta say, I doubt any job will ever feel as good as getting soldiers through college classes. 

4. High Five for gorgeous evening walks while I chat with my mom on the phone. I so hope this nice weather hangs around. It gets cool as the sun goes down, but the walks are absolutely perfect.

5. High Five for late nights with other army spouses talking about deployments, babies, moving and just about everything. I have a truly awesome group of women up here.

Hope you're having a wonderful Friday =) 

Mailbox Happiness

Hello Friday! 

I am celebrating with a morning spin class, followed by a trip into town. To give a high five for all that is Friday, I am liking up with Lauren at From My Grey Desk for High Five For Friday. 

1. I am getting my haircut today. It has been over a year since I've had one, and it has gotten out of control. I am so excited to get some life put back into this mop of straw on my head. 

2. High Five that Army Tuition Assistance is fully reinstated. I'm sure some of y'all have been following the craziness with T.A. We heard weeks ago that it was reinstated, but it wasn't until yesterday that money was actually available for soldiers to enroll in classes. We did a TON of registrations yesterday and it felt awesome. I am glad T.A is back for many reasons, but one of them is that I would have likely lost my job if T.A was permanently cancelled. I love seeing all these soldiers able to start taking classes again. 

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3. These pictures of golfer Bubba Watson and his son at the Maters Tournament. I am not really into golf, but these are just the sweetest thing. I love his son's little custom shirt.



4. Thursday was seriously the best mail day ever. I got a sweet package from a good friend of ours. He sent us chocolate, gorgeous Celtic salt and pepper shakers, and a fabulous Game of Thrones mug. Also, apparently we paid too much in taxes so I got a check from the IRS. Our tax refund already came through, so I am trying to figure out what this is.



5. My print from Melissa arrived! I already have it framed and happily hanging on my wall. It is such a lovely reminder of the wonderful time I spent in Italy.

Happy Friday Y'all =) 

Grateful

After a week of being really stressed out and really frazzled, I finally feel normal and centered again. It's funny how easily deployment can start to seem overwhelming when other parts of my life get stressful. The calm, centered, and positive Molly is back and ready to face the rest of the week.

1. High Five for the amazing giveaway I have starting on Monday. The lovely Melissa at New Girl On Post is kind enough to let me giveaway one of her gorgeous prints. This incredible photograph from London is on my wishlist. Go check out her shop and come back on Monday ready to win!

2. High Five for a truly wonderful unit. Y'all, I am so very grateful to everyone in my husband's unit. I mentioned to the SCO's wife that I hadn't seen any pictures of him, and first thing yesterday morning there was a big smiling photo of him celebrating his birthday. All of the women are so wonderful and I feel so lucky.

3. This morning deserves its own high five. I got up, made a tasty breakfast of paleo pancakes and a smoothie. Then I headed to spin and burned some serious calories. Now I am happily back in bed, letting my hair soak in an almond mint mask and watching Vampire Diaries. 

4. High Five for free DIY projects. My office was throwing away this cork board and I snapped it up to go in my kitchen. I love having pictures and notes pinned up, but my fridge was getting a little crowded. This is the perfect addition. 

5. And finally, a big, huge, mega high five for Tuition Assistance being restored for active duty soldiers. I am so relieved that I can get back to doing my job and not worry that budget cuts will leave me unemployed. I am thrilled for all the Fort Drum soldiers who will be able to take classes this summer. Whoo hoooo! 

What are y'all grateful for this beautiful Friday morning? 

High Five Because It's Over

1. High Five for my sweet girl's birthday. I might have gone slightly overboard with the sweet potato/bacon doggie cake. The bacon # 1 cake topper was the best part of the whole process. I made three of them to share with Shannon's dogs. All three loved them and devoured them in less than a minute. 

2. This starts off horrifying, but I promise there is a happy ending. I had my final exam on Tuesday night. My students did fine and I planned to grade the majority of them over the weekend. Well Wednesday afternoon I find out that grades are due Thursday at noon. Now this is about 39 hours after I just had my final exam. I go into a full panic attack mode and start grading like a machine. Thursday rolls around and I am nowhere near ready. I plan out my pleading e-mail to student records and head into work. Upon my arrival I am greeted with a note that states "Whoops, sorry for the mix-up grades are due in a week". So High Five for having another week to finish grading. No high five for the initial communication failure that ruined my Wednesday night.

