tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26658786298732961082024-03-21T19:37:36.489-04:00The Adventures of MandyMandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14602307986048031522noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2665878629873296108.post-81490163975529022152009-11-15T18:44:00.002-05:002009-11-15T21:43:08.636-05:00Broken.I must apologize for another blog lapse. Last Monday I lost someone that I loved dearly, my grandfather. He was not just a loveable friend, but a witty writer, an artist, minor league baseball player, soldier, and so much more. <br /><br />After the flag folding, ear piercing rifle shots, and unending tears there seems to be little left. My mom said it best (relatively). We are so broken.<br /><br />For some moments in life there are no words. So I'll leave this short and sweet. I miss you Grandpa, and I'll always love you.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14602307986048031522noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2665878629873296108.post-29076248468305431612009-10-29T14:08:00.006-04:002009-10-29T14:21:21.526-04:00Our MiniMoon to Niagara FallsI know. I know. Two posts in one day. This is unreal. LOL. But I can't tell you about the wedding without giving a peak at the minimoon. It just wouldn't seem fair.<br /><br />Inspired by Jim & Pam's wedding on the Office, Joe & I decided we needed to make our Sunday/Monday after the wedding something memorable and different. Seeing as our creativity was lacking, we stole Niagara Falls from Jim & Pam. We were so enticed by the prospect of staying in a different country (the Canadian side of the falls) that we forgot entirely about some of the details. Like currency exchange, the fact that my GPS doesn't have maps for Canada, that the falls might soak all our clothing, and that we might need more than $80 in cash.<br /><br />Despite all of our rookie mistakes, our road trip was a blast. We got lost in Pennsylvania, but as a result, we drove through a gorgeous state park. If I had a digital SLR in my possession, I would have been in my glory! We saw a different country. We had the most gorgeous view of the falls. We dined in an authentic Brazilian restaurant, Braza (<3) and drank a bottle of nice Canadian wine. We journeyed behind the falls and got soaked, went through a tourist trap movie (how could a "Niagara's fury experience" go wrong? lol!)and got soaked, took the Maid of the Mist underneath the falls and got soaked, and gave ourselves a cold. It was wonderful.<br /><br />I've never felt so in love. so at peace. and so happy. I think couples need multiple honeymoons. At least once a year! Here are some of the pics from our amazing road trip!<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_sFKzH-WBsqG8OGVlOe_E8khZiD2_yA0HhFRCGa4PpSNY8C9wcAiIKEYtyp2Pp6S7e7vPw8Ax3HAuZVfVCnrPyV7x_Pc4_LMd-7VWH5cB1AERQaDkTEXXdSIGB12gT6j0dGAwsVEIhhhn/s1600-h/untitled.bmp"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398087986573053266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 89px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_sFKzH-WBsqG8OGVlOe_E8khZiD2_yA0HhFRCGa4PpSNY8C9wcAiIKEYtyp2Pp6S7e7vPw8Ax3HAuZVfVCnrPyV7x_Pc4_LMd-7VWH5cB1AERQaDkTEXXdSIGB12gT6j0dGAwsVEIhhhn/s320/untitled.bmp" border="0" /></a> My attempt at a panaramic of the falls. I think it looks pretty cool!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92zgFZO6lqzhI1uTQWyC6qvuyoDzUkN8-niKPFL40MO00aUb5o3Z4Hv0BAq6GXVBuLho2FGjF67xDbUZQc4mafLNtW30HnaRFoT-_sv9c6TgDn7nNrK0j_SGyPynVAjpu0FjMkJ0clOtg/s1600-h/9235_568017252091_38000379_33470695_2167583_n.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398087928771237458" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi92zgFZO6lqzhI1uTQWyC6qvuyoDzUkN8-niKPFL40MO00aUb5o3Z4Hv0BAq6GXVBuLho2FGjF67xDbUZQc4mafLNtW30HnaRFoT-_sv9c6TgDn7nNrK0j_SGyPynVAjpu0FjMkJ0clOtg/s320/9235_568017252091_38000379_33470695_2167583_n.jpg" border="0" /></a>Us on Maid of the Mist. The ponchos were not enough to keep us dry! lol. <br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXakuk-fsIYweskDPtts6-DrllA2rCUntBecnebBLIvHSUpblc1lg68GxLJIq5gcR_R3_CH1AF-tMgIJWyphR9QKnZAwmGKC-YB8jXxTEsR06XAdpUrDIuTjXKe4B_JrVaDiKvk1dorZgt/s1600-h/9235_568016713171_38000379_33470595_5723194_n.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398087857551498594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXakuk-fsIYweskDPtts6-DrllA2rCUntBecnebBLIvHSUpblc1lg68GxLJIq5gcR_R3_CH1AF-tMgIJWyphR9QKnZAwmGKC-YB8jXxTEsR06XAdpUrDIuTjXKe4B_JrVaDiKvk1dorZgt/s320/9235_568016713171_38000379_33470595_5723194_n.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><br /></div>We're married now, so I figured I could post kissy picks and not be embarrassed. Apparently I haven't changed that much. I'm still blushing, but it's cute, and it makes me smile.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14602307986048031522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2665878629873296108.post-29383071868282580572009-10-29T13:41:00.009-04:002009-10-29T14:08:44.541-04:00Becoming Mrs. Malanowski!Sorry I've been MIA for the past couple weeks. I've had a good reason. I GOT MARRIED! (WOOT!) On the rainiest day in October, I became Mrs. Malanowski (which is not any easier to write from the former Miss Drapalski!) Even the pouring rain couldn't damper our spirits. This ephemeral event, felt so much shorter. The day flew by. I was so happy I felt like I was I felt like I was walking on clouds all day. ::sigh:: I'm married. I'M MARRIED. I'm married to the love of my life. my best friend. the supplier of all my smiles. Joe.<br /><br />Enjoy the pics. I can't wait to see what the photographer got. Poor thing had to battle the wind, rain, and our crazyness!