I hate winter...

As I sit here on my couch, curled up under a blanket, drinking hot tea, outside the weather is something I seriously hate...SNOW!!  There is ONE day of the year where I wish for snow, and that is Christmas.

I always remember LOVING when it snowed as a child.  Putting on the snowsuit, boots, mittens, and running outside to play!  Jumping in the snow, building snowmen, and sledding!  Now...well It's just a hassle!  It's cold, it's wet, it's slippery!  Cleaning off the car is a pain....and when the wind blows and you get the snow in your face...OH MY GOD!!  I just want to scream!

I live in an apartment complex...the company which is supposed to plow our parking lots SUCKS!  When I got home tonight from work there wasn't even a layer of sand or salt....and definitely not plowed at all...my car slips and slides everywhere when I am in this complex...

Driving in the snow is the worst...hoping that you won't slide every where...and praying that you won't get stuck somewhere with your tires spinning...

but instead of dwelling on the crappy white stuff...I want to think about places that make me happy!!  :)

Tropical Happy place #1: Hawaii:  In 2005, after graduating from ECSU, I took a trip to Oahu, Hawaii as my graduation present...   I had the most wonderful 10 days of my life, and hope to someday return to visit other islands.

so beautiful...Honolulu and Diamond Head

After a luau with one of the luau dancers: we did two luau's during our trip.  This first one was at the Royal Hawaiian hotel.  We enjoyed it, but it felt more like a Hawaiian wedding than a typical luau.  But this luau dancer was adorable! :) 

At the top of Diamond Head - what an incredible view from the top!  Our tour guide, Brian, wasn't bad to look at either!  He made every step of that hike to the top worth it.  I did my best to stay with him every step of the way!

Hiking Manoa Falls with our hot tour guide, Brian:  We enjoyed the hike up Diamond head with Brian that we changed our tour for the next day to do a hike of Manoa Falls..Being in a rainforest, it obviously rained!  ;)  It was a great hike though!  We enjoyed it, and of course, enjoyed the company!  

My other tropical happy place is on the NKOTB Cruises...Aside from the fantastic view of 5 "brothers" from Boston for a few days, there is the islands/beach fun with my favorite girls!  I'm feeling warmer already just thinking about heading off for cruise #4 in June!  Here's a look back at some of my fave memories from that past 3 cruises!

Cruise #1 - May 2010:

Umm, what!?  This is the 1st moment I meet my favorite New Kid!!  How heavenly is this!?

VIP Bracelet on the final night, my birthday!  My VIP bracelet was given to me by Jonathan Knight...*sigh*  My favorite New Kid personally gave me access to the VIP area!  I was in heaven!

 Carin, Me, and the Canadian girls!  We had such a blast on this trip! 

Cruise #2 - May 2011:

Back at Half Moon Cay with my girls, Carin, Kim, and Michelle!  Another great day at the beach, watching a concert from the ocean!! :) 

Another photo op standing with Jonathan :)

Well isn't this the truth!  I truly do wish I could stay here forever!!  I could definitely live on a tropical island and be perfectly content for the rest of my life!

Instead of a picture with Jonathan at Half Moon Cay, this year I got a picture with Danny Wood on the beach!

Cruise #3 - May 2013:  What I thought would be my last NKOTB cruise...

Island style looks good on me, don't you think?  I could definitely live my life looking like this!  I would be a happy girl.  :)

Retro Red Carpet Gala:  A quick shot with Donnie Wahlberg!  Gotta love this man, such a sweetheart!

Back on Half Moon Cay for another year!  I do love this island, and all the memories I have on it!

Cabana Fun:  Including a special cabana visitor, Donnie Wahlberg!!  Getting a cabana this year was the best decision ever!  Having a place to hangout when it got to hot was super nice!!

Reliving the memories of 2010 - swimming with Jonathan Knight again!  :)  Happy day!!

Right before he left the beach, I FINALLY got my 1st picture with Joey McIntyre!  YAY!!

Me and my cruise roomie, Codie, all comfy and cozy during a lido deck party! :) Time to watch a movie! 

Nassau, Bahamas:  Who doesn't love Senor Frogs!  We certainly had fun!  ;) 

LOTS of deck party fun!  So many memories, so much fun!

and even, an ALMOST picture with Jordan Knight! ;-)

I got off the boat, thinking that 2013 would be my last cruise...well...looks like that was WRONG...Cruise 2014 to Bermuda, here I come!  June can't get here soon enough!!

19 more weeks to go!!  I can get there!