3. The commissary has started stocking Food Should Taste Good  sweet potato chips. These are delicious and gluten free. They are made with sunflower oil and really tasty.

4. High Five for 20% of the deployment down. I just have to forge on till 25% and I feel like that is a pretty major milestone. After that I am focusing on hitting the 33% mark. These smaller bite sized goals make the deployment seem much more manageable.

5. Finally, just High Five that this week is over. It was brutal. Between Tuition Assistance being suspended, and giving my final exam, it was rough. 

Working For The Weekend

Yay for Friday. This work week was a blur of messed up financial aid, nervous students, and so many calls to student records they recognize my voice. It is always like this the few weeks before classes start, but it seems to still take me by surprise. 

In celebration of all things Friday, I am linking up with Lauren at From My Grey Desk for High Five For Friday. 

Favorite Paleo Biscuit Recipe

1. I feel like my eating has gotten back on track this week. I have been focusing on bringing healthy snacks to work and making sure I eat breakfast. I do have to admit though, paleo have given way to more gluten free. There is no good excuse, other than cooking all the time for one person sucks. I am still eating loads of fruits and veggies and feel pretty good. 

2. High Five for a bit of a break. I was contracted to teach another political science class in the second part of the semester. However, due to low enrollment the class was cancelled. I can't say I am super upset. I am really excited to have more time to work out and relax. Especially as the weather starts to warm up. 

Southern Weddings Shop

3. As always, a big high five for beautiful paper products. I impulsively bought this gorgeous print from the Southern Weddings Magazine shop. It isn't exactly our wedding vows, but it is pretty darn close. Also, Lane called me "My Beloved" when he proposed, so the first line has even more meaning to me. I framed our wedding vows a while ago, and they hang in our bedroom. This will make the perfect addition to that gallery. 

4.  My Big Bang Theory care package is being featured on Love From Home. One of my goals for the deployment has been to do more blog networking. I have been doing more pinning to Pinterest from the blog and am interested in doing more guest posting. This is the perfect step in this direction.

5. High Five for spin class. I started going again last week, and love my Friday morning class. It is such a good workout and I feel absolutely great. I am so ready to get some serious gym time in over the next few weeks. I want to be healthy, happy and glowing when Lane comes back.

I have so many great plans for this weekend. Time with friends, trips to TJ Maxx and trips to the dog park with Asha. Hope y'all have a wonderful weekend too =) 

High Five For March

I am so excited it's Friday. My only plans for the day involve going to spin class and making delicious green curry. I plan to clean my house and just enjoy my day off. In celebration of all things Friday, I am linking up with Lauren at From My Grey Desk  for High Five For Friday. 

Snoopy on Facebook

1. First and foremost, High Five for March. The 1st of the month is never more exciting than when your husband is deployment. Being able to say February is over, means that I am that much closer to being 25% of the way done with deployment, then 50% then finally the whole darn thing being done with.

2. High Five for crossing things off of my To Do list. My March deployment goal is to finally finish framing diplomas and the like. I have already dropped off one load, and I am going back on Saturday. I can't wait to have my fancy Georgetown diploma up on the wall.

3. This little girl is the best helper ever when it comes to grading papers. High five for cuddly puppies. 

4.Girl Scout cookies dunked into a tasty latte has been my once a day treat at work this week. Paleo? Not at all. Delicious? Oh yes. 

5. And finally, I am so relieved that Friday has arrived. I am watching two dogs this weekend so I will have quite the full house. Still, I am excited to go to the gym, sleep in, and generally not think about work or teaching. I don't know why the last two weeks have been so stressful, but I am oh so grateful for my three-day weekend. 

Hope y'all are having a wonderful Friday! 

High Five On Fridays

I have not been the greatest blogger this week. I don't really know if I will improve until this class is over. I gotta say, working and teaching can be a lot. Here are a few of the things I am celebrating this week. I am linking up with Lauren at From My Grey Desk  for High Five For Friday. 