<br /><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjO4QazMZhlV-MbWBpsmRZOCV7dzecr19QmCDuOaNsARYo8_SOTS3Smn8G70kxbBdjSn7amFFYW4XScmqA8539vZR6WYShlwhAoqt9XkaKd7Pz8GwFdIftBBMtI3DciyH_CNUovT5wu6lX/s1600-h/10230_568057651131_38003084_33471884_6339980_n.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398079702105714594" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjO4QazMZhlV-MbWBpsmRZOCV7dzecr19QmCDuOaNsARYo8_SOTS3Smn8G70kxbBdjSn7amFFYW4XScmqA8539vZR6WYShlwhAoqt9XkaKd7Pz8GwFdIftBBMtI3DciyH_CNUovT5wu6lX/s320/10230_568057651131_38003084_33471884_6339980_n.jpg" border="0" /></a> Just married (litteraly!)<br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOsLJebokztJ3XlNUlnl4k98t_J7oZCEGl7dVgvtkNwnDqdnsMMl9FfB9d48ttIWuBVpmyzNPxC6cJBkGZbCjt6S0nF1fZg1H_ss-WVXzPgCjEg2Hz5WKzvRtie1QVvirkCl6xx-cJmD_a/s1600-h/10230_568057631171_38003084_33471880_2073404_n.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398079623818564306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOsLJebokztJ3XlNUlnl4k98t_J7oZCEGl7dVgvtkNwnDqdnsMMl9FfB9d48ttIWuBVpmyzNPxC6cJBkGZbCjt6S0nF1fZg1H_ss-WVXzPgCjEg2Hz5WKzvRtie1QVvirkCl6xx-cJmD_a/s320/10230_568057631171_38003084_33471880_2073404_n.jpg" border="0" /></a> This is me and my daddy. I love him so much!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCcY6I8U6reaqkLKscj3_uWN4wOkxNlaziFVatqC7K6tQQZVYqfXQWV45ge4pbW53J4gZpCZ4HDF4BRoBS7OAAcfASBzlIS9mKxhSEXvcb-o0LmM97578wPAsVsAF3ajTNU1G8aFP0nqm/s1600-h/10123_567668810371_38000893_33459028_3281457_n.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398079556416845314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCcY6I8U6reaqkLKscj3_uWN4wOkxNlaziFVatqC7K6tQQZVYqfXQWV45ge4pbW53J4gZpCZ4HDF4BRoBS7OAAcfASBzlIS9mKxhSEXvcb-o0LmM97578wPAsVsAF3ajTNU1G8aFP0nqm/s320/10123_567668810371_38000893_33459028_3281457_n.jpg" border="0" /></a> My best friend (and maid of honor) and I at the reception! I love her so much!<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9DQe3lzt90QlqCi1_jltuxEUsITPiKNbqkP_9qlEeApLrHyYW7DIaHmdQn4qGbSIGyOz2G03gKTUCieR6dma6BWQRWff-C7ghG6FZMe2usfElaYUNu8v4WPcHpjaBYVBc2RwkBr7rveO/s1600-h/10230_568057646141_38003084_33471883_3673261_n.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398079491736269442" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 239px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim9DQe3lzt90QlqCi1_jltuxEUsITPiKNbqkP_9qlEeApLrHyYW7DIaHmdQn4qGbSIGyOz2G03gKTUCieR6dma6BWQRWff-C7ghG6FZMe2usfElaYUNu8v4WPcHpjaBYVBc2RwkBr7rveO/s320/10230_568057646141_38003084_33471883_3673261_n.jpg" border="0" /></a>Our first dance together. I'm so happy that I didn't trip or make a big fool of myself since I am a terrible dancer. I think I have two left feet.<br /><div></div></div></div></div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14602307986048031522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2665878629873296108.post-14346272027978522932009-09-30T11:59:00.003-04:002009-09-30T12:13:54.787-04:00A New Addiction.... ModClothSo when facebook suggested this site on the sidebar which is usually cluttered with crap, I was skeptical to say the least. But the ad had the cutest outfit on it. I am very into vintage silhouettes. So I caved and clicked. And, oh boy, they made a <a href="http://modcloth.com/">ModCloth</a> junkie out of me.<br /><br />So my personal favorite today is this "Glad to sea you" <a href="http://modcloth.com/store/ModCloth/Womens/Dresses/Printed/Glad+To+Sea+You+Dress">dress</a>. I think it would be a lovely birthday dress with my navy trenchcoat. What do you think?<br /><br /><a href="http://assets0.modcloth.com/productshots/0022/5992/7247-2.jpg?3fdab9fde3606dc77f9bdf11e17afaa0083d01bc"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 350px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://assets0.modcloth.com/productshots/0022/5992/7247-2.jpg?3fdab9fde3606dc77f9bdf11e17afaa0083d01bc" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>It's out of stock right now, but I'm thinking of saving up some money to buy it!<br /><div></div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14602307986048031522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2665878629873296108.post-90871888441100705312009-09-30T11:36:00.006-04:002009-09-30T12:39:00.965-04:00Becoming Super WifeySo, I must confess my greatest shortcoming - I cannot cook. I even sometimes mess-up those things that go straight from the freezer to the oven. I don't know how I do it. I only know that I cannot cook.<br /><br />In an effort to actively change this situation, I decided that I would cook soup...... from scratch. Now to anyone else, this would be a simple activity, with little risk involved, but for the anti-chef, this was a big deal. So Joe cut up the veggies and chicken, and I sauteed and cooked rice, and loaded it all into a large slow cooker. The result.....<br /><br /><a href="http://twitpic.com/jq0wc">A DELICIOUS & EDIBLE MEAL</a>! I even made biscuits to go with it!!! (I'm eating another helping for lunch today) And for desert? Divine strawberry smoothies made by yours truly!! They tasted as good as the Strawberry Extreme from Cool Beans in Salisbury.<br /><br />So maybe I'm not hopeless.....Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14602307986048031522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2665878629873296108.post-32443373259188631492009-09-17T20:21:00.004-04:002009-09-17T21:09:37.813-04:00Handmade Wonders<div>Today, I am sick, and when i am sick, I shop on the internet for things I want to buy but can't afford. Today it was on Etsy. Etsy, the craftfair of the web, is my new drug of choice. I love looking at all the crazy things that people make. I'm jealous of their mad skills. Point in fact, people are making amazing things like this!!!