Hello, is anyone there!

Greetings from long ago, friends...not sure if anyone is still out there reading, maybe thanks to Google Reader you'll see a message from me!

So...I'm flabbergasted that it's been almost A YEAR since I blogged. I've been reading all of yours this whole time, just haven't gotten to writing my own thoughts down. But I'm compelled to come back for several reasons.

Ummm, what a year it's been. Since I last left you, I have a) found a fantastic guy (well, I found him early in 2010...), b) graduated with a new master's degree c) got engaged d) got married and e) found out we're moving to Hawaii! Yikes!

So, if anyone's still around, I'd like to take you with me on this new journey. I'm looking for a new banner, anyone have suggestions on where/how to get one? I need something to reflect these amazing life changes and our crazy adventures coming up! I'm now married to the military, so I'm also looking for advice and guidance on that mystery, too!

I know everyone else has been having a crazy summer as well. I have a feeling I'm going to need to be venting over the next few months, and I need a creative outlet. Since everything is about to be in boxes/storage, this is going to have to be it. Sorry, y'all!

xoxo

15 Years Ago...

15 years ago tomorrow, my dearest Daddy passed away. August 21, 1995. A day that is still kind of fuzzy, yet I will never forget. Those of you who have lost someone so near and dear will know what I'm talking about.

This year is of particular significance. As I was 15 when Dad died, this year, 2010, marks a point in my life where I have now lived the same number of years without him as I did with him. That seems so crazy, because many memories of him are so fresh in my mind. There are still times where I just want to pick up the phone or send him an email because I see something he would laugh at, or I have a question I KNOW he has the answer to!

Every year as this anniversary approaches, I take the inevitable inventory of my life. I think "what would Dad think of me and where I am in my life?" Every year is a bit different; God knows there have been years I am so ashamed of myself and I'm thankful he wasn't there to see me. We've all made mistakes, some bigger than others, some truly life-altering. But each decision we make, for better or worse, weaves together the fabric of our soul and life (not meaning to sound like a cotton commercial...).

This year, though, I think he'd be pretty darn proud of me. I'm at a great place in life. I turned 30 this year (good gravy); I have a fantastic job that I love, where I often feel like I'm making an effort for the world to be a better place; I'm continuing with his love of higher education (working on masters degree #3); I'm in a wonderful and healthy relationship with a fantastic guy, one who I think my father would adore; my days are filled with amazing friends and my tiny family that's left.

Sure, I still have a lot of flaws, some of which are not surprisingly reminiscent of my own father. Patience is not a virtue I have learned yet, I have a bit of a temper, and I spend too much money. But aside from all that, I'm loving who I am. It's devastating to me that I had to spend the last 15 years of my life becoming a woman I know my father would be proud of, and to not have him here to share that with. But that's the hand we're dealt, right? I know too many of you have the same story...

So, with tears streaming down my face, I think about my father and I miss him more today than I did on August 22, 1995. But I hope that on this day next year, I'm as happy and healthy, if not more, than I am today. Miss you and love you so much, Chip.

XOXO
Ali

Happy 4th Weekend!

As I count down the hours to the long weekend, I can't help but think of the reasons the 4th of July is so special to me. In addition to getting to sleep in, enjoy the relaxing days of summer, and spend time with amazing friends, I have to focus on the REAL reasons!

Have a wonderful holiday weekend, but take some time to think of the men and women all over the world who are putting their lives in danger each and every day to keep us all safe. Not just the ones in uniform (though love them too!), there are so many dedicated people working for a global effort. Think of the families back home, missing their loved ones, but being so proud and strong!

While not perfect, we live in an amazing country that I am very proud to celebrate this weekend!

Be safe, y'all! xoxo

Look Who's 30?

