I know you all are probably really sick of hearing me marvel at the conclusion of every month, saying how I can't believe how fast time is flying and seeming totally surprised that another month is about to be behind us, but I can't help it tonight when I say this: where the heck did the first month of 2011 go?! Wow!! I've got to say, if the rest of the year keeps up as it's begun, it's going to be a GREAT year :)
Sorry about that random intro! Onto my real "like!"
There aren't many TV shows that I regularly follow. I follow "The Office" weekly, I watch TLC often but don't make it a point to catch every new episode of everything the week it comes out, the Food Network is always on here in my room as great background noise (I'm a fan of background noise while I'm working or just hanging around)...Since senior year of high school through now, though, I've become a huge fan of Gilmore Girls. I never followed it when it was actually on, but ever since I discovered that ABC Family shows it every day at 5 (or at least that's what the time was two years ago!), it's easily turned into one of my favorite shows. For Christmas either last year or the year before Santa brought us the first season DVD set and that's when I really got hooked. It's now become a nice way to wind down a long day in class and rehearsal...I really look forward to my evenings (or nights, depending on when I get home..ha!) when I can sit down with my dinner, catch up on an episode or two online--Hulu.com always has a great selection of episodes each week!--and chat with Mom over AIM and completely chill out for a little bit without worrying about having to turn around and head back out to be somewhere on time!
This frequent routine has become one that I'm really thankful for as I believe that breathing time is absolutely necessary, especially in the middle of a chaotic schedule! Even if 45 minutes isn't available to us on a given day, 10 minutes is better than nothing! The smallest bits of free time can be the most important parts of the day!
Tonight, as the first month of the year draws to a close, Gilmore Girls and mindless "me" time make me happy :)
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Day 97: January 30, 2011.
I saw a little girl on the subway on my way to church this morning who brightened my whole morning. I was already in a good mood (I LOVE Sundays!) but she made me even happier. She wasn't really doing much of anything...She was sitting on her dad's lap, repeating the word "Daddy" and looking around and around wide-eyed from the time I got on the train at 14th and 3rd to the time they got off at 6th Ave (2 stops). There was no purpose behind her babbling except for because she was enjoying saying it. Her huge eyes were constantly moving, taking in everything and everyone on the train. She was in her own little world over there but was very much a part of the world she shared with the rest of us. A few other passengers had the same reaction as me, smiling at how cute she was until either they or the family got off, and I was reminded of the innocent joy that kids harbor. To me, that is one of the most beautiful joys that exists because it's so real. It was early, it was cold, it was a bumpy train ride, but that girl didn't mind. I'm not really sure if she even noticed any of those things as I had because she was too busy enjoying the moment at hand.
I see kids like this fairly frequently either on the train or walking down the street and each and every one of them makes me smile. It's so refreshing to cross paths with them because all it takes is that couple seconds or few minutes to remember to stop dwelling on the annoyances that really just don't matter and live in and be grateful for each and every moment! :)
Today, the wisdom of children and their silent lessons make me happy :)
Day 96: January 29, 2011.
As I was walking to yoga earlier this evening I saw this sight and had to snap a picture because I thought it was so cool:
The day before there had been a movie advertisement here, and honestly I never even really thought twice about it. But today it was becoming something else because of the work of the guy up on that lift who had to go in and paint the new ad.
I was actually amazed by this and found myself walking slower as I passed so I could watch him work. Remember in middle school math class (I don't remember which year) we had to do those graphing assignments? I don't remember much about them except for we were given a small version of an image and a normal-sized piece of graphing paper. Our job was to translate the image to the graph paper accurately, being precise in our measurements and making it look exactly like the model only bigger. Like I said, I don't remember much about the assignment except for the fact that I struggled with it. I actually don't even remember if I finished it! I guess my brain just doesn't think like that? I don't know, but I do know that that's why I found this guy's work so amazing! There I was in 6th or 7th grade unable to draw an image on a little piece of graph paper right in front of me, yet here was this worker--this artist--doing basically the same thing, but creating a real piece of art for the public and doing so in the public's eye! Not to mention he was including shading and other compositional elements that, in my opinion, gave this new advertisement (or whatever it's meant to be) a real artistic spin. SO awesome!!
Today, being able to witness people working in their element that's so far out of my own makes me happy :)
Day 95: January 28, 2011.
Friday :) I don't really know what to say about today besides the fact that it's Friday! Nothing has stood out as being particularly great today, but from the get-go I woke up with a calmness and a peace knowing that it's the end of the school week! I love days like today, when nothing really has to even happen and it's just a great day! All day I've tried to put my finger on exactly what I'd document for today, but I think I'm going to go with that seemingly unclear cause of happiness that comes with the close of a chaotic week!
Today, the feeling of accomplishing one more week--in this case, the first week of the semester!--is enough to make me happy, happy, happy :)
Today, the feeling of accomplishing one more week--in this case, the first week of the semester!--is enough to make me happy, happy, happy :)
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Day 94: January 27, 2011.
So I know that toward the end of winter break, all I wanted was to be back in the city and be back at school and be busy and productive again, blah blah blah. And this definitely is true! It feels so great to be back in school again and be spending my days in the dance studio rather than sitting on the couch all day every day. Today, however, I was more than ecstatic to find out that due to the crazy weather and the amount of snowfall that the city saw overnight NYU broke down and called off school for the day.
SNOW DAY!!
We may only be in the first week of classes for the semester, but finding out that school's been closed thanks to snow is as exciting at 20 years old as it is at eight! While I opted to spend my day inside doing some reading for class and laying low instead of going outside to play in the 19 inches of snow that had fallen, this day was absolutely wonderful! I got things done that had to get done and got to kick back and enjoy the day while doing so! During the cold wintertime, sometimes that's the way to go! :)
Also, the 2011 family beach week has been set! The McGowans and (some) Rossbachs will be hitting up the OBX for a week of fun and tons of laughs! It's going to be a great time! :)
Tonight, snow days and family vacation planning make me happy :)
P.S. As silly as this may seem, Vermont Village cinnamon applesauce is my newfound love. SO tasty!!
SNOW DAY!!
We may only be in the first week of classes for the semester, but finding out that school's been closed thanks to snow is as exciting at 20 years old as it is at eight! While I opted to spend my day inside doing some reading for class and laying low instead of going outside to play in the 19 inches of snow that had fallen, this day was absolutely wonderful! I got things done that had to get done and got to kick back and enjoy the day while doing so! During the cold wintertime, sometimes that's the way to go! :)
Also, the 2011 family beach week has been set! The McGowans and (some) Rossbachs will be hitting up the OBX for a week of fun and tons of laughs! It's going to be a great time! :)
Tonight, snow days and family vacation planning make me happy :)
P.S. As silly as this may seem, Vermont Village cinnamon applesauce is my newfound love. SO tasty!!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Day 93: January 26, 2011.
