2009 Resolutions

I have been thinking about my New Year's resolution over the past couple of weeks and have finally narrowed my list down. I will not be trying a new recipe out each week like I did the past 2 years. I am thinking 94 recipes is enough. (Yeah, I was 10 short this year unless I do that today... ha!) I really enjoyed that resolution though and have had some real winners and losers. Finally mastering banana pudding was a huge highlight. I will post my favorite recipe from 2008 later.

So, Resolutions for 2009...

(1) Pay off at least a semester's worth of student loans.
Thankfully I have nice scholarships and tuition discount for grad school so my loans are VERY minimal for that, but I really want to finish paying off my undergrad loans in the next couple of years.
(2) Keep a daily photo journal.
I am only good at journaling sometimes. However, I do always have a camera with me. I thought if I take a daily picture than I could have a good sampling of memories from the year. Sometimes the picture might be of a grand adventure and some days it might be of something I do around the house daily. I am pretty excited about this resolution though.
(3) Scrapbook my year.
I used to scrapbook often. I have so many supplies, pictures, and things I pick up that I want to be better about scrapbooking shortly after things happen.
(4) Run a half marathon.
I have already signed up for the Country Music Marathon with several of my friends from girls community group. I want to be able to actually run a whole half marathon. Yes, I have turned into one of "those people." The Bolt inspired me.
(5) Be more intentional.
Enough said.

2008 was great, but may 2009 be sublime. ;)

May you have a wonderful time ringing in the New Year wherever you might be...

Cirque Du Soleil

One of the things we wanted to do while in NYC was to see a Broadway play. We stood in line for discounted tickets for about an hour only to find out that tickets to a select few shows with open seats still cost about $100. The shows offered were nothing we thought would be worth paying that for. Instead we opted to go see Cirque Du Soleil.

Cirque's winter show is called Wintuk. We all sat truly amazed at the performance. The storyline had to do with bring snow to the city. We watched juggling, tightroper walkers, clowns, rollerbladers, bikers, gymnasts, and acrobats who all performed with more grace and beauty than I have ever seen in "circus" performers. The sets were spectacular. Music was so fitting and I wish I could have bought the music to play daily. There was one set with ribbon acrobats, cranes (men on stilts), beautiful lighting and music that seriously almost made me cry because it was so beautiful.

The show ended with snow falling onto the audience with of course great music. I felt like such a kid because I was in such awe.

If you ever get the chance to go see a show by Cirque I would highly recommend it... What a great evening in NYC.

Post Christmas Update

Christmas came and went. I took almost no pictures. Shocking, I know. The day itself was pretty uneventful and peaceful. We enjoyed a wonderful lunch, opened gifts, and then went to see the movie "Doubt." Great acting, and just okay ending. It was nice to be with the family this year.

On Friday, I finished moving all of my stuff. I am now living with the parents again. Hopefully not for too long. ;) I got to meet up with Rupa, Kathy, and Kelly for dinner. We always have such a good time (and loud!) time together. Topics always somehow always center around traveling and politics. Somehow even I am amazed how we can get from talking about breast exams to Obama. Rupa gave me a concoction for my flu/cold. Equal parts of scotch, lemon juice and honey. Not so yummy. Wish I could say it worked (it didn't), but it did make for a good sleep. :)

This morning Rupa brought me to airport, but I missed my flight to Baltimore. I am stuck in Nashville airport for a few hours. However, all will be worth it to have a week off in New York relaxing and celebrating the New Year with my best friend.

Christmas Eve Tradition

Keeping the tradition of new pajamas alive...

This year we actually got to go with a Christmas theme.

Wishing Emily was here.

Remembering the Lewis Family and Katie for past pjs ;)

Sadly, still sick :(

Better go to bed, so Santa will get here...

yuck.

It was Friday afternoon and the teachers were skipping down the halls because it marked the beginning of Christmas break. A teacher looks at me and says "Beth, you don't look so good." From there I have been in a downward spiral of yuckiness.
On Saturday I could not even make it to Tiffany's graduation! Sunday I survived people coming over. Today has been miserable. I am in the process of moving so I managed to pack 1 (ONE!) box before requiring a two hour nap.
This stinks...

Calendar

January 5th... the next day that I "have to" be productive.

'Twas The Week Before Christmas

Very realistic rendering of what school is like this week...

Kiddos out of control and teacher in shock.

Pajama Day is only good in theory.