Category Archives: Update

If Finders are Keepers then – I’m a Real Loser ……

Posted in Life in General, Uncategorized, Update by

I lose EVERYTHING.  I lose things while I’m in the process of looking for other things. The biggest and most regrettable thing I lost was my engagement ring from my first marriage. It was a beautiful ring and I know that it was picked out with love.  My most recent things Ive lost are a stack of important money saving receipts and my FitBit.  My FitBit is super important because it helps me keep track of my sleep.  The funny thing is  – I know it’s in my house and I distinctly remember taking it off while I was all dressed to go to a wedding two weeks ago.  0e5d74b185ad93d0dcf3e8e5cbd77b20.png

So, why do I keep losing things? What is the best way to keep track of my lost things? Apple® came up with Find My iPhone – which I swear I use on a daily basis.  Tile® is an amazing tool to find your keys, wallet, phone or even your child and it’s reasonably priced. Click N’ Dig® has the same premise and is even cheaper. But what about the rings? Fitbits? and receipts of the world?  I’ve been trying these tips to help me stay organized:

  •  I’ve tried putting things in a special designated area. I suppose I need to become more disciplined, because it always seems like it’s that one time I don’t do it – that I lose it. So, what’s a girl to do?  Maintain order – keep your designated areas clean and clutter free.  I’m a clutter bug – so this part is always a work in progress.  Make sure I ALWAYS use the same designated area and when I get too lazy remind myself how much I owe to Saint Anthony. 
  • I started using a bulletin board in the kitchen.  Even though it gets crowded quickly – it reminds me not to forget things that are due.  Bills, meal prep calendars, cleaners tickets, and doodles all make it up onto the board.  I like having everything in one place.  I’ve been keeping my calendar up there as well – and color coding it.  I feel like the less things I have to remember – the less inclined my crowded brain is to lose or forget something.
  •  I also know that mindfulness plays a big key in not losing things, too. Staying focused and in the moment – consciously aware of where you are placing something is key. It’s tough, but crucial. I know that there are times when I “focus” on doing something – knowing it is a fantastic place to put something.  Then when I come back to it – I realize i was neither truly focusing on it nor was it a fantastic place to put it. Working on my mindfulness skills is not only helpful with me keeping track of things but emotionally too. Staying in the present moment – is proven to lower stress and anxiety

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  • As silly as this last one is going to seem – stop taking things off even when I think I’m going to remember it.  It’s as if the country song Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off by Joe Nichols was written about me.  I’ve lost my engagement ring to a wedding reception bathroom – because I took it off to lotion it. I’ve lost countless pairs of sunglasses because I’ve taken them off and placed them God only knows where.  I lost my fitbit when I was changing for a wedding.  Keeping organized and track of my things is important – but keeping them on my body is even more important.

Hopefully some of these tips can help you keep track of your things! What are some things you have lost? What tips do you have to keep track of your property? I’d love to hear from you!!!

You Chick I Chick We ALL Chick for Chicken Coops

Posted in Animal Rights/Animals, Chicks and Hens, Life in General, Uncategorized, Update by

Well – it’s finally been done! We came together and built the ladies a nice big coop.  Though it isn’t exactly the coop I had in mind – we bought a nice sized coop from Tractor Supply Stores.  I like to think of it as a temporary coop for my ladies until we can afford a nicer coop. Like a “starter” coop, if you will.  What I loved about this project is that it was a chance for  Nick and his boys to get together and work on a project.

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I did some “whitewashing” and then resigned to baking the boys some chocolate cookies – for all their hard work.  It was really nice to see them work together and know that their efforts as a team would pay off.   Now, the ladies have four nice nesting boxes and a decent sized run to play and lounge in this summer.  I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better afternoon and a team of fantastic guys to make my dream come true!