It's snowing really hard right now. Like thunder-snowstorming. I know the odds are slim (like, probably not going to happen) but I'm going to keep believing that there's a possible chance of classes being cancelled tomorrow :)
It's been really grey and snowy all day actually, as I know it's been back home in Virginia as well. (All you lucky ducks with those snow days! ;)) I went to bed early last night and slept all through the night quite peacefully, so even though I woke up this morning with a little extra energy just knowing that you have to trudge down the street through the disgusting slush that's taking over the sidewalks is enough to start draining that energy before you even step foot outside! (Though I really can't complain one bit, for I know that the traffic in Virginia all afternoon has been absolutely and utterly insane...it took a neighbor of mine an hour and a half to get from the grocery store back to his house...the grocery store is four miles away. People have been sitting for hours and still have a good way to go!! So crazy!!) Anyway, needless to say by the time dance was done this morning I was beat. And knew the day was only halfway done. (I still had comp class, was planning on taking yoga-which I did and it was wonderful!, and then rehearsal ending at 10...there were still somethings to be done!) I decided it would probably be in my best interest to take a little nap while I had the time during my break this afternoon. Let me tell you, even if you don't think you're in need of a little midday snooze, some days it would just be in your best interest to take one! I turned on my music low, crawled into bed and slept for no more than probably 25 minutes or so, but it was a 25-minute power nap that gave me that little boost of energy that I was able to ride off of for the rest of the afternoon! Sometimes--always--our bodies know best what it's in need of. Sleep included! So I think it's really important to listen to it when it's telling us to shut off the TV, get off the phone, turn off our computers and just let it properly heal! This is something I'm definitely going to be very aware of as the coming weeks grow busier and busier! :)
Tonight, as I pray for classes to be called off tomorrow due to this crazy weather, the ability our body has to restore itself during times of rest, no matter how quick or pointless they may seem to us at the time, makes me happy and is something to be very grateful for! :)
It's been really grey and snowy all day actually, as I know it's been back home in Virginia as well. (All you lucky ducks with those snow days! ;)) I went to bed early last night and slept all through the night quite peacefully, so even though I woke up this morning with a little extra energy just knowing that you have to trudge down the street through the disgusting slush that's taking over the sidewalks is enough to start draining that energy before you even step foot outside! (Though I really can't complain one bit, for I know that the traffic in Virginia all afternoon has been absolutely and utterly insane...it took a neighbor of mine an hour and a half to get from the grocery store back to his house...the grocery store is four miles away. People have been sitting for hours and still have a good way to go!! So crazy!!) Anyway, needless to say by the time dance was done this morning I was beat. And knew the day was only halfway done. (I still had comp class, was planning on taking yoga-which I did and it was wonderful!, and then rehearsal ending at 10...there were still somethings to be done!) I decided it would probably be in my best interest to take a little nap while I had the time during my break this afternoon. Let me tell you, even if you don't think you're in need of a little midday snooze, some days it would just be in your best interest to take one! I turned on my music low, crawled into bed and slept for no more than probably 25 minutes or so, but it was a 25-minute power nap that gave me that little boost of energy that I was able to ride off of for the rest of the afternoon! Sometimes--always--our bodies know best what it's in need of. Sleep included! So I think it's really important to listen to it when it's telling us to shut off the TV, get off the phone, turn off our computers and just let it properly heal! This is something I'm definitely going to be very aware of as the coming weeks grow busier and busier! :)
Tonight, as I pray for classes to be called off tomorrow due to this crazy weather, the ability our body has to restore itself during times of rest, no matter how quick or pointless they may seem to us at the time, makes me happy and is something to be very grateful for! :)
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Day 92: January 25, 2011.
I'm a sleepy, sleepy girl tonight so I don't think I have the brain power to type for too long. It was a long day of classes (but a good day of classes!) and I'm pretty positive if I went to bed right now I'd sleep all the way through the night like a baby! Regardless, I'd say today was a great Tuesday and the week is rolling right along!
From 8:00 until 12:15 this morning I was at the dance building for my dance classes (pilates, ballet and modern). It's not always easy to be up for classes when it's as cold as it is outside, but today it was really fun to look out the window to see big, fluffy snowflakes swirling down on Second Avenue! I know I usually complain about snow in the city, about how gross it is and everything, but I have to say that today's snowfall was so pretty and it was such a nice sight to see as classes went on! The best part was that it didn't stick at all so when it came time to leave the building and be out walking in the weather, we didn't have to trudge through slush! Loved that! :)
Also, my sister posted this on my Facebook wall days ago and I kept forgetting to put it on here, but this picture makes me smile daily:
From 8:00 until 12:15 this morning I was at the dance building for my dance classes (pilates, ballet and modern). It's not always easy to be up for classes when it's as cold as it is outside, but today it was really fun to look out the window to see big, fluffy snowflakes swirling down on Second Avenue! I know I usually complain about snow in the city, about how gross it is and everything, but I have to say that today's snowfall was so pretty and it was such a nice sight to see as classes went on! The best part was that it didn't stick at all so when it came time to leave the building and be out walking in the weather, we didn't have to trudge through slush! Loved that! :)
Also, my sister posted this on my Facebook wall days ago and I kept forgetting to put it on here, but this picture makes me smile daily:
So tonight, beautiful winter weather and my goofy sister make me happy :)
Monday, January 24, 2011
Day 91: January 24, 2011.
Today it was six degrees as I walked to my 9 A.M. ballet class.
I'm not really a morning person or a cold person, so that wasn't my favorite combination of things to be living first thing on a Monday morning. Actually, I don't particularly like or dislike either--morning and cold--but if it's not going to snow I definitely prefer heat and warm sunshine! Anyway, a little January cold wasn't able to bring down this day!
It was the first day of classes for 2011's spring term, the second semester of my second year of school. I woke up this morning as a junior in college (which is crazy) and completely ready to get this semester under way and start working! The first ballet class back was accomplished with some struggle, but it's all uphill from here! But as tired as I am tonight (yes, I'm quite sleepy!), Mondays are actually one of my easy days...It's time to really buckle down and get ready to work. There's no time for dillydallying these days!
But that's totally fine with me. I'm ready to go :)
Today, on this FREEZING Monday night, a great start to a great semester makes me happy :)
I'm not really a morning person or a cold person, so that wasn't my favorite combination of things to be living first thing on a Monday morning. Actually, I don't particularly like or dislike either--morning and cold--but if it's not going to snow I definitely prefer heat and warm sunshine! Anyway, a little January cold wasn't able to bring down this day!
It was the first day of classes for 2011's spring term, the second semester of my second year of school. I woke up this morning as a junior in college (which is crazy) and completely ready to get this semester under way and start working! The first ballet class back was accomplished with some struggle, but it's all uphill from here! But as tired as I am tonight (yes, I'm quite sleepy!), Mondays are actually one of my easy days...It's time to really buckle down and get ready to work. There's no time for dillydallying these days!
But that's totally fine with me. I'm ready to go :)
Today, on this FREEZING Monday night, a great start to a great semester makes me happy :)
Day 90: January 23, 2011.
Five words for today:
HillsongNYC is where it's at :) :)
Today, a strong church family and a place to firmly plant my feet in this city make me happy :)
HillsongNYC is where it's at :) :)
Today, a strong church family and a place to firmly plant my feet in this city make me happy :)
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Day 89: January 22, 2011.
My Facebook status right now says this:
Love what you do. I pray that if you don't love what you do, you're able to find something that you can love to do within that task. For when you're filling your time with something that you love to do, time means nothing and it's no longer a task, but rather a gift. This is why I dance and I'm so thankful for nights like these when I'm reminded of exactly that.
