Thanks and a Blog-cation

We completed the looong and (today anyway) grueling trek back to Chicago today. What is normally a pretty straight forward 8.5 hour(ish) drive, was a traffic laden, 10 hour journey through every variety of nasty weather. Boy, am I happy to be home.

The trip was amazing and I promise more details (and photos) later, but wanted to check in since I (blissfully) and (a little regrettably, ahem) neglected all things online for the last half of our trip.

My newsreader is hopelessly backed up, the blog has been without updates and now that I'm back into it, I realize I actually did feel a little disconnected due to my spontaneous break from (most) things digital. I can't decide if that is a good thing or not...

In any case, it was delicious time with family and, as always, I'm a little blue this evening. Don't get me wrong...it helps that I'm snuggled on the couch with a fur baby on each side, enjoying the warm glow of my holiday lights and knowing that a warm cup of tea and another chapter (or 2...3?) of book 2 of this vampire series I'm now addicted to (who knew?? i really don't like vampires or anything sci-fi) will follow this post. But, goodbye is never easy. Even when it is temporary. Even when the time between this visit and the next isn't super long. It's just good stuff to spend time with those you love most, and when you live far away from family, that together time is infinitely sweeter. And flies by at warp speed. I seriously cannot believe it is already over.

We packed in enough fun for 2 months. Thanks again Mom & Dad - as always, you were gracious hosts and we left feeling well fed, (very) well loved and recharged. It's always a pleasure. And a joy. And I miss you already...

I hope you all enjoyed a marvelous holiday surrounded by everything that makes you smile and feel grateful. Now break out the holiday decor (unless like me, you've been there and done that already) and let's try to not let December whirl by and give us all whiplash like November has, m'kay??

Nuff said. Enjoy the week ahead!

To Nana's House We Go

Sorry folks, I blew the giving thanks series yesterday. I blame the following: a full workday from an alternate location, multiple phone calls (meetings), catching up with family, so on and so forth. My bad...and my apologies.

I promise I wasn't any less thankful, even if I did fail to post. :)

Onward friends!! Today, I'm thankful for holiday road trips, a big pot of chili (veggie of course) and the perfect snowstorm. Moments of pure relaxation where there is no guilt involved with spending an exorbitant amount of time in yoga pants (yep, thankful for those too) and lounging with those you love most.

Happy lounging all - embrace it (with thanks). You're welcome!

In the Family Way

Checking in from M'town - short and sweet post as it follows a nine hour drive, but I did not want to lapse in the giving thanks series.

So, without further ado, here we go with day four - family, pure and simple.

Here's to spirited gatherings, lots of togetherness and the reminder that everything is sweeter in the company of loved ones.

Cheers to a great week.

Warmth and Light (Giving Thanks Day 3)

Wow, what a day. Up at 7:30, off to a great spin class at the gym and then a whirlwind of holiday activity. I've made 2 separate runs to get additional needed items, but our home is glowing with twinkle lights and all the sparkle of Christmas. I've rocked out to the holiday station on Pandora all day and am enjoying the fruits of my labor...ah, the fun I've had! And now for today's list:

On my 3rd day of expressing thankfulness, I'm awash in holiday lights and glitter and garland and my face has boasted a smile every minute of this day. Enjoy more holiday fun here (although I don't believe my photos even begin to do it justice).

A good book! There is just nothing better than settling in with quality reading material. I've just begun this one, but already I'm being drawn in and I can hardly wait to get back to page turning.

The North Face...might sound silly, but when you live in the tundra that is Chicago, this stuff can literally save your life. And frankly, I think I pretty much own stock in the company at this point with my variety of warmth inducing outerwear. This is my latest find and I'm loving it dearly.

We're off to M'town tomorrow. My family and good food and relaxation await...I'm so excited and will check in from there all next week.

XOXO

Thankful Friday (Giving Thanks Day 2)

I'm back for Day 2 of my personal Giving Thanks series...are we having fun yet?!

