Monday Listicles: The Favorite Meal List

Today, I am joining up with Stasha's weekly "Monday Listicles" (see link below for more information). It's been way too long!

TOP 10 FAVORITE MEALS
You can probably guess my heritage by this list. Or, at least the part of it with yummy food. From my German and Danish sides, I pretty much only appreciate the desserts.

1. Burrito bowl from Chipotle. I never met a burrito I didn't like (my dad doesn't call me "Burrito Breath" for nothing), but I especially love the bowls there. I skip the tortilla these days because I need to limit my gluten intake.

2. Dad's Enchiladas (Bonus: smothered in green chili sauce, Colorado/New Mexico style)
3. Pretty much anything at Mexico in Providence. Burritos, gorditas, tostadas, tamales. All delicious, authentic food from a Guatemalan family. Their pinto beans are to die for!
4. Chili burgers from Dan's Place (my dad's are really good, too). I get mine minus the bun and cheese (I'm dairy free, too... fun!), with sweet potato fries. In my dad's hometown in Colorado, these are usually served open-faced, with fries on top and chili covering the whole thing. So good.
5. Margarita Grilled Chicken from Chili's. Salsa on the side. Nom nom nom.
6. Bacon-Infused Meatloaf from Iron Works Tavern in Warwick, RI. I am not a huge meatloaf fan, but I am salivating just thinking about this. Best. Meatloaf. Ever. With delicious mashed potatoes on the side.
7. Huevos Rancheros. I was so sad I didn't get to have these out in Colorado this last time. I am going to have to make them at home.
8. Fuji Apple Chicken Salad from Panera Bread. Perfect in the summer.
9. Guinness Beef Stew. Beef stew is awesome, especially in the colder months. Add Guinness and it's just Heavenly. I have to do this in moderation, for sure. Not gluten free.
10. Mom's Beef and Egg Noodles. She calls it goulash, but it's made with bigger chunks of meat (not ground beef). And it's delicious!

I need to add a #11 -- any kind of fish. Fish and chips, salmon, Cajun catfish or tilapia. And I also love fish tacos (of course)!

Now that I've made myself hungry... what are your favorite meals?

The Acronym List

Acronyms. So popular in American corporate and texting culture, perfect for those of us who are too lazy to type. At work, I could probably write an entire email with acronyms alone, and most people there would probably understand it.

Jennifer suggested that we list our favorites this week for Monday Listicles. I'll spare you the work ones; here are some of my favorite everyday acronyms.

10 ACRONYMS YOU USE REGULARLY

1. LOL (laughing out loud) -- I definitely overuse this one, but in my defense, I also find pretty much anything hilarious. Especially this time of year, when I am hopped up on the Benedryl.
2. LMAO (laughing my arse off) -- Reserved for those times when I am laughing so hard, I start crying. Maybe it should be LMEO.
3. OMG (oh. my. gosh.) -- Becky, look at her... oh, sorry. Used when something is really shocking. Or I want to play Valley girl.
4. WTF (what the frijoles?) -- Often used when the Bruins aren't playing very well, or the referees are making bad calls. One of the rare ones I sometimes spell out when I am speaking. Because we all know that F isn't for frijoles.
5. LMK (let me know) -- A favorite when I'm texting.
6. NP (no problem) -- We use this one at work, but sometimes I use it when texting. Although, my phone likes to change it to "no" and then I just confuse people.
7. TTYL (talk to you later) -- Not quite as cool as TTFN, but it works.
8. OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) -- Must line things up straight. Must organize code so everything is indented correctly. Must wipe my mouth after every bite of food. I'm better than I used to be, mainly because I am too tired. Once I have the energy, I'd love to alphabetize something, though. :)
9. SOG (shots on goal) -- A hockey acronym. I only mention it because my friend saw it on a score board once and asked, "What does that stand for? Son of a gun?" And all season it was, "We had 50 sons of a gun and couldn't even pull out a win." LOL
10. TMI (too much information) -- Sometimes, it's necessary to pull out the "Whoa! TMI!" Sometimes while listening to pop or rap music, or watching reality TV.

