Hope Chella

Watch Me.

2010-10-15T17:30:00.001-04:00

To All, A Wonderful Weekend :)

Costa Del Mar

2010-10-13T21:39:00.007-04:00

I'm sorry if my last post was a bit depressing. I am fine. Just lethargic at the moment and cleaning up my photography folders, bit by bit. A lot of these photos were found during this past summer, when I was working hard with a broken foot & unsure of many things = Hot & Miserable.

The reference to "Costa Del Mar" sunglasses was from a post that never was.

I love those sunglasses tons.

Weirdest part now? I can't fine mine today.

In this folder, I also discovered many photos of Jeremiah but deleted them here, since I don't want to overexpose my baby. He's so cute, it almost hurts my eyes (even when he is sunburned, as seen below)

What are your dream sunglasses?

The Weight of Numbers.

2010-10-13T18:55:00.000-04:00

"A person should not be judged by a number"

-My Dad (circa 2002)

(via all over)

Teenage Dream.

2010-10-10T13:42:00.006-04:00

OK. I came back and then, I didn't. Anyway, this post features collages done by my talented high school art students. I wanted them to decorate and personalize their art binders (for sketches, handouts etc). This helped me get to know them better. My life of late has consisted of lesson plans and worrying about stuff that I can't control. But this weekend has been wonderful: celebrating my birthday, tidying the apartment, quality time with J and enjoying the festivities around Newport.

What are your weekend plans?

Click HERE to see more.

New Beginning.

2010-09-16T21:39:00.002-04:00

I hope that everyone is doing wonderful.

I've missed you and warmly thank those who encouraged me to return =)

For the first time in ages, I am taking a deep breath...or trying to anyway.

Here's the latest scoop:

-My foot is ~94% healed (yoga is good, running bad)

-I've started a new art teaching job at the high school (9th-12th Graders). It's been an adventure already. I found out about the switch from elementary to high school two weeks before school started.

I am doing studio art and ceramics...

Since I haven't worked with clay in 5 years, I am planning on taking an adult pottery course to get back into the swing...It should be interesting...and PLEASE, if you have any tips for this new girl on campus, share :D

-My boyfriend is going back-to-school and working full-time. I am ridiculously proud of my man. If only, there were more hours in the day though :P I miss him already (I say this while I am sitting next to him).
The poor baby is wrapped in a blanket, with a nasty cold.

I made him grilled cheese with turkey & mustard AND Campbell's soup tonight. Nothing fancy, but for me---that's kind of a big deal. I also bought out the medicine section at the store: Vitamin C, Airborne, Two Kinds of Cold/Sinus Medicines and Cough Drops. Oh, fudgesicles, OJ and Cranberry Juice sealed the deal...

(Above, J & I at my cousin's wedding 9/4/10)

-Lastly, my nephew Ben is getting really big! He's 3 months old!!!!

(Above, Ben at The Wedding 9/4/10)

What have you been up to?

I am behind on your blogs, so by all means, send me links to your own favorite posts from the last month and summer...I fell off the bandwagon. Help me get back on. xoxoxoxoxoxoxooxox

(via everywhere...lost track! Guilty as charged!!!)

Film Festival.

2010-08-14T14:47:00.001-04:00

Last night my friend came down from NYC to RI for The International Film Festival because her own work will be showing there tonight. J and I met up with her and her fellow animator friend for dinner and Friday nights event. I went to the show knowing nothing about the lineup of films and left there feeling completely refreshed. There is something to be said about going into a movie that you know nothing about. It was filled with laughs, cleverness, tears of happiness, joy and pure horror & disbelief.

One of the films in particular titled Listen To Your Heart helped me realize how fortunate I am to be alive and in love...and made all of my recent life struggles seem trivial (which in the greater scheme of things they are...although if you were living in my mind, of late, you wouldn't believe that for one second...Thankfully I have a boyfriend who is more even keeled than I am and can say to me when I am in a rut "Is it really important? Can you do anything about it now?" and of course, make me crack a smile or even laugh. The phrase "Everything's Gunna' Be Alright'" has been a longtime favorite of mine, through whatever obstacle stands before me)

There was a short film about love...in a photocopy story called A4 to A3.

It is definitely worth your 10 minutes.

Despite my fear of being alone in an old haunted house on an island without electricity...