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Thanks, guys! For all your hard work! I’m sure the ladies will appreciate all of your endeavors as much as I do! xoxo

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Life and It’s Shenanigans

Posted in Goats, Life in General, Update by

Life has a way of getting in the way of things – and most assuredly shaking things up. After a super long hiatus – 2 illnesses diagnosed, some very difficult heartbreaks, 1 new blended family and a very chaotic life – I’m back (hopefully for good). And just in time to brag about my adorable baby chicks. My boyfriend, Nick, and I decided to invest in some adorable hybrid production Reds – which have now taken up a nice section of my dining room. Everyone is thrilled – the dogs can’t get enough of them and Nubbins (yes there is a goat in my kitchen) keeps sneaking peaks into the dining room. We’re super amped for these gals to grow up and spring to really start. What are you doing to get ready for Spring? Did you have a tough winter like us? Let me know!!
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Fall at the Frost Farm

Posted in Life in General, Travel, Trips, Update by

I’m aware that I have been on quite the hiatus this summer.  I do have some nifty recipes and pictures to post eventually.

Don't Let the Picture Fool You

                                                             Don’t Let the Picture Fool You

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Impromptu Snow Day

Posted in Life in General, Update by

Lately, I’ve been back on writing my novel.  It’s a gigantic process in the making and I’ve been writing it for the past 9 years.  Most of the time – I don’t think I’ll ever finish, but every once in a while, I pick up my gigantic stack of research books, look at my old links online and begin to type a page or two.  As anyone who reads my blog knows, I’m anything other than structured when I write and I try not to force myself into doing something I truly enjoy.

However, with all the snow we’ve been getting in the Northeast lately – I’ve been having plenty of time to jot down some thoughts and get some inspiration, catch up on my shows, take care of my sick goat, set the house up for St. Patrick’s day, grade papers, and pay some bills . THANK YOU – SNOW DAYS!!

BUT it can’t all be about writing (though it should be) and chores. SO luckily – I’ve also had some time to take some adorable (albeit, he’s not that happy about it) pictures of Harley in the snow!!

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What about you? Have you been making the best of the wacky weather this winter? Or just wishing it was Spring already?

Where the Heck Have I Been ? My Semi Hiatus from blogging and life ….

Posted in Life in General, Update by

Once again – I’ve been neglecting my blogging.  I’ve sworn to myself that this blog would be a manifestation of all the crazy adventures and experiences in my life. Positivity vs negativity. Which is precisely why I haven’t been writing.   The end of 2014 and beginning of 2015 brought with it some very difficult hurdles. There were kidney stones, stress of the holidays, my standard Christmas cold, my February battle with the Flu and then ….. the loss of an amazing friend.  I am not going to turn this post or blog into a haven for doom and gloom.  Jess wouldn’t want that and I don’t want that.  She was an outstanding person with an amazing determination.  She knew what it was like to fight an invisible connective tissue disease – that takes more out of you than sometimes you are willing to put in.  She was there to listen and tell me exactly what I needed to do/get tested for next. She was my go-to guru, lunch partner, confidant, fangirl-ing friend. I miss her terribly.  I could do a whole post – about Jess – about how she fought lupus, never gave up and encouraged me to live my life to the fullest. Which is why – this blog is going to be about what I AM doing – to live my life, enjoy everyday and continue the fight.

To find out more about lupus, overlap diseases and other autoimmune diseases check out these links:

www.lupus.org – a great resource on what it means to have lupus and resources for family/friends

www.mollysfund.org – a great page that discusses what it is like to live with lupus and overlap diseases

www.butyoudontlooksick.com – resources, articles, etc – for anyone living with/with someone who has an invisible illness

Learning WHILE Teaching …..

Posted in Life in General, Trips, Update by

HOLY SCHMOLLY …. it’s been a while.

What do you think of when you hear Back to School?  Most likely, pictures of apples, pumpkin lattes, long sleeved sweaters and all things autumn begin to creep into your mind. At least – if you’re in the North East like me.  Well, school has officially started and brought with it some of the hottest weather this season!  While – it may not FEEL like “teaching” weather – I certainly am getting in the spirit of getting my class started.

I also – have  COMPLETELY neglected by BlogWriting – status. A huge No No in the Blog writing world.  Unfortunately, between curriculum planning, observations, parent meetings and 11 hours of tutoring a week – I really haven’t had a chance to whip up a decent entry. Though I would like to.  It has – on the other hand – opened me up to a bunch of exciting materials TO blog about – when I can find the moment to sit down and write.  But in case anyone was wondering this is the short version of what I’ve been up to in the past few weeks:

1.Nick and I went to Lake George and spent a sick week at The Sagamore

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Memories and Missed Moments: A Time to Live and a Time to Remember

Posted in Life in General, Uncategorized, Update by

Take care of all your memories. For you cannot relive them.
Bob Dylan

I’m not a huge Dylan fan – but he really has a point.

