Vera Relapse...

I had a bit of a Vera Bradley relapse on Friday after work...I popped into Tiara Galleries (one of my main Vera and Brighton dealers) on a recon mission for future gift giving...and well...the pretty pink flowers were too much to resist.  I have been pretty good...but the power of Lilli Belle was just too much...and I caved.  A new shopping tote (for healthy grocery shopping), small cosmetic bag, mirror cosmetic bag (new diabetes bag), sunglasses case, umbrella, key chain, flip flops, and then a free gift (cosmetic trio).  I just found a new purse for Spring/Summer...and well...it will arrive from Juicy Couture on Tuesday (hope hope)...so I needed new accessories.  Yes...I have a problem...but there are much worse addictions.  I have been on my game in terms of my half marathon training, eating healthy, checking/logging my blood sugars, better work/life balance...so a little pink flowery fun reward  is not uncalled for.  They will see me through many amazing things ahead...continued training, my first half marathon, countless soccer games, my first Under Seven Camp weekend, and my first real vacation since I started working.  And then there all of the other fantastic things that I have no idea are coming down the path...  

I was a Vera Girl...now I am a UA Girl...

I have written before about my obsession with Vera Bradley and the many, many purchases of floral patterns of bags, wallets, pens, pencils, stationary, journals, and laptop bags.  Just scope this out to see - Vera Addiction.  I have also written about how my love of Under Armour continues to grow...so much so that I have created a new label for my blog - UA Girl.  There is something about new clothes and shoes for the gym that increase your motivation for getting there and do hard work.  The right clothes foster the right movements.

As miles continue to increase on my long duration workouts (I am up to 8 miles), so does the need to prepare for when I need to hit the streets and trails...as Spring nears.  This of course, will require more Under Armour.  And as the seasons shift, one knows that the inventory starts to shift as well.  So a trip to the outlets no longer means new purses or outfits for work or killer steals on pretty shoes...nope...it means visiting the UA Factory to restock on the essentials and some fun things too.  My favorite of the day was finding this lovely UA Storm Rivarly Jacket.  Not only is this going to keep me warm (and dry) once I head out in another month or so for outside duration training...but also at DC United Games...just about a month away from the home opener at RFK...so see...this was a good investment.  A perfectly justifiable purchase...

It's All About the Under Armour...

There was a time when being in any store that sold Vera Bradley was dangerous...I would be overcome by the power of pinks and purples and flowery prints.  This is no longer case, which is good.  The problem is, that same giddy feeling I used to have for Vera Bradley I now have for Under Armour.  I see it and I want it.  I was always a Nike Girl...and I talked about the change over...which was peculating...this past summer.  Read Here.

Just like with Vera, I can always justify a purchase.  Actually, with Under Armour, it is much easier.  It is for my health...it wins every single time.  I find workout clothes to be motivating...they do help you work out better.    Especially with strength training and all of my continuing adventures with the Red Ball and a Grey Ball too.  Free movement requires the proper attire.  And now that I'm taking the plunge and adding Pilates to my regime...free movement is essential.  Besides, when you look good...you feel good.  When you feel good, well, you don't really need anything else.

On the Eve of November..

This time tomorrow...I will be noveling!!  I can't wait!!  There are three bags that are going to get me through it...you didn't think I wasn't going to accessorize for the occasion did you?  I have my gym bag, my writing bag, and my purse.  These will be carried with me each and every day because I am going to use each of them every single day for the month of November.  That's right...the balanced me.  Time for writing.  Time for work.  Time for gym.  I am so on it...can't you tell??

For the month of November...I will have a few things on my list of to do's...and I am excited about each and every one of them.

My November 2012 To Do's

1)  Writing a crappy first draft of a novel with atleast 65,000 words.  Notice that the word count is higher than the 50,000 words required for National Novel Writing Month (NanoWrimo).

2)  Watching the University of Maryland Men's Soccer Team and supporting them as they continue to do work in the ACC and National Championships (and always for that matter).

