Good Reads

In my blogging absence I have been doing a lot of reading - thanks in part to a brand new Denver Public Library card. Since the DPL is just down the street from my office it makes for a great lunch outing to go checkout books.

Some books that have graced the nightstand this month include:

Honeymoon with my Brother by Franz Wisner
This book gave me a serious case of the travel bug and I can't wait to start planning my next vacation.
Nanny Returns by Emma McLaughlin & Nicola Kraus
I liked Nanny Returns much better than Nanny Diaries. I thought it was cute and full of typical NYC chic-lit references.
Best Friends by Jennifer Weiner
One of favorite authors. I really enjoyed the semi-mystery type book where you know the answer to the mystery but someone else in on the hunt.What are you reading right now?

Worn out Weekend

The weekends go by so fast even when they are three days long.

Friday, my day off, I ran around in the morning. I got my ring checked and cleaned - love how sparkly it is when I leave there. Then I swung by the post office, headed to my parents to get some packing boxes and then met Jason for lunch. It isn't often that I can meet up with him during the work week, so it was wonderful.

That night we went to the Nuggets vs Cavs game. The Nuggets, as you may know, won in the final seconds. It was a fun evening.
Saturday we headed out to the Stockshow. A favorite yearly tradition for me. I love the animals, the rodeo and of course the food! I grubbed on a corn dog and cotton candy.
Sunday was mainly chores and ended with a stove hot fresh cookie and a glass of milk.

2010 Hopes, Resolutions & Goals

Hope: to cherish a desire with anticipation

Goal: the result or achievement toward which effort is directed; aim; end.

Resolution: a resolve or determination, the act of resolving or determining upon an action or course of action, method, procedure, etc.

I guess I have a hard time making "resolutions." They always seem to be waiting to be broken. I like to think I'm more optimistic, more goal driven, more about hoping mixed with action.

I shared several times what I set out to do in 2009, so here is a glimpse at what I hope 2010 will hold:

- Reduce a mortgage, unless that is we buy a vacation home in 2010 - but really, no one needs two mortgages.
- Finish my wedding album
- Purge, purge & purge some more - a repeat of 2009, but there is a lot we need to clean out, donate and sell.
- Eat at the dining room table 2 times a week - right now we are averaging once a week, normally Sundays.

- Limit soda intake to once a week at work - normally not a huge soda drinker, somehow being an office with an unlimited, free supply just causes me to drink more.
- Get a new computer, and set up an office space
- Travel out of the state at least 3 times, one is already on the calendar. I would say out of the country, but this year we may just stay stateside with our adventures, saving Europe for 2011.
- Finish Project365 and create a blurb book, I'm still taking photos everyday, but just struggling to get them posted the same day to Love What You Live.
- Redesign the blog

This list will probably evolve. However, it is start of 2010 goasl, hopes and I suppose a litle mix of resolutions.

Dreaming of an Exotic Voyage

Maybe it is the winter blues dragging me down, but I'm finding myself daydreaming nonstop about jet-setting somewhere warm, topical and beachy. Wouldn't this shirt from ModCloth just be perfect with some flip flops and big sunglasses?

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Swoon

I think my heart skipped a beat, seriously...

I saw a Kelly Moore bag on another blog that I read, and it quickly moved to the top of my must-have items in 2010. Maybe, just maybe if I can stick to my budget for the next three months I can treat myself to this splurge.

I mean seriously, have you ever seen a camera bag so beautiful!! It comes in seven wonderful colors...

Can you pour me a glass of juice

The other day my mailbox had Crate & Barrel's latest catalog. I love that store. Anyway, they had the cutest juice glasses. ever. Trying to find a reason to convince hubs that I ...need... these glasses.

December

So as promised, a few photos froms the past month that somehow came and went.

The month started with the KBCO Studio C CD release party and a concert by Brandi Carlile. Lauren had won tickets to the show - it was a great evening.

Jason and I took in an Avs game - and had great seats!

I not only baked some great cookies this year, but of course enjoyed making Lefse with Jason's grandma.

We spent some quality time with both our families.

And of course opened lots of presents.

So blogging world, I'm back from an extended holiday break. Thanks for bearing with my light posting schedule in December. And, thanks to my friend Linds for asking where my posts were... and now, I encourage you to blog!

Another Year, Lots of Dreams

I read a lot of blogs, and normally I don't suffer with insecurities, but my google reader has been stuffed full with stunning holiday photos, remarkable resolutions, profound thoughts on every subject, and here I am wondering where to pick back up blogging. Struggling with what to say, stumbling to find my voice, my take, my spin, my thoughts that I find worth sharing.

Tonight I promise a picture loaded post of basically the month of December, and maybe just maybe the words will begin to flow again. I also promise tonight to sit down and brainstorm blog post topics again. I always have so much to say and function better with lists, even when it comes to listing what I shall blog about.

I hope that everyone is settling back into the weekday grind.