Well, not me. Not yet at least! Hahaha (3 more days!) In celebration of the fabulous year 1980, when I was brought into this earth, I thought I'd highlight some celebrities and stars who were also born that year. These people may not be 30 (yet) either, but they will by the end of the year! To an amazing age:

Kim Kardashian (I had no idea she was this old!)
Eliza Dushku (loved her in Dollhouse)
Matthew Gray Grubler (hunky Dr. Reid on Criminal Minds)
Jake Gyllenhaal
Ryan Gosling
Jessica Simpson (not sure how this makes me feel...)
Chris Pine
Michelle Kwan
Yao Ming
Michelle Williams
Regina Spektor
Venus Williams
Jason Segel

Who is your age and makes you feel old or young? Leave me a comment about what makes you feel fabulous about your age, whatever it its!! xoxo

Holy cow!

Oh my goodness, y'all....I knew it had been a while since I'd posted (though managing to keep up with reading other people's blogs), but I didn't realize it had almost been 2 MONTHS! Wow.

Not that anything exciting or noteworthy has happened.

I did a fabulous Vintage Cowgirl swap through Sweet Goodness Swaps with a neighbor to the north, my new swap-friend Tammy in Ontario! I need to post some pics of my adorable box of goodies. Put it on my to-do list.

I've changed positions at work not once, but twice. Still working the kinks out, but good things are happening!

It's summer! I've been so excited to get to the pool and get some sun, enjoying great food with even better friends. Here's to more warm months of THAT!

And then there's the birthday...

I am now spending the last week of my 20s, hopefully having fun and enjoying every minute. Surely having some mixed emotions on turning 3-0, but I'm excited for what the coming year(s) has to offer! I'm planning a fun little get-together for the bday next week, and I'll hopefully post all about it. Should be a great time.

For now, the weekend is here in 3, 2, 1....

xoxox

So random...

...I know, I rarely make an appearance and then I go and post this randomness. But I heard this some when I was in Michael's Crafts yesterday and I hadn't heard it in forever. I love Phil Collins. This song stirs many emotions in me, a lot of sadness; but the weird thing is, I don't equate it with any one person or experience in my life. Just love it.

So....enjoy.

I'm HERE!

Hi friends...

So, I know I've been MIA lately...and looking around blog-world, I realize I'm not the only one :-) I've been pretty good about keeping up with reading, but sneaking it in here and there, which may explain my lack of comments. But believe me, I'm still alive. Kind of chicken-with-no-head complex, but alive.

I started a newish job a few weeks ago which is a much better schedule than my last position, but it's keeping me super busy. I'm also doing class 2 nights a week. Though I found out this week I'm only taking 1 class this summer, which has its pros and cons, but in the end...it's the SUMMER and I'll be glad to not have as many evening obligations...maybe I'll find a social life somewhere!

Tonight, I'm sitting on the couch, sporting my DUKE shirt, and screaming my head off (it's halftime right now.) Let's go BLUE DEVILS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(I may have a little crush on Jon Scheyer...)

I promise to try to check in again soon, when I have something important/exciting/extremely perceptive to say :-)

xoxo

Happy Birthday!

Today is my birthday! I am turning 8, and I am celebrating with a can of tuna and some beautiful weather outside!! Happy day to you!! Xoxo, Wila.

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Fashion statement

Someone got a new dickie turtleneck to sport at the vet! One step down from the tiny lampshade...she's not a fan!
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At the vet...

I think she is saying "mother, I am ready to go home now!!!"
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Oh Canada!

Happy Friday, everyone! I am sooooo excited it's the weekend, and I had to share some Olympic-themed goodies I got this week in the mail, with a little (ie, A LOT) of help from blog-friend Lisagh up north! The first is a gift to ME from her, as I was loving these the second I saw the proud Canadian athletes enter the dome of inside snow and fire:

The lesson here was "It's hard to take a picture without using your hands" and so goes the one-handed mitten exhibition. They are SO warm and fuzzy...I love them. I will sport my Canada-support proudly. That was a great hockey game, and I think that the US should be proud of their silver medal! Fun to watch, and it brought the sport of hockey into a lot more homes!