It's no real pearl of wisdom, but it's something I truly believe to be true. I took a much needed contemporary class tonight by one of my favorite teachers Calen (check back a few posts...he was the one who one the dance teacher award...and rightfully so!!) and I have to say that it was exactly what I needed to take before going into the craziness of the semester on Monday. Warm up was hard. Very hard. Especially seeing as I haven't been in class regularly in five weeks. But soon enough I'll be in shape again and it won't be so painful. (Well, no, it'll still be painful, but in a much better way! Haha!) The improv and the combo though are what are sticking with me tonight. He turned on the song we were going to use and before teaching us his combination he let us do a little improvisation for ourselves. It felt good beyond words. He then taught us the combination, yet while there was a set string of movements, the interpretation varied by dancer and it was one of the most beautiful things to watch. It felt wonderful to dance and really be able to play with.
I'm a thankful girl on this cold Saturday night. I'm thankful for the ability to do what I love. Don't get me wrong, dance isn't necessarily the "glamorous" life that it may be perceived to be; a lot of work has to go into it, as with anything else, and some days it's the hardest thing in the world to get yourself out of bed to go to class. But then you go to class and you feel your body moving and you hear the music (or the silence) and knowing that you're able to fill that space with motions of your body...and knowing that whatever you're thinking and feeling is able to come out in a demonstration of visual artistry, to me, is an honor. I remember then why I do what I do.
It's well worth the work and I wouldn't trade it for anything :)
Tonight, dance makes me happy :) It may be simple, but it couldn't be more true :)
Love what you do. I pray that if you don't love what you do, you're able to find something that you can love to do within that task. For when you're filling your time with something that you love to do, time means nothing and it's no longer a task, but rather a gift. This is why I dance and I'm so thankful for nights like these when I'm reminded of exactly that.
It's no real pearl of wisdom, but it's something I truly believe to be true. I took a much needed contemporary class tonight by one of my favorite teachers Calen (check back a few posts...he was the one who one the dance teacher award...and rightfully so!!) and I have to say that it was exactly what I needed to take before going into the craziness of the semester on Monday. Warm up was hard. Very hard. Especially seeing as I haven't been in class regularly in five weeks. But soon enough I'll be in shape again and it won't be so painful. (Well, no, it'll still be painful, but in a much better way! Haha!) The improv and the combo though are what are sticking with me tonight. He turned on the song we were going to use and before teaching us his combination he let us do a little improvisation for ourselves. It felt good beyond words. He then taught us the combination, yet while there was a set string of movements, the interpretation varied by dancer and it was one of the most beautiful things to watch. It felt wonderful to dance and really be able to play with.
I'm a thankful girl on this cold Saturday night. I'm thankful for the ability to do what I love. Don't get me wrong, dance isn't necessarily the "glamorous" life that it may be perceived to be; a lot of work has to go into it, as with anything else, and some days it's the hardest thing in the world to get yourself out of bed to go to class. But then you go to class and you feel your body moving and you hear the music (or the silence) and knowing that you're able to fill that space with motions of your body...and knowing that whatever you're thinking and feeling is able to come out in a demonstration of visual artistry, to me, is an honor. I remember then why I do what I do.
It's well worth the work and I wouldn't trade it for anything :)
Tonight, dance makes me happy :) It may be simple, but it couldn't be more true :)
Day 87: January 21, 2011.
I'm really thankful today for health. Our bodies are capable of so much, but only if we take care of them as they should be taken care of. It's feeling really good to be eating right and being active again! It's so hard to find motivation to do both of those things during the holiday season--that's what I find at least!--but I'm happy to say that that phase has passed and I'm loving living healthily again! It's been fun eating real food for dinner--not just cereal and sandwiches and whatever else I can whip up fast, which I got used to doing during the first semester--and it's been nice getting back into dance and yoga classes while gearing up for the coming semester! I'm back on track and ready to tackle it all! :)
Today, all-around health (mental, physical, and emotional) makes me happy :)
Today, all-around health (mental, physical, and emotional) makes me happy :)
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Day 86: January 20, 2011.
Today was a really good day! Unfortunately with my head still pretty full of pressure everything I did felt a little more laborious. You know that feeling?! I don't feel sick or anything, but I just don't feel right quite yet. Regardless, it WAS a good day!
I have to say the best thing about this day was the yoga class I took. I'm a huge fan of yoga. Not hot yoga so much, but regular Vinyasa yoga I love, love, love! And the more I do it the more I enjoy it. Once it came time to go to class it was around 4. Class started at 4:30 and I needed to be sure to get a spot. Anyway, by that time in the afternoon I began getting really lazy. I'd already taken a dance class this morning that had been more of a shock to my body than I'd anticipated, so that on top of not feeling one hundred percent was enough to make me want to do nothing but lay on the couch. But wait, what have I done for the past five weeks?! Oh yeah...lay on the couch. What did I come back to the city early to do?! Oh yeah...take class and enjoy time to do so before classes start Monday. So I went, and I have to say that that was probably the best decision I could have made! No matter how tired I am, I always have to remember that I'm going to come out of class feeling renewed and refreshed. Sometimes it's actually best to go when I'm exhausted! (I'd rather do that than go to the gym, for sure!)
A great string of events happened today, and even if I couldn't fully enjoy what was going on while they were actually going on--well, no, I enjoyed everything! I was just a little out of it all day!--it was nice to be out and doing things!
Tonight, not letting laziness take over (and having a fabulous yoga class!) make me happy! :)
I have to say the best thing about this day was the yoga class I took. I'm a huge fan of yoga. Not hot yoga so much, but regular Vinyasa yoga I love, love, love! And the more I do it the more I enjoy it. Once it came time to go to class it was around 4. Class started at 4:30 and I needed to be sure to get a spot. Anyway, by that time in the afternoon I began getting really lazy. I'd already taken a dance class this morning that had been more of a shock to my body than I'd anticipated, so that on top of not feeling one hundred percent was enough to make me want to do nothing but lay on the couch. But wait, what have I done for the past five weeks?! Oh yeah...lay on the couch. What did I come back to the city early to do?! Oh yeah...take class and enjoy time to do so before classes start Monday. So I went, and I have to say that that was probably the best decision I could have made! No matter how tired I am, I always have to remember that I'm going to come out of class feeling renewed and refreshed. Sometimes it's actually best to go when I'm exhausted! (I'd rather do that than go to the gym, for sure!)
A great string of events happened today, and even if I couldn't fully enjoy what was going on while they were actually going on--well, no, I enjoyed everything! I was just a little out of it all day!--it was nice to be out and doing things!
Tonight, not letting laziness take over (and having a fabulous yoga class!) make me happy! :)
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Day 85: January 19, 2011.
Well...I'm back!! I've been whining and carrying on about how all I want is to be back in New York and the time has finally arrived! And I do have to admit, it feels good to be back :)
But as with most travel days, it didn't pass without a deal of stress. Dad drove me into D.C. to catch my bus this morning. I was supposed to catch the bus at 9:45 at its second stop. Due to the roadblocks resulting from the motorcade that had gone through the city earlier in the morning (on top of the already slow-moving commuter traffic) we missed the 10th and H Street stop and had to race to try to get it before it left the Union Station stop. It was exactly 10 A.M. (the time of departure), Dad was pulling the car up to the bus as the driver was closing the door, but luckily he saw the car and let me on! (It was one of those laughable times that isn't funny until it's over with. Haha!) Needless to say, I successfully made it from D.C. to N.Y. in about four hours and once again I was thrown into the New York pace of life. It always happens in a matter of seconds.