<br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 304px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382596525859247170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh324mmkjoJ6Z5pJX68jV-g-XL-q91HF4I4m0Tv1qqh8fyudTuxv5lRQDXDujy_WEpApBKQS2em-6W5R-br7D3pXulFFif80mfUnR-j9h-3yja-L-DZhuF8ojCuzarin34xh829EVJeNHNV/s320/il_430xN_90374817.jpg" />I mean, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6356748">this girl</a> just sat down and was like, I'm going to stitch an awesome shirt/sweater. Really? How talented is she? AmAzInG!!!! I want a colorful patterned shirt, some jeans, and this top. ::sigh:: </p><p>Ok, so in my infinite wannabe crafty life, I decided that I would make a pillow that I saw in a blog post. It looked amazing on the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/storque/how-to/how-tuesday-pillow-with-rosette-clusters-from-felt-furnishin-5095/">blog post</a>. Let me just tell you! I cut out all the pieces. 60 circles that turn into rosettes. I'll let you know how it turns out. Here are the pieces so far!</p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382607580994174834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9bf-nxf5jFjlBUo98o3njAecupPqzfUGDEGid_Z7I7g9xBAlGjcyTDhDw-7VzNBuftKbQIlBlXHTPoZA1p954VsZIx7vqRYwDu5pEb16OS7h2QiPXFwNuqnYWaOC2iKu6q1qhqE1OjksX/s320/100_4414.JPG" /><br /><p></p>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14602307986048031522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2665878629873296108.post-91600306595328621212009-09-10T13:31:00.005-04:002009-09-10T14:24:26.938-04:00Slightly Obsessive<div align="left">Today I must make a confession. Since I began planning this wedding, I have become obsessed about wedding/engagement photography. I don't know why. I mean I've always LOVED photography. I think in my search for a wedding photographer, I just became so enamored with the art that these people put out.<br /><br />So to summarize, I am jealous of their mad photography skills. I'm can't wait to see mine! (only one month and 7 days away)<br /><br />These are my three favorites this week.</div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgsgJdRjIzT4hzMp2SeTLx4w4RU9kxEb9YjDWf5cAJLd_SaMO_IHHE8vKjR1-WMM3jE5go-qf-4ZtgYQqiH0gEnjD36E9LSZXcHc4-UEKdsTzw7uGGBlAPVK0UweKdWWIoGExK7ZTTEY/s800/Vermont_Wedding_001.JPG"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 418px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 280px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXgsgJdRjIzT4hzMp2SeTLx4w4RU9kxEb9YjDWf5cAJLd_SaMO_IHHE8vKjR1-WMM3jE5go-qf-4ZtgYQqiH0gEnjD36E9LSZXcHc4-UEKdsTzw7uGGBlAPVK0UweKdWWIoGExK7ZTTEY/s800/Vermont_Wedding_001.JPG" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://www.elisabethmillayblog.com/">Elizabeth Millay Photography</a><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://overexposed.squarespace.com/storage/d8.jpg?__"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 322px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 531px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://overexposed.squarespace.com/storage/d8.jpg?__" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://sotadzine.com/">SOTA DZINE</a> (<a href="http://overexposed.squarespace.com/">blog</a>) </div><div align="center"><br /><div align="center"><a href="http://www.weddingistas.com/.a/6a011168cc775f970c0120a542d886970b-500pi"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 332px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://www.weddingistas.com/.a/6a011168cc775f970c0120a542d886970b-500pi" border="0" /></a> <a href="http://cheyenneschultzphotography.blogspot.com/">Cheyenne Schultz Photography</a></div></div></div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14602307986048031522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2665878629873296108.post-63924198908023365672009-09-08T20:46:00.004-04:002009-09-08T21:48:58.914-04:00On top of the libraryIn the library I work in, there are 3 floors: the basement, the first and the second floor. Well, once you get to the second floor, there is an additional five more steps leading to a mystery door. The door to the roof. A door that until Friday has remained closed. <div></div><div><br /></div><div>I came in on Friday to find it pried open with a traffic cone. My excitement level was at a ten! I just had to go see what was out there!! Ok so I have a little delinquent in this little shy exterior.</div><div><br /><br /></div><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379272054657094994" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXLXjyPtALMrMX3kRiDU3bDwUuYr0I7f5yS4Axn-2VWCHvgr13cbizMHGWG1k6HP-Hokh0vLIMyXN4g9hG7mTUM9JG7nDI39HUgQ13h3REIRWVutRnpL4TXesGrVsZ9ditHGVd5lTaGXr/s320/100_4323_edit.JPG" />I must have passed by the door 20 times and gazed outside. You would have thought it was the wardrobe from the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe or the Room of Requirement from Harry Potter.<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379272324040017234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxGDnZuX3RLJN4oTXufoc9ij-_CqGYlQBl7EpnMkQisenzLEZ0dbN0TaKcjvIPYC1kLoaIA1gcxj3DQW2Hb4HVYuXqqDbuT4Ibak-SNgS1R3Igl2D6IU81eEbmERw_A16uVcKhTY2UW92/s320/100_4315_edit.JPG" /><br />The view from the top. What I love about the roof is the all-encompassing quiet. There's something so peaceful about being away from the hustle and bustle (and away from the bright computer monitors)<br /><br />Hope you can all find a little excitement & peace in your days! : )Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14602307986048031522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2665878629873296108.post-79789499273440439712009-09-07T22:26:00.006-04:002009-09-07T23:18:31.675-04:00Fruit Salad with the HubbyToday was one of those great days. Ok, so any day that Joe & I don't have to work is fantastic, but I digress. We had a great picnic at my parents' house: pork roast, veggies, and more cookies than even I could eat. Delish!