A Time for Reflection

As we approach the anniversary of 9/11, it's hard to believe 10 years have passed. It still makes me sad (to tears) to think back on that day.



I love our NJ Governor Chris Christie. I am in general bored by politics and politicians but whenever Governor Christie speaks, there is something about him that always makes me stop and listen. I do love his no nonsense, cut to the chase approach.  I truly agree with him on almost all issues and he just has a way of articulating that I wish I had.   I just saw this clip on his thoughts of 9/11 and I couldn't agree more. Our weekend is jam packed with the busiest sports schedule I think I have ever seen, but I will most certainly be taking some time out to remember and pray for the families and the survivors of 9/11. xo, Brie

Back To Work

I have officially completed my first week at work!  I am feeling excited!!  School is great, faculty seems great, and the students seem great for the brief amount of time I saw everyone.  Nobody has been sick which was a nice bonus and it gave me time  to try and find my way around the office.  Only bad news is - they want us to wear scrubs.   On the upside they are comfy comfy to wear to work but there is nothing that makes my keester look more humongous than a nice pair of ill fitting scrubs ;)  I need to investigate my options here.  I was kind of looking forward to doing to fun "back to work" shopping for me - cest la vie!


On top I can just wear some regular t shirts and if anyone can recommend a good go to for some nice standards in tops I am all ears :)  I like them to be slightly fitted but in no way tight, I hate when they are too boxy b/c I will seriously look like a 2 by 4 marching around in a shapeless top and the ever flattering scrub pant.  I also like them a little on the longer side (nobody needs to be treated to the site of my pale white dough boy belly)  and I am thinking solids  or solids with a fun trim might work best.  Definitely no fun phrases on them ;)  Any suggestions?  I am all ears!   Something like this one... would be a no :)

This change in routine has reverted me back to a school aged child in my level of exhaustion.  I am soooooo tired - I know I'll adjust but it is so funny how a tiny tilt to your regular routine can throw you for a loop!   Hope your back to school experiences have been just as great :) xo, Brie

The Tender Bar

Just finished this book.  LOVED it!  It is getting my highest recommendations so if you feel like reading a book, keep this one in mind.

Tomorrow is the first day of school for the kids, but TODAY is the first day for me.  I've got that nervous, "I don't know anyone or where anything is" feeling (which isn't entirely true because I have a friend that is sharing the nursing job with me).  I know I'll be fine but I think I will feel a whole lot better a few months into this :)

I think the kids are ready to go for school.... clothes - check, school supplies - check, haircuts - check.  Only thing I forgot is all those forms I have to print and fill out from school websites with info.  Looks like I have quite a bit of writing in my future today!    I also just dug through a rather disgusting trash bag looking for a summer reading form that needs to be filled out - found it 30 minutes later on the desk.  Time for a hot shower - yuck!  Wish me luck!  xo, Brie

Pinterest

Are you on pinterest yet?  I have to admit it's becoming my new most favorite thingamajig.  I will warn you however, proceed with caution.  It is very addictive.   I will try to explain in a nutshell....

You sign up with a username and it instructs you to download this cool little button to your tool bar called a "pin it" once you successfully complete this step (I am not going to lie, it took me about an hour or so to figure out how to do it but I am a little bit dumb dumb with computer things) you are good to go!  Anytime you see something cool on the internet you can click your new shiny "pin it" button and save it to a board on your page. I have lots of boards with examples like "decorating" "craft ideas" "recipes" "kids parties" etc.  Whenever you decide to revisit the pin to execute the fabulous idea, click on the pin and will take you the original url.  Neat-o!

You can pin things YOU find that you like and want to keep handy and you can also REPIN other people's great finds. You can have followers like Twitter or check out everyone's pins too.  I think it would be especially handy if you are redecorating a room, planning a party, planning a wedding etc etc.  I have started a crock pot board with lots of good looking recipes that I hope to be using lots upon my return to work force. 

My only advice - it is addicting so prepare to go wild the first few times you sign on.  What I am finding with time the obsession dies down a bit b/c lots of these great ideas are being recycled.  This is good news b/c now I check in about 2-3 days a week verses every 2-3 minutes ;)

Here is an example of a "board" - nice and organized - way better than bookmarking everything and clogging up your favorites on the computer!   If you check it out, be sure to follow me: Bridget M and I will follow you right back :) 

You can also find some great quotable to hang on your fridge for some subtle inspiration.  This one is up in my house and I refer to it often! 

Happy Labor Day weekend everyone - how the summer goes by so fast every year beats me!  xo, Brie

New Favorite

Anyone who can sing this well live - has me for a lifelong fan.  I love Adele - she killed it at MTV video awards on Sunday but I couldn't find a good quality youtube.   This is my next song to learn on piano fo sho! 
xo, Brie

eta - found mtv version! I am having voice, hair, dress, eyelash, and talent envy. Shout it from the rooftops - I heart Adele :)

Get More: 2011 VMA, Music, Adele

Celebrating Progress!

Just would like you to note in a major step towards getting my act in gear... I changed up the St. Patrick's Day motif that stayed on this blog from March to August.   Phew!  Maybe that's enough work for one day.... baby steps :)  xo, Brie

Back to School is Better than New Years...

It really is.... back to school time is when I tend to (or should I say ATTEMPT to TRY) get my arse in gear.  The resolution lists are all your typicals like eating healthier - good Lord do I enjoy myself every summer and the scale is certainly reflecting that fun fact, and getting organized.   I don't mean cleaning out that crappy drawer in the kitchen that collects the most random insane items  (anyone remember the lobster ornament kind of organizing... I mean it this time (ha)!  By the by that little hot spot referenced up there in the link is as big a disaster as ever.  Add it to my do list :)

I have 4 school schedules to manage this year as my oldest is going to high school (and I fear that might mean I am getting old) PLUS I am going back to work as a part time nurse 2 days a week.   I am really looking forward to this so it's time to get the old rear in gear!  I got more sports schedules to manage than I am even going to admit b/c truthfully it looks ridiculous to me and I can't bear to spell it out.   Long story short is my time is tight and I am going to make it work and make it work well. 

First order of business.....  my menu planning.   I spent 185 at the grocery store today (note to self:  boys eat a lot of food) and I'm afraid I will lose my list and forget all the wonderful things I have planned :)  I unfortunately speak from experience........

Wed (football scrimmages) early quickie dinner hot dogs, strawberries

Thur - Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry with Rice

Fri - Lasagna Roll ups and salad

Sat - hoping we are out :) so I can save this for a future day but if it fall through I am making Gigi's (mil) chicken casserole and rice

Sun - Labor Day BBQ hamburgers, deviled eggs, pasta salad type things

Mon - Tacos

Tue - Linguine with Clam Sauce, salad

Wed - Make Your Own pizza and salad

That's as far as I've gotten but I think it's a good start.  Keep you posted on all the tremendously exciting progress!  xo, Brie