Painfully long

It's been months since I've published anything - that's not to say however that it's been that long since I've written. Just as with my previous blog, I find myself very conflicted when it comes to writing about personal experiences - not for my own privacy but for the privacy of others.

Truth of the matter is, I have a lot to say, because I'm feeling so much right now but am just so hesitant to publish anything.

To catch you up on the past few months I've been hella busy with work, I've been missing my parents a lot more than usual and basically doing a lot of thinking. For my entire life I've lived a few months ahead of every day, never able to enjoy the moment. Lately, I've focused a lot of energy on trying to only think about the week at hand, not a day more. No more 5-year plans or check-list of things that should have been accomplished. I really like the new me a lot more, I feel less pressure to please and more of a desire to have fun and appreciate the simple things we take for granted.

I've started watching (and obsessing over) The West Wing and am proud to say that in three short months I've watched five seasons of President Bartlet's administration. Where was I ten years ago when this amazing and exhilarating show came out? Probably at SG meetings but still, I'm ashamed it took this long. Late to the game for sure, but at least I made it, right?

My newest hobby and online addiction is Twitter. I just can't get enough of it. I don't follow that many people and I'm not followed by that many people but I love it. There is something very poetic about having only a few sentences to share with the world at any given time...

Anyway, not much else to report. I've probably lost all my readers so not really sure why I'm even back but whatever, I'm going to do my best to win back your loyalty.

Pet-owner mistakes and merriment

As I was scanning the news this morning I came across an article titled "The Top Ten Pet-Owner Mistakes." Assuming I've made few to none I started reading and to my chagrin, I'm guilty of more than half. I've blogged about Bailey before and while he really is a dog, I think of him more as a sweet, little best-friend (like a Lars but less vocal and much smaller). He's affectionate, selfless and very intuitive. While he may not be brilliant (or even intellectually mediocre) or a circus dog he offers many other great qualities including....a stellar sense of humor and a really optimistic outlook.

Here are some mistake from Real Simple's Megan Kaplan:

Mistake 1: Buying a Pet Spontaneously - Guilty

oopsies. I couldn't resist! He was on Christmas clearance....that and he was so sweet.

Mistake 2: Skipping Obedience Training - Guilty
I didn't realize I needed to be so firm.

Mistake 3: Being Inconsistent With the Rules - Guilty
I'm a sucker....

Mistake 4: Dispensing Too Many Free Treats - Guilty
Again, I'm a sucker....

Mistake 5: Neglecting to Socialize Your Pet - Innocent!
This I've done well, he has lots of friends...humans and dogs.

Mistake 6: Skimping on Exercise - Innocent
Bailey has some health issues so exercise is optional!

Mistake 7: Neglecting to Keep Your Pet Mentally Active - Not sure?
I'm not sure about this one.

Mistake 8: Leaving a Pet Alone for Too Long - Guilty
It's hard with working parents but if the economy keeps moving in the same direction one of us will likely be with him more :)

Mistake 9: Failing to Make Your Home Pet-Friendly - Guilty
B's legs are about 2 inches tall so it's not easy for him to jump around without hurting himself.

Mistake 10: Punishing Your Pet - Innocent!
Bailey is rarely punished...plus when he screws up he usually knows he did something he wasn't supposed to....I'm a fan of self-inflicted punishment.....just not with criminals.

Boo for Mondays

I'm not going to lie, I feel like sh*t today despite the fact that I was on a serious high yesterday and most of this morning. Reading the news is depressing, work is totally exhausting and I can't help but feel anxious that the Dow has now dipped below 8,000 points. I definitely feel better when I'm not at work - things have become so serious around here. When I'm at home with DC, MMA and Bailey I feel at ease but since I can't stay at home all the time I've got to pull myself together.

Things that get me through the day lately:

1. I seriously look forward to Thursdays so I can watch 30 Rock AND Office

2. Watching Lost

3. Eating chocolate (dark chocolate especially)

4. Drinking Diet Pepsi (I go back and forth between Diet Coke and Diet Pepsi)

5. Reading friends' blogs

Also, I'm trying to eat more mood-boosting foods and I'm taking a lot of vitamins and supplements. See below for a list of favorites. I've almost completely cut out alcohol from my diet. It's a depressant and I'm a lightweight (bad combination so I'll just skip it) and I try to workout at least 3-4 times a week. Between eating well and working out I feel good. I'm going to start boxing with my trainer to get out some residual stress.