<br /><div><div></div><br /><div>After that, Joe & I did the grocery shopping together. Really weird fruits were on sale so we scooped up a couple: Star fruit, mangos, kiwis, and papaya. We decided to make a fruit salad out of them all. We did all the work together, we sliced and diced, laughed, and Joe sliced his finger. We had a blast. So here are my pics from my extraordinary fruit salad</div><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378923193702275394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji7LOtsSLNHmO1hA9IQ4Z4EwOIRw11aKd92mnrc2wc0PJgGvepmYUIeq7CgIxUDkhqo-frnhrjl3RRxlpcJsgBhiU1io-fZ5vNfGsjTrBulwmyn5vKnAANwkXeBYCzpxHQ9seOhpfRYd-Q/s320/100_4371.JPG" />I had never seen a papaya before! (If you want to figure out how to pick/cut it we used <a href="http://video.about.com/thaifood/Papaya.htm">this</a>)</p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378928659567632706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijGrKTgOfuyAsmio5IzVo7PqFaFuv1E3q6BeSZ9hY9gRvFa6bU86IrF2453F1A9lbSuuH_hS2wsfknkxfXodELuCCctc6w4O7qEH1g7-p2m3nxsW0HEFOKctxjlPYJdltd4s32Jss0ZHHM/s320/100_4380.JPG" />Star fruit! (I just love how it looks!) <img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378930217016723602" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7iSngZeXeHR6G2xTgOxlXKltG88MlC_1Omw1T7rUdJ4-SiBkVQyiXq7X5CLOc8HazupRB-4P3PFjmJQa1RSKD9OycvzG1q-HcN41ldUskSoY5_9UHy-RL_C7xOdMam43o9Cjx7Ke1Js-i/s320/100_4390.JPG" />The final product. (I haven't even tried it yet, wish me luck!)</div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14602307986048031522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2665878629873296108.post-61447024108051624732009-09-04T14:35:00.003-04:002009-09-04T14:41:17.130-04:00Funky FridaysOther than pinball scores, I actually found some pretty awesome stuff online today. One crafty thing I want to make, and one green thing that I want to buy.<br /><br />I am notorious for losing clips and hair ties everywhere I go. I was looking on this <a href="http://www.coolmompicks.com/2009/09/never_lose_a_hair_clip_again.php">Cool Mom Picks blog</a> and came across this awesome idea for a "clippie holder." Love it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://host4.shoppepro.com/%7Eribbiesc/images/clippiecaseimage1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 188px; height: 300px;" src="http://host4.shoppepro.com/%7Eribbiesc/images/clippiecaseimage1.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Lastly, I really like the idea for these go green bags that fold up into a ball. Check them out <a href="http://www.flipandtumble.com/shop.html">here</a> & you can try to win them at <a href="http://coolmompicks.com/">Cool Mom's Picks blog</a>. Good luck!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14602307986048031522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2665878629873296108.post-37818483202734720652009-09-04T14:21:00.005-04:002009-09-04T14:27:29.498-04:00The effects of boredomBoredom brings out lazyness in some people. For others it brings out obssessive compulsive behaviors. For me, boredom gives me pinball super powers. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqHPrLNHeekkHq0u9UdML5nA1YxNds4z0bH5ZnU1tlTl3sH626HNV6f-1kB60qZwZe-eInaAbsVYy8xvLqL7zrXM2_xHR1Z-twF0anYCOXs6kBst3mHIYI010nBq3Bx4Sc6dK_XGklkMFd/s1600-h/pinball9.4.2009.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5377680103875078978" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 309px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqHPrLNHeekkHq0u9UdML5nA1YxNds4z0bH5ZnU1tlTl3sH626HNV6f-1kB60qZwZe-eInaAbsVYy8xvLqL7zrXM2_xHR1Z-twF0anYCOXs6kBst3mHIYI010nBq3Bx4Sc6dK_XGklkMFd/s400/pinball9.4.2009.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />What's your highest score?Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14602307986048031522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2665878629873296108.post-28880292314962125602009-09-02T15:16:00.005-04:002009-09-02T16:29:50.104-04:00Wednesday's InspirationsInspirations seem so necessary on a Wednesday. Wednesday are haunted with feelings of boredom, exhaustion, and relative discontent that it is not yet Friday.<br /><br />Today is no ordinary Wednesday though. Today is the first Wednesday of fall weather! I love it. I stumbled upon this photo from <a href="http://alanakdavis.com/">Alana Davis Photography</a>. It just summed up my childish excitement about fall. Pumpkins, changing leaves and leave piles to jump in, and fresh apples. I can't wait to venture out with my camera when the colors start changing!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Omk0g_BWSIZixmGRQrOZI6BMe0qWm7QQPq55Wat3j0pRsnCHtK62GzTHvfUDyyS1I8r4LLfIS5XvUu7Ef5dgLlB_52o0qCM9Q4e4HIHrhGcoEJCmUFQQg8iKdnzgiT-HweCQATs5l46B/s1600-h/6a00e008ccf11088340120a5965bc1970c-800wi.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 455px; height: 352px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Omk0g_BWSIZixmGRQrOZI6BMe0qWm7QQPq55Wat3j0pRsnCHtK62GzTHvfUDyyS1I8r4LLfIS5XvUu7Ef5dgLlB_52o0qCM9Q4e4HIHrhGcoEJCmUFQQg8iKdnzgiT-HweCQATs5l46B/s400/6a00e008ccf11088340120a5965bc1970c-800wi.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5376966899478489026" border="0" /></a><br />I've also been listening to the 500 Days of Summer soundtrack all afternoon, and it is so relaxing. I found out that you can listen to the tracks on <a href="http://www.lala.com/#album/360569445171035574">lala</a> for free. So, check them out or if you don't have time for the whole album, youtube has the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCN27-Ya0mQ">preview</a>. My favorite (for some unknown reason) is "Quelqunn ma dit" by Carla Bruni. I won't lie to you, I have no idea what that translates to, but theres just something about the song that I love. What's your favorite?Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14602307986048031522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2665878629873296108.post-64633456683248205202009-08-31T09:31:00.002-04:002009-08-31T09:37:58.716-04:00Bridal ShowerYesterday was my bridal shower. To give you some perspective on this, I insisted I did not want a bridal shower. I kicked, I screamed like a little toddler. It didn't work. lol.<br /><br />So yesterday was the day. I was pacing around the house, I probably walked a couple of miles around that townhouse, and I was talking way too fast and high pitched to be understood. <br /><br />Kelly, her mother, and Aimee arrived at my house to get me looking prettiful. I'd never really had my makeup done before, but Aimee did a great job. Kelly curled my hair to perfection, and I was left looking like a supermodel. Well, I felt like a supermodel. lol.<br /><br />I picked my mama up (she looked adorable). And headed to Teavolve to the party. Despite my fear and anxiety, I had a really fun time. I got such sweet presents. I was amazed to realize how many people care about me and wish me well in my marriage to Joe. It was touching! (I got all teary eyed).<br /><br />So all in all it was actually pretty awesome & I stayed up late last night to work on the thank yous!<br /><br />(Photos to come)Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14602307986048031522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2665878629873296108.post-8960910482841388512009-08-27T10:32:00.004-04:002009-08-27T10:58:46.809-04:00Seeing in foursSo, I was blogstalking and a came across this <a href="http://bloom-grow-love.blogspot.com/2009/08/summer-sunday.html">blog entry</a> from a photographer on etsy that I love. It features photos taken off the supersampler lomography camera. Ok, so I've been wanting a lomography camera for a while. A holga. A diana. Really, I'm not that picky. Now I've added a another to my wish list, the SuperSampler. Oh baby.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNqnaqP19Ze91JlAa21QekeEc58OZQ-bGe6cdkaDMvGR1AwtWBBJs8cBboHwzvTNxmua6PMBrzK522ZgvcWeWFuaGJO1hT2Jvyd2Tl999v0dGdY8-SQ2UJTRxYk2_eyR7_K01HkSt4Mi3/s1600-h/510G1QYF1KL._SS500_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNqnaqP19Ze91JlAa21QekeEc58OZQ-bGe6cdkaDMvGR1AwtWBBJs8cBboHwzvTNxmua6PMBrzK522ZgvcWeWFuaGJO1hT2Jvyd2Tl999v0dGdY8-SQ2UJTRxYk2_eyR7_K01HkSt4Mi3/s400/510G1QYF1KL._SS500_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374652997258224610" border="0" /></a>So I found a yellow version on ebay. Now I just gotta hope I win it!!! Then I can take some fun photos! Next stop, my <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lomography-829-Lomographic-Holga-Starter/dp/B000JFGAUU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1251384471&sr=1-1">holga starter set</a>.<br /><br />::sigh::<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://helloanalog.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/sun-dance.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 402px; height: 271px;" src="http://helloanalog.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/sun-dance.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14602307986048031522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2665878629873296108.post-3949377285745537552009-08-23T01:25:00.005-04:002009-08-23T01:47:43.004-04:00Explorations in ColorThis weekend is Joe's Bachelor Party. He's in Atlantic City partying with some of his friends, so I decided that instead of sitting in the house feeling sorry for myself, that I would go out with Kelly last night into today.<br /><br />Last night I finally saw Harry Potter. It was really good. (Okay, so I'm biased)<br /><br />This morning, we wanted to play with our cameras, and go take some photography so we headed over to Dupont Circle. Unfortunately, with the combination of the rain and me not feeling well for the first half of the day, we didn't get many pictures. We still had a blast anyways. I also picked up this really cute teapot/matching napkins on clearance at <a href="http://www.tabletopdc.com/">TableTop</a>. Ok so I really didn't need another teapot, but I couldn't resist it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOlsKf4wK1H-TMxtesaUzvVw00vylRW_OCpVZxX5oSETDAmGd02uvHRys9fme8huwDoi_-hWWQAPxKqHcCKTgMw3u46UWx2tBVgpu88xA5eW__Qvoq-a5wFQ2BiPKwAFBY_ia5HbDeauj/s1600-h/100_4114.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 284px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOlsKf4wK1H-TMxtesaUzvVw00vylRW_OCpVZxX5oSETDAmGd02uvHRys9fme8huwDoi_-hWWQAPxKqHcCKTgMw3u46UWx2tBVgpu88xA5eW__Qvoq-a5wFQ2BiPKwAFBY_ia5HbDeauj/s400/100_4114.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373031571532304066" border="0" /></a><br />I finally arrived home at about 10:30 PM to an empty house. It's so weird. Ok, so I'm kinda freaked out. I'm a scaredy cat, I admit it. So scared, that I can't seem to fall asleep, and instead I'm blogging (in a blog that only 2 people visit) at 1:37 in the morning. Getting up for church tomorrow will be fun!!!<br /><br />So as for the photos, I'll leave you with my two favorites, I think! Comments?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcGYCAxj_qPsTOH46ASqqzGmK0X9VdKWH4YUK7ymBPIPrCznZ28G9kqJmDsdTEIC6Jm05HUtV5z9mQoCTE5vvGV5YM_TOvL9DLE26Ix5an0MdNYmPMK7LMI4EbBMLI9HiOJMSbtAZHijik/s1600-h/100_4042_edit.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcGYCAxj_qPsTOH46ASqqzGmK0X9VdKWH4YUK7ymBPIPrCznZ28G9kqJmDsdTEIC6Jm05HUtV5z9mQoCTE5vvGV5YM_TOvL9DLE26Ix5an0MdNYmPMK7LMI4EbBMLI9HiOJMSbtAZHijik/s400/100_4042_edit.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373029750108306098" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWO3-u7zwkihswR7aGm0l1vrLGgTexJrOeUub8GcIC8VqP4qkdxJkczT_y1ROoHtmZdwPjc7rkRobg16xoI53jfVTqNAJMid9ziT3y9ZQkIeZFqzXftvxAxFPh4q-NdYKOlv2DgtULaBn/s1600-h/100_4079_edit.