Rejuvenated, Refreshed and Recharged!

It's been a few months since I've been on blogger. I had a rough start to the year and after making some changes I'm back to the old Katie. I'm healthy, genuinely happy and gained such a new perspective on how I want to live my life.

Change #1
After 10-years in the private sector working 60-hour weeks and never leaving work at the office I traded it all in for a job in the public sector. I'm out of the land development game completely and after 6-weeks on the new job, I'm positive it was the best move I ever made. At my going away party an old co-worker joked that I went to the dark side...I told them I finally saw the light. I'm getting used to 40-hours a week and am still struggling with leaving work for tomorrow, but I'm getting the hang of it.

Change #2
With the move to the public sector I gave up the crackberry cold turkey. I unplugged from email, the Internet and the constant distraction from life. I swear I'm more productive, attentive and calm without that life changing blackberry. I no longer aimlessly search the web while I'm waiting somewhere; instead I take in my sights and enjoy the surroundings.

Change #3
I finish my Pilates Certification Seminars on Saturday. It has been intense and just like being in college but with a very physical demand. I've never focused on exercise with such intensity before. Yes I danced and golfed all growing up but these seminars put everything I've ever done physical to shame. I'm quite proud of what I've been able to do but more than anything excited to start teaching. I had to focus on Pilates and not much else to get through the mental demands. Dear Jeremy has been great and so supportive; it's only 8 more hours then it's straight student teaching. Speaking of teaching, if anyone is interested in some great private rates, shoot me an email or leave a comment.

I didn't think I was that unhappy starting the year, I thought it was pure stress. I was stunned when people who saw me after a break between the old and new career commented on how happy and peaceful I seemed. Yep - I made the right move!

Where oh where has Katie Lady gone?

A quick note to say that:

1 - Yes I am alive and well.

2 - I took my first true vacation in 11 months from the office. It was a great feeling to really leave work at the office. (I'll share photos of our NYC trip later this week - BEST GIFT EVER!)

3 - I had the worst week of work in years when I returned from vacation. (The vacation was still completely worth the pain of returning to the office.)

4 - All of my free time is spent doing pilates and keeping up with the house. (I'm not exaggerating this either, I'm at the studio Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. It's a good thing I have a caring and VERY tolerant husband.)

5 - I'm trying to get this Christmas stuff together. (Your cards may be late this year but you'll get them.)


Something pretty to leave you with from the one and only Martha - I'll post more later this week! Only 10-days until Christmas!

Gratitude!

First and foremost - a very Happy Belated Birthday to my dear brother! You deserve a year of true happiness!
Secondly, a very Happy Thanksgiving wish to all. Looking back on the year, Jeremy and I have so much to be thankful for. We're both healthy, have a lovely home, are gainfully employed and are blessed with great parents and siblings. I hope you all have a healthy holiday weekend spent with those that you love.

I'll be baking shortbread and a spinach-asiago gratin for tomorrow's dinner. The gratin is a new recipe so if it is good, I'll share it after we eat. The shortbread is a great dessert that is the perfect amount of sweetness. This may be my cookie to share for this season, you really can't go wrong when you add your finishing sugars!

3 Short Years

Thank you for making me your wife 3-years ago! My how time flies! I wouldn't change a thing and I still count my lucky stars that we met. What a lucky girl I was then and am now.

Maui - 2006

Happy Birthday Dear Becca!

Happy Birthday Sister!

Thanks for always letting me have you for my little doll, oh how you suffered! I wish you a year of laughter, happiness, successful house projects, many home cooked dinners, and the joy of a short commute to your job! Can't wait for your birthday dinner! P.S. Tell Johnny Arkansas I don't have any photos of you two.

Its almost Nolan's birthday!

Hello 31!

Goodbye 30!

Thanks for all of the well-wishes! I had a wonderful birthday, starting with dinner last night at the Chart House and finishing just now with a cupcake made by Mom. Nolan only has one birthday until his, he can't wait for Aunt Becca's birthday because then its his birthday! Time flies so it will be here soon!