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1. High Five for Season Two of Game of Thrones on Blu ray  I ran into town as soon as I got off work on Tuesday to pick it up. Best Buy has an awesome deal right now, so if you need your Rob Stark fix (which let's be honest, everyone needs a Rob Stark fix) head on over. 

2. Well behaved puppies. Asha has been really good this week ( knock on wood), and I hope we are slowly moving out of the puppy craziness. She will be a year old in a few weeks. You better believe there will be presents and a husky approved cake. 

3. Reminders of Lane. I was finally doing laundry, and found one of Lane's dirty t-shirts from before he left. I threw it on the bed to add to the dirty pile, and Asha decided it was for cuddling. It about broke my heart to see her nosing his shirt, but it makes me happy that she knows his scent and misses him too. 

4. I am already planning surprises for Lane's homecoming. I have already purchased a couple presents, and I can't wait to see him open everything when he gets home. 

5. High Five for waking up to instant messages from my husband. Hearing that little *ding* is so much better than any alarm clock.

Happy Friday! 

Friday Letters Link Up

I haven't done the Friday Letters Link-Up in a while and thought I would participate this week. I am linking up with Ashley at Adventures of Newlyweds for Friday Letters.

Dear Asha

I am so sorry that I have been gone so much this week. Work has been really crazy, and I know that means more time in your crate. Lane will be home all next week and you should get all sorts of loving and play time. I am glad that we got some snow. You were suspicious at first, but quickly figured out how much fun it is. 

Dear Lane

Thank you for the latte you brought home for me last night. I was dragging after work and it was the perfect surprise. You are really good at this husband thing. 

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Dear Target Leopard Loafers

You will be mine.

Dear Christmas lights

Thank you for being an instant mood booster. I love our little tree this year. I think it kind of looks like the Grinch's head. It is the perfect size for our little family.

Happy Friday =) 

Two Post Friday

I made a spur of the moment decision to do a second blog post today. I am linking up with Lauren at The Little Things We Do for Fill In The Blank Friday. 

1.  My best quality is that I have a truly intense work ethic. I know  that I will get stuff done and work my booty off till it’s finished.

2.  One of my less flattering qualities that I interrupt. It isn't even because I want to talk about myself, I just get so excited over a connection or shared experience that I start talking too soon. I really don’t like this about myself and I have been working on it.  

On Pinterest

3.  I'd rather be in Rome drinking cappuccino and pretending to be Italian.

4. Something I have been challenged with lately is getting myself ready for Lane’s deployment. I want to be in the best place possibly physically, mentally and secure in our marriage before he leaves.

5. I am looking forward to Christmas. I can’t wait to see my family and introduce them to Asha.

6. A super random factoid about me I dream in French on a regular basis.

7.  I want my students to do better on this second test. The first one was a catastrophe, but I am hoping this second one will be better. 

Happy Friday To All 

Happy Happy Friday

I am thrilled that Friday has finally arrived. Last weekend was right after Lane got back, and we didn't do much besides move from the kitchen to the couch and back to the kitchen. As much fun as that was, we are going to be a little more social tonight. We are going to a hockey game tonight, and seeing Sky Fall tomorrow. 

To celebrate the wonder that is Friday, I am linking up with Lauren at The Little Things We Do for Fill In The Blank Friday. 

1.  I like curling up with a book and a giant mug of tea. Taking Asha to the dog park and watching her play with all her puppy friends. 

2.  A life goal of mine is to have a life I am proud of. I want to leave the world better than I found it. I love that my current job means I get to do that every day.

3.  The last thing you would ever expect me to like (even though I secretly do) is nerdy tv and  books. I like to say that my husband and I are secret nerds. I love Lord of the Rings, Song of Ice and Fire, Doctor Who, and have started watching Star Trek. My husband has one LOTR tattoo and one Game of Thrones tattoo. 

4. Some wise words that I love are you must live life like a great adventure. Living any other way will only lead to regrets. My grandfather told me this right before I left for boarding school. I was terrified, but the idea that it all has to be one big adventure was very comforting. 