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 279px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmWO3-u7zwkihswR7aGm0l1vrLGgTexJrOeUub8GcIC8VqP4qkdxJkczT_y1ROoHtmZdwPjc7rkRobg16xoI53jfVTqNAJMid9ziT3y9ZQkIeZFqzXftvxAxFPh4q-NdYKOlv2DgtULaBn/s400/100_4079_edit.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373029994781622626" border="0" /></a>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14602307986048031522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2665878629873296108.post-86385678275961539252009-08-20T21:34:00.000-04:002009-08-20T21:35:14.725-04:00Mopey MandyToday I am a barrel of emotions. I am sad, I am mopey, I am weak/sick, and I am grateful.<br /><br />I am upset because the state of my grandfather whose been in and out of the hospital. It's hard to think of such a strong and funny man unable to take care of himself. I'm praying for him. <br /><br />As for mopey, I just realized that all of my close college friends are/have moved away. I'm going to be all alone soon!! Japan, Italy, Texas, Mississippi, Marines, Philly : I am so jealous of you!!! I better make some friends soon, otherwise I will be very lonely!<br /><br />I am feeling sick. My stomach has hurt for days, and before that, I had headaches.l It's putting a another damper on my mood. I think it's stress-related<br /><br />Lastly I am grateful. I went to my parents yesterday, saying how stressed I was about the rehearsal dinner/wedding after party. I feel like I have to do it all myself and that I have to fix everyone's problems. My dad called me and told me to just let him take it off my shoulders. That he would plan both parties, and not to worry. That everything would be ok. I was really touched that they really thought of how they could help me and the just did it. It's kind of daunting to plan this all alone. That's why I'm glad they are helping. Maybe I can breathe a sigh of relief. Maybe.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14602307986048031522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2665878629873296108.post-51647182604057532462009-08-18T18:56:00.004-04:002009-08-18T19:05:40.877-04:00And the thunder rolls....I finally got home from work. Traffic was horrible. Now Joe is making dinner while I sit grumpily watching the thunder outside.<br /><br />This Sunday, I got to go to an O's game (vs. the Angels). Budweiser gave my dad tickets and passes to the pregame party in the Budweiser warehouse bar. We had a blast. We drank some beer, ate crabcakes, chocolate covered strawberries, and hotdogs, and then managed to steal some peanuts and soda for the game. Working in a liquor store definitely has it's perks.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbf3iyBM1z8gvj6GvjhAj0Z8VdVo6Urc1Le_hoKGU8bQlNg8aldsdW9qPYTcdmC9ukcM2Oe7PE4USdLD45yWgspl6CnsKDVIgRGZJnJbt8UwzNr5iXtC_Yx3dZBa-7YO4yITl2X-Czj7BB/s1600-h/100_3912.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbf3iyBM1z8gvj6GvjhAj0Z8VdVo6Urc1Le_hoKGU8bQlNg8aldsdW9qPYTcdmC9ukcM2Oe7PE4USdLD45yWgspl6CnsKDVIgRGZJnJbt8UwzNr5iXtC_Yx3dZBa-7YO4yITl2X-Czj7BB/s400/100_3912.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371443216376983682" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83Weyl9yCZl3X6N9RBCCRbXvnw9Tn8QvirP-qypvRZNMreKyXztRCHsEBVar2XPSYW2mBP6pZWmo3q6aTeVY7XNykGlB9YXtKS-TSNcP_odhxsJ9YBRoWvysHj0UuvbfYJKYG2nWwG92Y/s1600-h/100_4005-edit.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83Weyl9yCZl3X6N9RBCCRbXvnw9Tn8QvirP-qypvRZNMreKyXztRCHsEBVar2XPSYW2mBP6pZWmo3q6aTeVY7XNykGlB9YXtKS-TSNcP_odhxsJ9YBRoWvysHj0UuvbfYJKYG2nWwG92Y/s400/100_4005-edit.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371443464725310850" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1UaZ953zz6RtmOLlwDhaXX9mQ5wFVr1LpEfoPYmi8y9IBf0giGIEukQkJp90m9SpQRR4ygwsgw6JOGLqmTkWBsRdpl1IcsDG_GVwsQBI1TEhZwrM0yYRWoZZd0tg4tdQW60s0b8M0w1t/s1600-h/100_3978_edit.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 293px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1UaZ953zz6RtmOLlwDhaXX9mQ5wFVr1LpEfoPYmi8y9IBf0giGIEukQkJp90m9SpQRR4ygwsgw6JOGLqmTkWBsRdpl1IcsDG_GVwsQBI1TEhZwrM0yYRWoZZd0tg4tdQW60s0b8M0w1t/s400/100_3978_edit.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371443687219693410" border="0" /></a>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14602307986048031522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2665878629873296108.post-3309326354261515432009-08-11T14:49:00.003-04:002009-08-11T14:51:14.452-04:00...<a href="http://WhateverLife.com" target="_blank" title="goodies/photo-quote-graphics/live-beautifully.jpg"><br /><img src="http://WhateverLife.com/goodies/photo-quote-graphics/live-beautifully.jpg" border="0" alt="goodies/photo-quote-graphics/live-beautifully.jpg" /></a> <br /><br /><a href="http://WhateverLife.com/" target="_blank" title="Default Layouts"><br /><img src="http://http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v221/ashbernie311/profileimages/buttonsmallanimated.gif" alt="Default Layouts" style="position:absolute; left:0px; top: 0px;" border="0" /></a>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14602307986048031522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2665878629873296108.post-1422754765932743302009-08-11T14:14:00.005-04:002009-08-11T14:20:10.639-04:00Engagement PhotosSo today, I got our engagement photos back, and there's a couple that I absolutely love. The first was taken by our wedding photographer, and the latter two were were taken by a good friend & talented photographer <a href="http://obscuredetailsart.blogspot.com/">Kelly Shuggars</a> from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7261744">Obscure Details</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzsVveYVe2WwoZWgUrQ5MYfJg064xJBoYbMz88zg6PUVc35bfYQ0xpNvFfWBuNcaTnZ9dYlfwUSCV4KeHvoovOhmzhF9BA5370pdVAzfo3Xs-IYhyphenhyphenJ0YonlQ-be7NyjXi1i73hyphenhyphen4-21zC/s1600-h/DSC_0296.