All I need until then, is for the snow to stop!  Until then...I hate winter...

Do I fit the Taurus traits?

My birthday is May 17.  This makes me a Taurus.  The next day in my 30 blog challenge asks if I think I fit the characteristics of my zodiac sign...  I will write my opinions in red within the description.

Taurus Astrology April 20 - May 20

Taurus Strength Keywords:

- Dependable Yup!
- Persistent Yup!
- Loyal Yup!
- Patient Yup!  must be to teach kindergarten!
- Generous Yup!

Taurus Weakness Keywords:

- Stubborn  Yup!
- Laziness  Yup!
- Possessive Yeah, I guess...but only when it comes to my physical possessions.  I wouldn't say I'm possessive over people...
- Materialistic Maybe a little bit...
- Self-indulging Yup, I do things for myself

Taurus and Independence:

Taurus is not the one who ventures out into the unknown and leads the way, Taurus is the one that will follow the leader and strengthen and build upon the discovered, in other words they are the one that will "dot the I's and cross the T's". This perseverance is given to them by their stubborn streak. Taurus stubborn streak is what gives their independence. They like to do things their way.  I am indeed a bit stubborn.  I like things to be done in a certain way, and I can definitely admit to that!  They are perfectly fine on being alone, this way things get done they way they want them to be done.  When I want to get things done my way, I definitely want to be alone while doing it.  I feel like I can focus better on my task at hand, when I am alone.  Taurus is not a follower, but they are not the brave one either. Taurus is perfectly independent. With their perseverance, they get things done and can do quite well for themselves.  When I really get going on something, I don't give up until I am happy with it.  I get things done.  :) 

Taurus and Friendship:

A Taurus is an excellent friend. I like to think I am an excellent friend!  Taurus has few close friends as opposed to many acquaintances.  At a time, I did have many acquaintances, but I like to think that I now have a core group of close friends vs acquaintances. The few people they hold dear to them are guarded and protected. Their friends are treated like family and they are fiercely loyal and dependable. My friends are my family, this is definitely true!  I am very protective of my close friends.  Taurus loves to be the host or hostess. Although not a total social butterfly, they can be shy around strangers, the people who Taurus let into their lives are lavishly catered to when Taurus decides to throw a party, they decorate and present everything lavishly. Taurus will always pamper themselves and their close group of friends.  I don't do this very often because my close friends and I live so far apart from each other, but I definitely love to be the hostess, and I LOVE to decorate when I do host!

Taurus and Business:

Taurus is a strong business person. Taurus is the one who has immense perseverance, even when others have given up, the Taurus rages on. They have a knack for finance and their financial advice is prized.  NOPE, not me!  hahaha!! They know where money is to be made and have the ability to manipulate and set the path for their own success. Taurus are not frivolous spenders but they like to live lavishly and surround themselves with nice possessions and foods, which all adds up resulting in large spending habits.  Large spending habits...yup, this might be true.  ;-)  They will not spend all their money and cause their business to fail because if they do, their security and stability will be gone and this will cause them great stress.  Well I don't have a business that i could cause to fail, but I do get pretty stressed out when money becomes very tight.

Taurus Temperament:

Taurus are deeply sensitive, the slightest comment or negative remark will be taken personally and they can easily get offended or hurt.  This is ABSOLUTELY TRUE!!!  I take things very personal, and can be easily offended and hurt.   Their stubborn streak results in laziness. They can be very lazy when someone gives them orders or wants them to do something they do not want to do. They are not lazy when it comes to themselves.  I can definitely be super lazy when it comes to doing things that I do not want to do...this is something I have a hard time overcoming.  Guess it is the stubborn side of me....I am too stubborn to give up my laziness, hahaha!!

Taurus Deep Inside:

Taurus are not fond of change. In fact, is change is imminent, they get very nervous and worried. They do not like anything new because anything new is unknown and Taurus fears the unknown.  Well this is true!  I don't like change at all.  I guess this is in part due to the stubbornness.  I am very set in my ways, and don't like when things change. Taurus needs order in their lives and when they do not have order, they get very anxious. Taurus will cut themselves off from the unfamiliar in order to avoid the feelings of insecurity that arise when new experiences and situations are present.  I'm thinking that I do tend to cut myself off to avoid those feelings. Taurus do not express their feelings openly and their inner self is contained and secretive.  I think this depends on who I am with when the feelings need to be expressed.  There are many times however, where I just want to sit and contemplate, and not talk about my feelings.  I get very quiet when I am emotional. Many people do not know how sensitive Taurus really is, they hide it well. As a result, they are often emotionally hurt when the wrong things are said, they take things too personally sometimes.   As said above, I definitely take things too personally sometimes.  Taurus avoids talking about their emotions and many people never really know how they feel.  I'm pretty sure I can hide emotions so well that even I sometimes don't know how I feel!

