Monday, December 19, 2011

'Twas the week before Christmas...

I simply cannot believe that Christmas is in 6 days. 6 DAYS!!!

Yikes! I know I say this every year, but seriously--where has the time gone?! It feels like just yesterday I was swearing about the 100 degree heat wave and now we are getting ready for the winter cold and snow.

Sean and I are pretty much ready for Christmas. Gifts are bought (some are still in transit--hoping UPS pulls through!), stockings are hung, tree is lit, and plans are (almost) solidified.

I still work a full week of work, but having the Monday after Christmas off will be a nice treat.

Our plans this year include egg nog (for him), wine (for me), family, food, friends, and lots of festive holiday cheer.

What am I most looking forward to? Snuggling on the couch in my jammies watching Christmas movies. Sometimes, it's the little things. :-)


What are you looking forward to this holiday?

Monday, December 12, 2011

Easy Cake Mix Cookies

As promised, I am trying to blog more often, and I couldn't not share this easy peasy recipe I used for cookies. Now I have something tasty to bring to tomorrow's office Holiday Party, and I barely broke a sweat in the kitchen. Plus, the recipe calls for only 3 ingredients, so I spent about $5 total on the whole batch.

Enjoy!



*********

Easy Cake Mix Cookies

(makes approx. 30)




Ingredients:
1. 1 box white cake mix (I used Pillsbury because it was 79 cents on sale!)
2. 1/2 cup vegetable oil
3. 2 whole large eggs
4. Ungreased cookie sheet


Instructions:
1. Heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Mix cake batter, eggs, and oil in a large bowl. (I added a splash of water to the mix because it was a little too gooey and needed to be softened up a bit)



3. Using your fingers, shape into generous globs and place an inch apart on an ungreased cookie sheet.
4. Bake at 350 for 5-10 minutes (you should watch them closely to make sure they don't burn).
They are finished when they are lightly browned around the edges.
5. Cool for at least 10 minutes.
6. Give to boyfriend to taste test.


7. Eat and Enjoy!


(*Note: My cookies look a little more brown in color than the typical recipe calls for because I made brownie batter in the same bowl and decided to just mix the extra residue into my cookie mix...lazy, but delicious! A win--win)



Monday, December 5, 2011

Epic Blogger Fail

So, I've definitely been slackin' in the whole "good blogger" department. But, such is life.

If anyone is still out there reading my sporadic and rather random posts, I commend you!

So, as for my life--I am recovering from my surgery and am doing well. I was out of work for 2 weeks but have been back for a few weeks now and am in the swing of things. Thanksgiving was relaxing and it was nice to see some family that I hadn't seen in months.

The boy and I have moved in together, and it is going wonderfully. In fact, it's creepy how perfect things have been so far. In fact, today is his birthday!

Last weekend the man and I went and got a real, LIVE Christmas tree. This is a big deal for me because my family used to go cut down our own tree when my brother and I were little, but we stopped doing it when we were in middle school. I absolutely love the smell of the fresh needles every time I walk in the door. S and I had a great time decorating and we love lighting it up every night while we cozy up on the couch.


Ah, how I love this time of year.

Isn't it gorgeous?!


Anyway, as for my recovery, things are just so-so. I feel like I'm at a standstill. My weight, although it fluctuated a bit after surgery, has been stable for awhile now. And I am totally comfortable eating (and drinking) in most social situations without guilt or worry.


But, I feel like I haven't made a 100% full recovery--is there such a thing? I know part of it is me letting other things take priority--my job, my family, my boyfriend--and I know it is up to me to do the hard work. But I guess I've just gotten to this point where I'm comfortable, and I need to push myself just a little bit harder.


For example, I have to admit to myself that I could stand to gain a few pounds more. And I know I should be going to therapy regularly, and I haven't been for the last few months. I don't really know why I stopped. I have plenty of excuses in my head, but when it comes down to it, my eating disorder recovery is IMPORTANT and I don't know why I've gotten so apathetic about it.


So, I definitely have some goals for the coming weeks and months--and what better time to set new goals than right around New Year's, right?


I am going to try to take even the smallest steps toward getting back in the game as far as my recovery goes. Whether that means pushing myself to try some new foods at the office Christmas party, or even just calling my therapist to set up an appointment...I really think it will make a big difference.


On an unrelated note, I also am going to make a more concerted effort to blog regularly (we'll see how that goes), and some career changes are possibly in my future (more on that in a different post).



How is everyone else doing? Getting ready for the holidays?

Thursday, November 3, 2011

A Whole Lot More Than Food Poisoning



So, Halloween weekend was a blast. Monday's festivities at work were also a blast. We all dressed up--I wore Sean's leprechaun costume from my previous post--LOL--and had a potluck at work. There were food, games, and fun.