TGIF

Well after a busy week at work and the most random Thursday night, I loved having today off to spend with Jericka. (Excuse me for taking her to the office with me at 7 this morning for my staff meeting then it really was a vacation day.) We had pedicures at The Spa at Coldwater Creek, she and I feel fast asleep, it was pure heaven. Then it was off to Vinnolas to meet Jeremy for lunch. We couldn't leave without picking up a few treats (biscotti, gelato, a cupcake & cookies) for the house. Jer and I ran a few errands before heading home so she can do some homework.

-A little note from Uncle Jeremy and I-

-Jer hard at work on her summer homework-

We're heading to Wasabi for some sushi then to the movies for some slapstick comedy. Tomorrow's plans include going to Golden's Farmer's Market then to Grappa for a delish brunch. Tomorrow night my dear husband is taking me to the Chart House for my birthday dinner. A full day, I'd better be ready for good food all day long!

Have a good weekend!

P.S. Thursday night started with an innocent phone call from my parents to tell Jeremy that the grills at Target were marked 50% off. Since the hail storm tore our grill apart, Jeremy's been dying to make that purchase. Poor Jer had to witness Jeremy's attempt to put the very large grill in the trunk of the Honda. Thank goodness Mom came with the Mercury to bail us out. Watch out neighbors, Jeremy has 70,000 Btu of flame!

Weekend Recap

Last week and weekend was a blur. Jeremy and I had dinner with the Chelins at Sushi Den last Thursday and had an EXCELLENT time. The food was dang tasty and the drinks kept flowing, it made for a rough Friday morning at the office. I had the second round of my league championships on Saturday morning and shot 38, not as good as I wanted but much better than the first round. Did I mention that I had Jeremy caddy for me the first round? I didn't know where to go when I was on the green and was worse with his help. (I probably should have listened to my caddy's advice more than I did.) While I was playing, the rest of the family was hard at work moving Bec and John from Bec's apartment to their new house off of Tennyson Street.

I love the new place, it fits them well and is a great rental. I'm going to snap a few photos once the boxes are gone and they are really moved in. The kitchen is a great size and I spent Saturday helping Mom and Bec clean the dishes and get the kitchen in order. Now Bec and I can get started on her projects!

We had a mini Smith family reunion Saturday evening at Vine Street Pub in honor of Aunt Kathy's visit with Q. It was a quick gathering but fun to see all of the kids. Jeremy and I had our dinner at St. Rocco's Feast at the Potenza Lodge where we ran into Chris and Robin. We didn't win any meat but did have excellent sausage and pepper sandwiches.

We golfed Sunday with friends Jen and Robert for FREE at Legacy Ridge. I've never played there but shot pretty well with a 93. Jeremy led the way with a 79. Perfect weather, not too hot or windy! By the time we made it home Sunday night I was exhausted!

Magazine Addiction

I have a serious magazine addiction - an honest to goodness addiction. I love when they come in the mail and Jeremy goes through and diligently takes out all the crap that's added. After a long day at the office there is nothing better than coming home to a stack of fresh magazines ready to crack open.

House Beautiful

Better Homes and Gardens

Southern Living (I've subscribed for years and have only been to the south a handful of times.)

Midwest Living

Glamour (I tried to ditch this one but after Domino bit the dust I was back on their list.)

Real Simple

Marie Claire

Its an impressive collection here at the house but I was seriously stumped last week when a new issue of Lucky showed up at the house showing that I have a subsrciption through July 2010. How in the world did I receive another new magazine?? Well the fine folks at Lucky informed me that I received it free with my latest make-up purchase from ELF - how great is that?

If you haven't been to elf I recommend paying it a visit. They have great recession-friendly prices, wonderful customer service and a good selection. I spent a fraction of what I usually do and am stocked for a good while.

I Love Bacon

I love pork, all forms of pork (bacon, ham, chops, loin, etc.). Lucky for me Jeremy enjoys pork just as much so I never go without for too long. My morning drive to the office was unlike any other I've ever had. I followed a construction site catering truck down Blake and it smelled like the most delicious bacon. The truck was headed to the 18th and Larimer construction site and I was half tempted to follow it myself. I think this sealed the deal - BLT sandwiches are on the menu tonight!

Posi+ivi+y

A few months ago I shared the bracelets my cousin designed to spread some positive messages. Well, her movement has continued to GROW - it is such a small message that gets lost in the day-to-day activities. The bracelet is a good reminder.

