There is joy in...

• Discovering the bottle of wine you opened a few days ago is still drinkable. Not perfect, but drinkable.
• Seeing the groom's face after the bride's shower when he asks, "Is all of that ours?!"
• Visiting long-lost friends.
• Traveling to parts of the country previously unseen.
• Comparing giant redwoods and tiny seedlings.
• Knowing the end of the school year is almost near.
• Trying new restaurants all weekend long.
• Sleeping in really, really late.
• Knowing that Lowe's plays really good music over their speakers (and singing in the aisles).
• Returning to the Saturday morning ritual of going to the City Market.
• Being woken up by the cat, only to have her settle in on top of you.
• Buying new shoes.
• Laughing really hard at silly things.
• Snuggling.
• Winning streaks and upcoming hockey playoffs.
• Winning useful prizes at unexpected places.
• Getting away with nail polish that matches the color of Tiffany's boxes.
• Having your house smell like a bakery on Sunday mornings.

Feeling inspired...and not

For all of my five readers, my sincerest apologies for not posting since...January. But really, I haven't felt that inspired. At least not enough to write about it. Until now.

I don't know if it's because Spring Break is hours away, or all the recent and exciting Pens trades, or the happiness that comes from a manicure and a beer, but I'm giddy. I could run a marathon right now except that I hate running. I've been singing a lot (thank you, Kelly Clarkson, for being the first American Idol). And I've been getting shit done (except vacuuming). I really, really don't quite know what has come over me. So what has been inspiring me lately?

Work
I KNOW, RIGHT?! There is a thrill that comes with a new semester, new faces, and new/old colleagues. I've been blessed with the greatest collaborative teacher to walk this planet (hyperbole? no) and a new administrator to respect and who makes me feel energized. It's been really good. For as much misery I felt last semester, it could not feel more different this semester. And while I'm really glad about this, so is everyone around me.

Snow
I wandered around UVa grounds the other day after the snowfall. It felt great to just walk around (and tackle more steps than I usually do in a day) and snap some photos. I should've gone out earlier, when the snow was more pure, but how can this be a disappointing sight? I am lucky.

Food
Last week I had a discussion with the Husband about what my dream job would be. My answer? Writing about food. Whether it was blogging or restaurant reviewing or WHATEVER, I would be happiest doing just that. Why? Well, because I'm tiny and have the appetite of a dangerously obese person, and I'm going to take advantage of that until my metabolism really slows down (don't hate). I know I'll pay for this some day. But until then, I have an idea for a summer project/new blog and I'm really looking forward to June when I can get started.

Travel
Sunday we leave for the West Coast, which is apparently the best coast. I'm not so sure about that, but I'm keeping an open mind. What am I looking forward to on the trip? Visiting family and friends. Driving along the 101. Streetcars. And staying at gorgeous places from Airbnb. Plus, it's the first time that I've actually traveled somewhere fun during spring break (post-college, that is), which is pretty awesome.

Reading Material
Flight Behavior (Barbara Kingsolver) and Where'd You Go, Bernadette? (Maria Semple) are two of the best things I've read. Ever. Any book that can make the heart swell (along with the eyes) is worth it.
thugkitchen.com (If you don't like the F word, don't visit this site.)
Thomas Jefferson and wine (The Billionaire's Vinegar and Thomas Jefferson's Creme Brulee). Give me a better combination. I dare you.

Shopping
I lost control a couple weeks ago and sold my soul to White House Black Market and then JCrew Factory and then I received my very first Stitchfix. And I have been SO HAPPY and proud of myself for taking baby steps towards branching out (signing up for Stitchfix and trusting clothing choices to a complete stranger is a pretty big step, but I loved everything in my first fix. I decided to keep only one item out of the five, however, due to price and overall need. Sometimes I'm still too practical.). My AmEx is hot and my wallet is empty. Thankfully, I think I'm set for a while.

I promise I'll be better about this. I have a lot to inspire me.

Top Ten Reasons I'm Over the Moon at Hockey's Return

Hey there, NHL and NHLPA. Glad you pulled your heads out of your tails enough to come to an agreement and give us die-hards the game back (because it's going to take a little bit for those casual fans to come back. Way to screw that one up.). There is no use griping about what went on for the past 113 days. I'm just happy hockey is back and I'm not forced to watch **GASP** basketball.