Then I went home as usual, handed out some candy to trick or treaters, vegged in front of the TV, had a glass of wine, and went to bed.


Well, for some reason, Monday night I could not fall asleep. My stomach was bothering me, and I thought maybe I had eaten too much candy and too many rich foods at the potluck. I ate some pretzels and tried to sleep it off...to no avail. The pain in my belly kept getting worse, and permeated throughout my entire torso and chest.


Good thing Sean was there with me. He--bless his heart--drove at 4am to Walgreen's to buy me ginger ale, crackers, and pepto bismol. I tried all of the above remedies--more than once--and if anything, my pain only got more intense. I tried laying on my side, my back, my stomach, sitting up, walking around...you get the picture. By this time it was around 6am...I hadn't slept all night, and something in my gut (NO PUN INTENDED) was telling me to go to the Emergency Room just to be safe.


Sean and I headed to a nearby hospital (not the one where I work) that he knows and trusts from some family stuff in the past.



At the ER, it wasn't too busy and I was admitted by 7am. I explained my symptoms: abdominal pain, chest pain, nausea--and was immediately taken back fro X-rays, being asked a zillion questions, and getting blood drawn and my urine tested (for signs of possible pregnancy--negative, by the way!).


When the chest scans were fine, they did CAT scans of my abdomen. I knew something was up when about an hour after the first one, they told me they needed further scans. By this time, it was past 11am.


Around 12pm, while Sean and I were waiting for results of the scan, I began experiencing the sharpest pains I have ever felt in my life. Right in my lower abdomen. It was so intesne, I begain to cry. Once we finally got the nurse's attention (it was crowded in the ER at this point), she immmediately brought in the doctor. He started poking my stomach in various places, and when he poked on the left, it hurt on the right. When he poked me on the right and then let go, I felt a piercing pain and screamed.


"That's not just something you ate." he said. "I believe that's appendicitis."



At this point he began talking about morphine drips and surgery and overnight stays and scars...so Sean finally called my parents to give them the scoop. I had held off on telling them because I honestly thought it was a virus and that I'd be given antibiotics and told to go home.


There was a major delay for my surgery, which was a very painful few hours--even with morphine--but I finally got to surgery around 7pm. And hour later, my appendix had been successfully removed--and according to the surgeon, it was extremely inflamed and I am lucky I came into the hospital when I did (if left ignored/untreated, your appendix can rupture, causing lifelong complications and even death).


So, last night I stayed overnight. I wasn't allowed to eat or drink anything--even water--until around 12 noon today. I hadn't eaten dinner since Monday night! I am still on the most restricted liquid diet they have here though--for "lunch", some broth, juice, and an italian ice--all of which I couldn't even finish. For dinner I switched it up with a hot tea and some jello to go with my broth.

Right now it is 1:30am and I have been in and out of sleep. The nurses come to check on my every few hours, to check my vital signs and give me meds. They are all super nice and attentive to my needs. They are personable and truly care about me. It is so nice.


I am in a loooot of pain and discomfort, and it takes all my energy just to go to the bathroom. I have a constant IV drip of sugar/saline/salt to replenish me, and that helps a bit.


I am hoping that I will be able to eat a bit more in the morning--maybe I will be allowed to have oatmeal or yogurt. i just hope I can handle it.


In any case, I hope to get discharged tomorrow, and my parents and boyfriend will take turns caring for me. I am so lucky and loved. I received flowers from family members and friends, and it brightened my day.


Meds are kickin in and I am about to zonk out. Later gators...

Monday, October 31, 2011

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!




Hope it is devilishly good (and lucky, too!)


*****


Proper post coming soon...





Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Allow Me to Explain...

...Why I have been MIA for so long! And why my blog perhaps mysteriously stopped appearing on your reading lists (that is assuming, of course, that you all are still reading!).

There was a bit of an issue with privacy in photographs and names on my blog. A few people, I will not say who, were concerned about being displayed on the internet for all to see.

I totally get it, and I understand. While this blog has been an outlet for me and a way for me to share my life with you all for the past 2.5 years, I understand that not everyone else feels comfortable doing that.

So, at first, I "deleted" the blog, but once I took some time off, I was DYING to come back. I missed you guys! I went through and deleted/edited some of my posts, and now I am back. You may be seeing/hearing less about certain topics and people, but it is still the same old Hot Coco(a) you know and (hopefully) love.



*********************

So, with that taken care of, here are some updates:

1. The best friend is now officially Married! (And I didn't pee my pants during my speech!). There will be photos to follow in another post.

2. The boy and I have officially decided to take the plunge and move in together. It's a big step, but I know it is for the best and it will all work out. Right now we are still in the "looking" phase, but we are hoping that pretty soon looking will turn to "moving".

3. Work...is still work. Haha. I don't hate it and I still generally like my job in particular, but I can't say I like work in general.