Being the first day back I spent the afternoon re-situating myself as best as possible. I ran some errands (and washed my sheets...it's the perfect way to start a new semester!) and tried to get as many housekeeping things done as possible while enjoying some alone time here in the room before my roommates all come back within the next few days! Starting tomorrow, I'm planning on taking some dance classes over the weekend and getting my head in gear for the coming week! It'll be a doozy! (The first one back always is!)
Today, as I sit at the table in my room in NYC, just being back and sitting at my table in NYC makes me happy :)
But as with most travel days, it didn't pass without a deal of stress. Dad drove me into D.C. to catch my bus this morning. I was supposed to catch the bus at 9:45 at its second stop. Due to the roadblocks resulting from the motorcade that had gone through the city earlier in the morning (on top of the already slow-moving commuter traffic) we missed the 10th and H Street stop and had to race to try to get it before it left the Union Station stop. It was exactly 10 A.M. (the time of departure), Dad was pulling the car up to the bus as the driver was closing the door, but luckily he saw the car and let me on! (It was one of those laughable times that isn't funny until it's over with. Haha!) Needless to say, I successfully made it from D.C. to N.Y. in about four hours and once again I was thrown into the New York pace of life. It always happens in a matter of seconds.
Being the first day back I spent the afternoon re-situating myself as best as possible. I ran some errands (and washed my sheets...it's the perfect way to start a new semester!) and tried to get as many housekeeping things done as possible while enjoying some alone time here in the room before my roommates all come back within the next few days! Starting tomorrow, I'm planning on taking some dance classes over the weekend and getting my head in gear for the coming week! It'll be a doozy! (The first one back always is!)
Today, as I sit at the table in my room in NYC, just being back and sitting at my table in NYC makes me happy :)
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Day 84: January 18, 2011.
With every annoying situation comes a ray of light. Today I've experienced two things that I'm not really a fan of but, as cheesy as it may be, I have been able to find a positive that accompanies each!
I shouldn't be as surprised as I always seem to be at the fact that unwanted health circumstances have a way of coming on completely out of the blue at times. I always find myself totally frustrated when something random pops up out of nowhere and then begin complaining about how things always come up at the worst times, I hate feeling bad, blah blah blah. Today's sudden ear infection was no different. I've been stuffy all weekend, came down with a little cough yesterday, felt groggy but not terrible when I woke up this morning, and then come 2 P.M...Bam...My right ear was irritated and I always know that kind of hurt right off the bat. The doctor was called, a last-minute appointment was made, I went in, waited forever, got checked, and then the doctor prescribed some antibiotics and sent me on my way. I knew it was no big deal...ear infections are so easy to deal with. I knew it would be no problem once I got some medicine and it started kicking in. Really, my complaining and frustrations were totally unnecessary...I was basically just filling space with empty words due to the lack of anything else to say. Really in the grand scheme of things, it's such a minor issue...When I reminded myself that this was the case, that it's a fixable problem--and a quick fix at that!--my attitude totally reversed and I was able to enjoy the rest of my evening!
But then I had to begin packing. I really don't enjoy packing much, but luckily I had two things keeping me going: the knowledge that this time tomorrow I'll be back in New York and, more importantly, my sister's company. Morgan came into my room while I was sorting and suitcase-stuffing and she sat on my bed and spoke steadily for quite awhile. Not about anything in particular...Mostly a lot of random thoughts and questions, not meaning to make sense in the least! The accent she was speaking in was the finishing detail, making me feel like I was sitting in a show watching an actress just roll through lines...She was saying some really witty things and making me crack up the entire time! My parents, who were elsewhere in the house, could hear her as well and couldn't help but laugh at her subjects of conversation...She was a hoot! And definitely made packing much more entertaining, which is what I'm very thankful for! Packing always stresses me out quite a bit but tonight just wasn't so bad! :)
So tonight, on this last night in Virginia for a while, the ever-present light in a gloomy situation makes me happy :)
I shouldn't be as surprised as I always seem to be at the fact that unwanted health circumstances have a way of coming on completely out of the blue at times. I always find myself totally frustrated when something random pops up out of nowhere and then begin complaining about how things always come up at the worst times, I hate feeling bad, blah blah blah. Today's sudden ear infection was no different. I've been stuffy all weekend, came down with a little cough yesterday, felt groggy but not terrible when I woke up this morning, and then come 2 P.M...Bam...My right ear was irritated and I always know that kind of hurt right off the bat. The doctor was called, a last-minute appointment was made, I went in, waited forever, got checked, and then the doctor prescribed some antibiotics and sent me on my way. I knew it was no big deal...ear infections are so easy to deal with. I knew it would be no problem once I got some medicine and it started kicking in. Really, my complaining and frustrations were totally unnecessary...I was basically just filling space with empty words due to the lack of anything else to say. Really in the grand scheme of things, it's such a minor issue...When I reminded myself that this was the case, that it's a fixable problem--and a quick fix at that!--my attitude totally reversed and I was able to enjoy the rest of my evening!
But then I had to begin packing. I really don't enjoy packing much, but luckily I had two things keeping me going: the knowledge that this time tomorrow I'll be back in New York and, more importantly, my sister's company. Morgan came into my room while I was sorting and suitcase-stuffing and she sat on my bed and spoke steadily for quite awhile. Not about anything in particular...Mostly a lot of random thoughts and questions, not meaning to make sense in the least! The accent she was speaking in was the finishing detail, making me feel like I was sitting in a show watching an actress just roll through lines...She was saying some really witty things and making me crack up the entire time! My parents, who were elsewhere in the house, could hear her as well and couldn't help but laugh at her subjects of conversation...She was a hoot! And definitely made packing much more entertaining, which is what I'm very thankful for! Packing always stresses me out quite a bit but tonight just wasn't so bad! :)
So tonight, on this last night in Virginia for a while, the ever-present light in a gloomy situation makes me happy :)
Monday, January 17, 2011
Day 83: January 17, 2011.
Today's is another short one. My apologies.
But here it is...I got a new pair of sweatpants this weekend at NYCDA. Everyone has something or some things that they love and treasure; as for me, I really love my sweatpants. Haha! Due to the nature of my craft, and my serious case of laziness in everyday life, I'm in them all the time. It's true...A good pair of sweats is my favorite piece of clothing!
On this chilly, sleepy day, the ability to spend my days comfortably makes me happy :)
Day 82: January 16, 2011.
Day two of NYCDA. The Sunday morning is always hard. After dancing all day the day before, it is not uncommon for one's body to become so stiff that simply getting out of bed is a major challenge. On top of that some of us were up really late last night, making 7 A.M. feel like it came really fast. It's okay, though; once the day starts it's easier than anticipated to get moving.
Classes began at 8 again and went until 2:45 or so. It's nice coming back as a returning graduate because I get to enjoy the weekend without the pressure of auditioning for scholarships. Sunday's the big audition day; after classes are finished, the teen and senior dancers prepare themselves to dance two combinations they've learned over the course of the past day and a half and do so in groups for two of the head teachers. A smaller number of dancers are called back as scholarship finalists and they then perform the combos one last time on stage in front of the ballroom filled with fellow dancers, parents, teachers and the full panel of judges (all the teachers who taught over the weekend). I'm SO proud to report that both of our auditioning guys and a good number of our girls were called back as finalists! We then had several who won individual awards, including a teen regional outstanding dancer runner-up and a senior regional outstanding dancer recipient!!!