5. Most mornings you will find me  walking Asha and trying to get out the door to work. If I have the morning off, I will be drinking tea, blogging, and watching morning tv. 

I need more hot men on my blog
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6. Right now I am super into Sons of Anarchy. My husband finally convinced me to start watching. I think what he really wants is a motorcycle. He thinks watching all the sexy men on bikes will convince me he should have one. 

7.  Right now I am super over the sun setting at 4:00 in the afternoon. 

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend 

Friday And I'm In Love

Happy Friday to all of my wonderful readers. I have had my most popular week in terms of views this week, but actually lost a follower. I feel simultaneously popular and unloved. I am linking up with Ashley at Adventures of Newlyweds  for Friday Letters. Here are some of my letters this week:

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Dear Teaching

I think we are going to be friends. My first class was definitely a challenge, but last night rocked. I felt prepared, my students were engaged, and it was just awesome. If teaching can feel like this even half the time, I will be a happy camper. Class went so well I was practically on a high when I walked out of the class room. 

Dear North Country Weather

Thank you so much for the warmer days, but we can do something about the rain on the weekends? Seriously, it has rained for the past four weekends. I want to enjoy all the Halloween events this weekend. There are hayrides and haunted houses planned which don't mix well with rain. 

Dear Army

You've had my husband for quite a while now. I would like him back please.

Not Asha, but oh my goodness the cuteness
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Dear Asha

You are such a crazy face when you don't get enough exercise. I can't always take you to the dog park for two hours every day. I am looking forward to you getting older and calming down a little bit. You really did not enjoy the 80 degree day on Thursday. We went to the dog park early, and you were smoked. Poor furry baby really doesn't like the heat. 

Dear Army wife friends

 Oh my goodness, y'all rock my world. 

This week was a happy, busy, crazy week. I am so excited to charge into next week. My sweet husband returns, I have some fun blogs planned, and it will be Halloween! 

Les Lettres de Vendredi

This is the last Friday Letters before Lane returns from California (hopefully). Whoo hoo. I am linking up with Ashley at Adventures of Newlyweds for Friday Letters.

Dear Asha- Thank you for be such a sweet puppy.

Pinterest via encore une minute

Dear Lattes- You have been my constant companion throughout graduate school and life since then. Thank you for being so delicious. I don't even want to think about the amount of money I have spent on you. 

Dear BB2/Twin/BFF- Thank you for the almost two hour long phone call a few nights ago. I miss you dearly and can't wait to see you again. 

Lauren of I Love You Much Photography

Dear Husband- I cannot wait until you come home. I know that this is important preparation for deployment, but man I am ready to hear your voice. 

I am running the 5k on Saturday, and then probably relaxing for the rest of the weekend. I am excited to power through this last week and Lane. I have a few projects to finish before he gets home. I want to thank all my readers for the serious blog love I have gotten this week. I love finding new blogs and reading your wonderful comments.

Whoo Hoo For Friday

Whoo hoo for Friday Letters and Fill In The Blanks. This week was really good, and I feel very productive. I got loads of DIY stuff done and had great days at work. Here are my Friday letters: 

Dear Asha, I am so glad that your surgery went well. You make the fact that Lane is gone much much easier to bear. 

Dear Thursday, please for the love of all that is holy get here fast. I can't take Asha to the dog park till then. Despite the above declarations of love, the lack of exercise is leading to some really horrible behavior. I still adore here, but the craziness needs to end. She chewed up three coasters, a foam pillow and destroyed the toy I bought her last week. 

Dear NTC, I would like my husband back please. 

Dear Running, I am so glad that we have started to get to know one another again. You make me feel strong and healthy. Thanks =)

Now for questions!

 The last thing I ate was bacon. I have been eating a lot of it recently. Bacon and eggs is so easy to make when I am just cooking for one. 

2.  The last time I went to the beach was I can't even remember. I went to the river a lot this summer, but that isn't quite the same thing. I know I went to Virginia Beach a few years ago, but it has certainly been a very long time.

3.  My last vacation was Oh man these questions make me feel boring. We took a trip to Virginia to visit family over the 4th of July, so I guess that is the closest thing to a vacation. My family is going to Italy this summer, and Lane and I have been planning our post deployment vacation. We are thinking about doing a London/Copenhagen/Amsterdam loop. Neither of us are beach people, and we would much rather spend all day walking around a cool city. 

