I can't believe how bad the storm really was. 97% of Fairfield was out of power on Tuesday morning. I have no idea who was looking out for us (but thank you!) because we were part of the 3% who woke up on Tuesday WITH power. We are so thankful that we've remained connected and informed (and warm) throughout the storm. I will say though, having endless access to the info about the storm has had it's downfall too. I just heard on the radio that this will go down as the worst storm in the country's history. It makes me sick to my stomach to listen to some of the news in the aftermath of the storm. The homes along the beach in Fairfield that drifted right off of their foundation. The boardwalks along the Jersey Shore, that are no more. Last but not least, the lives that were lost.
The worst storm in our history, and this one, hit home. Thank God, nothing literally hit our house but our neighborhood, our friends and families near and far, and so on. This was one heLL of a storm. Brian went back to work today, but my office is still without power. I must admit, I am absolutely LOVING all this extra time with my little munchkin, especially since her special day is tomorrow :) I decided earlier that we'd venture out, my first time since Monday morning, and go to the grocery store. I sort of assumed they'd be back up and running. Wow was I wrong. The trip normally takes 5 - 10 minutes but this outing took at least 20 since I had to take 2 detours because of blocked roadways. I couldn't believe my eyes, some of the biggest trees I've ever seen were just hanging on wires in people's front yards or across the road. Yikes. When we finally got to the store, it was mostly dark. The registers were operating and you could buy dry goods but the outer perimeter of the store (dairy, meat, deli) were dark and emptied out. It's literally a disaster area. I drove a little further and did find a fully open grocery store. Which made me very happy because I desperately needed butter to bake Madelyn's birthday cake! But, in all seriousness, I wanted to get home quickly because I just didn't feel comfortable being out. Two days post-Sandy and things don't really seem like they're improving very much.
So, as I'm sitting here enjoying a few quiet moments while Madelyn naps, in a warm house, watching TV and smelling her cake baking in the oven, my mind is racing thinking about all that people have lost. This really has been devastating and it will take a while to rebuild some of the areas hardest hit, not to mention fixing up our nearby neighborhoods. We are so fortunate and while I count my blessings, I pray for everyones safety and warmth as the wait for power continues. Hug your loved ones extra tight tonight, it'll help keep you warm :)
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
The grass is greener...?
I spent almost 1/3 of my life working at VV, and the company gave me my life, literally. When I shared the news with friends and co-workers that I was leaving VV, many said that "it will be so good" for Brian and I. Each time, I wanted to say - it's never been a bad thing, we've loved working together! So, probably the hardest thing for me when I left last week was knowing it was closing a chapter in the story of us. To add to that, my team made me GF cupcakes in my favorite flavor (red velvet) - yum, gave me a gorgeous arrangement of flowers and a nice bottle of wine on my last day. They called over all my hires (20+ people) and friends to share stories of starting at VV and what they remember about me, the mother hen, bringing them in. So, all that said, it might not be surprising that I bawled when it was time to leave last week. I was basically unable to catch my breathe and say "bye" when I walked out hand in hand with Brian last week. It was a day, to wrap up my 8 1/2 years, I'll never forget.
So.... onward and upward..... *sigh*
So, now I'm the FNG, as my old boss you to say (Effing New Guy) and boy, its tough! I survived my first day, and felt pretty good. Then yesterday, was a great day. I came home feeling great and confident in how I handled the challenges that I'd been presented with/ Today, I drove home in tears. This, I guess, is me adjusting. It's been a bit of a roller coaster. I just keep looking ahead and looking forward to feeling comfortable in my role, and on my team and being able to do my job, well. That, and I keep reminding myself, change is good.
Unfortunately, we're approaching a very big milestone in our family and I feel like my head is in such a fog, I can't give this milestone the attention it deserves :( A week from tomorrow, our sweet little girl turns ONE! Ahhh! We're having a little shin-dig with family and friends, and I can't wait to get together with everyone to honor our little pumpkin! We were originally toying with having her party this weekend. Thank GOD, we chose next weekend because I need a weekend to get organized and spend some time to unwind with my family. I'm hoping by the end of my 2nd week at the new gig, I'll be feeling more comfortable and a little less like the new kid on the block. Then I'll be able to really enjoy the milesone and the time with our favorite people!