3)  Watching DC United and supporting them in the MLS Playoffs (and always for that matter).

4)  Visiting my Camper Becca in Virginia Beach.

5)  Attempting CrossFit with my friend Bianca in Virginia Beach.

6)  Doing all the dishes at Thanksgiving...and by doing...I mean cleaning...I am culinary challenged remember.

7)  Clocking time with Gym...each day...or pretty close to each day.

8)   Eating in smart ways that are centered around healthy veg/fruit carbs and protein and healthy fat.

That Camp State of Mind...

I am in complete countdown mode for Camp Fantastic...it is the 30th Anniversary year...and I feel so lucky to be able to be a part of it.  It is getting close enough that I am starting to dream about it.  Thinking about it causes a giddy grin and goosebumps...it is that special.  It is an unexplainable special that you can only experience first-hand to really know.  I don't know that I would have imagined 11 years ago that I was going to form bonds that would last so long...in some cases...everlasting.  It is in that moment, where you know that you are in the right place at the right time, where your life changes forever.  Mine did.  The first year I volunteered at camp in 2002...

My life is full of these moments over the past 11 years that I carry with me always.  The first time I met Joel on the bus on the way back from Farm Day.  That all night conversation that Amy and I had with Chass.  Watching Christy read an essay at the talent show and blowing everyone away with her words.  Hanging out with Laura all week while shooting a video about camp.  Listening to Carolyn read a poem about remembering Alex.  At campfire when Daniel claimed honors and thanked me for taking care of him during the week.  When Katie wore a dress to the dance...a little black one at that.  The first I met Becca Parcells and her family at their first ever Special Love event, it was a Spring Family Weekend.  Becca was six.  Now she is sixteen...and looking fabulous in her purple butterfly hoodie don't you think?  This is a picture of us from Reunion Weekend in June.

As an incredibly shy person with very few true friends, I instantly gained

an incredible network of friends who are always there for me...in camp life or regular life.  For an introvert who had never been to camp before, I learned that there is a place for everyone .  As a team, a group of volunteers (each person with their own individual gifts) work together to create an amazing experience for campers who get a whole week to be a kiddo with the focus on fun and not on cancer.  It is a beautiful, beautiful thing.  Life changing.  It is life changing for everyone.  When butterflies or dragonflies swirl around me, I can see Chass smiling to me.  When a Cake song plays, Joel is saying Hi. 

As I sorted through way too many unfilled Vera Bradley notebooks, I put a lot of thought into selecting just the right one for this year.  I start a new notebook every year to house all of my planning, all of my lists, and all of my ideas for the following year.  I decided to use Purple Punch because it reminds me of the person who is like my big sister.  She will be moving away...not long after I return from camp in August.  She is strong, brave, and fantastic...just like my camp friends.  And just as I have learned at camp, friendship is everlasting.  No matter where you are, the people who care about you are always there for you.  No matter what.

In the Waiting...

I'm just going to come right out and say it...it would be impossible to find a container big enough to hold all of my joy at the moment.  It is like Christmas Eve.  I have been waiting for several months for this day to arrive.  I have planned my outfit.  I found the perfect shoes.  I picked out a color coordinated Vera Bradley purse.  It has all been leading up to tonight.  Coldplay.  Next to camp, this may be the biggest moment of the summer for me.  There is nothing I love more than going to a show.  Live music is one of the most wonderful sources of fuel for me.  I sing.  I dance.  I don't care who listens or sees.  I go apeshit crazy when the band hits the stage.  I do it because I can.  There is a moment during every show where I feel connected...to something much larger than the usual space I occupy.  I know that all those out and about in the universe who guide me are gathered with me...dancing and singing.  Because we can...

In honor of my Mom's 60th year, I decided that the perfect gift for her would be to see Coldplay live.  She hasn't seen them live before.  After the last time I saw them play in 2009, I had her listen to some CDs and she fell in love with them.  This will be the fourth time I have seen them play...and it is always amazing.  I can't wait for the experience that is just hours away.  I have been waiting since December when I got the tickets.  She has been waiting since February when I gave her the tickets for her birthday.  I can't help but think that the most amazing part is in the waiting...when the lights go down just before they take the stage.  There is endless possibility in those moments and then everything else is in the after...