I was so, so, so excited for every single Loudoun School of Ballet dancer out there this weekend! Each and every one of them was out there wanting to learn and wanting to gain something from the packed weekend of classes and performances. I knew that both as individuals and as companies they were there to do the absolute best that they could, and as far as I could see every single dancer was putting in at least 100% of their energy into every task thrown at them :)
Today, at the end of this day o' dancing, the commitment of drive these dancers demonstrated all weekend--and then that drive and talent being recognized by the amazing professional faculty--makes me happy :)
Classes began at 8 again and went until 2:45 or so. It's nice coming back as a returning graduate because I get to enjoy the weekend without the pressure of auditioning for scholarships. Sunday's the big audition day; after classes are finished, the teen and senior dancers prepare themselves to dance two combinations they've learned over the course of the past day and a half and do so in groups for two of the head teachers. A smaller number of dancers are called back as scholarship finalists and they then perform the combos one last time on stage in front of the ballroom filled with fellow dancers, parents, teachers and the full panel of judges (all the teachers who taught over the weekend). I'm SO proud to report that both of our auditioning guys and a good number of our girls were called back as finalists! We then had several who won individual awards, including a teen regional outstanding dancer runner-up and a senior regional outstanding dancer recipient!!!
I was so, so, so excited for every single Loudoun School of Ballet dancer out there this weekend! Each and every one of them was out there wanting to learn and wanting to gain something from the packed weekend of classes and performances. I knew that both as individuals and as companies they were there to do the absolute best that they could, and as far as I could see every single dancer was putting in at least 100% of their energy into every task thrown at them :)
Today, at the end of this day o' dancing, the commitment of drive these dancers demonstrated all weekend--and then that drive and talent being recognized by the amazing professional faculty--makes me happy :)
Day 81: January 15, 2011.
Today was day one of NYCDA in Tysons.
To sum it up in one word, I'd have to say it was amazing. I usually don't like that adjective because I feel like everyone uses it all the time to describe everything--and I'm sure there are more interesting words to go with--but really that's what today was! (I'm also too tired to come up with a better word!)
We were in the big ballroom of the Sheraton ready to dance at 8 A.M. Classes ended at 2:30(?). The girls competing got ready for competition and our first number went on stage at ten to five and competition ran until 10 P.M. Awards followed and our First and Second companies came away with multiple awesome awards and recognitions! (I was so excited for and proud of all of LSB's girls and guys up there!! :)) The evening concluded with another dinner (the first being eaten at about 3 in the afternoon...the dancers were hungry!) and a little hang-out party (which ended up lasting pretty late for a few of us).
To sum it up in one word, I'd have to say it was amazing. I usually don't like that adjective because I feel like everyone uses it all the time to describe everything--and I'm sure there are more interesting words to go with--but really that's what today was! (I'm also too tired to come up with a better word!)
We were in the big ballroom of the Sheraton ready to dance at 8 A.M. Classes ended at 2:30(?). The girls competing got ready for competition and our first number went on stage at ten to five and competition ran until 10 P.M. Awards followed and our First and Second companies came away with multiple awesome awards and recognitions! (I was so excited for and proud of all of LSB's girls and guys up there!! :)) The evening concluded with another dinner (the first being eaten at about 3 in the afternoon...the dancers were hungry!) and a little hang-out party (which ended up lasting pretty late for a few of us).
Some of the Jazz&Co. dancers after competition Saturday night! (And a few others of us :))
I have to say the best thing about this day was the laughter shared between everyone. A lot of silliness went down today, and I appreciated every single second of it! Everyone was being totally goofy, especially at the end of the night after competition when the stresses of the day were over and the dancers competing/auditioning for scholarships could relax for a few hours before it all starts up again tomorrow. I always have fun at the conventions we do, but I have to say this is definitely the most fun I've had at one in a few years!
Can't wait for the second day tomorrow! :)
Today, fun friends who just allow themselves--and me!--to let go and laugh make me happy :)
Friday, January 14, 2011
Day 80: January 14, 2011.
There are exactly nine months left until my 21st birthday. Not that I'm counting. (I'm actually really not, I promise!) I'm really only excited because nine months from today I'll be able to get into any concert venue in the city (seeing as most of the artists I follow play at the local restaurants/pubs/bars)! Haha! That's going to be a wonderful time :)
This morning I went back to my high school to visit with some of my favorite teachers. It was so nice to be walking those halls again (and enjoying the high school environment...Not actually being a student there makes that pretty easy ;)). I was so happy because the PEER class fell today first block, which is the class I look forward to visiting most, and I got to hang with them for the morning and see some great friends again! And since it's Friday I got to be there to take part in Friday chat time, which is basically just a group share time but it was always one of the highlights of my week senior year! :) After my Stone Bridge visit I swung by my elementary school and visited my old guidance counselor. She's the last teacher that I'd had who's still there, so I love going back to see her and to be able to talk for a bit! I missed seeing all my teachers who I was unable to visit with today--a lot of them are spread around the county, so hopefully one of these breaks I'll be able to see more of them! :)--but I'm so thankful for the network of such encouraging adults I've been blessed with! Each and every one of these teachers that I've had over the years wants nothing but the best for every one of his or her students and the way they get excited to hear reports and updates on our lives as we get older is so amazing to me! For me, I feel that knowing that these people who were there helping me grow and explore and learn from the ground up when I was so young are still here, supportive as ever, is something that deserves more thanks that I can possibly type on here :)
Today, the constant faith of each and every one of my teachers thus far--both in the classroom and in regular, everyday life--makes me happy :)
This morning I went back to my high school to visit with some of my favorite teachers. It was so nice to be walking those halls again (and enjoying the high school environment...Not actually being a student there makes that pretty easy ;)). I was so happy because the PEER class fell today first block, which is the class I look forward to visiting most, and I got to hang with them for the morning and see some great friends again! And since it's Friday I got to be there to take part in Friday chat time, which is basically just a group share time but it was always one of the highlights of my week senior year! :) After my Stone Bridge visit I swung by my elementary school and visited my old guidance counselor. She's the last teacher that I'd had who's still there, so I love going back to see her and to be able to talk for a bit! I missed seeing all my teachers who I was unable to visit with today--a lot of them are spread around the county, so hopefully one of these breaks I'll be able to see more of them! :)--but I'm so thankful for the network of such encouraging adults I've been blessed with! Each and every one of these teachers that I've had over the years wants nothing but the best for every one of his or her students and the way they get excited to hear reports and updates on our lives as we get older is so amazing to me! For me, I feel that knowing that these people who were there helping me grow and explore and learn from the ground up when I was so young are still here, supportive as ever, is something that deserves more thanks that I can possibly type on here :)
Today, the constant faith of each and every one of my teachers thus far--both in the classroom and in regular, everyday life--makes me happy :)
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Day 79: January 13, 2011.
I slept until noon today. I was so disoriented when I woke up since I NEVER sleep that late anymore! I honestly can't remember the last time I did! Regardless, I somehow managed to be more productive today than I have been probably the entire time I've been home!