Fun activities as of late have included:

-BFF's Wedding (and rehearsal dinner, and reception...)

-MD Wine Festival

-Virgin Mobile Free Music Festival

-Exploring Baltimore and trying out some new places




What has everyone else been up to as of late?

Thursday, September 1, 2011

This 4 Day Weekend

This 4 Day Weekend is special for several reasons:


  • It is the first 4-day weekend I have had since I began working full-time in April

  • It is my first "Labor" Day as an actual member of the workforce

  • I am kicking it off by FINALLY seeing the final Harry Potter movie

  • My best friend is getting MARRIED on Saturday! AHHHH

I don't even know where to begin. My emotions are all over the place. I can't believe that my best friend will be a married woman in 2 days' time. It makes me nostalgic for our childhood, but at the same time excited for my own adult future.


It seems like just yesterday she and I were playing dress-up and holding fake Miss America Pageants in our basements...and now, she will be walking down the aisle.


I am the Maid of Honor. Am I nervous? YES. (Mainly because of my specch--yikes!)


But mostly, I am just super excited to share in this special day together. Her fiance is amazing and they will have a wonderful marriage. I have a great boyfriend/wedding date. I get to reconnect with family and friends. I get free food and drinks and can dance the night away. Basically, it is going to be fabulous.



And Monday? Well, Monday...is for sleep.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Earthquake...in Baltimore?!

Yesterday around 2:00 pm, I was sitting in my office reading a magazine after eating lunch, when suddenly...something happened.

Things started moving. The pictures on my wall moved. My computer was shaking. I looked out the window from my 6th-floor office and felt dizzy, trying to steady myself as I felt the building swaying beneath my feet.

Co-workers in the conference room screamed. I made my way into the hall and we all stood, frozen, unsure what to do or what was going on.

Then, as quickly as it began, it was over.

"Was that...an earthquake?!" someone said with disbelief... "in Baltimore?!"

We evacuated the building and stood on the lawn for a few minutes until a hospital official informed us that yes, this was in fact an earthquake, a 5.9 level earthquake with the epicenter in Virginia.

"That really shook me up!" I said to my boss, who luckily also has an appreciation for my classy sense of humor and quick, original wit.

Then, we went inside and had a meeting 10 minutes later. The downside of working in a medical hospital? We don't just "close", like my mom's work did. Humph.


*


Next on the agenda?


A hurricane this weekend, apparently.



How is your week going? Anyone else survive this pretty little natural disaster yesterday?

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Everybody's Workin' for the Weekend...

This past Saturday and Sunday, I had to work. Boooo.



The plus side? It ended up thunderstorming and raining like crazy allll day, so being inside wasn't such a bad thing. And since I am really only there on the weekend "just in case" an emergency might happen, I was able to get 150 pages into Middlesex, by Jeffrey Eugenides. Anyone else read this book? I am about a third of the way finished, and I am really fascinated by it so far.



In exchange for my rainy weekend hours, I was able to take a day off. I took Friday off, which ended up being a smart choice--the weather was PERFECT. Mid-80's, breezy, and sunny. I decided to run some errands, then stop by the harbor for some shopping and general people-watching. Check out this view:









*Sigh*.




I love Baltimore.



Friday night, my roommate left for a 2-week trip to Europe (jealous!!!), so we celebrated with a bon voyage drink...or 4.



The rest of the weekend was spent with my boy toy. We had no set plans but ended up going to TEN BARS in 4 days (Thursday--Sunday). It was a lot fo fun--we tried out some places I had never been before.



***



This week, in addition to working full-time (which involves dealing with irate patients, leading group therapy, and doing treatment plans and other paperwork), I am prepping for my best friend's BACHELORETTE PARTY this coming Saturday! I am hosting it at my house since I am the Maid of Honor, and we will be playing games and having lots of food and beverages, and then going out on the town. Everyone will be crashing at my place. I am a little stressed about being a hostess, but mostly just super excited!





*



Any good Bachelorette party stories to share? Any wacky, zany party ideas are welcomed....minus male strippers. Bride's orders!

Monday, August 1, 2011

The 3 B's

Sorry I haven't posted in quite some time.


Things have been crazy.

Work is busy, life is busy, and this summer is flying by without fair warning.


I feel like I haven't had a chance to relax.


*


Until this past, weekend that is....








Booze, Boyfriend, Beach...


What more does a girl need?

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Happy July...5th?


Ok, ok, so I'm a day late.

Maybe that's 'cause I was soakin' up the sun while kayaking, jetskiing, boating, tubing, drinking, swimming, and eating with this lovely (and slightly rowdy) group of friends:


Ahhh, what a lovely weekend it was.

Now, it's back to the daily grind.

Have a great week!