Have a good week, everyone. :)

The 30 Minute List

You have thirty free minutes -- no kids, no chores, nowhere in particular to be -- to do whatever you want. What do you do?

There are so many things I would love to do, and I could use a bunch of these thirty minutes throughout the day. It would be nice to be able to get things accomplished and still have time to decompress, and do everything I enjoy. Alas, time is not that kind, especially when a full time job and motherhood are involved. But one can dream. And have a plan for when any of those spare moments should arise.

Stasha asked in this week's Monday Listicles link-up, and here's my response:

TOP 10 WAYS TO SPEND 30 MINUTES

1. Taking a walk. Preferably somewhere quiet and natural.
2. Breaking out the camera to snap some photos. Bonus points if it's on that walk.
3. Reading.
4. Writing.
5. Arithmetic. Or maybe just a Sudoku puzzle. Or Words with Friends.
6. Catching up on Instagram.
7. Dancing (via Zumba class, Wii, XBox, or just randomly in the living room -- it's been known to happen, but I can't tell you it's a pleasant sight!).
8. Playing the piano. Maybe the guitar someday, too.
9. Learning something new. Hoping to make time for Lightroom and PHP soon.
10. On a nice day: taking a ride with the windows down, while listening to my favorite music (and probably singing loudly). Maybe on the way to take that walk.

Now that I've spent tonight's thirty minutes on #4... I hope you all have a wonderful week! :)

The Superhero List

It's Monday, and that means it's time for Stasha's weekly link-up, Monday Listicles. I'm joining up again this week after a small hiatus.

Stasha asked us to tell everyone about the things we have done that have made us feel like superheroes. It made me think, how does a superhero feel? I think they like to help others, and maybe they feel some pressure because they are expected to do so. But do they wish sometimes that they could get some help in return? Or feel more appreciated? If so, I feel like a superhero every day.

Actually, I think what Stasha is actually going for is that superheroes feel strong, and maybe a little bit proud. I'm going to go with that for my list. There's not much, but I'll dig up some positive stuff. :)

10 THINGS YOU DID THAT MADE YOU FEEL LIKE A SUPERHERO

1. Survived three days of contractions and then gave birth.
2. Ran a 5K while pushing a kid in a baby stroller. Not very quickly, but I made it!
3. Won the 1999 summer season championship with my hockey team. My GAA that season was about 0.50.
4. Posted the highest archery score of all the PE classes in my high school.
5. Ripped up a floor like a boss while volunteering to renovate a house for Habitat for Humanity.
6. Solved a math word problem before any of the former Computer Science majors that I work with. Mighty Math Powers! (Cue Team Umizoomi ;))
7. Got CSS to render correctly in all supported browsers!
8. Survived farming duties (shoveling poop, milking goats, etc.) while volunteering with the Heifer Project.
9. Woke up a half hour late the other day, yet still managed to get myself showered and ready, and Josh dressed and fed. I even got him to school on time, actually earlier than usual!
10. While playing roller hockey with some boys, one decided that he was going to try to knock me over after the whistle was blown (real classy, I know). Came at me full steam. Not only did he fail to knock me over, but I knocked him down to the ground. Don't mess with me. :)

The Little Things List

I love the topic for Listicles this week (thanks, Wendy!). I've been thinking about how the smallest things have been making me upset lately, but this helped me remember that small things make me happy, too. I know, I am just a moody 12-year-old at heart. Maybe someday, I will grow up. Until then, here are the:

10 TINY THINGS THAT BRING ME JOY

I love the snow. Good thing, because we've had plenty this winter!