A decision has been made that sometimes, I just can't limit this to one thing per post, so for those times I'm feeling especially thankful (like every day), I'm going to list a few. Here we go:

It just doesn't get any better than these two. Commonly known as my "fur babies," they make every day brighter. You can't beat them for snuggling, and I know with utmost certainty that no one will ever love me quite like they do. I also know that the feeling is entirely mutual.

FRIDAYS (can I get an AMEN?)

After all, we don't all go around saying TGIF for nothing! I'm especially thankful for this Friday though. I've got big plans. They involve holiday music, wine and a huge assortment of decor items. That's all I'm sayin. AND the fun will continue into tomorrow along with some packing and general errand running. Then we're off to M'town for delicious time with the family and all things Thankful.

My news reader. This has changed my life. I seek information. Crave it. Need it. I like to be informed. And once upon I time, I was visiting a huge list of sources daily to get said info. Enter RSS feeds - like magic, my info comes to me. And my network grows daily. I love that.

People like this and this. I'm inspired and humbled and a little awestruck.

Happy Friday all (TGIF) - hope your weekend holds all the entries on your own list.

Spare a Minute, Make a Difference

This just in from Wayne at HSUS. Their trusty investigators have broken yet another investigation into the ongoing saga of the cruel puppymill industry - this one involving Petland.

You know my feelings on this issue, so thank you for allowing me this stage to highlight the latest offense.

There is simply no reason for this - not today - and we cannot stand for ongoing consumer deception about the origin of these furry friends. If you're so inclined, please take a moment and send an email to add your voice to the growing demand for justice.

We owe these animals nothing less. And it is certainly a start.

PS - let's encourage anyone planning to purchase a puppy as a holiday gift to 1) think twice and really evaluate whether that important choice is suited for a gift and 2) skip the pet store and instead visit a shelter where so many precious fur babies await forever homes.

Giving Thanks

My blog reader grows exceptionally fast. It seems that every day I stumble upon several new blogs that strike a chord somewhere within. So - another entry to the blogroll. Another delightful spot to visit for inspiration, a new perspective, different thought patterns, myriad experiences.

And sometimes, I find an idea that I love so much - I just must participate.

So, here we go. I will attempt to spend the time before Thanksgiving posting daily on things I'm thankful for. The entries on that list far outweigh the days left until Turkey Day, and I do recognize how special and awesome that is. Without further ado, here is day one of my personal giving thanks series:

That guy up there is Hubby. We've been on the crazy, amazing, fun journey of marriage for just under 2 years now. And we've been together in some capacity for close to 7. He's kind of a saint. He puts up with me and loves me equally when I'm nice and shiny AND when I'm NOT nice and can't muster shine from anywhere, try as I might. He's supportive and there. All the time. Every day. And he's better at expression than me, but he understands my limits and accepts them. And so I tell him here what I can't always tell him (or show him) in the moment. Life got a whole lot better once he was in it. I hold my breath when he flies anywhere for work (and that happens a lot) until I'm sure he's on the ground safely because the thought of life without him inspires panic of a nature I'm not equipped to describe.

I'm happiest in the mundane activities of life these days- because they involve us. I love grocery shopping and lunch at our favorite deli and running in the park with our dogs - just because time spent with him is time treasured.

He almost never complains. I nag about clutter and he clears it away. He knows I love Christmas and he'll spend hours wondering through shops with me to find the perfect ornament even though I KNOW he'd rather be watching football. He'll pull out his computer and read the latest sports news while I watch yet another episode of "GH" or "9 - 0."

Every day he shows me patience and support and encouragement. And every day, even if I pout or whine or complain in the process, I fall in love - with him- all over again.