Vera Love - Island Blooms

The Spring 2012 Vera Bradley Collection was released on Thursday and I was finally able to see it live and in person today...we were one Vera Girl short today...but hopefully we did her proud. I have a hard time committing to patterns via the catalog or looking online via the interweb. I always have to see them in the store before I can declare a favorite. I was a bit dubious this morning thinking about each of the four new patterns, thinking that I was not really going to like one of them. I know, funny right? Me not fall in love with a new Vera Bradley pattern??

So, of course I did. I know, I know...shocker!! Island Blooms had me at first glance really when I looked at the book of stickers and then quickly grabbed two of them. The wheels started to turn as I thought about some Vera items that I may need to get in this new springy pattern. In my pursuit to continue to be healthier, I wanted to get a lunch tote. So I did. I also wanted to find a new diabetes bag so that I could fit my relatively new glucose meter along with insulin pens, needles, and alcohol swabs all in one bag. So I did. Vera actually redesigned the wristlet and it is even better now. There are lots of pockets for alcohol swabs and needles. Plus, a zipper pocket too. It is so perfect...it holds everything I need to have with me at all times. I mean, I have to be a good T1 Diabetic right? Vera totally helps me to be a better me. A perfectly accessorized Diavista!!

Plum Petals...Vera Addiction...

I would like some credit for not having purchased ANY Vera Bradely in well over a month...that is pretty good for me. I should get a few extra points for not getting a Stadium Blanket...the colors would clash with Maryland's colors...and I don't want to look ridiculous. The Winter Collection will be released on Thursday and luckily I do not really like any of the new patterns. Trouble is...there are always new designs of bags and new products to reel you back in. So, I have a strong suspicion that I will be making a trek to Tiara this week...probably on Thursday to get a few things...in Plum Petals...because I am still in love with this pattern. Here is what I am thinking...with my rationale for each purchase noted of course.

Hatbox Cosmetic - I need a make-up bag for my other gym bag and it is imperative that all accessories match. I can't use a Sittin' in a Tree make-up bag with a Plum Petals Grand Traveler...it just doesn't make sense.

Tech Decals - Every phone, netbook, laptop, and iPad should have some Vera swag. Said swag can encourage writing and how can that be bad? November is approaching and I have a new novel waiting to make its way out through my fingertips.






Coasters - One must always protect the furniture...enough said.

Over a month...Really?? Really??

So, have I really not blogged since August 7? Is that even possible? The good news is that I have been busy...busy at work and busy at fun. Busy at things I never would have predicted the last time I blogged. August was very good to me in all the ways that I needed it to be. Time to rest. Time to reflect. Time to serve. Time to get my groove back. There are lots of things that I want to write about...but packing them all into one post won't do each of them justice and I want to spend some good quality writing time crafting them. In the meantime, I thought I would write a list...because I am crazy for the lists.

Life List - Stuff from August through Mid-September

1) Taking a week off from work and having some time away across the Bay Bridge was great...even with a crazy sunburn.

2) Being at Camp Fantastic was amazing and I really felt challenged this year to work even harder. All the love and good vibes packed into an amazing week are the fuel that keeps you going all year long. For the first time ever, I was completely out of communication with work. It was the best thing I could have done. Ummm...and of course I bought a Vera Bradley Bookbag in Plum Petals for camp this year...it was perfect...it even held my clipboard!!

3) Easing back into work after camp was easy and the truth is...I still have my "camp high". I have spent a lot of time working on focusing on one thing at a time and not getting overwhelmed...even if 10 different things are flying towards me. This is hard for me to do...but I am still at it...and for the most part...keeping everything in perspective. Calm during an earthquake...even I know you can't control everything.