In no particular order, the reasons for my joy:

10. Matt Cooke, his bad-boy good looks, and the anger that is still under the surface (even if he has pulled it together).

9. Sidney Crosby was lucky (?!) enough to have some extra time to make sure his head is on straight. Looking forward to more magic on the ice.

8. I really hate NASCAR. And the NBA. And golf.

7. We don't have to hear Pittsburgh sports broadcasters bemoaning the Pirates just quite yet.

6. The LA Kings twitter feed is the best. Every other major sport could learn a lot from them.

5. I can wear my jerseys to work and not keep them stuffed in the back of my closet anymore.

4. Because Evgeni Malkin is my favorite goofball, he's not an a-hole like Ovechkin, and he often takes photographs with cute animals:

(image source: http://thisisgettingold.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Malkin-and-a-Dolphin.jpg)

That dolphin is thinking, "I'm score!"

3. There is NOTHING else on television except New Girl and Downton Abbey. I need something to watch. And even if the Pens aren't playing, I'll still watch hockey. Real fans scope out the competition.

2. I'm not looking forward to the horrible camera angles/missed plays on ROOT Sports Pittsburgh or the inane comments out of Pierre McGuire's mouth, but they're like the annoying family member at holidays. You hate that they are there, but it wouldn't be the same without them.

1. Because this

(image source: http://www.realclearsports.com/blognetwork/rcs_sidelines/stanley-cup.jpg)

is the greatest and the players work much harder than other sports to get it. And even if the season is shortened this year, I don't care. I want to see someone raise it (preferably the Pens, but as long as it isn't the Caps or Flyers, I'll live).

#LetsGoPens

A Few of my Favorite Things: 2012 in Hyperbole

Sometimes I speak in extremes. I can't help it. With that said, I have some utterly LIFE CHANGING favorites to share from 2012.

Life-changing gadget(s): the iPad mini
It's so little! And yet, after a few days, I've started to master typing on it. Yes, I'll most likely get a full-size Bluetooth keyboard to use, but I can easily see this becoming my primary device. I love it so much I'll probably name it. Shush your mouth.
Runner-up: Republic Wireless Motorola little, tiny Droid
Yeah, so I might have also received an iPhone 4S for Christmas, too, but this thing WORKS where I need it to and when I need it to. I'm not really exaggerating when I say this is the first cell phone I've owned that has done just that. Ever. In all my 30 years. I'm so happy with it, I don't want to stop using it.

Life-changing shoes: Steve Madden Saviour riding boots

(image source: http://www1.assets-gap.com/webcontent/0005/178/692/cn5178692.jpg)

Because BootSaga2012 was indeed a saga. I know people complain about finding boots to fit their big calves, but trust me -- it is just as difficult to find boots to fit skinny calves. These aren't perfect, but for the price, they work.

Life-changing Pottery Barn purchase: the tote bag

(image source: http://rk.pbimgs.com/pbimgs/rk/images/dp/wcm/201223/0002/img3b.jpg)

IT FITS AS A CARRY-ON. That's when I knew I loved it. It's super sturdy. And it's all girly and pretty.

Life-changing relaxation: Lush A French Kiss and Lush Dream Time (tie)

(image sources: http://demandware.edgesuite.net/sits_pod18/dw/image/v2/AAHL_PRD/on/demandware.static/Sites-Lush-Site/Sites-lushcosmetics-export/en_US/v1356858154930/images/product/02189.jpg?sw=350&sh=350 and http://demandware.edgesuite.net/sits_pod18/dw/image/v2/AAHL_PRD/on/demandware.static/Sites-Lush-Site/Sites-lushcosmetics-export/en_US/v1356858154930/images/product/00601.jpg?sw=350&sh=350)

My late evening baths become exponentially more enjoyable when I drop pieces of these in. And the smell lingers on my bath towels, which even makes getting ready for work more enjoyable. Remember that Friends episode where Ross and Rachel are breaking up and the other four are locked in Monica's bedroom eating leg wax? And Phoebe says how it actually doesn't taste bad? I imagine I'd have the same reaction if I were forced to eat one of these because they smell GOOD ENOUGH TO EAT.

