New Year's Eve

So, this NYE may go down as one of the most boring ever for me, but it was still fantastic.  Most of our friends went out of town, and we didn't feel like the bar scene this year, so we kept it pretty quiet.

We started off with dinner reservations at Square One Brewery in the Lafayette Square district of St. Louis.  It was a cute, quirky bistro with incredible service and friendly staff.  Joel got a beer that they made at the Brewery, and he really loved it.  He ordered the fish tacos, and said they were pretty yummy.  I ordered the Fish and Chips, but wouldn't recommend it.  It was way too greasy for my liking.  But, we ordered the pretzel as our appetizer, and the jalapeno cheese sauce was amazing!  So, I'd definitely try it again ordering a different dish for dinner.

After that, we walked a block down and had martinis at Bailey's Chocolate Bar.  They make their own ice cream for their desserts, and the martinis are some of the best I had ever had.  They had a pumpkin martini available as a special in the fall, and I am quite pleased to announce that it now has a permanent spot on the menu.  If you like pumpkin, you will salivate over this martini.  So utterly amazing...  The dessert wasn't bad, either.  The molten lava cake is by far my favorite.

 

After that we headed home to watch scary movies.  This is usually a New Year's Day tradition, but because we were home, we moved it to NYE.  We watched The Purge.  I loved the premise of this movie, and the movie was ok, but they didn't really develop the story line or the characters.  I think the movie was only 1 hour and 20 minutes, so they had plenty of time.  I wish they would have done more, but it was worth the one night rental.

We then gathered the pets and rang in the new year.  We made it to midnight!  We're not that old yet.  It was great, and Pugsley even let us sleep in (he's normally an early riser.  I'm happy to have another year with my old pug.

New Year's Day we had some donuts (which I think we will make a tradition of) and headed to Dillard's because they had a 50% off clearance special.  It was a mad house!  I could barely walk around, and some lady literally took a pair of boots out of my hand.  Crazy!  I managed to find one pair and got a new purse, and Joel got a few pairs of dress shirts.  I am surprised that we made it out alive.  Ladies be shopping!

My 2013 in One Picture

Link up here!

Well, it's NYE.  I can't say that I am sad to see it go.  Did I have some great moments?  Absolutely.  I fulfilled my dream of going to the Galapagos Islands in March, I celebrated my 29th Birthday in NYC, had frequent trips to Chicago (my favorite American city), spent time with the in-laws in Portland, OR, and finished my Master's Degree.

But this year challenged me.  I was so busy with school, I forgot about so much else.  I wasn't very good at cultivating the friendships I had made, and subsequently lost a few amazing friends this year (well, we are still friends, but it's not the same).  All that hard work I did in 2012 to lose a bunch of weight went into the trash in 2013.  I gained all of it back.  All of it.  I also had my dreams dashed of going back to Germany to live, and instead am heading to Korea, which is full of unknowns.  I have to sell my first home soon, one that I love and put a lot of sweat and tears into, my car, which is a ton of fun, and my friends, who have made this duty station so memorable.

But, as this year comes to an end, I am going to try and focus on the good that has come, and the good that will come.  Moving to Korea means that there is little change that Joel will not deploy for two whole years!  He's had three deployments and a short tour already, so this is huge.  I am moving to a foreign country, which will cure much of my wanderlust that I've been without.  And hey...I graduated!  No more school (hopefully) for a little while, and prayers that I can use this new found degree when I move abroad.


So my picture of 2013 will be a happy one, highlighting my biggest accomplishment.  And here's to an eve better 2014, where I hope to get back on track and not sweat the small stuff.

Weekend Update

Did this weekend go by insanely fast for anyone else?  I feel like I barely had a whole day off.  The two days I had off for Christmas were delightful, and then the weekend came and BAM...it's Monday.

Well, anywho.  I want to have a moment of silence for the destruction of the Miami Dolphin's playoff hopes.  It was a sad game that I actually got to watch due to Direct TV's Sunday Ticket.  I was so disappointed in our boys and especially our QB, who I've never been the biggest fan of.  Oh, and if you're a football fan, I'm trying to get #firejeffireland trending on twitter, just in casies.