Every once in a while – you have to take a moment to stop and be grateful for everything you have – right then and there – in that present moment. So many times we get caught up living in the past or looking towards the future. It fuels anger, creates anxieties and lessens our quality of life. In turn – our present moments – will someday be memories. Memories that you can never have again. Moments passing you by.
I’d prefer to have those solid memories and look onto them with happiness – knowing I appreciated them WHEN THEY WERE HAPPENING as much as I am appreciating recollecting them.

Recently, I lost a good high school friend of mine. He was part of our quintessential “clique” of teenage boys and girls. Hanging in parks and playing in (or in my case “watching”) garage bands, piggy back rides and first kisses, late night horror movies and prom dates. Some of us kept in touch, some went our separate ways. Joe and I hadn’t spoken in years – we had lost contact with each other – as people often do. But – I would often think of him from time to time. In pictures, videos or yearbook scribblings – I would think of how we’ve all turned into a gaggle of goofy and successful adults. Past discretions forgiven and nothing but coo’s and coddles for weddings, new homes, jobs and babies ….

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NY State Renaissance Festival – Best Birthday A Girl Could Ask For …

Posted in Life in General, Trips, Uncategorized, Update by

Last Wednesday was my birthday. And naturally – much to my husbands chagrin – his Leo wife found herself spreading a birth”day” into a birth”week”.   Aside – from getting a new lens (which I am learning slowly but surely), going out to eat with family and trekking to the Mutter Museum in Philadelphia – I also got AppleTv. Which is very – very dangerous.  I am a self – admitting TV Binge Watcher.

BUT – when Nick asked me where I wanted to go for my birthday – I knew there was only ONE place we NEEDED to go: THE NEW YORK RENAISSANCE FAIRE.  We had to wait until the weekend, Nick had never gone to a Renn. Fair before and I wasn’t quite sure how he would FARE at the FAIRE.  Though – I knew Nick is very comfortable with my post-goth, post-reenacting, history loving, very dramatic personality – I wasn’t positive he would be able handle others with the same “interests” – all in the same place – AT THE SAME TIME.  BUT – as always – he was trooper and ended up really enjoying himself.  I love when he leaves his comfort-zone. 🙂

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Harley, Hiking and Reaching New Heights

Posted in How To, Life in General, Update by

Finding the time to do the things I love can be challenging.  Most certainly during the school year, but even during summer vacation.  And ever I was diagnosed with RA (Arthritis is not just a disease of old age. Two-thirds of people with arthritis are under the age of 65, including 300,000 children.) two years ago – it’s been an uphill battle with walking, bending, cooking, sitting, sleeping, eating and pretty much doing any kind of normal function.  It broke my heart to have to give up some of the things I absolutely LOVE to do.  That’s why – on a good day – when I can – I strap my hiking shoes on, queue up my Playlist, lead up Harley and head out into the woods. Last week I was  finally able to get out on a walk with Big H.  He’s been cooped up for the better half of two years – except for the occasional walk around our local development and yard time (of course). Harley has been off leash trained since he was 6 months old and the beagle in him loves a good nature sniff. So, I loaded him into the car and headed off to trek around one of the local hiking trails in my neck of the woods.  If pups can experience pure BLISS – Harley sure was! Mentally – I always feel my best during a hike – but it was even more special to experience my first walk -in a long time -with him. I love how I just never know what we’re going to find. Every turn, bridge and path – leads to a new adventure that’s never the same the next time we trek out. An hour and half later – we had discovered a turkey nest, caught some grasshoppers, spotted a fawn and snapped some cool shots. IMG_0285   Was I sore by the end? ABSOLUTELY.  Did it wet my appetite to get out there a bit more often? You had better believe it! Was it worth it to see Harley smile – EVERY BIT !!!! img_0287i

Are you like me ? Do you feel more at peace in the woods or are you more of a beach/city person?