Life-changing food: my vegetarian quesadillas
What you need: soft taco-sized tortillas, tomatoes (canned will work), mushrooms, chopped onions, chopped bell peppers, shredded cheese (cheddar, taco, Mexican blend -- whatever you like), black beans, and sour cream and fresh salsa for topping
What you do: spray a little olive oil in a pan, lay down the tortilla, fill half of it with above ingredients and fold the other half over. Let it brown nicely on both sides (be careful when flipping) and then top with as much sour cream and salsa as you want. As my father says, "It'll make your tongue want to slap your brains out!"
Runner-up: my charred fresh green beans
These happened by complete accident. I was simply trying to caramelize the onions when they got a little dark and crispy, leaving the pan on too high for too long. Turns out I couldn't have made a better mistake. Season with salt, onion salt, and a little garlic powder. PERFECTION.

Life-changing read: Running Away to Home, by Jennifer Wilson 
It reaffirmed the fact that I NEED to travel to eastern Europe and visit the lands from where my ancestors came. And also that maybe I need to not ignore my family so much (even if they are incredibly nebby and sometimes say rage-inducing comments).

Life-changing habit: Finding a local watering hole
Because Friday afternoons are going to kill my kidneys (therefore, life-changing).
[This is complete hyperbole. Don't drink and drive, kids.]

Life-changing weekend habit: City Market
PRODUCE! HAND-MADE CRAFTY GOODS! ALL THE STUFF YOU NEVER REALIZED YOU NEEDED UNTIL YOU SAW IT!
My only goal for 2013 regarding City Market is to get there every week and at an earlier time to really claim the good stuff. Every time I think of joining a CSA (and how amazeballs it would be), I think about how it would ruin my weekend routine.

Life-changing thing that will make me erupt with uncontrollable rage: 50 Shades of Horrible Crap Gray
Hey, all you who read it? Go home, you're drunk. Book snobbery FTW.

Life-changing dress: JCrew Origami Sheath Dress

(image source: http://cdnb.lystit.com/photos/2011/10/11/jcrew-decadent-red-origami-sheath-dress-in-wool-crepe-product-1-2189929-062658497_large_card.jpeg)

Nothing makes me feel as stylish and confident as Kate Middleton as this dress. It fits like a glove. And with nude pumps? I FEEL like a duchess.

And with that, 2012 is summarized. I can't wait to see what sorts of favorite things next year brings!

2012: A Look Back

(I apologize for the lack of posts, as life and work have taken over my soul and have reduced me to stress eating and sleeping and not nearly enough reading and writing.)

If I had to think of a way to describe 2012, I'd have to go with "the new normal." I've had to get used to my house being in a constant state of improvement projects; work sending me on a roller-coaster of emotions; my mind and heart missing loved ones (gone or simply hours away); the idea that people change in good ways and bad; and the idea knowing that no matter how much I want to unf%$& my life, I always am striving to do better. And those are good things, right?

Maybe this is what being 30 is all about.

All in all, 2012 was a good year. Nothing to terribly drastic happened that made me love it or hate it. We made a number of tristate road trips (and I got to get away in Florida for a few days). I taught a summer course on The Hunger Games, which provided me a great amount of professional joy. We're coming to grips with being adults and having to make big financial and job decisions (GAWD, just typing that raises my blood pressure). We continue to celebrate the payoff we're finally starting to see from all of our energy-saving projects (our power bill is almost at ZERO -- take that power companies!). And I realized that I can finally start some interior remodeling and redecorating. All of this sounds like so much work. Rest assured, I found plenty to distract and entertain me, too (not everything was new/released in 2012, just what I watched/listened to/read in this calendar year).

Movies
Favorites of the year? Definitely Argo. Skyfall comes in as a very close runner-up. The Bourne Legacy was fine on its own, but just didn't do enough for me as part of the Bourne franchise.
I know we saw others, but clearly they didn't leave enough of an impression on me. Blah.

Television
I became mildly obsessed with New Girl, and I won't even get in to how great I think Nick Miller's character is (because that could take up an entire blog, let alone post). I love Jess' outfits (though don't think I could pull many of them off) and I can relate to her naive optimism. I think I love it as much as I love Friends, and that's saying a lot.
And then there's Downton Abbey, my other not-so-mild obsession. What do I love about it? It's so smart. It's witty. It's a tear-jerker. It makes me want to have been born in early twentieth-century England to an aristocratic family so I can wear stunning gowns to dinner each night. (Obviously, some of the laws and lack of women's rights don't tickle my fancy, but whatever.)
I also got through 4.5 seasons of Friday Night Lights, and I realize I need to finish it. However, Netflix just started streaming The West Wing, so there's that.