4) Catching a University of Maryland Men's Soccer Game at the Germantown Soccer Plex has completely changed my life. My sister's idea for something to do on a Friday night has opened a whole new world to me. I am now a soccer fan. The game is poetry. It fuels the writer in me. Watching it is teaching me to be a better me. This team is headed for great heights...with an incredible spirit, hard work, and a Coach who does it right. I am psyched to cheer them on all season. I'm officially a Ludwig regular!!

5) Seeing Stevie Nicks was one of my bucket list items. She is one of my favorite song writers and she killed it. Her words always get right to the core of it. Love her!!

6) Going to the Sound of Music Sing A Long was much more campy than I would have thought...but even introverted me got into it. Who doesn't want to hiss when the Baroness is on the screen. Oh Captain, My Captain. You and your silly whistle. Truly one of the best movies ever. If you are ever feeling lowly, just listen to "Climb Every Mountain"...instant motivator.

7) Kicking some Type 1 Diabetes butt by getting to the gym and getting my swagger back feels really good. I'm working hard so that I can run/jog a 5K (Becca's Run) on October 1. The perfect way to start my 24th year as a Type 1 Diabetic. Feeling pretty good these days...good numbers...I love that!!


I know that much of the above is due to the fact that we are closing in on six months since Grandma has been gone. Healing is a process and there are is no timeline...but I know that she is proud...of numbers 3 and 7 especially. Moving forward...it is the only direction to go.

Work Before Play... Word Count = 10,070

Today was perfect. Vera Bradley had their 2011 Fall Launch today. I bought lots of things in Plum Petals...my new favorite pattern and spent some good time with my Vera Girls. I had a fantastic day at work where I felt (as I usually do on a daily basis) so lucky to work with such a great team. I had a good writing session at Panera tonight with some NanoWrimo friends...I got 3K words in...which was fantastic.

As excited as I was to play with all my new Vera stuff, I told myself that I needed to get to 10K words before I could play with any of it. I left Panera with 9,060 words. I came home, brought in my shopping bags from the car and set them to the side. I needed to write before I could play!! I was tired. I was close to stopping. But then...as music always does...a good song came across the ol' iPod Touch...and that 1K words came rolling out. Some really fun stuff actually. Good stuff. I'm back in the CampNanoWrimo Game!!

Here is the song that got me going...in case you are curious.

Life List (Week 1): A new normal...

There seems to have been something about getting past the three month mark. This week felt like things were starting to fall into place with the new normal. I know when you really think about it...there is no "normal" in life. But for right now, I feel like the next phase of my life is starting to take shape. It is filled with all things I love...working hard, relaxing, shopping, writing, and going to the gym. It was a perfect week in all regards. It was so perfect, that as I reflect back I feel the need to make a list.


Life List - Week of June 19th

1) Recieved an email from one of my good friends which really got me in gear...the reminder that I promised to run the entire course of Becca's Run...with no walking. She is the big sister that I have never had.

2) Got back to the gym...starting on Sunday afternoon...felt amazing.

3) Took first swim of the season.

4) Read and Relaxed in the backyard...the new lounges are my most favorite thing. Even fell asleep for a bit. The backyard is a renovated version of what has always been heaven to me.

5) Wrote something for work that the boss noted as good...no changes to content...I was really proud.

6) Began to plot out my next novel...counting down the days to start CampNanoWrimo on July 1, 1011. Yes...I'm going to write another crappy first draft of a novel during July.

7) Had a great conversation with the first friend I ever made at work...talked music, life, and love.

8) Saw one of my previous bosses and it was rejuvenating. The memories of where I have been and where I am now were overwhelming...we just couldn't get over how amazing it was to see each other again. It was like no time had passed. I felt so loved. We were such an amazing team...I still can't believe she took a chance on a kid who had just graduated high school.

9) Made plans with my J Girls and Rabs to go hiking next Saturday...followed up with a Spa Day. A perfect start to a three day weekend.