I'm a big "to-do" list person, yet I really only enjoy writing them out (and feeling organized while doing so!) and checking things off...That crucial in-between time that entails actually doing each task on the list is the part where I tend to lose motivation. (Kind of defeats the purpose, huh?! Ha!) Today though, I'm happy to report that the list was checked off! Things got done with little to no stress, which is a wonderful reality that only happens once in a blue moon! (As I'm sure everyone is well aware!) I felt a bit like "Soccer Mom" running everywhere today from the bank to the grocery store, had to fill up the gas tank in the car before going to the dry cleaner's...Had to get my laundry started before picking my little sister up from school, then threw some dinner together and ran her out to dance for her 7:30 class. It was a full afternoon and I wasn't even up for the first half of the day!
It really made me realize how much our parents (our family in general, really) do on a daily basis, and I really don't even know the half of it! My mom and dad, for example, are up HOURS before noon (depending on the day, but they're both up and going earlier than I can really wrap my mind around) already getting things done, not to mention working full-time on top of it! So while today was a fun "play house" kind of day for me, I was able to get a small dose of what it feels like to be in charge and have to get things done and get people places. Here's today's big important lesson: Family rocks.
So this evening, serious productivity makes me happy! And also everything our family selflessly does day in and day out for the other members makes me happy and so, so thankful. If any other kids are reading this maybe you'll agree when I say we should think about giving such adults in our family an extra thank-you one of these days? I know that's something I have to keep in mind for sure, especially as this new year hits the ground running! And if any parents are reading this, thank you for everything you do for us kids! Nothing goes unnoticed, even if it may seem that way! Like I said, you all rock. :)
I'm a big "to-do" list person, yet I really only enjoy writing them out (and feeling organized while doing so!) and checking things off...That crucial in-between time that entails actually doing each task on the list is the part where I tend to lose motivation. (Kind of defeats the purpose, huh?! Ha!) Today though, I'm happy to report that the list was checked off! Things got done with little to no stress, which is a wonderful reality that only happens once in a blue moon! (As I'm sure everyone is well aware!) I felt a bit like "Soccer Mom" running everywhere today from the bank to the grocery store, had to fill up the gas tank in the car before going to the dry cleaner's...Had to get my laundry started before picking my little sister up from school, then threw some dinner together and ran her out to dance for her 7:30 class. It was a full afternoon and I wasn't even up for the first half of the day!
It really made me realize how much our parents (our family in general, really) do on a daily basis, and I really don't even know the half of it! My mom and dad, for example, are up HOURS before noon (depending on the day, but they're both up and going earlier than I can really wrap my mind around) already getting things done, not to mention working full-time on top of it! So while today was a fun "play house" kind of day for me, I was able to get a small dose of what it feels like to be in charge and have to get things done and get people places. Here's today's big important lesson: Family rocks.
So this evening, serious productivity makes me happy! And also everything our family selflessly does day in and day out for the other members makes me happy and so, so thankful. If any other kids are reading this maybe you'll agree when I say we should think about giving such adults in our family an extra thank-you one of these days? I know that's something I have to keep in mind for sure, especially as this new year hits the ground running! And if any parents are reading this, thank you for everything you do for us kids! Nothing goes unnoticed, even if it may seem that way! Like I said, you all rock. :)
Day 78: January 12, 2011.
On our way to dance tonight my sister and I saw a really neat sunset. I had her grab my camera really quick to try to snap a shot:
I know it's not the most colorful or the most interesting of sunsets, but those of you who know me know that I love them in any and all color, shape and form! My mom always reminds us to enjoy them because there will never be one sunset identical to another; the one we see today will be the last one ever of its kind! So I do my best to look each evening to drink in at least a little of the natural beauty of our world.
The first glimpse we got of this was about a minute before Morgan got this picture; there were four tiers of horizontal clouds making a pyramidal shape, the sun was behind the top one, and its rays were streaming down and out through the gaps, fanning out wide across the bottom. It was so beautiful and was an image that I was more than thankful to have been able to witness!
So today, sunsets and their unique beauty makes me happy :)
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Day 77: January 11, 2011.
Today's 1/11/11; I think that's pretty cool :) Not quite as cool as it will be on 11/11/11, but it's good enough for now!
As I've said winter break is coming to a close, and while I'm honestly absolutely ready to be back in the craziness of regular life, I know I have to enjoy every moment off while I have it :) So how did I spend one of my last couple days without immediate to-do lists?
I spent the entire day on the couch.
The ENTIRE day.
I've watched over nine hours of The Office (is that really embarrassing to admit?! Haha!), the dance studio cancelled classes so I didn't have to drive Morgan to Leesburg and we ordered pizza for dinner.
Oh, and it's finally snowing.
Pretty perfect if you ask me :)
So this evening, one-hundred percent relaxation days from time to time make me happy :)
As I've said winter break is coming to a close, and while I'm honestly absolutely ready to be back in the craziness of regular life, I know I have to enjoy every moment off while I have it :) So how did I spend one of my last couple days without immediate to-do lists?
I spent the entire day on the couch.
The ENTIRE day.
I've watched over nine hours of The Office (is that really embarrassing to admit?! Haha!), the dance studio cancelled classes so I didn't have to drive Morgan to Leesburg and we ordered pizza for dinner.
Oh, and it's finally snowing.
Pretty perfect if you ask me :)
So this evening, one-hundred percent relaxation days from time to time make me happy :)
Monday, January 10, 2011
Day 76: January 10, 2011.
I had a good deal of time to kill this afternoon--well, I probably shouldn't have since I have plenty of things that I actually have to get done here before I leave next week, I'm just getting stuck in a pit of laziness when it comes to actually doing them! Ha! I decided to take some time in the kitchen and try to do a little cooking. With Mom out of town this week on business, Dad looking at a busy work schedule and Morgan looking at a long convention/competition weekend ahead (meaning craziness at the dance studio this week), I have to take up a little more slack than I normally would, which is something I probably shouldn't have to do since I honestly should probably be contributing more at home while I'm here on break. Anyway, besides getting my sister and myself ready for NYCDA this weekend and getting those last minute chores done before I leave next Wednesday, all I'm really expected to do this week is more of the driving to and from dance in the evenings, meaning I have plenty of hours to kill in the afternoon. Today I decided to spend a few of those hours in the kitchen!
I love the idea of being able to cook well. I envy the people who are comfortable culinarily, for that is something I have yet to master. It's definitely going to take me some time because, like I said, I find being able to cook to be an awesome idea. Then I go to put it into practice and I either get too lazy to even start or I find myself totally clueless at the cutting board and stove. I started with an easy out-of-the-box cookie mix early this afternoon and made Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. (They turned out to be delicious! And, as with every dessert in the McGowan household, didn't stand a chance...There are only a few little squares left!)
I decided that I wanted to play around a little for dinner; my dad was going to be getting home later from work than usual so Morgan and I would be on our own and Morgan didn't have to go to dance until 7:30, meaning we'd actually have plenty of time to eat before we had to leave. I found a vegetable lasagna recipe that looked good, hopped in the car with a list of ingredients, went to the grocery store and started chopping away when I got home. (And called Mom a few times throughout the process for a few reassurances!) I'm pleased to say that it actually came out pretty well! It's pretty hard to mess up a lasagna, but seeing as I'm the queen of oatmeal and frozen microwaveable foods, I'd say this is a step in some kind of good direction! Haha! :)
Tonight, going outside of my comfortable box makes me happy! It felt really good to attempt something that I really want to get good at instead of succumbing to the fear of failure without even trying, as per usual. Making the assumption that we can't do things will get us nowhere :)
Also, tonight I got a signed pointe shoe from a stunning young ballerina who is going to make it big one of these days :) She's a beautiful dancer, a beautiful person, and an even more beautiful friend!