Well, on to better weekend things!  Friday night, Joel and I wanted to get out of the house and go see American Hustle.  We went to a theater in downtown St. Louis called MX Movies.  I love the theater itself, which has a full bar and wait staff to feed you during the movie.  The food is less than spectacular, so we usually just go and get appetizers and drinks.  And the bonus?  Comfy leather chairs!  If they happened to recline, I don't think I could see a movie any other way.

There wasn't too much exciting news on Saturday.  The dogs had obedience class, we ran some errands, and napped (oh, glorious naps).  We went out to dinner Friday night to a spot that had seasonal pumpkin pie martinis on their menu, which they actually didn't have.  So I proceeded to pout and not take any pictures.  The food was fine as always, but I was really craving that pumpkin pie drink.

Sunday I cooked a football spread and decked out in Dolphins gear in hopes that the boys could pull one out.  For some reason, all of our pets joined me in the kitchen during this time.  You would have Thought I hadn't fed them in days...

Unfortunately, my heart was broken by their elimination from the playoffs, so in the meantime I will be a temporary Cincinnati Bengals fan.  They did their part to help us get in, and we couldn't muster up a win.  There's always next year, right?  Right???

Christmas Recap

Gosh, this has to be one of the best Christmases on record.  We were sans family this year, who we miss, but it made everything so relaxing because everything was on our schedule (and we barely had one) and full of cookies, naps, and pug cuddles.  It was fantastic!

We started off Christmas with a bang!  We went and saw the Trans Siberia Orchestra on Monday night, and it was quite the show!  I had never been before, and didn't really know what to expect, but I figured this was our last chance to go for some time, so we took a chance.  There's a small story involved, which was kind of weak and didn't make a whole lot of sense with the music.  There was a lot of ling hair Rock N Roll and some incredible singing, and a whole lot of crazy lights.  All in all it was a good night, but it was also a long night.  They went on for three hours!!

Christmas Eve is when our family had most of our Christmas celebrations, since we have German heritage,  We opened our gifts and I cooked a massive Thanksgiving dinner for two (we still have leftovers)!  I didn't take pictures of our gifts, but I got a gorgeous set of earrings, a case for my autographed Dan Marino helmet, and a lot of other little stuff.  It was perfect!  We couldn't stay awake for midnight Mass, so we went on Christmas Day.  That was followed by Joel's family tradition of eating bagels with various cream cheeses, meats, and regular cheeses.

It was a great and relaxing holiday.  We had Thursday off, too, but are back to work today.  Then we get another two whole days off!  I must say that this Christmas may have been one of the most relaxing ones, yet.  We even had the boys in their holiday sweaters until they tuckered out.

Christmas Eve Eve

Wow, Christmas week already?  Where did this year go?  I have to say that 2013 hasn't been my favorite year, but Joel didn't have to deploy and I finished my Masters Degree, so I guess that's a partial check in the win column.  I hope to make 2014 even better, and to try to make the best out of what is to come.  I plan on working on my fitness more, traveling more (thanks to our upcoming move to South Korea), and just enjoy life a little more.  You know the expression, don't take life too seriously?  Yeah, I'm going to try that.  Sounds like a nice change.  I hope to put all of this down (and more) so I can remind myself of the goals I want to accomplish.

I don't get much time off for the holidays, but luckily since there isn't any traveling involved this holiday season, I hope to spend the time I do have off relaxing and working on neglected projects around the house.  And of course, extra snuggles with my favorite guy and the pups (and the cat, too).

This Christmas

You know...I think I am going to like this Christmas.  Usually people are stressed to the max during this time of the year.  Did they buy the right gifts, are they going to make their travel plans, will there be inclement weather, etc.  I see it everywhere.  But I have a holiday rule that we are sticking to, and I couldn't be happier.  I will only travel during one major holiday a year.  Since we went to see my family for Thanksgiving, we are staying put for Christmas. 