Taurus in a Nutshell:

Taurus is the one who has immense perseverance, even when others have given up, the Taurus rages on. YUP! Solid and persistent, just like the bull, which is Taurus' well suited symbol. Taurus's have a well known reputation for being stubborn, which is not necessarily a bad thing. The stubborn streak can cause Taurus to butt heads and conflict with other strong character types. Taurus are not fond of change.  YUP! They like the familiar and routine comfort of life.  YUP! Taurus is easy going and not one to pick a fight but should some poor souls attempt to provoke Taurus, the wrath will be known, for they have a temper underneath the calm surface.  hahaha, yup!  Don't mess with the bull!  Taurus are very responsive to their surroundings. They like decorations, color, anything that appeals to all the senses.  TRUTH!  Taurus like possessions and the Taurus home is nicely decorated with lots of things. I like possessions...maybe this is what makes me kinda like a hoarder...I can't let go of things, lol!  Taurus are down to earth, they do not like gaudy, flashy or over the top things.  TRUE!  They prefer comfortable and creative settings and objects.  Definitely comfortable things...I do have tons of blankets, pillows, sweatpants and sweatshirts...comfort, comfort, comfort! Taurus likes security, in every aspect of their lives from home, to love, to career.  I don't like change, or the unknown, this is true! Taurus can be secretive, opinionated and stingy. Taurus tend to be self-indulgent and lazy, Taurus are master procrastinators of the astrology zodiac!  Queen of procrastination! They do however have a strong, persistent drive that comes to life when they chose, and no one would ever know that they are lazy. The secret to this is that their laziness is pushed aside when it comes to themselves.  YUP!

So I guess in a nutshell....I do fit the Taurus characteristics pretty well!  I'm not one to hugely believe in horoscopes and all that though.  However, according to these traits, I definitely fit most of my zodiac sign.

30 facts about me!

 

I've been away for a couple days, oops...I was struggling to find the words to make any topic interesting...but I'm back

 

 

 

Day 6 on this 30 Blog challenge: 30 facts about myself...I only hope some of these are interesting...

 