Until then though, there will be more tears and (hopefully) more victories. There probably wont be another blog post until the dust settles a bit more. Hope you are doing well and talk soon!
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Great company
I am a new fan of company that launched in 2010, and learning about it has been life changing for me! Warby Parker, makes great eye-glasses at unbeatable prices. Have you heard of them? I feel like I'm a little late to the party, because when I mentioned them to people recently, they had heard of them. I feel like I've worn glasses/contacts, my whole life, how did I not know about them before now?!
The jist of the company (for those of you that do not know) is it was started by 4 young guys, who met at grad school. The wanted to bring affordable eyeglasses to the market at a more reasonable price. One of the best business practices is that for every pair of glasses that are purchased, Warby Parker donates a pair to someone in need. For people who are avid glasses wearers, this company is legit.
Two weeks ago I decided it was time to upgrade from the glasses I've been wearing for probably 6 or 7 years. We had a gift certificate to Lens Crafters so I went over to browse during lunch. I was thinking with our $100 gift cert, and their 30% off sale, I could get a new pair of glasses, all in for $200 and I was happy with that. What I learned when I was there that the frames average around $200 and the lenses are $350. Yes, you read that right, $350 for the lenses. So, even with the 30% off, I was looking at the glasses for $385 but $285 after our gift certificate. I didn't like any of the frames enough to bite, and I had to digest the price, so I left.
When I got back to the office and was complaining to a coworker, she told me about Warby Parker. Most glasses, frames AND lenses go for $95 and they donate a pair to someone with every purchase. I mean.... it's almost a no brainer. I researched the site and decided to do the free at home trail. I was able to browse and pick up to 5 pairs that I liked and they would send them to me, for FREE. They shipped 2nd Day Air and arrived in a awesome, sleek black box. I had 5 days to try them on and pick a pair, and then send them back with the free shipping label they provided. Sure enough, I found a pair I loved. I've ordered them and gave them my Dr.'s number so they can call and get my prescription. I should have the new glasses in 1 - 2 weeks. I am SO excited to get the glasses and I love that someone who is need of glasses will be getting their very own pair soon too!
If you, or anyone you know needs glasses, definitely check them out! Warby Parker
The jist of the company (for those of you that do not know) is it was started by 4 young guys, who met at grad school. The wanted to bring affordable eyeglasses to the market at a more reasonable price. One of the best business practices is that for every pair of glasses that are purchased, Warby Parker donates a pair to someone in need. For people who are avid glasses wearers, this company is legit.
Two weeks ago I decided it was time to upgrade from the glasses I've been wearing for probably 6 or 7 years. We had a gift certificate to Lens Crafters so I went over to browse during lunch. I was thinking with our $100 gift cert, and their 30% off sale, I could get a new pair of glasses, all in for $200 and I was happy with that. What I learned when I was there that the frames average around $200 and the lenses are $350. Yes, you read that right, $350 for the lenses. So, even with the 30% off, I was looking at the glasses for $385 but $285 after our gift certificate. I didn't like any of the frames enough to bite, and I had to digest the price, so I left.
When I got back to the office and was complaining to a coworker, she told me about Warby Parker. Most glasses, frames AND lenses go for $95 and they donate a pair to someone with every purchase. I mean.... it's almost a no brainer. I researched the site and decided to do the free at home trail. I was able to browse and pick up to 5 pairs that I liked and they would send them to me, for FREE. They shipped 2nd Day Air and arrived in a awesome, sleek black box. I had 5 days to try them on and pick a pair, and then send them back with the free shipping label they provided. Sure enough, I found a pair I loved. I've ordered them and gave them my Dr.'s number so they can call and get my prescription. I should have the new glasses in 1 - 2 weeks. I am SO excited to get the glasses and I love that someone who is need of glasses will be getting their very own pair soon too!