P.S. Here are a few photos from my birthday celebration, which included dinner at the harbor followed by drinks at the bar with my roomie:



Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Twenty-Three

Today is my twenty-third birthday.




I can hardly believe it.



My wish for today?



To have my cake and eat it too...with zero guilt.


(I would also like a basket full of puppies...but that's optional I suppose.)




I think I did a pretty great job in my 22nd year:



-graduate college: CHECK.
-get a "real" job: CHECK.

-move into my own apartment: CHECK.

-find a decent boyfriend who treats me well: CHECK.

-buy some really cute shoes: TRIPLE CHECK.




My wish for my 23rd year?


To continue learning and growing and thriving.




Happy Summor Solstice, everyone.

Friday, June 10, 2011

It's OK...

It's OK....

to have a bad day

to cry a little (...or a lot)

and to watch cartoons at the age of 22 (23 in less than 2 weeks!), while eating Lucky Charms straight out of the box...while also wearing frilly pink pajamas with teacups on them.

It's also ok...

to be wrong

and to admit you are wrong

OR

to be right

and to not apologize for being right

It's OK...

to say NO when you don't want to do something

even when you feel guilty

because you know you are doing what you need to do to take care of yourself.

In fact, most of all, it's OK...

to have priorities

to stick to those priorities

and to make sure that no matter what, YOU are your own #1 priority!



******************


Happy Friday, all. I hope you are doing what you need to do to take care of yourselves.


Update on me:


1. It is HOT in Baltimore

2. I am currently on Day 5 of 11 straight days of work (Yes, I am working this weekend.)

3. I am trying to stay positive because next weekend I have a 3 day weekend!

4. My birthday (23, yikes! When did I get so adult?!) is in 11 days.

5. My boyfriend is amazing, and makes me happy each and every day.

6. I am having some family issues but I am dealing with them in the best way possible.



Happy weekend, everyone.

Monday, May 30, 2011

2 Flat Tires and a trip to the country

This Memorial Day weekend has been action-packed!


Friday I got off work at 7pm and was immediately ready for some fun! The boyf, his roomies, and I headed to the square to grab some drinks. We ended up running into the boy's brother and his girlfriend, plus some other familiar faces. It was a fun time.

Saturday, I got together with my best friend, her sister, and our moms to see the movie BRIDESMAIDS. It was HILARIOUS. Yes, a bit raunchy at parts, but the actual message of the film was great and it was all-in-all amazingly funny. Plus, it was especially relevant to my life because the movie is through the point of view of a Maid of Honor--and I am my best friend's Maid of Honor for her upcoming September wedding!!!


However, something not so funny happened on my way TO the movie theater. I was almost there, turning left onto the road leading to the theater, when I bumped the car to avoid a car drifting into my lane. 2 seconds later I heard a "POP! POP!" and immediately, my 2 left tires went FLAT. And I mean completely flat. SO, I had to pull over and put on my caution lights, and we had to get the car towed.

4 new tires and 2 days later, my car is in my possession....and I am $300 poorer (my parents offered to pay half). Speaking of money, would anyone be interested in a budgeting post? I have started budgeting now that I am working full-time, paying bills, and investing, and I'd love to do a "beginner's budget" type of post.

After the movie, the ladies and I headed over to Don Pablo's Mexican restaurant for quesadillas and margaritas! It was much-needed after my car troubles. Then the boyf drove to the restaurant (about 30 mins from my apartment) to pick me up and crashed ladies' night--and everyone loved him! It's super important to me that my family and friends like whoever I'm dating, so I'm glad he got the seal of approval.

Then, yesterday and today, the boy and I went to Gettysburg, PA, for a romantic little excursion planned and paid for by yours truly. I must really like this guy to splurge on a hotel AND lunch AND dinner AND drinks! It was totally worth it though. He had never been to Gettysburg before, so we did the whole historic battlefield thing. And it was a gorgeous day for it.

Then we had lunch at O'Rorke's Pub & Eatery, which was a little slow but hit the spot after a day of walking around. Afterwards, we checked into the hotel, "took a nap" (wink wink), and then got all dolled up for dinner at The Dobbin House Springhouse Tavern. The Dobbin House is a landmark in Gettysburg and was built in 1776 and is full of history and character--it is truly awesome. In the Tavern, the stone is exposed, it is dark and cool with candles everywhere, and the servers wear civil-war-era garb. It really is an amazing place.

After that, we hit a couple of area bars, but it was pretty dead on a Sunday night. So, we headed to the hotel, cuddled in bed, and watched TV while sipping some Kenwood Pinot Noir, which is described on their website as follows:

Kenwood’s 2009 Russian River Reserve Pinot Noir is sourced entirely from our own estate vineyards located in the heart of Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley. This cool region is best known for growing delicate and flavorful Pinot Noir. Raspberry and cherry are predominate in the aroma followed by more subtle spicy notes of vanilla and cinnamon. Elegant mouthfeel with rich tannins and a long, rich finish.