1. My birthday is May 17, the same day as Jordan Knight (New Kids on the Block)
2. I have spent 3 birthdays in the airport/on a plane...the first on my way to London, England in 2007; the 2nd coming home from my first NKOTB Cruise in 2010, and the 3rd (my 30th birthday) heading to Miami for the NKOTB cruise 2013.
3. I have a fear of flying, which makes fact #2 really funny...who spends their birthday in a place they fear! I have to take meds which knock me out in order to get on a plane!
4. I haven't dated anyone in over 10 years...clearly, I'm going through a dry spell! (that's not saying, I haven't been on dates...just nothing past 1-2 dates)
5. I am an aunt to 3 wonderful children (1 nephew, 2 nieces). My 2nd nephew is due in April. I will be his godmother.
6. I have watched ALL 8 Harry Potter movies back to back without stopping. It took me 18 hours and 45 minutes to watch them all. I began at 9am on Saturday morning and ended at 3:45 Sunday morning!
7. My favorite movies are Gone With the Wind, Finding Nemo, and the Harry Potter series...If any of these movies are on TV, I will ALWAYS watch them...even if I just saw them the day before!
8. I have been to 20 New Kids on the Block concerts, 3 (soon to be 4) NKOTB Cruises, and countless other NKOTB related events (solo shows, parties, set visits, etc), and while at least 3 of them recognize me, none of them know my name.
9. I have various celebrity followers on twitter (Donnie Wahlberg, Danny Wood, Jordan Knight, Jeff Timmons, Howie Dorough, Backstreet Boys, 98 Degrees, Chuck Wicks, Nick Turturro, Rob Lewis, and some broadway stars)
10. I used to cry every time I interacted with Jonathan Knight.
11. I am slowly checking objects off my bucket list (some day I will meet Channing Tatum!)
12. Most of my closest friends I have know less than 5 years (Thanks NKOTB!) and yet it feels as though we've know each other forever!
13. Every time my roommate goes on vacation, I rearrange something in the apartment, thoroughly confusing her every time!
14. At least every 6 months, I rearrange my classroom and/or storage closet, thoroughly confusing my co-teacher!
15. I have participated in 4 NOH8 Campaign photo shoots, and intend to participate in more when they come back to the area. I have done 2 in NYC, 1 in Hartford, and 1 in Boston.
16. I went to see Daniel Radcliffe and cast in "How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" on Broadway 6 times. I was also in the VIP area when the cast performed on the Today Show.
17. My favorite color is Purple.
18. I own and have read every book written by Nicholas Sparks. I finally met Nicholas in September 2013 in NYC.
19. I met Red Sox pitcher, Jake Peavy, on the street corner, following the 2013 Red Sox Victory Parade in Boston, November 2, 2013.
20. I lettered in Varsity Tennis in High School.
21. I graduated from Eastern Connecticut State University in 2005 with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and my CT state teacher certification in Early Childhood Education. I completed my Master's Degree in 2013 from Western Connecticut State University in Education: Curriculum & Instruction.
22. I once slept in a VERY sketchy hotel in Rhode Island to see Chuck Wicks perform twice at a county fair. We were at the fair as soon as it opened, and I sat in the dirt for most of the day in order to be in the front row! And when I say the hotel was sketchy, I mean it... middle of nowhere, like out of the scene of a horror movie! I slept on top of the covers, and showered with my flip flops on!
23. I have a constant group text chat going with 3 of my BFF's that I have met through NKOTB....we have had this group chat going for months and months and months! It's the best we have when we are so far apart, but when we are together we have the BEST adventures! Love my girls Carin, Jill, and Jenn!! :)
24. Everyone is always asked what they want to be when they grow up. As a kindergarten student, I said I wanted be a bus driver and a teacher. At some point in life, I also wanted to be a dolphin trainer because I wanted to swim with dolphins... I can honestly say, I did ALL those things... I drove the bus for my child care center... so bus driver - CHECK! I am a Kindergarten teacher - CHECK! and in 2005, while in Hawaii for vacation, I swam with dolphins - CHECK!
25. I'm OCD about organization in my classroom, but at home, I am a MESS...there is stuff EVERYWHERE!! Apparently I can only be organized in one place!
26. Boston is my favorite city in the world! I love EVERYTHING about Boston! I will find any excuse to go visit, even just for a couple hours! The Red Sox, New Kids on the Block, Freedom Trail, anything historical or touristy! I just love it all!  
27. So, I guess I'll play the captain.... I have been the captain of Team Betty CT for the Susan G. Komen Race For the Cure for the past 3 years. Team Betty's all over the world raise money through Remember Betty, an organization started by Danny Wood (New Kid's on the Block) in memory of his mother, Betty Wood, who passed away from Breast Cancer. As an organization, we have raised over $1 million!!
28. Adam Sandler was the 1st celebrity I ever met. During my senior year of high school, I skipped a day of school to go to the set of "Mr. Deeds" when it was filming in New Milford, CT. 
29. I have a serious "thing" for Jonathan's. In my life, I have loved or still love Jonathan Knight, Jonathan Brandis, Jonathan Taylor Thomas, Jonathan Papelbon, Jonathan Rhys Myers, and Jonathan Scott, to name a few Jonathans! ;)
30. I once had hives everyday for at least 6 months, and we could never figure out why! I would wake up in the morning, covered in hives, take Zyrtec, itch my way through the am until the Zyrtec kicked in, then do it all over again the next morning....then one day, they just stopped! And it appears the hives are back...for the past week, I have been getting them in the mornings again...not nearly as bad as last time, but still there!

 

It is really hard to come up with 30 facts!! This list took me like 3 days to come up with!

 

I've hit some writers block, which is why I haven't posted in a few days...hopefully, I am over coming said writers block!

 

Until tomorrow...

skipping my challenge

Today's topic for my blog challenge is to write about a time when I thought about taking my own life...

I think I am going to have to skip this topic...It's not that I haven't thought about doing it, but the truth is...I don't want to think about it.  It's something from my past that I don't wish to bring up...


so in other news...I went to the gym tonight for the first time.  Felt good to start working out.  I am determined to keep up the working out this time...luckily, I have many friends who have also joined the new Planet Fitness.  We can keep each other motivated to keep going!

It's time to get my life in order!

tomorrow I go grocery shopping, and I will stock my house with healthy foods...

living healthy from this day forward...

(some nights it is really hard to come up with anything worth writing! hahaha!)

What do I believe?

30 Day Challenge - Blog #4

Religion...

This is a very personal topic, and one that I'm not sure that I have an answer on...