1. Conversations with Joshua. Never a dull moment.
2. Photos. Taking them, looking at other people's. I love to relax by checking my Instagram feed.
3. New episodes of my favorite shows. This week included Glee, Big Bang Theory, Yukon Men, and Worst Cooks in America.
4. Music. The right song can lift my spirit within the first few notes.
5. Hockey. Or any other sport. But especially hockey, and especially Providence Bruins games with my friends.
6. Cookies. Mmm.
7. Swimming in the ocean. (Not at this time of the year, though!) And the ocean in general. And nature.
8. Playing in the snow. It's been a great sledding season. Also, just sitting outside after it's been snowing. It was so peaceful in the woods after the blizzard we had the weekend before last. I could have stayed out there all day, despite the fact that the snow was halfway up my leg. The snow just muffles the sound and you feel surrounded and calm. It's hard to explain, but delightful.
9. Deer in the yard. And just animals in general. Josh and I always love the zoo.
10. When we're walking and Josh wants to hold my hand. I know this won't last forever, so I will cherish my little sweetheart every day until he's too big to be seen with Mom. And then, I'll cherish him some more. ;)

The When I Grow Up List

Late again for the Listicle party. Sorry, Stasha!

This week's Listicle topic was chosen by Wendy (whose Instagram feed I enjoy daily). I really enjoyed this, looking back and trying to remember what I wanted to be when I was a child. It really made me think about who I was then and who I am now. I think I had a better idea back then. It's great to be young and have so much promise for the future, before life starts to get in the way and makes it harder to achieve your dreams. I like to imagine what Joshua might be someday. I hope he can do some great things.

This list also made me think about the past week and some of the issues that have really held me back over the years. It was one of those "blue" weeks where the voices in my head tell me that I am not good enough, no one likes me, etc. I am stressed out, not getting enough sleep, and have not felt healthy in months. It's been a struggle and I wish I could just get over it already. I guess I need to work harder on this. I need to make some positive changes in my life. {Insert Stuart Smalley daily affirmation quote here.}

On a happy and lighter note, I had a great time with my friends at the AHL All-Star Classic in Providence this weekend. It was great to be with so many hockey fans -- from as far away as Texas -- having a great time.

Ok, I have rambled enough. Time for the list!
10 THINGS YOU THOUGHT AS A CHILD YOU WOULD DO/BE
1. Author/Illustrator of children’s books
2. Greeting card designer
3. Designer/layouts for magazines
4. Stay-at-home mom
5. Teacher
6. Singer/Song-writer
7. Actress
8. Social worker or activist
9. An Olympian -- figure skating, gymnastics, skiing, or swimming (no women's hockey back then, or else it would have been in the list!)
10. Photographer

Sorry, Ronald, I never dreamed of working at McDonald's... but I would have been cute in an ad!

I didn't become any of those, although I still like to make greeting cards for people, and 3 isn't too far from my job as a website developer. I always liked playing with computers, so I'm not surprised to have ended up in this industry. And I can't stay at home, but I am a mom. My favorite job. :)

The New Year List

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season. I got a cold for Christmas and spent the whole week (a vacation week from work) hanging around the house in my PJs. I had a million plans for the week, all out the window. But I am choosing to be positive and have to say I appreciated the rare opportunity to just relax and spend some quality time with my extended family. I think Josh liked being able to stay home and play with all of his new toys, although he was definitely ready to see his school friends yesterday. I was ready to see my work friends, but I'm still sick. I got some antibiotics from the doctor today, so hopefully I'm on the road to recovery!

The little guy turned four this past weekend. I can't believe it. He tells me he still feels like he's three. I'm sure he'll feel four soon enough. He's going to have his bed converted into a full size (it's in toddler mode now), and he'll be using a booster seat instead of the car seat once I figure that all out. I'm not sad at all about this; I love seeing him grow into a bigger boy.

For this week's list meme, I am totally straying from the topic and want to write a list of resolutions (sorry Kate, but I love your blog!). I know many people groan at this topic, but I think it's great to take an occasional look at oneself and see where there's room for improvement. I'm thinking about low-pressure resolutions for this year, though. One of my resolutions is to be nicer to myself. Here are some others (un-ordered list because I am being a super rebel this week):