Selfish?  Maybe, but I'm ok with that.  I love the comfort of my own home and my own schedule and, if I'm being honest, I like Joel all to myself.  Anyone at anytime is invited to spend the holidays with us, but my mother-in-law just had knew replacement surgery and my mom is too stubborn to travel, so, we have a holiday for two planned (plus the pets, of course).

I love my family, and Joel's, but honestly?  I'm looking forward to a little downtime, just the two of us.  It's been a while since we've had any.  Gifts have been bought and delivered for family, so there's no stress there.  I'll just focus on making a nice little dinner for the two of us, Midnight Mass, and (hopefully) sleeping in.  Sounds fantastic, doesn't it?  I think so, too.

So whatever you're doing...be merry, and be kind.  I've noticed the holiday stress getting to people, but my advice is just to go back to the basics, and not worry over the little things this holiday season.

Starting Over - Week 1

With my weight, that is.  My weight is always an up and down roller coaster.  When Joel is gone, I eat better and exercise more, which means that my weight goes down.  When he was deployed, I lost nearly 20 pounds.  He's been home a little more than a year now, and I put all of that weight back on.  I feel like I constantly have an excuse.  Some are legitimate, such as not having the energy when I was student teaching.  I could have done better, but I really couldn't stick to a schedule, because my work/school load was so unpredictable week to week.  But now?  No excuses.  Work is predictable and school is over.  Starting now, I am getting back into a routine.  I got into running last summer, and the weight dropped pretty fast.  So, I am going back to the basics.

Day one, completed on Monday.  Day two?  As soon as I get off of work.  I will stick to this.  I have to.  I feel fat, and that affects so many things in my life.  The way I feel, how confident I am, how I dress, and my energy.  I will be doing a weigh-in Wednesday in hopes that I can use this little ole blog of mine to keep me accountable.  So here is my first weigh-in.  I am hoping to lose at least 20 pounds.  Wish me luck!  And please ignore how badly I need a pedicure...

What You Should Ask Yourself Before 2013 Is Over - Part 2

Sharing part two of the list I found over at Everything Happens For a Reason!

11. When did I feel most creatively inspired?  During my student teaching.  I had to come up with creative lesson plans that not only excited the students, but that met specific state and University standards.  I am the least domestic gal you'd ever meet, but I had fun piecing some of these lessons together.

12. What projects have I completed?  Other than my degree, not very much.  That's been my main focus.  We did do a bathroom reno and worked on our yard, though.  Those count, right?

13. How have I procrastinated?  The better question would be how haven't I procrastinated.  I completely do most things last minute.  Maybe I just work better under pressure.

14. In what ways can I re-structure my time?  I'd like to create an "everyday life" schedule, so that I have a plan to stick to.  Now that I have more free time, I'd like to spend it being (mostly) productive, so I plan on scheduling time in my day to read and exercise, and also play with the pups.  They haven't had the play time they deserve lately, and Pugsley is getting so old I don't know how much longer we will have with him.

15. How have I allowed fear of failure hold me back?  I literally doubt every personal decision that I make, and wonder if I made the right choice.  For some reason, professionally I am confident in what I do.  But personally?  I am always afraid of the unknown and change.  I wish I could learn to be more confident all around.

16. Where has self-doubt taken over?  See above.

17. When have I felt the most alive?  When I travel, but in 2013, most specifically in the Galapagos.  It combined my love of travel with my love of animals, and I cried tears of pure joy that I was able to have that experience.  It was utterly amazing, and I will never forget it.

18. How have I taught others to respect me?  I honestly have no idea how to answer this one.  I am who I am, and I won't change that for anyone.  I stick to my principles, and am loyal to a fault.  Hopefully I have gained others' respect from that.

19. How can I improve my relationships?  I can be more attentive and a better listener.  Sometimes I am so wrapped up in my own world and with what I am doing that I often don't truly listen to what others have to say.  I can also work on making that extra step in communication.  Being so far away from so many that I love is hard.  I struggle with putting in more effort than I am given, but sometimes someone has to do that, right?