4. The last place I drove was To visit my friend for lunch yesterday followed by loads of errands. 

5. The last song I listened to was Living On A Prayer. I like to rock out in the mornings. I try to make Asha dance with me, but she usually just sits there and looks at my like I am crazy. 

6. The last thing I watched on TV was I am watching Live With Kelly and Michael right now. 

7.  The last time I said "I love you" was I told my best friend I loved her last night in a text. I also tell Asha I love her pretty much all day every day. 

Happy Friday to All!

Lazy Friday

I am so relieved it is Friday. Asha made it through getting fixed yesterday with no problem. She was super groggy and sleepy all night. Usually she is up and ready to do at 8:00, but today she slept until 11:00. As I result, I slept till 11:00. Her surgery went well and she hasn't been licking her incision which is great. I did cry when I dropped her off, but was pretty much fine or the rest of the day. She looks so silly with her stomach shaved. She has so much fur that without it she looks half her size. 

 I am linking up with Lauren at The Little Things We Do for Fill In The Blank Friday. 

1.  My first memory is getting surgery on my thumb when I was three. I remember waking up from the anesthesia and being very confused about the giant bandage on my thumb. This is perhaps a very strange first memory, but it is still quite clear in my mind.  

2.  My first love was books. I know this question probably refers to men, but my love affair with reading is considerably longer than my love for my husband. Books have always been a sacred escape for me. Some of my favorite moments last year were the days when I would be the first employee at Barnes and Noble. Walking around the bookstore when it was still dark outside and seeing all the books. I think that there is something wonderful in the fact that no matter how life changes, the books stay the same. However, your reading of them changes as you move through life. That duplicity is awesome to me. 

3.  My very first favorite color was blue. I think I have always loved blue

4. The first time I really felt like a "grown-up" was when Lane and I had to fix the car soon after we got married. We were sitting in the repair office and I called him my husband. It was such a domestic task; getting the car fixed with my husband. 

5. The first thing I do when I wake up in the morning is let Asha outside and feed her. She is my alarm clock. She gets up with Lane at 6:00 and then wakes me up at 8:00 for play time. I usually make tea and browse my news sites. 

6. The first CD (cassette tape, record, etc...) I ever bought was probably N'Sync or Backstreet Boys. 

7.  My first car was I drove my parents Toyota Previa for a few months, my first real car that was mine was a 2001 Volkswagon Jetta. I still drive it today.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

Friday Doubles

I just got back from a quick trip to dog park with my adorable puppy. Now I am happily cuddled up on the couch. I am going to be overly greedy and link-up with two different bloggers today; Friday letters and Fill in the Blank Friday. 

Dear Weather, Please stay exactly like this. I am loving the mid-50's days with cooler evenings and mornings. It has been crisp and just gorgeous. Hopefully the North Country will stay like this for another month. 

Pier 1

Dear Pier One, Why do your Halloween decorations have to be so cute? They have these adorable owls that I want desperately. Sadly, they are a little out of my decorating budget. I hope there are some left by the time their fall clearance rolls around. 

Dear Box Jumps, My hip flexers and calves hate you. Really really hate you. 

Dear Black Wool Pants, Thank you for fitting again. I know we haven't seen much of each other since high school, but that is all about to change. 

1.  Something I am very proud of is: This is a popular question recently. I am proud of my marriage and the fact that I finished my education before I got married. 

2.  My favorite thing about myself is: my ability to talk to anyone. 

3.  My favorite color for fall is: The color red of the leaves as they change. 

4. Something I've been learning lately is: Good things come to those who work their asses off for them. 

5. A book I am reading now/have read recently is: Rules of Civility by Amor Towles. 

6. My favorite Pandora Station is: Oh this is a tie between my Adele station and my Lord of the Rings station. One or the other is usually blasting while I clean or blog. 

7.  This weekend I will: Celebrate my first wedding anniversary a few days early, spend time with Lane before he leaves and relax. 

Happy Weekend to All!