If you, or anyone you know needs glasses, definitely check them out! Warby Parker
Thursday, October 11, 2012
End of an era
So, the cat is out of the bag, the secret is not a secret anymore. I gave my notice at my job and my last day is next week. I am starting a brand new job in about 10 days. O. M. G. I honestly wasn't sure this would happen and parts of me still can't believe it! This job, has been SO much more than that to me and now that I'm getting ready to leave, I have been reflecting a lot on my time here.
About 9 years ago, my boyfriend of 4 years dumped me. Completely out the blue with no warning, he wanted out. I was crushed. It was a blessing in disguise because the relationship just wasn't right. So there I was, a blah job, newly single and living by myself. I had lost myself in my old relationship, so I didn't even know who I was anymore, or what I wanted. It wasn't necessarily a dark time in my life, but definitely a transitional time.
A few months later, I got a call out of the blue from a headhunter that I had worked for off and on through high school and college. This time, they had a job for me. For me though? I had a job... They insisted I go interview because they knew I would LOVE the company - vineyard vines. My dad wore there ties, so I was vaguely familiar with their story and eventually I agreed. An interview was good practice, it couldn't hurt. What I didn't expect was a great conversation with Shep and Ian and a job offer at the end of my hour long interview. I can honestly remember thinking, this came up out of the blue, for a reason. I don't know what the reason is, but I have to take this job. So, the next day, I quit my job and agreed to start at VV.
This job was just what I needed, at the perfect time in my life. This job has been SO much more to me than just a job. Within weeks, I had new friends, more of a social life, I was having more fun, enjoying life again because I was me again. That in itself was huge for me as a person. Then add in that I worked hard and I learned so much about what I am capable of and what I enjoy doing. It almost goes without saying that this job literally gave me my life in that I met Brain and now we have started a family.
So, as I look at the end of my time at VV, it sort of feels like the end of an era! I will always hold my time here, very dear to my heart. The people, the experiences and the skills, I am so grateful for this experience! While I am very excited about my new opportunity, it's just hard not to be a little sentimental as my last day here gets a little closer.
As I was walking around the office the other day, an old favorite Tom Petty song popped into my head. I sort of chuckled to myself after I started humming it.... ah ha! This is true....
"time to move on, time to get going, what lies ahead I have no way of knowing... but under my feet babe, grass is growing. Time to move on, time to get going..."
About 9 years ago, my boyfriend of 4 years dumped me. Completely out the blue with no warning, he wanted out. I was crushed. It was a blessing in disguise because the relationship just wasn't right. So there I was, a blah job, newly single and living by myself. I had lost myself in my old relationship, so I didn't even know who I was anymore, or what I wanted. It wasn't necessarily a dark time in my life, but definitely a transitional time.
A few months later, I got a call out of the blue from a headhunter that I had worked for off and on through high school and college. This time, they had a job for me. For me though? I had a job... They insisted I go interview because they knew I would LOVE the company - vineyard vines. My dad wore there ties, so I was vaguely familiar with their story and eventually I agreed. An interview was good practice, it couldn't hurt. What I didn't expect was a great conversation with Shep and Ian and a job offer at the end of my hour long interview. I can honestly remember thinking, this came up out of the blue, for a reason. I don't know what the reason is, but I have to take this job. So, the next day, I quit my job and agreed to start at VV.
This job was just what I needed, at the perfect time in my life. This job has been SO much more to me than just a job. Within weeks, I had new friends, more of a social life, I was having more fun, enjoying life again because I was me again. That in itself was huge for me as a person. Then add in that I worked hard and I learned so much about what I am capable of and what I enjoy doing. It almost goes without saying that this job literally gave me my life in that I met Brain and now we have started a family.
So, as I look at the end of my time at VV, it sort of feels like the end of an era! I will always hold my time here, very dear to my heart. The people, the experiences and the skills, I am so grateful for this experience! While I am very excited about my new opportunity, it's just hard not to be a little sentimental as my last day here gets a little closer.
As I was walking around the office the other day, an old favorite Tom Petty song popped into my head. I sort of chuckled to myself after I started humming it.... ah ha! This is true....