10) Took a 3 mile walk with my Mom and Sister before heading to Leesburg Outlets. Did really well...of course I got some Vera Bradley (Folkloric Coastline Tote - perfect poolside bag), Juicy Couture (cute dress with ruffles), Ralph Lauren (fab jeans and nautical tee), and Nike (running shorts, tee, and super thin socks). Shopping with my two favorite people is always fun.

I am starting to feel better all around...more like me...a new version of me (OMG...I just went a little Felicity there didn't I?). And it's not just because I am still getting compliments on my new "sassy" hair do...even after three weeks. I think I am starting to notice that I'm healing. The crazy times of March 2010 until March 2011 have made me into a better me. A new me...and I hope both Grandma and Grandpa really like what they see.

Flipped for Flip Flops...

Have I ever mentioned my flip flop addiction before? I'm sure I have...especially Vera Bradley ones. They are so cute and fun. I had already purchased a few for the season and darn if Vera Bradley didn't come out with some more. Curses!!! Is it okay for me to get a few more pairs...if I promise to not get any more purses? For the summer season? But don't make me promise to not get the matching beach towels too. They are so pretty and I know that I am really, really going to need them for the summer. I really do have a problem don't I?

Yummy Heirlooms...

Grandma's favorite holiday is Thanksgiving and she used to do the entire meal herself...including pies. My favorites were her fruit salad with whipped cream (our starter)and the stuffing. Her stuffing is THE BEST...a yummy taste that she has passed on to my Mommy and Sister. I have mentioned before that the only thing I am good for in the kitchen is doing dishes. After my Grandpa passed away we did not have Thanksgiving at home...we went out of town one year and then to a restaurant the next year. We did it mostly because we knew it would be hard for Grandma without her taster to test the stuffing. So, we just avoided the situation.

This year, we all felt ready to have Thanksgiving at home where Grandma both supervised and participated. My sister caught some great pictures too...I am so glad. This one is of her tasting the stuffing as the inital ingredients take shape in the pan. Note the Vera Bradley apron...we each had one for the holiday. She did lots to help in preparing the meal including making the fruit salad. I had the pleasure of sitting with her at the kitchen table cutting up various fruits, the two of us working together. We have been so lucky...to spend each and every day together. Not many have the amazing experience of having your grandparents care for you and then you are able to then care for them. As my Grandpa always said, he discovered the fountain of youth. Grandchildren.

Bear Claw Fan...

There are so many things that I could be blogging about...this span of time that we are in. I just don't feel up to it, but believe me, I'm scribbling notes in a journal that I have been keeping over the past few months. I have always marveled at the idea of hospice and palliative care. To see it before my eyes makes it all the more amazing and beautiful.

Speaking of beautiful, check out this cute picture of Grandma from November. We had the day to ourselves...which began at the kitchen table where I had surprised her with her favorite pastry treat...a bear claw!! Also, note the cute Vera Bradley scarf she is wearing...ahem...adorable right? One of my favorite stories that Grandma used to tell was about breakfast during one of countless weekends that I spent over at Grandma and Grandpa's House. If I could, I would seriously worm my way into it each weekend. I liked to weekend in Chevy Chase apparently. ;) Mainly, I just loved spending time with them...and they fed me well...and they let me stay up past my bedtime.

The breakfast tradition when I would spend the night entailed Grandpa and I going to the Westbard Giant to get doughnuts while my Grandma made the rest of breakfast at home. It makes me smile just to think about it. One morning, after Grandma placed my plate of scrambled eggs in front of me I said, "I like your eggs Grandma, they are not brown like Mom's." Can you imagine? (Sorry Mom...you make amazingly fluffy yellow eggs now...they were brown because you had two little kiddos and a crazy dog yapping at your heels.)

In these times, I'm thinking about all of things from before and not about the fact that where will be an after.