I love the idea of being able to cook well. I envy the people who are comfortable culinarily, for that is something I have yet to master. It's definitely going to take me some time because, like I said, I find being able to cook to be an awesome idea. Then I go to put it into practice and I either get too lazy to even start or I find myself totally clueless at the cutting board and stove. I started with an easy out-of-the-box cookie mix early this afternoon and made Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. (They turned out to be delicious! And, as with every dessert in the McGowan household, didn't stand a chance...There are only a few little squares left!)
I decided that I wanted to play around a little for dinner; my dad was going to be getting home later from work than usual so Morgan and I would be on our own and Morgan didn't have to go to dance until 7:30, meaning we'd actually have plenty of time to eat before we had to leave. I found a vegetable lasagna recipe that looked good, hopped in the car with a list of ingredients, went to the grocery store and started chopping away when I got home. (And called Mom a few times throughout the process for a few reassurances!) I'm pleased to say that it actually came out pretty well! It's pretty hard to mess up a lasagna, but seeing as I'm the queen of oatmeal and frozen microwaveable foods, I'd say this is a step in some kind of good direction! Haha! :)
Tonight, going outside of my comfortable box makes me happy! It felt really good to attempt something that I really want to get good at instead of succumbing to the fear of failure without even trying, as per usual. Making the assumption that we can't do things will get us nowhere :)
Also, tonight I got a signed pointe shoe from a stunning young ballerina who is going to make it big one of these days :) She's a beautiful dancer, a beautiful person, and an even more beautiful friend!
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Day 75: January 9, 2011.
I'm down to the last week and a half of my time at home. This break has been absolutely fabulous in every way possible! I've had a good amount of downtime, I've had my fair share of sweet treats (probably a fairer share than I should have had ;)), I've been able to spend a good deal of time with both family and friends, I've danced, I've taught, I've stayed up until 3, I've napped in the middle of the day...It's been an all-around wonderful time at home here in good old Ashburn, VA. I'm not leaving for another 10 days or so, but this last week and a half is going to be running around here and there, this weekend is going to be spent in Tysons at a dance convention...The relaxation part of break is pretty much over. (Which is perfectly fine with me! I'm SO ready to be busy and productive again!!)
But as I sit here on "my" couch at home right now, I'm lucky to be soaking in this sight (and its heat that I'm very thankful for!):
But as I sit here on "my" couch at home right now, I'm lucky to be soaking in this sight (and its heat that I'm very thankful for!):
As ready as I am to be back in the city, it's evenings like these when I'm able to breath in a spacious home and can hear myself think without sirens and car horns out the window why I love being home in the wintertime. I've said before that fall and winter are my two favorite seasons to be home during, and nothing says "home" like a real-wood fire in the fireplace! :) It's not much, but it's one of those little things that's associated with home that I go without at school; it's those little associations that I'm continuously reminding myself to acknowledge and be thankful for over the next nine days. (Because knowing me, the second the semester starts I'll probably be complaining and want to be back on break! Haha! ;))
So tonight on this cold January evening, the warmth of home makes me happy :)
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Day 74: January 8, 2011.
No matter how cold it is outside, ice cream is always satisfying :) Mint chocolate chip is always a winner!
Tonight, ice cream and movie nights make me happy :)
Friday, January 7, 2011
Day 73: January 7, 2011.
I keep saying it, but...
...my sister is the funniest person I've every met.
Tonight, again, my little sister makes me happy! :)
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Day 72: January 6, 2011.
I went back and re-watched the first season of this show tonight:
It will NEVER get old!
So tonight it's simple. The Office makes me happy :)
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Day 71: January 5, 2011.
Back on track :)
Today was a great Wednesday!
First of all, I thought that today's weather--though yes, still pretty cold!--was just beautiful! I felt a hint of Spring, which made me smile! If we're not going to have snow, I say then come on, warm weather! :) (However, I'm pretty positive we have yet to see the end of this winter season!)
I got to see two wonderful friends today, apart from everyone I saw at the studio tonight of course! I got to catch up with one of the longest friends I've been blessed to keep; even as the years have gone on and our lives have taken to their own paths, we're STILL able to reconnect each break and pick up right where we left off! She's so awesome and I'm so glad to still be able to be such great friends with such an amazing person! Later on before picking my sister up from school (which I love to do!) I got to hang a bit with another great friend--and fellow "Like" Lister!--who's unfortunately had to undergo surgery over this break. Injuries are never fun at all, but he's got such a great attitude about the recovery process and I know he'll be 100% in no time! :)
I got to talk to my best friend for a little while on the phone, which always makes me happy :)
And tonight I went to the dance studio and had a great jazz class. Just another reminder as to why I dance.
Honestly, I couldn't think of one other thing I'd rather be doing :)
So today on this fifth day of January, beautiful sun, time with friends and the gift of dance all make me happy :)
Today was a great Wednesday!
First of all, I thought that today's weather--though yes, still pretty cold!--was just beautiful! I felt a hint of Spring, which made me smile! If we're not going to have snow, I say then come on, warm weather! :) (However, I'm pretty positive we have yet to see the end of this winter season!)
I got to see two wonderful friends today, apart from everyone I saw at the studio tonight of course! I got to catch up with one of the longest friends I've been blessed to keep; even as the years have gone on and our lives have taken to their own paths, we're STILL able to reconnect each break and pick up right where we left off! She's so awesome and I'm so glad to still be able to be such great friends with such an amazing person! Later on before picking my sister up from school (which I love to do!) I got to hang a bit with another great friend--and fellow "Like" Lister!--who's unfortunately had to undergo surgery over this break. Injuries are never fun at all, but he's got such a great attitude about the recovery process and I know he'll be 100% in no time! :)
I got to talk to my best friend for a little while on the phone, which always makes me happy :)
And tonight I went to the dance studio and had a great jazz class. Just another reminder as to why I dance.
Honestly, I couldn't think of one other thing I'd rather be doing :)
So today on this fifth day of January, beautiful sun, time with friends and the gift of dance all make me happy :)
Day 70: January 4, 2011.
I'm sorry I didn't post this yesterday, but I was without computer access for a good part of the day. So here it is! (Pretend it's yesterday...!)