• Lose the last 10 pounds. I want to finish what I started last year. Since I have been able to maintain my weight (probably because I cannot eat dairy anymore), I'm hoping that exercise will help me shed the rest of the pounds. I have been lazy lately.
• Practice random acts of kindness. There's a movement for this, in the wake of the Sandy Hook tragedy, but I am hoping to extend this to more than just 26 acts. I think this should be part of my everyday life. If I see a need and can help, I want to push myself to help, even if I feel awkward or shy (which is often the case). I have trouble even thanking people sometimes, even when I really appreciate what they have done for me, so this is going to be a hard one. I'm hoping to volunteer my time in some way, as well.
• Think positively in all situations.
• Try to relax, and not worry so much about what others think.  Enjoy life.
• Be patient with Josh, and ALWAYS appreciate him. That big ball of energy. Maybe he can share some with me.
• Take lots of photos. Like that's a challenge! I want to improve my photography, though. I signed up for an online class and am very excited to start.
• Organize my life. My office/papers need this in the worst way. I also want to consolidate/organize my social networks. I am thinking about getting rid of some of them, definitely debating what I want to use and how (Pinterest is the first to go, maybe Twitter, too, as I don't use them very often).

See?  Not too bad. Hoping for an awesome 2013 for us all.

The Christmas Song List

As many of us probably are this week, I am writing this week's list with a very heavy heart.  What happened in my neighbor state of Connecticut last Friday was unbelievable, unbearable.  We can't believe that someone could do something like that to anyone, let alone kids so little.  But the fact of the matter is, kids are being hurt everyday.  Even that same day, there were young children stabbed in China.  It just breaks my heart, especially as a mother who loves her son more than anything.  We need to take a stand and make sure that not just our own children, but all children, are safe.  I'm not sure how, but I hope I can help in some way.  This particular tragedy hits home not just because CT is so close, but also because I have some family in Newtown who lost friends that day.  Please keep the people in that community in your prayers, as well as people in other communities who have lost so many loved ones.  Especially so close to Christmas.

I was thinking about something Blake Shelton said on The Voice on Monday night (very lovely and classy opening number by them, and by SNL last Saturday, by the way), that we need to heal, and music has the potential to heal.  I find this in many aspects of my life.  I wanted my music list (this week's Listicle suggestion) to be a celebration, and to be about kids, because Christmas really is all about the children -- in all of us.  On that note, I present to you:

JOSH'S FAVORITE CHRISTMAS SONGS
1. "Jingle Bells" - Isn't this the first one we all learn?
2. "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" - Of course!
3. "Holly Jolly Christmas" - This one has raised several questions, like "What's a cup of cheer?" and "What's mistletoe?"  We have to listen to three versions of this in the car: first by Allan Jackson, then Lady Antebellum, then his favorite -- Michael Buble.
4. "Jingle Jingle Jingle" - A very catchy tune from the Rudolph special.
5. "Frosty the Snowman" - He used to call him "Salty."  Maybe that's Frosty's beach sand cousin?
6. "Twelve Days of Christmas" - He has no idea what the words are, so he makes up his own.  And it's hilarious.
7. "Must be Santa" - I don't know this one very well, but he learned it in school.
8. "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" - We both LOVE this Christmas special.  He thinks about this one a lot and tries to psycho-analyze the Grinch.  Like me, he loves that the Grinch turns around at the end and is nice and happy.  I wish this always happened.

Josh sings "Jingle Bells"

That's pretty much all for Josh, so we'll throw in a few of mine.  I have so many. :)
1. "In the Bleak Midwinter" - An odd one, maybe, but I have always loved this song.  There's something beautiful about it.  James Taylor does a wonderful version of it on his Christmas album.
2. "What Child is This?," "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel," "The First Noel," "O Holy Night" - Love their melodies.
3. "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day" - The Casting Crowns version.  Love it.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
And fit us for heaven, to live with Thee there.