"time to move on, time to get going, what lies ahead I have no way of knowing... but under my feet babe, grass is growing. Time to move on, time to get going..."
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Fun with friends!
As I've mentioned, the last month or so has been a little crazy. A little more on that later this week. Since the weeks have been busy and a bit chaotic, we've unintentionally kept the weekends relatively low key. We've had the chance to get together with friends and catch up, and it's been so much fun! It's great to get together with friends, and their little ones and watch them interact! Here are some pictures from our playdates, fun for both the little ones and the grown ups :) I really look forward to more times together like this in the future as our families grow!
Madelyn and Sam sharing bedtime stories
She always puts her hands on him... so cute!
Miss M and Addy hanging out!
Anthony and Jackson sharing toys
And catching up over drinks and snacks :)
What a cutie!
Honoring the cute momma-to-be at her surprise shower!
We can't wait to meet Hannah!!!!
NCHS class of 1999!
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
T minus 28
Days until our baby girl is 1 YEAR old! I've gotten over the denial hump, and although I'm still sort of in shock, I'm super excited about celebrating her birthday! It's been a little while, so I wanted to share what the munchkin has been up to over the last month!
Madelyn officially starting crawling at 10 months. She loves how crawling allows her to explore and she sort of takes her time putzing around. Along with crawling, she is now pulling herself up on everything... in her crib, the coffee table, couch, pack 'n play. I was excited for her to start moving and now that actually she has, I understand the significance of this milestone! Maybe chasing her around more will help me lose the last of the pregnancy weight ;)
We've determined, at this stage anyway, that M is a picky eater. I guess she's trying to keep up her trim figure. She'll eat 3 meals a day and usually a few snacks in addition to her bottles. But her "meals" are pretty small. Some oatmeal here, a few bites of pastina there and we just discovered she really likes grilled cheese! Thankfully, she LOVES fruit, and she's pretty good about eating veggies too. M seems to like variety, so she sort of grazes and if we give her a lot of options, she'll most likely eat more!
This month, Madelyn was hit with her first real sickness. We're not really sure what it was, just some kind of virus. She had a high fever for 4 days, and the poor thing had no energy! Once the fever broke, she's slowly getting better. Hopefully in a few more days she'll be 100%. It's so hard to watch your baby be uncomfortable and sick. Ugh, I hated every single day last week that I couldn't hold her all day long and try to make her feel better!
Miss M is really becoming more and more expressive, and we love watching her personality develop. She just started to blow kisses when prompted, which is just the cutest thing! It's so neat that after all that repitition, she's starting to follow along. Auntie Sara has also been teaching her sign language and she's starting to regularly practice it by telling us she's "all done" with a bottle, or asking for "more" food! I'm not totally convinced that she knows what no means, but she has the no head-shake down like a pro.
Madelyn loves waking up to Quigley at her crib in the morning, usually muttering "ill-ey" or something similar when she sees him. She reaches for him through the spindles and he immediately goes up to give her wake up kisses. M has also start to reach for people quite a bit. It melts my heart when she reaches for me when I get to pick her up after work! Its funny how little ones have a much easier time saying Dadda, or so it seems but I am happy to report that Madelyn says "Mum-ma" often too :)
M continues to love daycare and being around other kids. I credit daycare with her quickly picking up crawling once she started going and being more vocal! I think we can also thank them for the germs she picked up, but we expected that ;) We recently have had the chance to get together with some good friends and their little ones, and its SO fun to watch them play together. Another post on that later this week!
Here are some pictures of our little lady in action!
Madelyn officially starting crawling at 10 months. She loves how crawling allows her to explore and she sort of takes her time putzing around. Along with crawling, she is now pulling herself up on everything... in her crib, the coffee table, couch, pack 'n play. I was excited for her to start moving and now that actually she has, I understand the significance of this milestone! Maybe chasing her around more will help me lose the last of the pregnancy weight ;)
We've determined, at this stage anyway, that M is a picky eater. I guess she's trying to keep up her trim figure. She'll eat 3 meals a day and usually a few snacks in addition to her bottles. But her "meals" are pretty small. Some oatmeal here, a few bites of pastina there and we just discovered she really likes grilled cheese! Thankfully, she LOVES fruit, and she's pretty good about eating veggies too. M seems to like variety, so she sort of grazes and if we give her a lot of options, she'll most likely eat more!