Those of you who know me know that I love some good family time. I'm always talking about my grandparents, I get really excited when we get to see our cousins and their families...It's so nice to have so many of my family members living close by(ish) or within fairly "easy" traveling distance. There is some family, though, that isn't seen as often as would be preferable; heck, even family that lives within 45 minutes of us is hard enough to see thanks to the craziness of life's days! This is why I was SO excited when my grandparents called me up last night asking if I wanted to go into DC with them this evening for dinner at my cousin's house (well, technically second cousin, but that's too technical for me. Haha!). Her parents--my grandma's brother and sister-in-law--are in town for the week to see Cara, Keith (her husband) and Sandy (their 2-month-old baby--ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE!!), so Nana and Pop-pop were planning on heading out there for dinner and they were awesome enough to invite me! It was such a nice evening! I hadn't seen Aunt Pat and Uncle Jimmy since the summer of 2006 when I spent five weeks in Boston (where they live) for Boston Ballet's Summer Dance Program, and I haven't seen Cara and Keith since even before that! I couldn't have been more than 11 or 12 years old or so, which is crazy since they live right in the middle of DC! It was SO nice to be able to catch up with everyone and to meet that beautiful baby!! I'm really hoping that so many years don't go between visits again! But, again, it's crazy how busy people get...So that's why we have to just take what we have right now and enjoy and give thanks for the moment at hand :)
Tonight, being able to find a few hours to enjoy family, food and conversation all together makes me happy :)
Those of you who know me know that I love some good family time. I'm always talking about my grandparents, I get really excited when we get to see our cousins and their families...It's so nice to have so many of my family members living close by(ish) or within fairly "easy" traveling distance. There is some family, though, that isn't seen as often as would be preferable; heck, even family that lives within 45 minutes of us is hard enough to see thanks to the craziness of life's days! This is why I was SO excited when my grandparents called me up last night asking if I wanted to go into DC with them this evening for dinner at my cousin's house (well, technically second cousin, but that's too technical for me. Haha!). Her parents--my grandma's brother and sister-in-law--are in town for the week to see Cara, Keith (her husband) and Sandy (their 2-month-old baby--ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE!!), so Nana and Pop-pop were planning on heading out there for dinner and they were awesome enough to invite me! It was such a nice evening! I hadn't seen Aunt Pat and Uncle Jimmy since the summer of 2006 when I spent five weeks in Boston (where they live) for Boston Ballet's Summer Dance Program, and I haven't seen Cara and Keith since even before that! I couldn't have been more than 11 or 12 years old or so, which is crazy since they live right in the middle of DC! It was SO nice to be able to catch up with everyone and to meet that beautiful baby!! I'm really hoping that so many years don't go between visits again! But, again, it's crazy how busy people get...So that's why we have to just take what we have right now and enjoy and give thanks for the moment at hand :)
Tonight, being able to find a few hours to enjoy family, food and conversation all together makes me happy :)
Monday, January 3, 2011
Day 69: January 3, 2011.
To all my dance friends and dance-loving friends out there, if you haven't made yourself familiar with Calen Kurka's work, I highly suggest that you do so pronto. I feel so blessed to know such an amazing and inspiring teacher and choreographer...His love for his art form is so apparent through the amount of knowledge he has for the body and how it works, and then the application of such understanding through his awesome approach to movement in the studio is one that I absolutely love. I've been lucky enough to take class from him and dance in a few pieces he set on the Jazz Company at LSB in high school and every minute learning from this amazing person is and has been a complete honor.
This is why I was so excited to find out tonight that he's been chosen by Industry Dance Magazine as one of their Top 10 Favorite Artists of 2010! :)
Click here for the article!
Calen's dedication to dance and to dance education is something that I whole-heartedly admire and appreciate.
So tonight, recognition and acknowledgement to the artists who truly deserve it most makes me happy :)
This is why I was so excited to find out tonight that he's been chosen by Industry Dance Magazine as one of their Top 10 Favorite Artists of 2010! :)
Click here for the article!
Calen's dedication to dance and to dance education is something that I whole-heartedly admire and appreciate.
So tonight, recognition and acknowledgement to the artists who truly deserve it most makes me happy :)
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Day 68: January 2, 2011.
Morgan has to go back to school tomorrow. So we spent the evening doing this:
Tonight, getting to hang with my sister makes me happy :) She's. THE. Best.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Day 67: January 1, 2011.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
In the words of a good friend of mine, "2010 is so yesterday." T'is true! Today we begin a brand new year. I say it all the time, but it's CRAZY to me how quickly time seems to be flying these days! Typing "January" and "2011" in as the date in the title line just now totally threw me! As absolutely awesome as 2010 was, I can't WAIT to see what 2011 has in store. I have this gut feeling that it's going to be a big and wonderful year :) :)
As far as today goes, I couldn't have begun my year off in a better way than how I did. I spent this entire day relaxing with my sister. I haven't gotten out of sweatpants. My sister and I baked brownies. We went to the grocery store for mom. And the car wash. (The Ashburn car wash...I felt like I was in a funhouse of suds and sponges...It was crazy!) Mom made homemade stew for dinner (that came out deliciously!) while Morgan and I kind of matched and folded socks before watching/falling asleep to a few episodes of Gilmore Girls before dinner. A Forrest Gump movie screening is about to go down, and I'm currently coming at you from "my" couch in the family room, which is my favorite piece of furniture in the house :)
As I know probably all of you know, days of complete downtime are very few and very far between so this one has been very appreciated! Again, it's the perfect way to start off 2011! (Oops! Definitely almost typed 2010! This'll take a few days to get used to!)
This evening, getting to spend the day doing absolutely nothing but my favorite do-nothing kinds of things makes me happy :)
In the words of a good friend of mine, "2010 is so yesterday." T'is true! Today we begin a brand new year. I say it all the time, but it's CRAZY to me how quickly time seems to be flying these days! Typing "January" and "2011" in as the date in the title line just now totally threw me! As absolutely awesome as 2010 was, I can't WAIT to see what 2011 has in store. I have this gut feeling that it's going to be a big and wonderful year :) :)
As far as today goes, I couldn't have begun my year off in a better way than how I did. I spent this entire day relaxing with my sister. I haven't gotten out of sweatpants. My sister and I baked brownies. We went to the grocery store for mom. And the car wash. (The Ashburn car wash...I felt like I was in a funhouse of suds and sponges...It was crazy!) Mom made homemade stew for dinner (that came out deliciously!) while Morgan and I kind of matched and folded socks before watching/falling asleep to a few episodes of Gilmore Girls before dinner. A Forrest Gump movie screening is about to go down, and I'm currently coming at you from "my" couch in the family room, which is my favorite piece of furniture in the house :)
As I know probably all of you know, days of complete downtime are very few and very far between so this one has been very appreciated! Again, it's the perfect way to start off 2011! (Oops! Definitely almost typed 2010! This'll take a few days to get used to!)
This evening, getting to spend the day doing absolutely nothing but my favorite do-nothing kinds of things makes me happy :)
Day 66: December 31, 2010.
So the end of another year has come.
2010 held some amazing opportunities. It held some nasty lows. MANY invaluable lessons were learned. More laughs were shared in the last 12 months than I would have even thought possible. I've been able to strengthen old friendships and form some wonderful new ones. I've seen a lot. I've thought about a lot. I've worked. I've played. 2010 really was quite a year and I've honestly enjoyed it all, through victory and storm.
I could go on for pages and pages with specifics, but I won't do that. I'll just say this:
Today, the ability to look back on and be thankful for another year of life makes me happy :)
2010 held some amazing opportunities. It held some nasty lows. MANY invaluable lessons were learned. More laughs were shared in the last 12 months than I would have even thought possible. I've been able to strengthen old friendships and form some wonderful new ones. I've seen a lot. I've thought about a lot. I've worked. I've played. 2010 really was quite a year and I've honestly enjoyed it all, through victory and storm.
I could go on for pages and pages with specifics, but I won't do that. I'll just say this:
Today, the ability to look back on and be thankful for another year of life makes me happy :)
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