Retail Therapy...Vera Girl Quick Trip

As if knowing that a shopping trip was much needed...one of my Vera Girls (M) sent an email yesterday seeing if anyone wanted to meet at Tiara for a little lunch time Vera Shopping. Heck Yes!!! I spent some nice quality time with Grandma this morning, by myself. It was really just what I needed. I need to update on where things stand on that front...but I am not ready. Given the tough past few days, weeks, months...we were in need of some good shopping and good friends. One of the four Vera Girls could not join us due to a work emergency...but we did her really proud.

I went a bit crazy...but in fairness...most of the things I bought have just been retired so I got them for 40% off. So, I actually saved money...right??

Here is my list...

* Purple Punch Side by Side
* Purple Punch Euro Wallet
* Sittin in a Tree Ditty Bag
* Sittin in a Tree Large Cosmetic
* Sittin in a Tree Medium Cosmetic
* Pink Twirly Bird Shopping Tote
* Folkloric Sugar and Spice Crossbody (pictured...OMG...I am in love!!!)
* Blue Lagoon Flip Flops (ahem...already had purchased Folkloric and Lemon Parfait)
* Sitting in a Tree Journal
* Folkoric Jumbo Binder Clips
* Folkloric Let Me Check (cutest book of to do lists ever)
* Folkloric Pocket Pals (cutest set of tiny notebooks ever)
* Hello Dahlia Keepin it Together (Binder and Spiral Notebook)

Umm...and a pair of Brighton earrings too. Ahem...retail therapy....

Day One - Welcome Home!!

It hit me long before the big event on December 27th that there is a beautiful story in witnessing the circle of life. I love reading about my friends becoming parents and grandparents...and it occurred to me that taking care of people you love is a universal experience. One that you can relate too...even if you are not a parent or a grandparent. As a granddaughter I have been lucky to care for my grandparents...but it does not compare to the touching experience of watching my mother really and truly care for them.

2010 was a year of changes and adjustments for my family...and 2011 has not started without this same theme. As I was driving to CVS tonight it hit me...bringing Grandma home today was like bringing home a new baby (well...from what I remember when my sister came home, reading facebook, and blogs - Kelly V especially). You are scared. You are nervous. There is much shopping to do. There is a feeling that your life is going to change...because it is...in amazing ways that you could never predict. And...there are new toys!!

So, in the spirit of my love of lists...here is a list of some of the new toys we have...

* Hospital Bed
* New Wheelchair...ahem...which may have pink on it
* Oxygen (I learned a lot about this tonight...I feel like the family expert on this one!!)
* Air Mattress and Pump
* Transfer Board
* Ramp
* Hoyer Lift
* Foot Pillows
* Lots of Pillows, Flat Sheets, Bed Pads, Blankets, and Pillowcases
* Oral Swabs
* Many, Many More Prescriptions
* Cute Puppy Stuffed Animal with a Rose in His Mouth

Hmph...who would have thought I could write a list that did not include Vera Bradley?? See...these are the life changes I was just writing about.

Goal Met...Retail Therapy Too...Word Count = 10,025

So I did it. I got to 10K before bedtime...by the skin of my teeth. Thank goodness for the extra hour. I will be using mine for sleep. How great is it to fall back? I'm feeling better having caught up to where I should be. I'm so tired. I was really in a slump earlier. I did some Vera Bradley shopping...new purse for Winter...note cubes...new pen and pencil set...a few other odds and ends. It was just what I needed. I guess I got myself a reward before I made the goal. I wrote 6K words today...a reward was warranted!!!

Panera Progress....Word Count = 8,597

I seem to be really slow going this year...and I'm trying not to be discouraged. I don't know if it is because I am tired or if it is because my novel still has no legs to stand on...but I am not at all happy with my output today at Panera. I have been here since just before 10am. I really had this goal of getting to 10K words before leaving. I used to write 1K words an hour...consistently...no matter where I was. Not this year it seems.

Well...I am leaving the crew of NanoWrimos here and may make a quick trip to one of my Vera Bradley "dealers". That may help to perk me up a bit. I need a second wind. Maybe I can get to 10K before I go to bed tonight. Guess that will have to be my new goal for the day.