Then this morning we checked out of our hotel, had breakfast #1 at the hotel (oatmeal for me, muffins for him), and breakfast #2 at the Ragged Edge Coffeehouse, which proudly serves all-organic fair-trade coffee and goods (I had an egg, veggie and hummus wrap and some organic black coffee; he had a sausage, egg, and cheese English muffin sandwich).

Then we drove home, I retrieved my beloved car from the parents' house, and now I am at home in Baltimore catching up on laundry, cleaning, and blogging!


What did you do this weekend?

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Boyfriends and Cute Shoes

Just a quick post to say that I officially have:


a.) a boyfriend (!!!)

&

b.) 2 new pairs of totally adorable shoes (Payless BOGO plus 20% off coupon = 2 pairs for under $30!)




AND this weekend is Memorial Day--3 days off, yay!



...Could life get any better?




*****************


What little things are making you smile today?


Thursday, May 12, 2011

Sunshine & Words to Live By

Greetings, Friends!






It's a gorgeous day in Baltimore.

(view from my office window)





*************






A few quick updates:



1. The job is busy & stressful but is going very well. I honestly can say I LOVE MY JOB, which I am SO grateful for because that isn't common these days.



2. My roommate and I have gotten very close and I am so glad my living situation worked out so incredibly well.



3. I have a new "Man Friend"--B is a piece of the past. I realized that I was making him out to be more perfect than he really was. I gave him a few more chances to prove himself to me, but he failed miserably. And you know what I say--on to the next one! (I'm kidding...sort of.) In all seriousness though, I met a guy who is really great, and I'm excited to see where things go.



4. This weekend I am returning to SU to officially "walk across the stage" and graduate--even though I already have my diploma and my degree! Still, I haven't been back there since March and it will be really wonderful to reconnect with old friends again.



5. My brother and his wife are expecting their first child! They are due November 1st. I can't wait to become an aunt :-)



*******************



Words to live by:


“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”—Mother Theresa






Friday, April 29, 2011

What Keeps Me Going at Work


As you all probably know by now, I recently started a new full-time job as a Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation Counselor at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. We are a 7-day-a-week clinic working with patients with severe opiate addictions. As you can imagine, most of my days end up being exhausting, fast-paced, and overwhelming. With my clientele, no two days are alike, and it can be an emotional roller coaster. However, I am thoroughly enjoying my position thus far, as most of the patients and staff I work with are truly extraordinary human beings. I leave work each day feeling like I have done something worthwhile, which makes me feel very lucky and blessed to have found such a great career so soon after college.



That being said, there are still many moments (and hours...and days...) where I am so stressed and frazzled I want to pull my hair out!



But there are a few things that have been keeping me going, even on the craziest of days......


America, and Coco, runs on Dunkin.


My workspace can get sort of cluttered, but at least I can sneak onto my blog reader from time to time...


...and I have some pretty (fake) flowers to brighten my days.



I try to wear cute outfits so I at least look good, even if I feel exhausted:



And my patients and I can all benefit from a little inspiration...


At the end of the day, before I head home, I always press this nifty little button...


...and then I have one of these:


(Ok, ok, so I wait until I get home for that last one, but still).


So there you have it. It's the little things (like staff meeting pizza parties or birthday luncheons) that get me through my hectic days.




Do you enjoy your job?
What gets you through your workdays?


Sunday, April 24, 2011

Bootylicious Easter


Thank you to the wonderful Jess for the Bootylicious award! :-)

Here are the rules for accepting the award:

1. Post this award with the picture and name whoever tagged you in it

2. Do the STUFF

3. Award to 7 others and tell them you did so!

THE STUFF:

1. Name 3 things that are lying right next to you
-high heels (for work tomorrow!)
-computer charger (yeah, i'm blogging from the floor...)
-cell phone

2. Name 2 foods you cannot live without
-oatmeal
-beer (yes, it is a food group in my mind)

3. Name 1 thing you did today
Went to Easter Mass, had a delightful Brunch with extended family, and then drove 5 hours back to Baltimore because I have to work at 7:30 tomorrow morning! (Oh, the joys of adulthood...)

7 lovely bloggers:
Hmmm...I can't decide...I want EVERYONE to do this one! :-) (Yeah I know, I'm taking the lame easy way out on this one)

Thanks Jess!

**********************

Anyway, sorry it's been FOREVER since I've updated you all. Life is busy busy busy...I started my new full-time job as a Drug & Alcohol Rehab Therapist, and let's just say it is not your ordinary desk job, that's for sure (although I do have a desk...and my own office!)

I am stressed and busy, but I promise I have still been reading your blogs. It's just hard for me to find time to post...promise I will soon though!