The Awesome List

I was going to cop out of this week's list meme and make a list about why my son is great. I mean, when Santa asked him what he wanted for Christmas, his response was "A penguin Dream Lite, for Mommy." How sweet is he? But I talk about how he's awesome all the time, and I need to work on my self-confidence issues. So, staying true to this week's topic (suggested by Mrs.M from The Bonny Bard), I present:

10 REASONS I AM GREAT

1. People can rely on me for photos of any occasion.
2. I'm a pretty good baker.
3. Despite some of the things I may have written on my blog, I do tend to keep an optimistic view of life. When things are bad, I always seek the positive.
4. I learn quickly.
5. I play hockey. Bonus points for being a goalie. (OK, maybe that's a different list: "10 Reasons I'm Crazy.")
6. I'm polite.
7. I get along with all different kinds of people.
8. Try out your bad jokes on me! I laugh at just about anything.
9. My son seems to think I am, so I must be a good mama.
10. I'm just like everyone else. God makes us all great, in different ways.

Two Lists for the Price of One

Happy Holidays!

Although this is a really stressful time of year, it's also my favorite. Right now, it's snowing outside, our white lights are sparkling out there, and it's just gorgeous. I love finding the perfect gifts for people (especially children), but do wish that Christmas were more about family, friends, music, and Jesus than the scramble for gifts, wrapping, and sending cards. Call me Scrooge, but actually I think I am more like Charlie Brown. All set with the commercialism!

Anyway, in the spirit of Cyber Monday and Black Friday and all that nonsense, I am bringing you a two-for-one special this week! Basically, because I wanted to participate last week and I never had a chance to post.

From last week, the topic chosen by Kerstin:

TEN THINGS I LEARNED (so far) IN 2012

1. No one wants to listen to my problems. We all have our own problems. I should save my energy for brainstorming solutions.
2. It is not impossible for me to lose weight and keep it off. Hallelujah!
3. How my heating system works.
4. With the proper equipment, a man can jump from the edge of our atmosphere back down to Earth... and live.
5. The back roads of my new town.
6. More about jQuery and CSS.
7. There are many negative aspects to my personality, but being shy and awkward keeps me humble, and being sensitive helps me to always appreciate the beauty around me. I'm working on challenging the negatives and embracing the positives.
8. The true meaning of unconditional love (thanks, Josh :)).
9. My next lens purchase should be a fast glass (if anyone sees any good deals, please let me know!).
10. Olivier Dunrea writes the cutest children's books.

And from this week, the topic chosen by Jessica:

10 PHOTOS FROM MY PHONE

My top 5 from Instagram (I know, not exactly stellar numbers ;)), and 5 other random photos of my favorite boy:

Make sure you check out Stasha and Melveen's list. They put together the coolest set of photos!  'Til next week... enjoy the season and try to stay sane, everyone! :)

The Thanksgiving List

I have been away for far too long. I've been under the weather literally (a hurricane and a nor'easter), physically, and mentally. Just: blah.

I don't know quite know how to answer Anja's topic this week (10 THINGS JAMES BOND OR ANY SECRET AGENT OR 10 FICTIONAL FACTS ABOUT YOU (BUT ONE MUST BE TRUE AND WE WILL TRY TO GUESS IT!)), but Stasha gave me a good idea with her lovely post. I did a Thank You list back in July, but I figure it doesn't hurt to continually be appreciative of what I have, especially at Thanksgiving. And it's time to get out of my funk and celebrate.

Counting My Blessings

1. Thankful for the military that protects my country.
2. Thankful for a beautiful home in a gorgeous neighborhood.
3. Thankful for the best family I could ask for, many times extended.
4. Thankful for good health and the ability to enjoy all kinds of activities.
5. Thankful that all we lost during Hurricane Sandy was a day of electricity and some items in the fridge.
6. Thankful to have a job, and health insurance.
7. Thankful to have plenty of food for myself and my family.
8. Thankful for AHL hockey and my season tickets. No hockey withdrawal for me!
9. Thankful for a wonderful son who has taught me all about unconditional love.
10. Thankful for moments when I realize that we're not in this alone.

The Then and Now List

I'm back and ready to participate in Monday Listicles! Thanks to Christine for the great topic. I missed the topic "10 Compliments" last week. We were traveling back from the lovely state of New Hampshire on Monday and there was much house-cleaning and laundry to be done in the days following our vacation. It was definitely worth it, though. I love traveling, and it's always beautiful up there. Also, I have to admit: I am terrible at both giving and receiving compliments. It just always ends up awkward somehow. Except when it comes to Josh. He's still too young to realize his mom's a dork, and as his mother, it's OK for me to appreciate his every accomplishment -- even if it is how well he painted a paper plate at school.