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzsVveYVe2WwoZWgUrQ5MYfJg064xJBoYbMz88zg6PUVc35bfYQ0xpNvFfWBuNcaTnZ9dYlfwUSCV4KeHvoovOhmzhF9BA5370pdVAzfo3Xs-IYhyphenhyphenJ0YonlQ-be7NyjXi1i73hyphenhyphen4-21zC/s400/DSC_0296.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368772447071358882" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYRXThiSDD4U_AOBpOscUyQQSrB-WO-gK5_n4iDU18qELNbzsGaM_7CZ2AMXOvmF7Uv-DvUvE9AprBbS1SGK8jPGt8iQmM9foVTAONB-ENBhA3rPDFZtqDGyM33bkX-9Y-iOZ2HvvrvE-/s1600-h/002.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYRXThiSDD4U_AOBpOscUyQQSrB-WO-gK5_n4iDU18qELNbzsGaM_7CZ2AMXOvmF7Uv-DvUvE9AprBbS1SGK8jPGt8iQmM9foVTAONB-ENBhA3rPDFZtqDGyM33bkX-9Y-iOZ2HvvrvE-/s400/002.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368771680445641746" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NT-zH8LgVkAhfsFHzQyBfUiZ4OmgTdxk9jjSu8IIukVHyCi_4xIvhTmFvhUFINhYQmGFNS7hZH4jtrbWQNRHURT3Tus8-Z1awNnIT8SH9fs7JJypsdjPbdh1v22whOxhQExdPQtOLkQs/s1600-h/007.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NT-zH8LgVkAhfsFHzQyBfUiZ4OmgTdxk9jjSu8IIukVHyCi_4xIvhTmFvhUFINhYQmGFNS7hZH4jtrbWQNRHURT3Tus8-Z1awNnIT8SH9fs7JJypsdjPbdh1v22whOxhQExdPQtOLkQs/s400/007.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368771920265169202" border="0" /></a>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14602307986048031522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2665878629873296108.post-80200076825933883792009-08-10T14:38:00.002-04:002009-08-10T14:41:15.781-04:00Engagement Encounter WeekendThis weekend Joe & I went on an engagement retreat. If you want to be married in the Catholic Church, you have to complete a bunch of these type of things. We meet with the priest about every other week, attend Natural Family Planning classes, and lastly, we had to attend this retreat. At first I was annoyed. Why do I have to spend an entire weekend there. I'm planning a wedding. I need that time! I HAVE A LIFE! I fumed all week and this obvious insensitivity for me time.<br /><br />I must say the weekend made me eat my words. One we were at this monastary/spiritual center, I decided to embrace the spirit of the weekend. to harness this openness and this uninterrupted time to grow as a couple. Joe was put on the second floor, with the boys, and I was placed on the 3rd, with all of the girls. We were barraged with questions, some we had talked about, some that we had. Some were emotional, and some were not. We had to write each other love letters.....<br /><br />We got up extra early to enjoy peaceful walks during the sunrise. It was a great weekend. I might post some of the entries that I wrote when we headed our seperate ways at night, if I can get motivated.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9w0hhfmwdDfb9dyDlcRc6sbAxY5zj56fLSMg_k9j5HwbDq7uHracEjcGY-bgnlNMdlugNmX0DcKChaXHISGsD87zDmvu6jAfRxpZ0i0-rBsJi1lgCMI_RxevjN_SnymcoavbwTEwuTSt_/s1600-h/100_3836_dark.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 286px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9w0hhfmwdDfb9dyDlcRc6sbAxY5zj56fLSMg_k9j5HwbDq7uHracEjcGY-bgnlNMdlugNmX0DcKChaXHISGsD87zDmvu6jAfRxpZ0i0-rBsJi1lgCMI_RxevjN_SnymcoavbwTEwuTSt_/s400/100_3836_dark.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368406913083915970" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div class="flockcredit" style="text-align: right; color: rgb(204, 204, 204); font-size: x-small;">Blogged with the <a href="http://www.flock.com/blogged-with-flock" style="color: rgb(153, 153, 153); font-weight: bold;" target="_new" title="Flock Browser">Flock Browser</a></div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14602307986048031522noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2665878629873296108.post-27337183047869671592009-08-05T23:25:00.005-04:002009-08-06T23:05:48.489-04:00SleepinessHello all,<br /><br />It is currently 11:25 and way past my bed time, but I have mountains of laundry to do. So to occupy my mind, I will post a couple of edited photos. Let me know what you think!<br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366691940489538242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinXxZJcnziHN3r_BZ1Zyck-mhDuetT1v4aTTduGB9-D6DptEj5f_BtvfWpfwnO3peQ8QBDKV4nVG9iPk4oy67Ep8E_x74J9Ffw1aZ8KyJ7UWvn6Nly1Tf7Iyc6LNUh5q1aEaTQvpEN8EwM/s400/morecherry+blossom.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367052532096380306" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXputinDPOEJ9SyE-AC1ceVLb75OHdO3Ie8iK_uelaaOrBKPYHjMRNxL8lMcqBUw8NbQTequ4rUGsds7xBsyyXOdQEV_zzznVnY6Kw7Z2MJwjGnozbh8QsxagCRrjgVCWFWimQfHAJxSVm/s400/edit.jpg" border="0" />Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14602307986048031522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2665878629873296108.post-14569497737383701472009-08-02T23:31:00.003-04:002009-08-03T00:01:20.535-04:00SpontaneityThis weekend was meant for errands. Sending wedding invitations, getting flowers, doing laundry, weeding the garden, etc. I will not lie to you, none of that got done. But I did have a blast.