We all need to keep a positive outlook on life but it sure seems like I need that message now more than ever at work. There is nothing worse than going into a meeting and being bombarded with bad news after bad news. I know it doesn't help to keep your head in the sand when tough decisions are being made but its hard to swallow the bad, sad news day after day. Beth is sending a great message so I'm going to keep thinking about it myself.

Remember National Share your Positivity Week is October 11-17, 2009, more information is available HERE.

Posi+ivi+y Food Drive in Windsor

Back in the Saddle

After being without Internet access at home for 2-weeks, I'm back in the saddle thanks to my IT wizard in Chicago. A HUGE thank you to Sean! It was great to work this evening and get some more things knocked off of my to-do list. It makes working late so much better when I can do this at home! While I play catch up, here's a retro version of what I did with Jeremy on Friday. Granted it wasn't in Europe and down in the City but it was still really fun.

Thank You TCM

It seems with all of the crappy TV on these days that to have true entertainment (sans The Golf Channel or ESPN) we're turning to TCM to fill the void. (I love Bravo but their shows don't last forever.) Yesterday I watched High Society with Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby. Halfway through I realized that this was the musical version of Philadelphia Story. Either version, I love it. We also watched North by Northwest with Cary Grant - loved that movie!

I've Got the Blues

I will never forget this kid - so upset over the Duke loss in 2004. I wish I could say that I didn't look like him here at work but I'd be lying. Today was rough and not even a call to my parents before I made it to the office helped. I've never understood when men say that its business and not personal. It may be business but I still take it personal. Here's looking forward to a sunny weekend.

I'm looking forward to:

-Continue watching the Tour de France. (I love this race and don't even own a bike!)

-Golfing with Jeremy.

-A month of tight deadlines at work that will make time fly.

-Hearing that one of my projects is coming back to life as a hotel and cultural center across from the MOCA!

-Birthday breakfast for my Grandma with Mom and Bec.

-Ballpark Market this Saturday

-Game night with Bec & John. (I'm predicting a Ross victory.)

When things just happen

I think its safe to say Jeremy and I had the ideal summer weekend. You know the kind, one where you don't plan anything and it all comes together perfectly!

Most Saturday's Jeremy plays in the morning and I spend it cleaning the house. Not this week, I had the tournament and he was a GREAT husband and mopped the entire first floor. Then it was off to Justin Michael's 2nd birthday party. (Unfortunately the camera I took with me was completely out of batteries. C'est la vie.) Once we got home I spent a few hours outside reading my new book and figuring out that I didn't want to cook. So off to Wasabi we went for a quick dinner.

Then if you can believe it, we had a clear evening that was perfect for a fire. It was the perfect evening, just cool enough that you actually needed the heat from the fire.

(For those that haven't seen it yet - that is indeed the putting green in the background.)

Sunday came early at (UGH) 4:30 for Jeremy's tee-time up in Lafayette so I used my time to finish the ironing and do some deep cleaning. (Bec - have I told you that I've got it all?!?!) A relaxing brunch at Mimi's followed where we intended to use our coupons but the pain perdu won me over. (We're trying to use our coupons for eating out when we can - didn't you hear we're in a recession???) Since I putted so poorly yesterday we went to Fossil Trace for a practice session then it was home for a great dinner of blue cheese crusted steaks, grilled zucchini and baked potatoes. YUM! We're winding down the weekend on the patio where Jeremy's chipping and I'm working on the computer.

Amazing how relaxed we are to start this short week. I'm off to plan a 4th of July menu.

Confession Time

I LOVE Bravo's trashy Real Housewives and can't get enough of that show (NY, New Jersey, Orange County, etc.) doesn't matter what city. As I tell Jeremy, if we had some good trashy soap operas like Dallas or Falcon Crest I'd get my fix. This show gets it done for me and I love this BLOG. Looking forward to the reunion show after pilates tomorrow, such a great way to end a long day.

Monday's aren't that bad.

My dream weekend turned out to be darn close to what I imagined. It actually was so enjoyable I didn't mind getting back to the office today.

Friday Jeremy and I went to John's where he and Bec had a little BBQ. We were able to spend time with her friends and even Corey and Nolan. The Art Walk on Tennyson was rained out but it was a fun time.