But anyway, on to this week's topic:

10 WAYS YOU ARE THE SAME OR DIFFERENT THAN YOUR YOUNGER SELF

1. I used to be really outgoing up until around age six. Like, stop and talk to strangers -- and sing, dance and act out my favorite commercials to said strangers -- kinda outgoing. Josh reminds me a lot of that younger me. Now, I am pretty shy.

2. I have always and probably will always love to eat. Cookies and burritos will probably always top the favorite food list, too.

3. I used to do cartwheels for days. Why does doing just one disable me for a week now?

4. I was 5'4" when I was 10, so I've been the same height for a while.

5. My hair was relatively calm up until about age 11. Since then, it's been wilder than a herd of buffalo on a Colorado plain (I know, my similes are terrible). Even Keratin treatments don't help much. My hair just wants to be unruly.

6. Like Stasha, I have always loved photography.

7. I have always loved music, too. I listen to it all the time, and am always looking for new music to enjoy. I have always loved going to concerts, too. I went to my first when I was 9.

8. Like my younger self, I am always worrying about something. I'm surprised I don't have an ulcer by now.

9. Also like my younger self, I think too much about what other people think of me. I've always been a "people pleaser." I am taking big steps to stop that now, though.

10. I've always been a big fan of holidays (especially Christmas).  But I never used to like Halloween very much. I think it's more fun now. Maybe because it isn't as scary as an adult?

Have a fantastic week!

The Fall Favorites List

Today's list from Stasha's Monday Listicles link-up is about a subject near and dear to my heart: autumn. Oh, how I love this season! October is one of my favorite months, and I am so glad it's here. This list will be easy.

Top 10 Autumn Must-Haves

1. Pumpkin Bread

2. Apple Crisp

3. Pumpkin Coffee / Latte

4. A trip to the Big E

5. Fumbling my way through at least one corn maze

6. Foliage

7. Temperatures in the 60s (Fahrenheit, that is)

8. A trip to a historical New England place like Salem or Sturbridge MA -- I don't always get to do this, but I love learning about NE history during this time of the year. Maybe it's something carried over from my Elementary School days. :)

9. Ghost tour

10. Pumpkin carving (and a trip to the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular)

The Playlist

Stasha will be proud; I'm actually writing my list on a Monday this week. :) Cassie chose a great topic - a list of 10 songs. It's hard to choose just ten; I love so many songs. Here's a playlist off the top of my head.

10 Songs

1. "Draw Me a Map" by Dierks Bentley

2. "She's Got This Thing About Her" by Chris Young

3."Hotel California" by The Eagles. I think I first heard this song when I was Josh's age, and it's always been one of my favorites. I love this live version. Bonus Spanish lesson, too. ;)

4."Jesus, Friend of Sinners" by Casting Crowns. I love this message.

5. "Run to You" by Third Day. For days that I really need help getting through.

6. "Mahna Mahna" by the Muppets. Since Stasha got "Call Me Maybe" stuck in my head, it's only fair! ;)

7. "Rumor Has It" by Adele. Josh and I love listening to this one in the car. Only, he insists that it's "Boomer Has It."

8. "Baggage Claim" by Miranda Lambert. Just fun.

9. "The Sound of a Million Dreams" by David Nail. Beautiful song.

10. "Knee Deep" by Zac Brown Band and Jimmy Buffett. Beach music. Yes, please. (Weird video, though.)

Have a great week! :)

The School List

Monday Listicles on a Thursday? Fashionably late, as usual. ;)

This week, since the kids are all heading back, Stasha has asked us to make a list related to school.  So, without further ado, my list of 10:

1. My best subject was math. I think it will be Josh's, as well. He loves to count and is already doing some addition. You should have seen how excited he was when the concept of addition clicked in his mind. I was always in the highest math classes, and took Calculus II in college (I took the first part in high school) to boost my GPA after getting a C in a law class. Hello, sign I was in the wrong major!

