Is it really October?

I have to say that I find it hard to believe it is actually October. Yes, the leaves are starting to change. Yes, Starbucks has their Pumpkin Spice Latte out. Yes, the houses in my parents neighborhood are decorated for Halloween. However, it was 85 degrees today. I went to the beach with my mother and people were swimming in the Bay. On Sunday, the hubby and I actually put our feet in the water. I was shocked to see that people were in bathing suits in October! It's like we are living in Florida!

One of the things I loved about this weekend was that the hubby and I spent it at my parents house. On Saturday, my parents took a trip to see my brother in DC (just for the night). So, we did LOTS of laundry, ordered in, and enjoyed the many different movie choices. On Sunday, my youngest brother came home from college so we got to spent some time with him. We even got to Skype with another one of my brothers who is studying at PNAC in Rome. My parents, my brother, the hubby and I enjoyed pizza from our favorite local pizza place.

Unfortunately, today, the hubby had to work. But, my parents made us an awesome dinner to enjoy once he gets home! They also happen to provide lettuce and some of the hubby's favorite cookies. Our friend Carolyn gave us some italian bread. So, we have a fantastic dinner! Our family and friends are the best!

Interestingly because of the weird weather, the garden in my parents yard is still yielding tomatoes and cucumbers. The best news of all is that the figs are actually ripening! (Usually, the frost gets to them before they become edible!)

In conclusion, THIS WEEKEND WAS GREAT!

Next weekend, the hubby and I both have to work on Saturday. Hopefully, we will get to my brother's school for the tail end of parents weekend. Oyster Fest is next weekend also at home so I'm sure we will head there with my mom (maybe dad depending on how he's feeling) on Sunday.

7 Quick Takes Friday

Conversion Diary

(1)

I couldn't be happier that it is Friday. My students have been singing the "it's Friday" song all week. They heard part of a song on the radio that includes the words "it's Friday" over and over again. I generally allow them to sing it when they are on their way out of the building on Friday's. The best part of this Friday at work was that we held a dress down day as a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. One of our fellow faculty members is fighting Breast Cancer and we will be walking in her honor on Oct. 16th. 

(2) 

I am so excited that the Fall weather finally arrived last night as a result of lots of rain, thunder, and lightning. I can't wait to break out the sweaters and corduroy pants. I love being snuggled up under warm blankets and enjoying a Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks (guilty pleasure)! 

(3) 

The hubby is headed home from work and I think I'm going to make some chicken parmesan for dinner. It has always been one of his favorite meals and I don't make it too often but, I have the energy and the ingredients so he's in luck! 

(4) 

Last night we watched Big Bang Theory and I couldn't believe my eyes when Blossom showed up on the screen. At first I only recognized her voice but, then I did a Google search and was shocked to find out that she is a regular on that show. Not to mention she is one academically accomplished lady! You should check out here wikipedia page! 

(5) 

I'm hoping to be able to help my dad plant the daffodil bulbs for next Spring tomorrow but, due to circumstance beyond our control that may not be able to happen. Please pray that justice is done and ethics prevail.

(6)

Sunday I will be celebrating a milestone in a beautiful friend of mine's life. I will certainly share more after the event but, it is a surprise! I know she doesn't read my blog but still I wouldn't want to be the one that ruins it! 

(7)

I am beginning to make my Fall bucket list: 

-pick apples 

-go to Westchester to see the leaves change

-bake a pumpkin pie 

-bake an apple pie/apple brown betty 

Shopping for a church

The hubby and I have been married for a little over a year (one year and two months to be exact) but, we haven't registered at a church. We attend church every Sunday at the same parish and have not registered. Some of the issue with registering is that the rectory is only open limited hours and when they are open late I feel badly disturbing them at night. The hubby really thinks that we should go and register together. (I know registering as a family for the first time is kind of important but, I'm not sure it makes sense to keep putting it off until we are both available at a time that is acceptable to the church.) I really just want to register and be officially part of our parish. Prior to being married, I had been part of the same parish since I was three. Does registering really make that big of a difference? No, you get envelopes but, on the other hand you are no longer an anonymous participant who shows up on Sunday. Oh well, just something I was thinking about today as another Sunday is approaching. Happy Friday Eve All!

Happy 7 Years !

Today my hubby and I are celebrating seven years since we started dating! It's hard to believe it's been that long! I can't believe it will be 10 years since we met in March! Crazy how time flying when you're having fun!

It's amazing what you miss...

We've kind of fallen off the face of the earth with regard to our friendships during the past few months. We travelled a lot this summer (Cali, MD, Mass.). Now, we are both back at work. I cannot believe how I've fallen out of touch with friends. I didn't really occur to me until my MOH kept referring to how she was able to see me twice in one week!

We love our friends and they are as important to us as our family. Since I started back at work, I've been completely exhausted by teaching 8 periods a day every other day. This year is like being a first year teacher all over again because I am teaching three new academic classes and running classroom guidance for three grades. It is so much planning and there is just no time to get it done during the school day. So, I come home from work, work until dinner, and then go to bed. This pretty much repeats until the weekend. Weekends are filled with visiting family or visits from family and attempting to keep our modest two bedroom apartment clean.

Frequently, I think that while I would love to live in a house I have no idea how I would be able to keep in clean while working. As it is, the hubby and I split up chores and clean together but, needless to say it feels like I am fighting a losing battle.

As a result, I am grateful for the forgiveness of our visitors when they arrive and our home is not "just so".  Believe me, I try but, this is as good as it's going to get for now. This weekend we were thrilled to visit with our MOH. We had fun simply running errands and sharing a meal. It was great to catch up! As a result of our visit, I know I will be making more of a concerted effort to check in with friends regularly. I don't want to lose our friends because of the massive amount of time both of us spend at work.