My first Hanukkah

Merry Christmas Eve! While this comes

every year, it really snuck up on me. The time

is just flying by. A little too fast I think.

Before I celebrate Christmas, I had my first

Hanukkah dinner. I hope it's not my last!

Brandon cooked a serious feast. It was ridiculous.

There were latkes, challah, roasted veggies, a vegetarian

field roast, Kugel and more. But before we could dig in

we had to say the prayer and light the candles.

I had the honor of lighting of the candles. And drinking

the wine. It was fun to learn about a new religious

tradition. And trying some new food. And wine.

We had some drinks and then it was time to eat!

Brandon really out did himself. The spread was

unreal. And freaking tasty.

I ate too much Challah. Then I read what it's made of.. yikes!

But it was tasty. All of it was good.

I enjoyed my first Hanukkah and I can't wait

to celebrate again next year. Or just cook all

the tasty food. 

I'm in Maine now celebrating the holidays

with my family. Honestly- I'm making a dent in the couch

watching every Christmas movie/show known to man.

Now I'm spending time with my dogs and debating

a Wii workout or taking the dogs for a walk. Tough choice.

Coming Home- Homecoming recap

Monday again?

At least this past weekend was special.

It was my Homecoming weekend at UMaine. This means a weekend with lots of friends, food and bevs.

I worked a halfy on Friday and car pooled with Nancy.

We made a couple of pit stops.

Sonic and to pick up Katelyn.

We have our priorities straight.

We checked into the classy Black Bear Inn for a weekend of mayhem in Maine.

We made/purchased a new friend along the way.

Cave Tot is his name. Partying is his game.

This little guy was a gift from Sonic.

aka it came in my happy meal.

He hung out a lot this weekend.

We started our trip in style by visiting with the girls of Pi Beta Phi.

Drinks and lots of pictures.

Then it was time to hit up 2 of the 4 bars in town.

Drinks, dances and most importantly a tot to show us a good time.

I showed off some dance moves.

Shortly after this dancing shot it was time for bed.

We had some rest and a nutrional continental breakfast for strength.

Then it was time to tailgate!

No- we didn't really watch the game. We walked around the entire parking lot multiple times to visit people. Oh and have bevs. It was nice to see everyone and meet all the new Pi Phi's. Fresh faces!

Lots of boots were worn and lots of hugs were given.

We had a nice time. Tot even met a few new faces.

There was a gathering for all the alumnae to meet the newbies.

We had a great turn out! Thanks again to Avery for being such an awesome lady!

She made all this happen. Of course with the help of the entire chapter.

After we filled up on junk food, it was time for the final round.

It was time to get ready and get fabulous.

Emily put on a miming performance for awhile.

She actually put on a few performances. Katelyn helped with this one.

We took a lot of photos.

It was basically a photo shoot for an hour before we went out.

We danced on the traditional table.

And someone took some candids of me being a tough guy.

It was another epic evening! There was a lot dancing and sweating.

See- I did do some form of exercise.

Sadly- there isn't much evidence this night existed. I assure you- it did.

We rounded the trip off with a visit to Pat's before hitting the road.

Luckily I only ordered chocolate milk because the service was pretty bad. So were the swarms of flies.

Tot still enjoyed his time there.

I had a really fantastic weekend with friends and it was the perfect way to kick off my birthday!

I always have the best time hanging with Katelyn and Nancy. You guys rocked my socks this weekend.

I can't thank you enough for "making" me go!

It was a pleasure to share a room with Kately, Nancy, Erin and Durkin.

I hope we do it again!

Now I need your help. I'm going to dedicate a post to getting freebies. Do you have any suggestions or websites you use for free samples, surveys or giftcards?

There goes the bride.

I had yet another awesome weekend in Maine.

I took a long weekend to do some quality fam hang time.

On Friday I took Lily to see The Lion King in 3D.

We had some fun after the movie.

She tested some beds at Kohls.

We got home and played with the replacement dog.

Bruno!

My fun wasn't over.

I decided I could afford to have drinks with a friend the night before the wedding.

We had the best beer sampler everrrr at the Liberal Cup.

But it was early to bed and early to rise. I had a wedding to get to!

Kayla was a beautiful bride and it was a beautiful day.

We busted some moves and danced the night away.

I spent Sunday at home with my fam. Getting some sleep and trying to eat some food.

Today was a Monday. You know how Monday's go.

I worked the day away and then made a delicious dinner.

Spaghetti Squash Lasagna. Here is what's up:

1 spaghetti squash

1/2c ricotta cheese (I used part skim)

mozzarella cheese (I used part skim)

Parmesan cheese (just a dusting)

1 c pasta sauce

mushrooms (optional)

Cut squash in half and bake at 425 until you can pierce the skin. About 20 minutes. Remove from oven but leave oven on.

Saute mushrooms with some garlic and olive oil.

Sauce the bottom of your pan.

Layer in squash, sauce, ricotta, mushrooms and mozzarella. I did two full layers.

Finish with some parm on top and bake.

So delicious!

Overall- a pretty decent weekend. A few bumps along the way. One even gave me a flat tire.

See-ya later bank account. My car is getting repaired as we speak. Turns out I need new brakes as well.

Good thing I have a birthday coming up to receive these goodies as a gift.

I have to wake up for an early morning run tomorrow. I signed myself up for a 16 miler. Ok- it's not until May so I have plenty of time to prepare but I've also been considering some other races in the mean time. Wish me luck!

2 lunch kind of day.

I've had some serious migraines for 2 days.

At first I thought it was a lack of food.

I had 2 lunches yesterday. This was the second part. I always think that when I'm sick coffee and food help. It's never true.

My dinner last consisted of eggs mixed with left over chicken sausage and toast. Real exciting stuff. You can see my migraine we still killing me.

Today I woke up feeling better. I did a run and a huge breakfast.

I had a dentist appointment and had to apologize for eating. Sorry but I can't wait til after 9am to eat!

I started feeling like death around noon again. I needed 2 lunches.

A salad and more risotto. I'm over risotto for awhile.



I decided that I was wasting my time being at work since my head couldn't concentrate. I took a half a day. It was ok because I had to drive to Maine anyways and it was better to drive with a migraine in no traffic than with a migraine with traffic. If I had gone with choice #2- I'd be in jail right now. Hopefully Lil Wayne somehow ended up in the same place as me. I'd get to check that off my bucket list.

number 34- spend a day with Lil Wayne.

Since I got to Maine early- I picked Lily up from daycare. She was doing some real crazy things there. I enjoy picking her up because she does funny things and then has great convo in the car. We sang the entire way home about who would let the dogs out. Literally... we sang sentences to each other.

We had dinner with my mom. I had another bucket of salad, 6 french fries, 3 bites of grilled cheese and finished with 7 bites of chocolate and peanut butter cake. Woah!

We are having a tea party now at my parents house.

My Q&A with Lily- part 1

What's your favorite color?- Pink

What's your favorite animal?- puppies

What's your favorite thing to do?- play in sandboxes

Where is your favorite place to go? - the beach

What is your favorite place to eat?- Rainforest cafe

What is something people should know about you?0- I like cute birds.

What is your favorite food?- macaroni and cheese

What is something you want to do that you haven't done?- Run in the park. But a brand new park.

What is something you want everyone to know?- I do like princesses.

There you have it. We have a lot more to learn about this girl. She has agreed to let me video her doing a tap dance for us. It looks more like an irish jig than anything at this point.

Is there anything you want Lily to answer?