20. Have I been unfair to anyone?  I often expect perfection from Joel, even though I am far from it.  I love him with all of my heart, and I need to understand that he loves me too, and therefore tries his best.  I need to learn how to love him in all of his faults, too, because I know that he always means well.

Weekend Update!

Hello and happy Monday!  Boy, am I tired.  It's been pretty frigid here in the Midwest, and I have not taken well to the change.  I love fall, but winter is definitely invading its' territory.  Oh, well.  Guess I better get used to it, because if history repeats itself, it's going to be a long, cold winter.

Anyway, on with the update!  Joel and I went to another concert that was a blast from the past.  Michael Bolton!  His show was great, and he sang for nearly two and a half hours.  He sang some Christmas songs, which even though I'm not a scrooge I hate Christmas music, but I guess they were tolerable in MB's voice.  Since it was a small-ish show, he agreed to stay after and sign some autographs, but he was a little Diva about the whole thing.  We waited over an hour for him to come out, and then when we got close (and 6ft was the closest we were allowed), we handed our CD to a security guard who handed it to MB, then back to a different security guard to hand to us.  He didn't talk a lot, but since I got him to at least acknowledge me, probably because I was one of the few women under 50 there.

This weekend, we made the drive up to Chicago to go to their annual Christkindel Markt, which is a traditional German Christmas Market.  I've been missing Germany quite a bit lately, so Joel and I, and a friend of ours, decided to check it out.  First off, we used AirBnB to book a room, which was an astounding success.  I mean, look at our view from our room!

Amazing.  Pugsley wasn't very excited about the room, though.  He was either afraid of heights or wanted out the whole time, because he just sat at the windows and cried.

Yes, that is a crap ton of snow, BTW.

Then, we set off for the market.  I'm glad we went early and bypassed the snow that the rest of the weekend had in store.  It was great!  It had gluhwein, stollen, gingerbread, and crepes.  It even had spaetzle and curry wurst!  I am so glad that we went.  It really did "scratch the German itch."  Well, for now at least.

I also have some food reviews!  We tried a new breakfast place in Streeterville that was amazing.  It's called Yolk, and it has a few different locations.  It was packed, and luckily we only had about a 30 minute wait because we went early.  When we left, it had to be up to at least an hour.  My advice?  Go early!  Here's the scoop on what we had.  Joel and I shared two savory items.  He had red velvet french toast, and I had the cinnamon bun french toast.  Both were divine, but I have to say I liked Joel's a little better.

Red Velvety goodness in the back.

Yum, yum...

We also ate at our favorite Italian spot in Lincoln Park.  It's called Sapori Trattoria, and they take reservations, which at least on the weekend are a must.  We both order the same thing: rigatoni bolognese.  It is a must try.  Best pasta we've had outside of Italy.  Their tiramisu is also pretty tasty.  They do valet for 10$, but we found street parking for 2$ an hour, and opted for that.  But believe me when I say if you like Italian food, eat here.

Bellisimo!

Our Chicago trip was amazing, and even though it was bitter cold and snowing, we enjoyed our big city life for the weekend.  Until next time, Chi-Town!

More to Do in the Lou

So, since it seems like I am leaving the great city of St. Louis, I realized that I need to get working on my 101 Things To Do In the Lou list!  I've slowly been knocking some of the items off, but I haven't done a very good job of blogging about it.  Let's hope I can check at least half of the items off before we go.


12. The Saint Louis Zoo penguins.  Check!  We did this last winter, in fact, and their enclosure was great!  It really allowed us to get up close with the little guys.  I'm sad to say that right now they are doing some renovations and you can't visit the penguins, but if you get the chance, it is totally worth it!  Joel had to keep me from stealing a penguin or a puffin and taking him home.

30. Drive down the river road in the fall and stop at Eckert’s Orchards in Grafton to pick your own apples.  This was an easy one!  Growing up in Indiana, I loved picking (insert fruit here) anything with my parents, so we made sure to make this a stop.  We went to the one in Belleville, though, because they had a country store and restaurant, with the bets fried pickles I have ever had.  Yum, yum!