Music
I don't listen to much music. Actually, that's not true. I'll turn on various Pandora stations nearly every day at work and sing along to whatever song plays next. But there's not much I purchased this year, except some not-so-new artists, mainly Duffy and Mumford & Sons (which are on constant repeat on my iPod).

Books
Finally, the solo activity that brings me the most entertainment. Some titles that were among my favorites? The Blue Orchard, When She Woke, Jane Eyre (yes, it took me until this year to read it), The House at Tyneford, A Land More Kind Than Home, Gone Girl, The Casual Vacancy, and The Age of Miracles. But my absolute favorite for this year? Rules of Civility. Jazz-age socialite life in NYC? Fancy clothes and parties? Interesting characters with an air of mystery? Yes, yes, and yes. It will remind you of The Great Gatsby. And you will love it.

So what's in store for 2013? I have no idea. I have a few resolutions (eat even less meat than I did this year, get back in the pool, keep in touch with long-lost friends and maybe even relatives more, stop caring so much about some things, care a little more about others, etc.). There will be some vacations (California dreaming!). A dear friend is getting married. I will bake, write, read, and (most importantly) love. And it will be better than good. :)

'Tis the Season that's Finally Over

The phone has stopped ringing. Friendly strangers are no longer knocking on my door. And the highways have (mostly) been cleaned of the signs that littered them.

Election season is over, friends, and I couldn't be happier.

It was stressful. In fact, I don't think I've ever felt this invested in an election before. I'm a proud democrat and have been my whole life, so I'm satisfied with the results. Is Obama perfect? No. In fact, my views probably align a little more closely to the Green Party, but I live in a swing state and wasn't about to take any chances with Virginia's outcome. But I think Race to the Top is some serious crap, and I'm happy that I'm not forced to belong to a union just because of my job. I wish education had different leadership at the federal level and teachers -- for once -- caught a break.


But I'm also happy that we have a president who has earned the respect of world leaders. One who respects women and our rights to make decisions about our bodies with our doctors. One who wants us to have clean air and water and believes in other options besides antiquated energy resources. And one who believes it doesn't matter who you love, you should have the same rights as anyone else (and also have the right to serve your country without hiding). I'm happy we have a first lady making strides with nutrition and setting a positive example, showing us it really does matter what we put in our bodies. And I'm happy we have four more years of seeing cute pictures of Bo.

Unfortunately, I have to report that some friends and family members have said some hateful things and have tried to start arguments. I'm sad that my father has felt intimidated at work because of his liberal beliefs and worried he couldn't put an Obama sign in his yard because he feared vandalism. However, I'm thankful I had very civil discussions with friends whose views could not be more opposite mine. And as policy is shaped throughout the next four years, I hope those conversations can continue. It's good to be informed, listen to analysis (instead of yelling pundits), and draw your own conclusions, not what your 24-hour cable station du jour is telling you.

But I need a break. America needs a break. And right now, I'd like to go back to focusing on baking, boots, and books, not bitterness and binders.

Things I've learned in August-September

In lieu of any sort of long, thought-out post, a running list of things I've learned:

• Work is less stressful when you leave it at work.
• People can surprise you.
• People can also greatly disappoint you.
• Just because you're back at work doesn't mean you stop working out. It means you keep going b/c you need it the most.
• Trying to find a pair of riding boots is a challenge, but worth it.
• Trying to find a pair of black heeled boots is another story.
• Just because there are fewer tears in the month of September doesn't mean it gets easier.
• I still hate pink in October and half-assed attempts at making strides against cancer in all its forms.
• Baking is my happy place.
• Beer, Sun Chips, and cheesecake can qualify as dinner.
• Just when I think I don't need to shop any more, I find so many things I want/need/love.
• My students can make me laugh REALLY hard.
• Apple season is my favorite time of year.
• Never in my life have I had a cell phone that works well. Never.
• I want a DSLR camera.
• Sometimes, you just have to get along with people, even when you don't want to.
• My alma mater is an embarrassment, most of the time.
• The return of "New Girl" brought hilarity when I needed it most.
• Weekly manicures are worth it.
• I fully believe the adage that fog in September means snow in winter. And if it's true, I'm looking forward to sleeping in a lot during the middle of the week in a couple months.