The next is a box of goodies that is going to some of my favorite Olympic-fans down here in the US of A. Including my favorite tiny man, baby Tank. How adorable is this Quatchi onsie? He is my favorite of the Olympic mascots; a shy Sasquatch who likes to make new friends. Who can resist him in his cute blue earmuffs!!??

Thank you so much for your help, Lisagh! I will get pictures of the gift recipients and their new swag soon! Are you guys ready for London 2012?!?!? I know I am!

PS--Rumor has it there is going to be SUN and WARMTH in DC this weekend. I'm SO EXCITED. Could the flip flops be making an appearance?!?!? (yikes, not with these winter-time toes!!!)

Happiness is...

...Coming home to a clean house, bed made, etc. Sigh...
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Re: Where I'd rather be...

Just kidding...those were pictures of St. Lucia...apparently blogger isn't working with me tonight. Fitting.

Where I'd rather be...

This is what is on my mind lately...warmth..beaches...fruity drinks....Anyone? Do I have any takers?!?

Our saturday morning

...Then to work :(
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Guess what came today?

They look snazzy with my flannel pj pants!!!
Sorry how DIRTY my mirror is. Yuck! Cleaning day is Wednesday...

Happy Day!

Happy Valentine's Day to you! Ironically, Valentine's is one of my favorite holidays...this is ironic b/c I never actually get to celebrate it. Whatever. Usually I make clever and cute cards to send to family and friends. However, with the massive amounts of snow and an unusually busy work schedule, there will be none of that for 2010.

If you have a sense of humor anything like me, you have got to check out SomeEcards.com if you haven't already. They have the cheekiest, almost-always inappropriate virtual cards to send to your friends. I think they're hilarious. Note: many employers block the site, so it's a "open at home" kind of email. :-)

I am thankful to see my tiniest Valentine this morning for brunch, Baby Tank! Yayyy! Then it's off to work for me. More winter Olympics watching, too! Have a wonderful day, wherever you are, whomever you're with!

XOXO

Run-spiration

This quick post is for my bloggy friend and former swap pal Jennifer. She has been training super hard and is doing a half-marathon on Sunday, which I am super proud of, and honestly, not envious! I don't normally set concrete goals for myself, but for some reason, in the fall of 2008, I decided I wanted to run a race. This was crazy, my friends....I am many things: a runner is NOT one of them. However, I roped some of my bestest friends into doing the DC St Patrick's Day 8K (should have done a 5k to start!) and we DID IT. Yes, I finished dead last in them, but it's a great lesson that good friends will stick through you no matter what...even if it's awful like running!

And to think, I survived, and with a smile on my face at the end. So these pictures are for you, Jennifer...and anyone else wanting to set a goal. I'll be thinking of you on Sunday. Run, girl, run!!!

Good morning: more snow...

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Hunters: Update

Well...I'm not so clever. Apparently, EVERYONE needed to get their Hunters before the storm. I waited too long, thought too hard. There are NO HUNTERS to be found ANYWHERE! Even Zappos is alllllll sold out of my size, unless I want white, and who wants white wellies? NOT ME.

I ended up ordering the black ones from Nordstrom.com, but it will take 5-8 days to get here. I'm so sad! I need them (WANT THEM) now!!!!

I also ordered a pair of pink and grey striped Hunter socks to go...I have thought about getting the fleece socks, I wanted grey, all sold out. Backordered until April. Um, no thanks! And here's the weird thing: Zappos has the fleece socks, but they're $35! This is weird b/c everywhere else in the world they're only $30. What's up with that!?

So, I'm going to sulk and watch tv. The new 10-20 inches of snow is expected to start anytime now. Boo hoo.

PS---Has anyone noticed a change in the Zappos delivery? I could have swore it used to be free delivery on the next day, but it's been a while since I've ordered, and that doesn't seem to be the case anymore....Hmpf. Can you tell how grumpy I am?!?!?

PPS--Jenn, now we can be twins in our Hunters!!! (At least, in 5-8 days...)