The truth is, I'm not sure what I believe...Do I believe there is one God who directs our path in life?  I don't know...

To be completely honest, I've been struggling with the topic of religion for YEARS.  My family hasn't gone to church since I was little.  When we did attend church, I recall being uninterested in the whole church "thing."  The only time I really have gone into a church in the last few years has been for a funeral or wedding.  

I have a hard time believe there is a God...

I don't understand how people can believe that "man" is inherently evil and are in need of forgiveness from God...what I get from that is God thinks we are all bad, and we must devote our life to him in order to gain entrance to Heaven...

How can I devote my life to this "god" who no one has ever seen?  It doesn't make sense to me that there is some unknown being guiding my actions.  I guide my actions, not some god.  Me...I make choices...

"God has a plan for me."  "It is God's will."

These phrases bother me...  "It is God's will"....seriously?  It is God's will that there are children starving all over the world, that people are abused and neglected every day...God's will that horrible diseases occur, and people are homeless.  

It was God's will that a disturbed young man walked into Sandy Hook Elementary School and murdered 20 beautiful children and 6 educators!?  It is God's will that my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer this past year!?  It is God's will...I just can't believe this concept...

How is this all a part of "God's plan"?  This belief that "god" puts these trials in front of us to make us stronger...I just have a hard time believing that a "god" could allow things like the senseless murder of children to happen to make us stronger...

There is so much pain in this world that I have a hard time with faith...Do I believe in God or Jesus... I don't know...

I like the idea of heaven...that there is this place where we go when we die...I don't like the idea that when die, our life is just over.  I do hope that there is some place we all go...heaven or otherwise...Do I believe there is a heaven?  I don't really know...I think I want to believe in a place like heaven....

I don't really believe that there is a "God" or divine being who guides our actions...I believe that humans need to help themselves and each other to solve the problems in our lives and our world.

So what are my views on religion...I don't know...

If you believe, then you are right...If you don't believe, you are right...I, myself, just can't decide which side of that debate I am on...

Just say no...well almost...

So my next topic of blogging has asked me about my views on drugs and alcohol.

I'm going to take the easy way out with my views on drugs...Coincidentally, as I was searching the  phrase "drugs suck," this picture showed up...I 100% agree with the shirt Donnie Wahlberg is wearing:

I have never touched a drug before in my life...and I would NEVER plan to ever!  I think they are horrible and they cause horrible things...

As for alcohol...I've had my fair share of nights with too much to drink.  I've made some mistakes as a result of alcohol, but I've also had some pretty fantastic nights with my friends.  I have no problems with people enjoying alcohol in moderation.

I've dealt with an alcoholic in my life, and I am horrified when people let it get that far.  I don't wish to really rehash what has gone on in my life, but let me just say this...alcohol in moderation is ok, but if it becomes a problem, then it needs to stop!

First Date...

I'm going to take a break from the 30 blog challenge because I am going to post a "fangirling" adventure blog today!

Yesterday, Jillian and I went to NYC to see the final performance of Broadway's comedy musical, "First Date."  I am sad to see the show end, as it is a fantastic show!  For those who may not know, it starred Zachary Levi and Krysta Rodriguez.  Krysta was in NBC's Smash.  Zachary Levi was the star of the NBC show, Chuck.  He was also the voice of Flynn Rider in Tangled.

Aside from Zachary and Krysta, my favorite actor in the show is Kristoffer Cusick.  He is absolutely hysterical!  A perfect actor for his character!  His "bailout" songs from the show are always stuck in my head!

Just as we did the first time, we laughed our way through this entire show!  I am going to miss the show and the knowledge that Zachary Levi is just a train ride away!

Zachary Levi set a new standard for stage doors!  Following the show, he would come outside to sign autographs, like many broadway stars do.  What made Zachary and the cast of First Date special was Zachary would come outside dancing with music.  He would sign every autograph and then after all autographs were signed, he woud stand on one side and take pictures with EVERY person who went to the show and wanted a picture!  EVERY person!  And with every person, he had a genuine smile in the picture!  He is adorable and sooooo very sweet!!

On this final night of the show, I was lucky enough to get pictures with the entire cast, as well as autographs from them all and the creators of the show.

This night was one of my more favorite interactions with Zachary.  He was funny as always while signing autographs, and we had quite a few interactions while he was signing in the corner where we stood.  While waiting in line to have my picture taken with him, I had decided that since I already had two sweet pictures with him, that I wanted something different...a Chuck pose perhaps.  As I was turning to walk to Zac, his arm was out for me, and he called me "babe" as I walked towards him.  My mind went all fuzzy and I forgot to ask to do a Chuck pose...oh well...a third sweet picture with Zac and his genuine smile.