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Yoga, I need you!

I think I pulled a muscle in my back attempting to shave my legs in the shower.

Has it really been that long since I've done yoga? I thought to myself.


Um, yes... Yes, it has.

Good thing I bought a Groupon the other day for 5 yoga classes at a local studio for only $7!


I'll go. Really soon.

Like, as soon as my back heals...
and as soon as I'm done eating this cookie.



Happy Weekend!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

City Life

Thank you all for your lovely responses on my last post! I really appreciate your kind words!!!


APARTMENT UPDATE:

So, I've been "moved in" to my apartment since Saturday! I've spent most of my time organizing/unpacking, exploring my neighborhood, and relaxing with Bailey the beagle and Amanda, my awesome roommate. We get along really well!

Yesterday, I took a visit to the Whole Foods by the Inner Harbor, and although it was depressingly expensive and I couldn't really afford anything, it was amazing. I also walked through Little Italy, and through my neighborhood to see which bars I'll probably be hitting up this weekend! ;-) It all still feels so surreal to me. It's only been a couple of days, so I guess that makes sense. But honestly, I love my new home, and I really think I will stay in Baltimore for awhile. I love it here. I am super close to my parents, but I am still far enough away that I can be completely independent. Also, I love the city! The water, the air, the sounds, the smells...all of it!

JOB UPDATE:

I just got a call from my boss today, and due to some issues with the HR department, I may not be starting my job until April 4th. I'm a little bummed, to be honest. My brother and my friends and roommate were like "oh that's so awesome, you'll have more time to just chill out and do whatever!", but I am ready to go! I need to make money to pay the bills, first of all. But I'm also genuinely excited to get started in my career. I'm sure once I start, I'll look back and realize how great it was to sit around doing nothing, though....

I am trying to keep myself busy with social plans, and also to keep myself accountable. I know I haven't really talked candidly about my eating disorder on here in awhile, mostly because things have been fairly stable. However, it is definitely true that moving out on your own makes it hard to stick to a meal plan, or at least a general schedule. I think it's hard for any person, but especially someone with my history. My roommate works nights, so dinners have been on my own. I stocked up on cheap/quick/easy to make foods that I also enjoy, like chicken breasts, lots of frozen and canned veggies, and rice or pasta dishes. So far, so good.

MAN UPDATE:

The man and I have a date tomorrow night! I offered to drive to him since he drove to me last time. Plus, he's a teacher and works early in the morning, so we can't stay out too late. I'm going to meet up with him at his house around 5:30 tomorrow evening, and then we're going to go out to dinner somewhere and then probably for a drink or two somewhere as well. I am so nervous every time I hang out with him because I honestly have never felt this intensely about a guy before. I want things to work out so badly, but I don't want to hold my expectations too high in case it doesn't work out. Can anyone relate? I know I should stop overanalyzing everything and just enjoy our time spent together, but it's hard not to wonder where it will end up going.

*************************


So, that's pretty much all for now. I am exhausted so I am going to head to bed!

What is your favorite city and why?

My "home" city of Baltimore is great, but of all the cities I've been to in the world, PARIS is my favorite. Hands down. No competition.




Sunday, March 20, 2011

A Photo Tour of My New Home

As promised, here are a few photos I snapped of my new townhome in Baltimore. I am renting from a girl named Amanda who is also my roommate. She is 24 and has a beagle named Bailey, whom I have inherited. I only just moved in, but I already feel right at home.

me in front of the front door!

living room

our awesome, spacious kitchen

my room--LOVING the exposed brick! that door also opens to a pretty large private balcony!

I get my own bathroom! It has a skylight!

Bailey, Amanda's doggie :-)

So, I have one week to settle into my new atmosphere and explore the city, especially the Canton neighborhood, before my full-time counseling position begins on March 28th! What a whirlwind my life has been! This is proof that hard work and patience and perseverance really do pay off, in recovery and in life. I have worked very hard to get where I am. A few weeks ago, I was afraid I'd be living at home forever and would never get a "real" job. Now, I am living independently and am about to start my career!

**********

Oh yeah, and things with The Man are going SUPER well. He drove more than an hour last night after he had worked all day, just to come see my new place in Baltimore and to hang out with me. He stayed the night, but it honestly was innocent (besides like, passionate making out haha). It was adorable. We talked and had a couple beers and stayed up til 4am. Then this morning, we woke up at 9 and laid in bed talking and cuddling for 2 more hours before we finally got out of bed and he headed home because he had to work.

I really like this guy. A lot. And I know I've said stuff like this before in the past, but it honestly feels different this time. This guy is older, so he's more mature, respectful, and intelligent than other guys I've dated. I really hope things work out between us because I think it could potentially be something wonderful.

Cross your fingers for me!