OGYST - Week 13 in Review

Is it just me or have the last 13 weeks flown by? I have been back to the gym for 13 weeks and doing online weight watchers for five weeks...this past week really felt like a turning point. I just feel so much better...about everything. My blood sugars continue to be normal for the most part. I am continuing to drop about 2 pounds per week. Like I said...I just feel really good. And believe me...it is not just because I got some new Vera Bradley to jump start spring. One can never have too many flip flops...especially when you wear them after a good workout when leaving the gym. Spring fever has definitely set in for me!!

Here is a quick list of progress...in each of my four focus areas.

Operation Getting Your Shit Together - Week #13

1. Controlling When I Look at Blackberry - Did a bit of work last Sunday...but all in all...I am mostly doing work at work. Still working more than 8 hours a day...but am not feeling overwhelmed by it. I just keep taking things one at a time...trying not to get five things done at once.


2. Take Time to Breathe - Seem to be doing this as well...had one particular assignment that I was stressing about...but stayed calm and got it done when I could get it done. Seem to be resisting the urge to work on it this weekend too. It seems it is getting easier and easier to work on things during work hours. Breathing my way through things really helps.


3. Go to the Movies - Saw a few movies via DirectTV and DVD...I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry, Sherlock Holmes, and Alvin & The Chipmunks - The Squeakqual. Excited to have Mad Men Season Three on DVD...may start that tonight!!


4. Gym = Transition - Great week at the gym...two strength training and three cardio workouts. Actually left work early on Thursday so that I could squeeze in a workout since I missed Wednesday. Friday was the best workout...60 minutes on the elliptical trainer with 635 calories burned. Felt freaking fantastic!!


5. Other - Did not work on the novel at all, but had a fun Happy Hour on Wednesday. Sent along my March Blood Sugars to my endocrinologist and she was thrilled with the results. Ordered some Vera online...flip flops and a fun pink summer tote for work. Yummy Chinese Food on Friday Night. Fun shopping with my sister on Saturday...more Vera. ;)


Upcoming Week Expected Highlights: Hoping to see some of my NanoWrimo Friends on Tuesday at Panera while working on my novel, lunch with one of my good friends on Thursday, and a few workouts at the gym. Wonder if I can get to a new bracket by my weigh-in on Friday? That is ambitious...but I wonder if it is possible? I guess we will have to see.

Feel it in the air...

I am getting very excited for Spring and Summer...if you read my blog often....you may know that 2009 was a very busy year for me. I made work my number one priority...which I do not regret...but it did take a toll. One of the things I have been trying to do is to not repeat the same thing in 2010. Well...work is still a number one priority...but I am working very hard to have some balance. To take time to have fun. To put the blackberry off to the side. To make plans.

I am very excited about several plans that I have already made - seeing Henry Rollins on Wednesday Night, seeing the Red Sox play a few times, a long weekend in Baltimore, seeing Dave Matthews Band, Camp (hope, hope...if they want me back), seeing a good friend of mine complete her second Iron Girl, and a full week off of work after camp. Just knowing that I have "things" coming up helps so much. They are motivating too. They are calming. They are giving me balance.

So, there is a reason behind my latest Vera Bradley purchase - A Rosie Posie Hipster in Kiss Me. You knew that something in the form of a justification for purchase was coming didn't you? Well, since I have all of these fun things coming up, I will need to have a cute little purse to hold important things - sunglasses, cell, blackberry, $$, and insulin. I am not going to lie, before I walked into my favorite Vera Dealer I may have started a mantra that went something like this - "I do not need a new Hipster." That I may have been repeating over and over. Besides, I needed something that would go with all my Red Sox stuff (which is all pink and blue). My lucky cap being the most important piece (of course).

I gathered my strength as I walked into the store, explaining to my sister that the new Frill bags would all clash with my Red Sox stuff...so I really didn't need to worry about buying anything. And then...as I approached the display...I remembered. The Kiss Me pattern is Pink and Navy. Perfect!!!