Happy Love Thursday. Don't forget to give thanks for those people and things and moments that complete your life. Thanks Hubby - love you. XOXO

A Love Like No Other

I came across this moving tribute today perusing one of my favorite blogs and it moved me no end (as I'm sure you can imagine based on my propensity to OBSESS over animals. ALL animals, but dogs in particular).

I love Cisco's story and the beautiful way he blended with this family and the special relationship he shared with each of its members.

This is so true of dogs. There is simply no better love. Joy takes on new meaning when those little faces greet you with sheer excitement day after day, time after time. Waiting loyally for you to come home. They want nothing more. No agenda. No ulterior motive...just your love and your time and the occasional belly scratch and yummy treat.

I cannot fathom that final goodbye, although I know I'd make the same choice and I'd be there. In the room. Holding that beloved paw one last time. I applaud this family for recognizing that they owed that moment to Cisco. To repay in a small way the millions of moments he gave them over his lifetime.

He was a lucky dog. A loved dog. And he'll leave this world looking at the faces he loved most in it. I wish ALL dogs had a story like this one.

Tonight, I'll snuggle my guys extra close and give them 2 cookies instead of 1 before dinner. And in our own way, from afar, we'll honor Cisco and send good thoughts and many woofs to keep him company on his journey over the rainbow bridge. RIP sweet furry friend!

Celebration is in the Air

This was a banner weekend for a couple of my best girlfriends and I thought their special news warranted a special post.

One friend is now engaged to marry the man of her dreams - in a fun island adventure that I'm sure will capture their spice and spirit perfectly. She's always added the right amount of spice to my life and I couldn't be happier for her. She stood with me on my wedding day and I cannot wait to return the favor. In the meantime though, congratulations Beck. May you enjoy every step of this journey to one of life's greatest moments.

And the other welcomed a gorgeous bundle of pink joy to the world. I cannot wait to meet Baby Emmy in person - I'm sure she has her Mommy's sweet spirit and disposition and already shares joy with all who encounter her.

As we head into the Thanksgiving holiday, I'm especially thankful for these treasured sisters of my heart and the many moments that bring us joy and give us reason to pop open the champagne.

Congrats again to you both! Bring on the Veuve!! XOXO

Sundays at Home

Sometimes the power of a weekend to restart your jets and right all wrongs is just astounding.

Last week was one for the books at work; nothing in particular, just one of those weeks. By the time Friday arrived, I felt like I'd fought a couple of battles...suffice it to say, the weekend was earned!

Anyway, I digress...because I'm sitting here now on this lovely Sunday evening reflecting on another terrific weekend. We crossed many errands off our lists, made a few new lists (because let's face it that is just the way it is) and enjoyed ourselves all around. A few highlights:

We finally framed and hung a series of photos we've been meaning to get to for quite some time. We are very pleased with the results.

I visited the photography school that is just mere blocks away. Browsed the gallery and picked up a brochure and class schedule. I'm researching the specifics now, but hopefully I'll be able to join their ranks come January...

We celebrated a milestone birthday with great friends. A casual, laid back affair with good wine, good people and great conversation. Hard to top that combination.

Continued date night action with a lovely dinner at a neighborhood Italian joint. Yum, yum!

Did some shopping and started to organize our thoughts and processes for Xmas gifts. Bought a few items to add to my Christmas decor collection and discussed pulling out the tree next Friday to kickstart the transformation of Casa Carretta to Santa's Wonderland (this thrills me NO END).

Congratulated (from afar) and sent good thoughts and many prayers to my dear friend Robin as she welcomed her gorgeous daughter into the world. Welcome Miss Emmy - we can't wait to meet you in person.

Enjoyed a lovely Sunday at Home and recognized how very lucky we are indeed. Popcorn and a late afternoon movie snuggled on the couch with snow flurries falling. Reloading the ipod for a week of (at least) semi-regular workouts and typing this post surrounded by amazing smells coming from the kitchen as Hubby prepares dinner. Simple joys.

Cheers to a great week - hope your weekend recharged you!