*********

I'm off to explore my new city! Have a wonderful Sunday and a great start to your week tomorrow...and HAPPY SPRING!


Saturday, March 19, 2011

Apartment!

I am officially a resident of Baltimore City!

So excited!!!!!!!

I am moving TODAY into my new townhouse in Canton!

Pics and details to follow.

Oh, and the man and I have been consistently talking and have a date tomorrow night :-)

He is pretty rad.

My life is pretty rad. I can't believe I have a job at Hopkins and that I am moving out on my own and that I have a wonderful new man!

My life is beginning. Finally!

Monday, March 14, 2011

From College Grad to Career Woman!

Ladies & Gentleman, boys & girls, it's official!

I am a WORKING WOMAN!

After being a member of the college crowd, to a proud grad, to an unemployed mess, I am now finally transitioning into a working woman!

A "young professional", if you will.

I got a call TODAY from Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in Baltimore, MD. I am going to be a Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation Counselor in their Addiction Treatment Services Program.

This is a legit job with a salary and benefits like healthcare, paid vacation, and tuition reimbursement for graduate school!

I am officially a REAL person. My start date is in 2 weeks--Monday, March 28th!!!

I am beyond excited...and also nervous and scared. I have ZERO experience actually counseling people, let alone heroine addicts, so this is definitely going to be a learning experience. I am going to be responsible for a caseload of about 40 patients, and I will be conducting both individual and group therapy sessions. I am really excited though. This is a dream job for me because I am directly interacting with patients and making a positive impact, which is important to me.

*********

So, this job means I need to MOVE into an apartment in downtown Baltimore--pronto! Anyone have any recommendations? So far I have been scouring craigslist and have already found quite a few affordable places in the Fed Hill, Fells Point, and Canton.

I'm nervous to move into a new place--especially dealing with roommates and being on my own (aka NOT with my parents). Plus, I am going to have to deal with rent, utilities, food, social/extra costs, gas, insurance...I guess I really am an adult now.

***********

SOOOOO......

I went on date #2 with The Amazing Man on Sunday night. He is wonderful. We have been talking on the phone frequently. Sunday night, I met him in Gettysburg at his house, and then we went to dinner AND drinks. The date lasted 4.5 hours, and would have lasted longer if he had been able to stay out later (he works full-time as a permanent substitute teacher at a middle school so he had to cut the night short).

Tonight, we talked on the phone for an hour. He works all weekend as a waiter/bartender, but we may get together later in the week.

I really like this guy (or should I say MAN?! After all, he is 27!). He is sweet, kind, caring, intelligent, and hilariously funny. Our conversations flow and we have a lot in common while still bringing different opinions and perspectives to the table. I know it's only been 2 dates, but there is something about this man that is different from anything I've felt before.

I don't want to jinx anything, but I could totally see this being "the one". I never even used to believe in that romantic cheesy stuff, but now I'm not so sure. We "click" and everything is falling into place so well!!!

**********

Ok, well, I'm headed to bed, but I thought I'd share the news! :-)

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Falling Into Place

Hello, loves!

Sorry my last post was so...brief. And cryptic.

Basically, I met the most amazing man ever (we'll call him B) and we had a fantastic first date last Friday night. I met him in a very funny and random way--he was the bartender at my brother and sister-in-law's rehearsal dinner in Gettysburg! We talked for awhile there, and then saw each other at the bar the next night (I went out after the wedding), and then we became Facebook friends, exchanged some private messages, exchanged phone numbers, and finally last Friday our schedules coincided so we could meet!

He picked me up at my house (yes--he drove 50 minutes from Gettysburg to MD just to take me out hehe) around 6:45, and our date lasted until...midnight. And probably would've lasted longer but he had to work the next day. We talked, and talked, and talked, and drank, and ate, and talked, and drank, and talked some more.

And then kissed.

It was perfect. Sublime.

And guess what?!?! We have plans to see each other this weekend! We actually aren't going out until Sunday, which sounds kind of weird, but I am going out of town for a psychology conference in BOSTON (super pumped!!!) and don't get back until 11pm Saturday night. So, he said how about Sunday because he "definitely wants to see me again" and I said um YES PLEASE! hehe.


OH! And other things are falling into place as well.....

I GOT A JOB!!!!!!!!!!

Well, it's not official yet, exactly. I can't go into too much detail, but basically, I got hired by one of the TOP hospitals in the nation to work as a Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation Counselor. I am beyond thrilled. Seriously, this is a dream come true. My mom and I have already started looking online at APARTMENTS in Baltimore (right now the commute is anywhere from 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on traffic). I can't believe things are falling into place so perfectly!

Anyway, cross your fingers that it all works out for me!

P.S. Has anyone been to Boston? Any ideas for places to go and things to see???

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Monday, February 28, 2011

ABC Game

It's Monday!