It might seem cheesy, but I will miss this show, and the cast.  I love finding shows where they stick with me.  It makes them so much more enjoyable.

Wish this was a "date" that never had to end...

a promise to write DOUBLE tomorrow...

Technically it is now Monday, January 6...which means that I missed writing on Sunday.  I had a busy trip to the city Sunday afternoon to see the final performance of "First Date."  My promise is this...I will write TWO blogs by the end of Monday!

Until later....Goodnight!!

In 10 years...

My 2nd day of this blog challenge....I am asked "where would you like to be in 10 years?"

I remember 10 years ago being asked that same question.  I suppose my answer is the same now as it was then.

While I currently love being single, and I am enjoying all of the adventures that I am having, I know that this will not last forever.

I will get anxious again...anxious for my own husband, anxious for a child(ren) of my own.  I love being an aunt and spoiling my nieces and nephews, but I know that someday I will want to spoil my child.  Am I in a place right now where I want children...definitely not.  However, at some point in the next 10 years I will definitely want them.

I am a kindergarten teacher currently, but not in a public school.  That is where I thought I would be when I graduated college with my degree.  I enjoy where I work.  The women and men I work with are like family, and I have freedom to teach my classroom how I wish...but someday....I would like to be in a public school.  It is, after all, where I saw myself when I began my career as a teacher.

So I guess, I wish to see myself teaching in a public school and married with kids...

Maybe these next 10 years will give me those things that I thought I would already have...Only time will tell...

30 Day Blog Challenge - Day 1

I found this challenge online...it is 30 topics.  I will take one topic each day for the next 30 days!  Should be an easy way for me to get into the blogging tradition:

Day 1 - my current relationship

SINGLE...

It's taken me quite a few years to accept that I am single.  Accept and enjoy that I am single...  

Back in high school, I had these grand plans to be married by the time I was 25, and 2 kids before I turned 30....

Well, life has other plans for me.  Here I am 30 year's old and not a single prospect on the horizon...

For years, after receiving many wedding invitations and baby shower invites, I would spend hours crying over when I would get my chance.  I was miserable.  I hated being single.

Always a bridesmaid, never a bride...

It seemed like everyone was getting married and/or having babies, and I was just stuck...stuck in my boring life.  But then with one concert, my life changed...After attending a New Kids on the Block concert in June 2009, I began to meet some of the most incredible women.  After 4 years full of adventures, I am in a good place.

I am happy.  I don't need a man to make me happy.  I don't have a relationship from holding me back.  I have the freedom to attend as many concerts as I can rightly afford.  I can do whatever I want, as often as I want...without feeling as though I am leaving someone behind.

I love my life, single and all!  I am an auntie to 3 wonderful children, who are the light of my life.  I am living with my best friend.  We've had 5 years of single fun together!  I have an AMAZING group of friends, from all corners of the world!  I have met celebrities and been to places I probably would not have ever gone had it not been for the "family" that I am a part of now.

Do I want to get married and have children?  Sure...but I'm not going to let "looking for a man" run my life.  If/when I am destined to meet a man, I will.  Until then, being single is pretty great, and I am pretty darn happy with my life!

My Flipagram video from 2013...

Here we go...

Ok, I have 25 minutes left on my lunch break and I'm going to attempt to write for the 25 minutes.  I'm not sure what's going to come out, but let's see where this blogging thing takes me.

Yesterday's post, I said that I was only going to resolve to do what makes me happy, and not what makes everyone else happy.  How am I going to get there....well that's where a lot of other things are going to have to happen....I'm going to open up here and say some things publicly that maybe I wouldn't have said before.  I am going to resolve to put it all out there!  I can't hold back what I need to say...emotionally, it needs to come out.

I am going to attempt writing for at least 30 minutes a day!   Yes, that includes even on a vacation day or a day that's super busy.  I am going to find 30 consecutive minutes to write (I hope).  I'm curious to see where I will be in 365 days...but let's start small, because well...I give up super easily.  So small...I am going to write for 30 minutes for the next 7 days.  Challenge accepted.

Sorry if my thoughts are all over the place...today, I'm not sure at all where this post is taking me.  Perhaps tomorrow I will sit down with a topic in mind and go from there, but for today, it's a jumble of thoughts.