This month, Madelyn was hit with her first real sickness. We're not really sure what it was, just some kind of virus. She had a high fever for 4 days, and the poor thing had no energy! Once the fever broke, she's slowly getting better. Hopefully in a few more days she'll be 100%. It's so hard to watch your baby be uncomfortable and sick. Ugh, I hated every single day last week that I couldn't hold her all day long and try to make her feel better!
Miss M is really becoming more and more expressive, and we love watching her personality develop. She just started to blow kisses when prompted, which is just the cutest thing! It's so neat that after all that repitition, she's starting to follow along. Auntie Sara has also been teaching her sign language and she's starting to regularly practice it by telling us she's "all done" with a bottle, or asking for "more" food! I'm not totally convinced that she knows what no means, but she has the no head-shake down like a pro.
Madelyn loves waking up to Quigley at her crib in the morning, usually muttering "ill-ey" or something similar when she sees him. She reaches for him through the spindles and he immediately goes up to give her wake up kisses. M has also start to reach for people quite a bit. It melts my heart when she reaches for me when I get to pick her up after work! Its funny how little ones have a much easier time saying Dadda, or so it seems but I am happy to report that Madelyn says "Mum-ma" often too :)
M continues to love daycare and being around other kids. I credit daycare with her quickly picking up crawling once she started going and being more vocal! I think we can also thank them for the germs she picked up, but we expected that ;) We recently have had the chance to get together with some good friends and their little ones, and its SO fun to watch them play together. Another post on that later this week!
Here are some pictures of our little lady in action!
perfecting her pull ups
cheese!
Open....close, open....close - this amused her for about a half hour!
Peek-a-boo!
discovering Quigley's dishes
my babies - hanging at Grandma and Grandpa's
buddies
First time having grilled cheese:
More cruising
Watching Quigley play outside
Mom - I'm not hungry, no more food! Or pictures :)
I have to explain this one... M had just been pulled from her crib and a sound sleep at G&G's so we could go home on Sunday night. Immediately upon seeing Brian downstairs, she whined and reached for him, snuggling right up on his shoulder once he had her... she sure loves her Daddy :) It was a very sweet moment and Brian was over the moon!
Monday, October 1, 2012
Lights, camera - update!
During the last few busy weeks, we managed to squeeze in a little update that we are thrilled about! Like most things, one little thing sort of dominoed and we ended up with not 1, but 3 new light fixtures in our kitchen/dining area.
My parents recently gutted and completely updated the kitchen in their home. As they got used to the new kitchen, they decided to fill the space with recessed lighting, doing away with their awesome chandelier. They were planning to bring the chandelier to the DUMP. Nope, I couldn't let them throw it out! I've always loved it and I knew it would be a perfect update for our eat-in-kitchen area, so we graciously accepted the hand me down :) To say we love it is an understatement!
While we were debating on when to call the electrician to install it, our other two light fixtures in the room stopped working. So, 1 little light swap, turned into 3 new pieces. We decided to switch the other two lights from brushed nickel to oil rubbed bronze and now the look is complete. This was one of those simple updates that really makes a difference... take a peak, do you agree?
My parents recently gutted and completely updated the kitchen in their home. As they got used to the new kitchen, they decided to fill the space with recessed lighting, doing away with their awesome chandelier. They were planning to bring the chandelier to the DUMP. Nope, I couldn't let them throw it out! I've always loved it and I knew it would be a perfect update for our eat-in-kitchen area, so we graciously accepted the hand me down :) To say we love it is an understatement!
While we were debating on when to call the electrician to install it, our other two light fixtures in the room stopped working. So, 1 little light swap, turned into 3 new pieces. We decided to switch the other two lights from brushed nickel to oil rubbed bronze and now the look is complete. This was one of those simple updates that really makes a difference... take a peak, do you agree?
BEFORE
AFTER:
"new" chandelier
new pendant
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