Saturday morning my mom picked me up for A Paris Street Market, we went early and met up with Jessica. My first purchase was this great sterling silver ring that is in the shape of a rose, very cute. Just like I thought as soon as I saw my big purchase I knew it would be perfect for the house. The extra room upstairs (not the guestroom) is my quasi office/pilates room that has been begging to be finished for the last three years. Well when I saw this chair I thought it would be a fun thing to add to the house and for the price it was a steal! The gal even threw in these prints my mom was eyeing.
I made two more purchases, a vintage yellow leather clutch that honestly matched the chair perfect and some new dish towels. A great day at A Paris Street Market, next event is July 4th.

We did great on timing and were out of there in less than 3 hours, which included some shopping at the stores at Aspen Grove. I was able to stop in at Vinnolas where I bought some almond biscotti and cookies then it was off to Hallmark to stock up for the June events. Once home Jeremy and I lounged outside for a good four hours. It was perfect weather, not too hot to sit in the sun and just the right breeze. Heaven!

Instead of an elaborate dinner, we made the crustless quiche. It turned out phenomenal considering that we added some diced red pepper and ended up using 3 large eggs since that was all I had left. That variation worked out great!

I woke up at 4:40 AM on Sunday with Jeremy to heat up the quiche for breakfast so he had something in his stomach before his round at City Park. That is TOO early on a Sunday but it did get me up and out of bed without wasting the day. I made it to the Spring Whale of a Sale right at 11 and it was packed! I couldn't believe the crowds this year. I had a plan going in and that really helped me save time. I needed to check in the fiction area for any new reads, hit the sports section for Jeremy's books and then head downstairs for Nolan. That boy LOVES books! Check out my finds -- ALL FOR $5! (Nolan's pile was already delivered - I found some great ones.)I'd say that this was a FABULOUS weekend. Now its back to realty, the laundry is calling my name!

Spring Whale of a Used Book Sale

HERE is a link to my favorite book sale. It happens twice a year with the Jefferson County Public Library. The Spring Whale of Used Book Sale is this weekend, it starts today and goes through Sunday. I'm going to go first thing Sunday for the $5 A Bag Day! Here's hoping I find a bunch of new reads! Yet another event to add to the dream weekend!

A dream weekend?

For the first time in weeks I'm ready for the weekend and have nothing planned for Friday or Saturday!

In my ideal "I can plan anything world" I'll kick off Friday with baking a batch of Lemonade Cupcakes after going to the gym. Then Friday night we'll have perfect weather to sit outside and enjoy the fire pit, some appetizers and a glass of wine. I also see Jeremy enjoying a good cigar and cocktail.

Photo from Better Homes and Gardens

Doesn't Friday night sound so relaxing? This begs the question, how am I going to spend Saturday? The ideas seem endless! I think I'll start my day on the patio enjoying a good cup of coffee and the paper. Then I'll head out early to hunt HERE! I've been to A Paris Street Market a few times before and have managed to find something perfect for the house each time. But what I'm looking for you ask? Not sure yet, but I'll know it when I find it!


The best part about having A Paris Street Market at Aspen Grove is that it eliminates another trip to shop at Pottery Barn and Banana. Those folks were really thinking when they put this event together all those years ago, very convenient for the Saturday shopper. After window shopping, I'll head north for some more window shopping in the Highlands. Then its off for a light lunch and to pick up some goodies HERE! Vinnola's is my absolute favorite market, they have the best biscotti in town. I just love the atmosphere!


Then I'll head to Hallmark where I'll browse for a while before deciding that, yes I really should stock up on a few more birthday cards. Then I'll find the perfect Baby Boy card (for Warren and Robyn) and Anniversary card (for my parents). To round out my morning trip I'll swing by the library to pick up my latest read. I'll head home, crack open my book and sit on the patio for a few hours soaking up some sunshine. Dinner will be at home where we'll continue to enjoy the patio. We'll have grilled shrimp, spinach salad w/strawberries, fruit skewers, black bean and corn salad with rosemary flat bread. I'll also whip up a batch of Sangria for sipping!


Or... maybe I'll wake up and realize that this sounds too perfect and the mundane errands will take over! A girl can dream! Did I mention that Jeremy's working at my parents all day on the kitchen remodel? The kitchen remodel is in full force so this dream weekend may need to include some kitchen errands with my mom!