My weight....this morning I stepped on the scale to see a number I am horrified to see...I don't think I really said that clearly enough.... HORRIFIED.  I really can't believe I let myself get to this number...and no, I'm not going to post the number....let's just go with, my heaviest weight yet.  ANGRY AT MYSELF...HOW...ok I know how...

I'm the queen of making excuses...THE QUEEN!  I will find ANY excuse in the book to eat that piece of pizza, or half the bag of chips... oh and the snacking...forget about it...We're watching a movie, ok, let me just grab a bag of chips...oh crap, the bag is now empty!  Where did it all go?  There is no way I just ate it all...oh wait, yes I did.  I ate it all...every last stupid, delicious, crunchy chip!  I ate them all...without even realizing it...WHAT THE HELL!!

So the excuses need to stop...the "I had a bad day," or "there's nothing healthy to eat in the house" excuse needs to stop.  I need to go stock up on healthy food...it's just so damn expensive!  I need to find the money though...it has to happen...no more buying junk...

ok, so I have ONE more excuse for this week...It's SHITTY out there for the next two days...we've got that stupid weather called snow, sleet, and wind child temps in the -20 to -30 range.  I am NOT going to the grocery store after work today, so I will have to figure out what's at home for the next day!  I will see whats in the freezer, and go from there...  I will do my best to find something healthy for dinner tonight....That's my goal for the day...

I said I needed to start small, so there it is...

My goals as of writing this blog:

1. Find something healthy for dinner tonight.
2. Write for 30 minutes each day for the next 7 days.

ok...3 more minutes to write....

I'm getting easily distracted...I really am like the 5 year olds that I teach sometimes!! 

This is me:

I would seriously be rich if I got a dollar for every time I get distracted!  hahaha!!

alright...end of lunch!  Gotta run!  This was interesting!  Hope my jumble of thoughts didn't scare you away!  Comment and give me a topic...tomorrow I will try to find a focus for my blog!  :)

A look back at 2013's Top 10...

2013 is in the past, and 2014 has arrived.  As I begin a NEW year and a NEW chapter in this journey called life, I like to take a moment and reflect upon the past year.

2013 was quite the year.  It was an emotional roller coaster of a year.  It had it's lows, as all years have.  Family disagreements, my grandmother's cancer, the feelings following the Boston Marathon, and the ever continuing emotions following December 14, 2012's tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School.  Emotions which I already wrote about in my last blog (December 14th...One year later...).  As I have said in that blog, I am so grateful for the amazing family and friends who have supported me through the struggles over the past year.

This blog, however, is not about the sad and emotional moments of 2013.  This blog is about the happy memories!  2013 was full of some of my most favorite memories!  I turned 30, checked a few celebrity related things off my bucket list, and shared some of the most incredible moments with my friends and family!

In no particular order, here are my top 10 moments of 2013!

1.  Auntie memories - I enjoyed some pretty great days with my nephew, Brayden and my nieces, Aubrey & McKenna.  Aubrey turned 1 in January.  I celebrated Easter with Brayden & Aubrey before Miss McKenna arrived in April.  There was a christening, girls afternoon at the park, pizza making, and Brayden's 3rd birthday!   We went apple picking, had a sleepover, and celebrated another year of Christmas together!  These 3 children hold the biggest spot in my heart and I cherish every minute I get to spend with them.

In 2014, I look forward to more memories with Brayden, Aubrey, and McKenna.  I also look forward to the arrival of my second nephew (my godson), Kolton.  He will arrive in April and will take a 4th spot in my heart!

2.  NKOTB "10" Album Release Party:  At the end of March, I joined my BH sisters in a celebration "party/concert" at Boston's Orpheum Theater with New Kids on the Block.  We celebrated the release of their 10th album, appropriately called "10."  The guys performed some of the new songs, Jonathan even singing his solo lines beautifully!  They also did a recap of events since the reunion of the group!  It was funny!  Joey remarking at one point, "We made you guys like the Backstreet Boys!"  hahaha, clearly it was a discussion of the period of time called NKOTBSB.  The fans also presented an ad taken out in Billboard Magazine from the fans to the guys, congratulating them on the new album.  Tears were shed all around!

Following the show, we wound up at the Beantown Pub, just around the corner from Orpheum.  Jonathan Knight was at the same bar, and we got to talk to him and take some pictures before he left.  He was convinced that it must be someone's birthday at the table, and after asking my name, he decided it was mine.  Happy Birthday to me!  My favorite New Kid at the bar!

May was the beginning (and most crazy) of a summer FULL of incredible memories!!