• Bananas
• Beans
• Blueberries
• Broccoli
• Caffeinated beverages (1-2 per day)
• Cocoa powder (or chocolate in small amounts)
• Dairy
• Nuts
• Pomegranates

Anyone else going through some of this? Any tips or tricks?

Top 2008 Moments

I promise this is the last "new year" post I'll publish - I've just been reflecting a lot about the 2008 and expectations I have for the next few months - (imagine Counting Crows "Long December").

2008 was filled with some sadness, a little heartache and a lot of weddings. I've made a few top moments lists of the year.

Favorite Wedding Moments
1. Drinking alone in Alabama at Alex and Susan's Rehearsal dinner
I'm not sure why I did this, and honestly it's all a little foggy, but I just sort of walked around and drank (a lot) and smiled at everyone. I was in a lot of pain the next day.
2. Dancing with Brad at Matt's wedding and falling down
If you've ever danced with me you know I love to dip (mid-song, end of song, within the first few words of a song). Brad and I were dancing and after an impromptu dip I landed on the floor. I remember bouncing a little after the initial impact. It was hilarious.
3. Gospel Choir
Priscilla's was one of the most beautiful and poignant ceremonies I've ever attended. The Gospel Choir took my breath away.

Favorite Being Married Moments
1. Voting together for the first time
We stood and waited together in the rain on a Saturday in November, it was awesome.
2. Election Night
Later that night we talked about how exciting it is that our kids will be born under Obama's presidency
3. Discovering Fillmore Street
Lot's of great shops, restaurants, people.
4. Stevie Wonder
DC and I went to see Stevie over the summer - it was an amazing, almost religious experience.

My favorite books of 2008
1. Water for Elephants
2. The Art of Racing in the Rain

Worst Moments of 2008
1. Thinking we were going to lose Bailey and leaving him at the hospital (he's fine now)
2. MMA getting laid-off
3. Having to learn about testicular cancer

Potential for 2009

Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Ellen Goodman has a really fantastic outlook on how to think about starting a new year:

"We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives...not looking for flaws, but for potential."

I totally agree with her and plan on doing a little of both. I'm going to work on areas of my life that need improvement and do a better job of appreciating what's on its way to becoming amazing.

Things to work on for 2009:

1. Patience - in every area of my life
2. Greater appreciation of husband, family, friends
3. Take Vitamins (everyday)
4. Being more mindful and present in the moment (I'm reading a fabulous book on Buddhism)
5. Recognize that while my way is usually the right way....there can be more than one right way to do things ;)
6. Live a little less independently - I have great people around me, utilize them, lean on them
7. Be a better wife, in any way possible
8. Remember people's feelings before I make fun (except on American Idol )
9. Not obsess over money (weird thing I do from time to time)
10. Carpe Diem - less thinking, more action, more execution

Meaningful MO

A good friend sent this to me - it's very sweet and meaningful. I haven't put together my final list of resolutions but paying attention everything below is a high priority for me this year. Expect my resolutions in an upcoming post. Here's to a fabulous 2009.

For a moment, be still.
Count the ways you are blessed.
Be thankful.
Be slow to quarrel.
Search out a forgotten friend.
Suspend suspicion, be trusting.
Write a love letter.
Share a treasure.
Give a soft answer.
Encourage youth.
Show your loyalty in word and deed.
Nourish a grateful attitude.
Keep a promise.
Find the time.
Don't harbor a grudge.
Listen.Apologize if you are wrong.
Be understanding.
Be slow to envy.
Forgive.
Think first of someone else.
Show appreciation.
Be kind.
Count on miracles.
Laugh more.
Deserve confidence.
Be gentle.
Wage war against prejudice.
Gladden the heart of a child.
Decry complacency.
Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth.
Make every day a thanksgiving.
Speak your gratitude.
Speak it again.
Speak it still again.
Speak it still once more.