2. I majored in Political Science in college. Should have listened to my father and majored in Computer Science.

3. My favorite non-academic activity was chorus.  I started in my church's children's choir when I was in elementary school, then was in the chorus in middle and high school. I made the All-State Chorus in grade 9 and Concert Choir (competitive choir) in grades 11 and 12. I sang for one semester in college and was in the community chorus for a while, too. I don't have a great voice, but I love music and love to sing. Josh does, too. It's something I'd like to get back into. I've been thinking about finding a community chorus to join again.

4. I hated gym. I was always awkward and klutzy, picked last. I did a little better in my later years of high school, however. I was one of the best archers in the school, created a kick-butt aerobics routine with two of my friends, and had a blast in floor hockey. Maybe I just needed the right activities.

5. I always thought history was interesting, except for the parts about the wars. Oh man, do I hate to read about war tactics. I don't care; just tell me why they fought and what came out of it.

6. I think science is fascinating, but it was always one of my worst subjects in school. I couldn't do a lab to save my life. The only section I aced was meteorology. You can still find me on the weather websites all the time. (Ahem, nerd!)

7. Yeah, I was a nerd, and bullied -- called a teacher's pet, threatened a few times. I tried to play dumb sometimes, and still find myself doing that, but I don't have much going for me besides my brain. Which Josh stole some of when I was pregnant. I'm in trouble now.

8. I loved art. I was actually pretty decent at drawing, too. I am way out of practice now. I also took an after-school photography class, using my step-father's SLR, when I was in middle school. So fun.

9. I was in a couple of plays. I always wished I wasn't so shy; my stage fright was crippling. I was in the background (essentially) for "Alice in Wonderland" and had some bigger parts in a production we created for our history class in high school. There were some plays in elementary and middle school, too. I never felt like I fit in with the drama / choir crowd because I didn't have the talent, but I always liked hanging out with them. And when I was not freaking out, I actually did like being up on stage. We had some good times.

10. Josh starts his school journey next Monday, his first day of preschool. I think I am more nervous than he is. But I cannot wait to see where his journey takes him. :)

The Thank You List

It's Monday Listicles time again! This week, Stasha is asking us to put together a list of 10 Thanks. I don't always appreciate things as much as I should, so I think this will be a good one. :)

10 Things for Which I am Thankful 

1. My son. I couldn't have asked for a better child.

2. Discovering this song on Friday. Just the lyrics I need to hear lately, and because I love me some good rock, good music as well:



3. Instagram. I love "meeting" people from all over the world, who also share a passion for photography. (I have just as much fun looking at photos than taking and sharing mine.) In fact, let me just say "internet" here and say I am thankful for ways for a really shy girl to make friends and communicate. :)

4. My smartphone and the diet app (Lose It), as well as the Shape Up RI program. Together, they helped me lose 35 lbs, and I feel great. 10 more to go!

5. My extended family and good friends.

6. A roof over my head. A new roof, in fact, when I move in 10 days!

7. Never having to go hungry, or see my child go hungry. Clean water, too.

8. Having a job. Granted, I'd prefer to be able to be a stay-at-home mom, but I am happy that I can provide and that we can afford all of the things that we need.

9. Providence Bruins games. I've met so many people there, and it's great stress relief. I'm also thankful to be able to play the sport. It's so much fun.

10. Freedom.

Knocking on wood, counting my blessings. 'Til next week!

The Birthday List

OK, so it's not really a birthday list, but as I prepare to add a year to my age tomorrow, it seemed appropriate that the list chosen by Deborah this week would cause me to reflect a bit on my life. So here you go: 10 things I would or would not miss if I were to die.

Things I Would Miss
1. My family, esp. that sweet little boy of mine
2. Instagram, taking photos
3. Burritos, strawberry shortcake, other good eats
4. Hockey, baseball
5. Music
6. Nature, clouds, sunset, moon
7. American Idol, Glee, The Sing Off, The Voice
8. Del's Lemonade, sweet tea, and good coffee
9. Swimming
10. Friends

Although, I am assuming Heaven will have at least some of these things.  The people (eventually), if anything.