3. Graduation:  May began with the most proud accomplishment of my year.  After 4 years, I graduated with my Master's Degree in Education:  Curriculum and Instruction.  Western Connecticut State University Class of 2013!

4. NKOTB Cruise 2013:  For the 3rd time, I boarded the Carnival cruise ship for the weekend of a lifetime with my fellow BH sisters and NKOTB.  It was a weekend full of sun, fun, and boy bands!  Donnie and I posed for a quick picture at the Red Carpet Gala.  I FINALLY got a picture with Joey McIntyre on the beach at Half Moon Cay.  I swam in the ocean with Jonathan Knight (again)!  Donnie Wahlberg visited our cabana on the beach.  We laughed and drank our way through the weekend!  Red Carpet Gala, Comfy & Cozy Movie Night, Remix Night, GPS Love Fest.  Game Show, Backrub, Nassau Bahamas, Half Moon Cay, Duets at Dusk... We cried with Joey when he opened up and wore his medal for the first time following the Boston Marathon bombings.  Another year, another boat, another great cruise!

Thought it was going to be my last...but then NKOTB cruise 2014 was announced...NEW year, NEW boat, NEW location, and now disembarking from NYC...NKOTB Cruise 2014, here I come!!

5.  Ultimate Meet & Greet with NKOTB:  The summer concert tour began with the most incredible of meet & greets.  An ULTIMATE m&g with my 5 favorite guys.  10 minutes in a room alone with Jonathan, Donnie, Joey, Jordan, and Danny.  The most unforgettable 10 minutes of my life!  I definitely want ANOTHER ultimate in my future!

6.  The Package Tour: The ultimate meet & greet was only the beginning of THE BEST SUMMER TOUR yet!!  Boyz II Men, 98 Degrees, and New Kids on the Block on one tour! It feels like just yesterday I was at opening night of this tour at Mohegan Sun!!  8 concerts, 6 states, 3 5* m&gs (1 ultimate), 1 98* VIP, and 2 after parties!  It was a summer of unforgettable meet & greets, concerts, after parties, traveling, new friends, and BEST friends!! I am so blessed to have shared in so many wonderful memories with so many amazing people!! This summer was ONE OF THE BEST!!! To quote Jonathan Knight's lyrics... "I don't want this feeling to end. Don't let the sunrise begin. To keep you here in my arms, I'd do anything!"

7.  Boston Red Sox Fun with mom:  Throughout the summer/early fall, I enjoyed trips to Boston to take in some Red Sox games with mom!  We enjoyed views of the games from various spots around the field.  Always a great time watching my favorite team with my mom!

8.  First Date on Broadway:  I checked another thing off my bucket list after seeing Broadway's new comedy musical "First Date."  I met Zachary Levi (of NBC's Chuck and Disney's Tangled fame)!  He is adorable and funny, just like that characters he portrays!  Such a sweetheart too.  He has a stage door signing "party" after each show with his equally funny and sweet cast mates, Krysta Rodriguez, Kristoffer Cusick, Bryce Ryness, Sara Chase, Kate Loprest, and Blake Hammond.

Looking forward to seeing the final performance on January 5!

9.  Nicholas Sparks:  In September, I met one of my favorite authors, Nicholas Sparks!  I have read all of his books, and was finally able to meet him at a book event in NYC!  I got a picture and he signed his newest book!  Super exciting to finally meet the man who wrote The Notebook, A Walk to Remember, The Lucky One, Dear John, and many more!

10.  2013 World Series Champions - Red Sox Victory Parade:  BOSTON STRONG!!  There is no denying that the comeback of the year is the 2013 Red Sox!  In a time when the city of Boston truly needed them, the Red Sox had an AMAZING season, and came out WORLD SERIES CHAMPS!!   Mom and I drove to Boston to meet my girls, Jill and Mel, for the victory parade.  Up before dawn and out on the city streets in the dark, we were ready for the long morning waiting for the parade of Duck Boats!  What a great day, capped off with seeing Mike Napoli at McGreevy's Pub, and running into Jake Peavy on the street corner before heading home!  A whirlwind 24 hours, but well worth it!!  RED SOX NATION!

2013 certainly had some great moments!  I can't wait to see what 2014 has in store!  I've only got three great things planned as of right now...that I can envision landing in this year's list!

Only time will tell what will land in 2014's Top 10!

I wish you all a blessed and happy new year!  May your dreams and wishes come true this year!

My only resolution for 2014...to continue to do what makes ME happy, and not what makes everyone else happy!

Happy New Year!!