I am having a slow start to my week (although the weekend was great!), so I thought I'd copy Brandi and do the ABC game that's been floating around the blog world...


A. Age: 22 (23 in June!) yikes

B. Bed size: Queen.

C. Chore you hate: Scooping kitty litter/dog poo and scrubbing toilets. blech.

D. Dogs: Love them. I had a black lab named Hailey for 11 years until she sadly passed away in December 2009.

E. Essential start to your day: Coffee, coffee, and MORE COFFEE!

F. Favorite color: yellow and turqouise

G. Gold or silver: Silver usually. But I think Gold can be really, really classy.

H. Height: 5’6.5" (I am sooo exact haha)

I. Instruments you play: Flute, a bit of guitar, and singing.

J. Job title: Currently, I am a nanny for a family with 3 young children. I am currently interviewing for a more permanent, professional position in my field (Psychology).

K. Kids: Love them (see above job!)

L. Live: currently in Maryland, outside of Baltimore. Went to college in central Pennsylvania.

M. Mom’s name: Sandra.

N. Nicknames: Coco

O. Overnight hospital stays: one? I think?

P. Pet peeve: loud chewers. bad manners. foul language when it is not necessary.

Q. Quote from a movie: This one is difficult! I love to quote ridiculous funny movies like The 40 Year Old Virgin. I also love Breakfast at Tiffany's and pretty much know it by heart.

R. Right or left handed: Right.

S. Siblings: Brother, Ryan, age 25.

T. Time you wake up: Recently...late. woops!

U. Underwear: depends on my mood. thong, bikini, boy shorts, lace, cotton, satin...I own a LOT of undies!

V. Vegetables you dislike: Not a huge fan of cooked carrots, beets, and wax beans.

W. What makes you run late: sex. this is not a joke. sometimes it distracts you...haha

X. X-Rays you’ve had: ummm not sure about this one. teeth?

Y. Yummy food you make: baked goods, definitely. brownies, cookies, etc. I'm also not too bad at pasta!

Z. Zoo- favorite animal: Zebras, Giraffes, Elephants.


Hope this helped you learn a little more about me. If you feel like doing the ABC Game, feel free to link to your blog in the comments section and I'll check it out!

Have a great start to your week!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

NEDA Awareness Week!

So, I posted this all over my Facebook and told people in person, but for some reason I forgot to blog it.

February 20-26 is NEDA's Eating Disorders Awareness Week!

Here are a few great websites to tickle your fancy regarding this serious issue:

~Ways to get involved, provided by the Association for Anorexia Nervosa and Related Disorders

~Operation Beautiful is participating in NEDAwareness week with recovery-oriented notes and recovery stories

~"Beauty is NOT how skinny you can be!"....This is one of my all-time favorite videos that always cheers me up when I'm having a bad day.

~Dove's Campaign for Real Beauty is such a great resource for young girls

~Gurze Books is awesome--they feature books on every topic related to eating disorders, mental and physical health, and self-esteem. Check it out!

~Something Fishy is a wonderful online community dedicated to recovery. It is a great place to go for support and friendship.

Even if you do nothing else this week, try to be kind to yourself and to others. <3

Thursday, February 17, 2011

7 Things I'm Loving Now


1. Lace Wedding Gowns (but don't worry, I'm not engaged. Just have wedding fever!)


2. Boys who can cook! (Let's just say my last-minute impulsive Valentine's Date with a new boy, J, was a great success. Chicken parmesan and red wine, anyone?)


3. Yellow diamond rings (sigh...someday....)

4. This amazing SPRING WEATHER! (It's 65 degrees and sunny today!)

5. My incredible new sister-in-law:


6. Dark chocolate (check out this article about the great health benefits!)


7. This video (which actually kind of makes me sad that this woman is SO misinformed and confused! But it still makes me laugh...)


What are you loving lately?

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Coco's Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins


Here's a view of my backyard after the recent snowstorm a few days back:


Pretty, huh?


And as promised, here's a delightful muffin recipe. I adapted it from a few recipes online, using the ingredients I had in my kitchen.


Coco’s Cinnamon Applesauce Muffins



Ingredients:

· 1 ½ cups flour

· ¾ c sugar

· 1 ½ tsp baking powder

· generous sprinkle of ground cinnamon

· ½ c lactose-free milk

· 1/3 c canola oil

· 1 egg

· ½ c applesauce

· 1 handful chopped walnuts

Instructions:

· Pre-heat oven to 375

· Combine all ingredients in large bowl, stirring until moistened

· Spoon batter into muffin liners

· Bake for 20 minutes

· Makes 1 dozen muffins


Perfect for breakfast, or anytime a muffin craving might hit J




*Congratulations again to Molly, the winner of my giveaway! And thanks to all who entered. :-)


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