<br /><br />Saturday Joe & I joined our friend Christina in Dupont Circle. We chatted, shopped and got excellent food: Thai at <a href="http://www.dcnoodles.com/">DC Noodles</a>, Cupcakes at <a href="http://www.cakelove.com/">Cake Love</a>, and dinner and drinks at <a href="http://www.scionrestaurant.com/">Scion</a>. I think the highlight of our experience was the cupcakes. We talked to the owner/baker, and he recommended the best of the cupcakes: Peanut Butter. I suggest that to everyone....best cupcake I've ever had. Before dinner at Scion, which was also delicious, we went to a second hand book store called <a href="http://www.secondstorybooks.com/">Second Story Books</a>. I loved it. It had so many books I've never seen before. I couldn't leave without buying 2 dorky math books. (I whole-heartedly embrace my geeky side). I can't wait to dive into them. <br /><br />As for today, Sunday, it started out bad, but progressed into a great day. We woke up and left Tina's at 6ish, and emarked on a mission to get our engagement shots done with Sarah & Kelly. Problem one came quickly, we couldn't get a train to take us back to our car in Shady Grove (which had Joe's clothes). They were all going to Medical Center. So finally after waiting a ridiculous amount of time, we decided we couldn't wait any longer, we had to go to Georgetown. Though it was only 5 stops away, it took over an hour. <br /><br />As soon as we slowly ascended the escalator, the clouds opened up and released the rain. We were soaked to the core. I had my make-up done in Starbucks and then we changed our outfit (or what we could) and snapped some pictures around Georgetown's canal. After lunch, the stores finally opened and wwe were able to buy Joe a nice shirt for the photos. By then, we were sweating our butts off. I can only hope that we don't look like we just ran a marathon iin the photos. For now, I just can't wait to see the vision that <a href="http://obscuredetailsart.blogspot.com/">Kelly</a> & Sarah had. <br /><br />I guess I'll just wait and see. : ) I'll post them when I get them!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14602307986048031522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2665878629873296108.post-20174151779364531802009-07-31T20:50:00.004-04:002009-07-31T21:07:10.959-04:00A Case of the Mean RedsThe blues are because you're getting fat and maybe it's been raining too long, you're just sad that's all. The mean reds are horrible. Suddenly you're afraid and you don't know what you're afraid of. Do you ever get that feeling? Well, when I get it the only thing that does any good is to jump in a cab and go to Tiffany's. Calms me down right away. The quietness and the proud look of it; nothing very bad could happen to you there. If I could find a real-life place that'd make me feel like Tiffany's, then - then I'd buy some furniture and give the cat a name!<br />-Holly Golightly (Breakfast at Tiffany's)<br /><br />Today, I have a case of the mean reds. I'm scared, angry, dissapointed, and brimming with emotion. I found myself crying all the way home from Virginia today because I finally realized that life is not fair. Some have it all, and some have nothing at all. For some, life is easy, and for others it is a constant struggle. <br /><br />And for me.... it is a constant struggle.Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14602307986048031522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2665878629873296108.post-71900634909504588592009-07-14T17:13:00.004-04:002009-07-15T19:25:31.982-04:00Smited Again by the Ice Cream Gods<a href="http://integratedsupplements.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/07/05/ice_cream_on_black.jpg"><img style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 208px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 266px" alt="" src="http://integratedsupplements.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/07/05/ice_cream_on_black.jpg" border="0" /></a> So here I am in scenic upstate New York, Little Falls to be exact, and I have been wanting an ice cream cone/bar since day one. One after one, every ice cream stand/store has been "closed for vacation". Well, minutes ago, I heard the familiar chimes of a ice cream truck, with child-like speed, I grabbed my wallet, hopped down the stairs, and patiently waited for the ice cream truck that was stopped down the street.<br /><br /><div><div><div>I sighed at the sight. Ice cream. Finally! But wait, the ice cream truck decided to back down the street and leave before approaching my grandmothers house. Epic fail.<br /></div><div>So for now, I will continue to wait for another ice cream opportunity. Wish me luck (and sprinkles!).<br /></div><div>edit : I finally got my ice cream (a brownie sundae)!!!</div><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 134px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn5oLZFecya0AVw8uEU7RvjFNPzdAqDHejep3KENnUuIiLONeEVWdgYUfF4VQtO_HC3W2n-k4KWFb5RGXHENKJj56328FC41GYt07Vd5_hyVwFbK-8bdH4of69FoqMl50qegyGJDU9y2Bd/s200/DSC_0478.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14602307986048031522noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2665878629873296108.post-19876474894035748922009-07-09T20:43:00.004-04:002009-07-09T21:09:25.563-04:00Social MediaToday I had a meeting the U.S. Department of State eDiplomacy team. It was good to talk to them today, as they are experts in knowledge management and some of the few surviving social media pioneers in government! (Go eDiplomacy!). They showed us their main community (a system of blogs. They call it communities because the idea of a blog is overwhelming to government personnel. lol. And I thought it was just NIST) and wiki.<br /><br />I think that overall, their sucess was pretty inspirational. Change in government and culture is so hard to acheive. It was some much needed affirmation to our team. I also find, though, that I'm not really comfortable with the whole wiki ideas. Yes, I know I'm the new "webmaster" of the ISD twiki, but I'm not a firm believer in the application. But maybe I'm biased. I was hoping for a facebook like application.<br /><br />Either way, I'm open to the idea. Just as I am finally opening up to twitter. (@AmandaDrapalski) I'm trying out the software to see if there is any benefit. I've watched some other people make really great connections via twitter, and I'm open to it's possiblilities. Wish me luck!Mandyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14602307986048031522noreply@blogger.com1