Things I Would Not Miss
1. Stress
2. Anxiety
3. Depression
4. Hatred
5. Hot, humid weather
6. Decisions
7. Traffic
8. Counting calories
9. Cleaning
10. Work

Have a good week! :)

Stasha's List

Hi! I'm back! :)

I had a bit of free time, so I'm participating in this week's Monday Listicles.  I've missed it.  We should be all moved in a few weeks or so, and then I hope to get back into the Sunday Scavenger Hunt, as well.  Here's a list of 10 questions (and their answers) that Stasha asked us this week:

1. Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 23, and find line 4. What is it?
"we are transformed, and by beholding God we become mirrors."

2. How many times a day do you say Hi?
A lot.

3. Have you ever worn a uniform?
If you count polo shirts with company logos, then yes -- at Pure Hockey and Gillette Stadium. Oh, and how could I forget? My hockey uniform! :)

4. What do you think about the most?
Super-awkward and insecure thoughts about how I'm not good enough, I don't fit in, people don't like me, etc.

I drive myself mad.

Runner up: "That would make an awesome photo!"

5. How many keys are on your keyring?
6

6. What was the last thing you bought?
Food at the Paw Sox game.

7. Are you growing anything these days?
Just flowers right now.

8. What is under your bed?
If anything, one of my cats.

9. What is most important in life?
A good support system (friends, family, faith, whatever). Life is hard.

10. What is the strangest word you used this week?
Listicles :)

The Book List

Hello again from the resident slacker! I needed some time off last week because things have been hectic, and my allergies and back pain are acting up again. I felt guilty about it, except, not really. I needed the rest.

Now back to list making!

This week, we are making a list of books. I am stealing Stasha's idea and listing out Josh's favorite books. Let's face it, the internet and children's books are the only things I read these days. That's not to say that I don't like reading, because I do. I'm just. so. tired. But anyway... the list.

Josh's Top 10 Bedtime Stories

1. Goodnight Gorilla, by Peggy Rathmann. We have a DVD of the story, as well, which is good for some quiet time when he's all wound up.

2. Click Clack Moo, by Doreen Cronin. This one cracks us up every time.

3. Wacky Wednesday, by Dr. Seuss. Josh loves looking for all the wacky things in the pictures.

4. Biscuit series, by Alyssa Satin Capucilli. Someone wants a dog, badly. He told me the other day that we need to keep the doors open so the cats run away and then we can get a dog. I don't think so, Mister.

5. Spot series, by Eric Hill. Again, the dog obsession. We have these DVDs, too, and he has a stuffed Spot. All adorable.

6. Waddle Waddle Penguin, by Sesame Workshop. He has inherited Mama's love of penguins.

7. Pajama Time, by Sandra Boynton. Actually, we have a bunch of Boynton books, and love them all. My favorite is "Your Personal Penguin," of course.

8. I Love You, Good Night, by Jon Buller and Susan Schade. A really sweet book about the love between a mother and her child.

9. Goodnight Moon, by Margaret Wise Brown. A classic. And Josh and I love looking out at the moon at night.

10. The Poky Little Puppy, by Janette Sebring Lowrey. This was my favorite story as a child, so I of course had to share it with Josh. :)

The Car List

Stasha is requesting a list of anything having to do with the road for this week's Listicles. I'm going with...

10 Things You Will Find in My Car at Any Given Time

1. Car seat. Little Man's ride.
2. Ice scraper. I've only used it once in the past year, but you never know.
3. Winter gloves. Yep, you never know.
4. Pink and purple lei. It usually only gets used once a year for CountryFest, but it adds a nice splash of color to my black and gray car for the rest of the year.
5. Reusable bags. Be green.
6. Screwdrivers. I have no idea what I would use these for, but if I need them, they're there.
7. Gum. Very important.
8. Change. Especially useful at the Dunkin Donuts drive-thru.
9. Coupons. Although, I usually forget these in said car.
10. Bruins decor. Of course. ;)

And, err, a camera. :)