The Presence starring Mira Sorvino, Justin Kirk and Shane West was an intriguing film about good vs. evil and decision making within oneself. It could have had more editing to shorten unnecessary scenes, but I still liked it.

My favorite one was Natural Selection, directed by Brett Foraker.

It is a philosophical thriller starring Simon Callow ("Four Weddings and A Funeral") and James D'Arcy ("Master And Commander"). This film proves that 20 minutes is long enough to have a lasting impact on a viewer. Wow.

I hope you get to see some of these.

Any independent (or mainstream) movies that you have seen and highly recommend?

I hope you're all enjoying this beautiful weekend! xx

Botox For Glee.

2010-08-12T21:28:00.008-04:00

In preparation for her guest appearance on the show Glee, 18 year old singer Charice Pempengco got botox. Now, I am no beauty or health expert...but am going to guess that the effects of aging are not going to dramatically show on anyone THAT YOUNG!?!?!? It's not a good idea to get involved with the Lohan crowd and expect to remain fresh faced forever, but for real. She's STILL A TEEN!

In your opinion, how young is too young for any kind of botox injections?

Read the entire article here.
PS. In happier news, I'm really excited for Alanis Morissette announcing that she is expecting!

Girl Quits Job On Dry-Erase Board.

2010-08-10T19:41:00.005-04:00

I feel refreshed, as if a cucumber-mint citrus mist came over my body,

when I read and saw THIS.

This courageous woman (supposedly) quit her job and told her entire office why she was moving on. These 33 photos have made me smile. Feel free to RE-Blog this, as everyone could use a workday pick-me-up!

Thoughts??????

Won't Quit.

2010-08-08T17:31:00.007-04:00

I am absolutely disgusted...Sure, I would be ridiculously happy if someone injected $1,000 into my bank account, let alone $20,000 but to what extremes? I can't think of any, other than me being a nice person, with educational debt. However, a girl in Canada scammed friends and family of $20K, by faking cancer!?!?!?!?!? You probably heard about this already, as my blogger friends are very on top of the ways of the world, but what do you think? She claims to have had a rough upbringing and this is her revenge????

To read the whole story, click here.

In my opinion "Success and Happiness" are the best revenge.

Ann Taylor Retoucher Strikes Again.

2010-08-05T19:20:00.000-04:00

I must know what you think of this article here?

I always liked the lighting in the Ann Taylor changing room,

but has this ad gone to the EXTREME?

When do you feel most attractive?

(I'm partially back! xOxO)

Mila's Daydreams.

2010-07-30T22:05:00.000-04:00

I am technically on hiatus but HOW CUTE are these pictures???

I couldn't resist sharing!!!!!!!!!!

(via fubiz)

Hiatus.

2010-07-30T12:45:00.002-04:00

Hey Everyone,

As you have probably noticed I have been absent in the blog world, both checking out other people's blogs, responding to comments and even posting regularly. My life is insane right now (and my goodness, I don't even have children yet!!). When I return, I'll pop by all of your blogs to share the wealth of blog appreciation.

Have a great summer and take care of yourselves. Tomorrow I have scheduled a MUCH NEEDED professional massage and on Tuesday my boyfriend will be returning from his vacation to Texas to visit his family. Unfortunately I couldn't go this time. I am missing my other half!

Much Love and I'll Be Back,

Hope =) xoxoxoxo

(via google images and Iwan Baan )

Underground Parking System.

2010-07-19T23:07:00.000-04:00

Worried that some crazy-ex will come and key your new Porsche?

Well, fear not, with Cardok's Underground Parking System ;)

What do you think???

Catching Up!

2010-07-18T11:39:00.002-04:00

Dear Loyal Readers,

How has your summer been going?

Mine has been busy with summer camp, caring for my broken foot, spending time with friends & family, working on my teaching portfolio and finally, tackling the (ongoing) mess that is my apartment.

This morning, I walked to get breakfast by myself (for the first time in a few weeks) while Jeremiah stayed home and ate fruit. I opted for buttery eggs & salsa in a wrap with hash browns instead. I am all about hearty breakfasts and eat like a pigeon for lunch...Last night, I celebrated my brother-in-laws birthday with some of his family from Long Island and of course, my nephew Ben...There's a lot going on and I am trying to be my best and go with the flow of everything. I'm feeling inspired by the Sheryl Crow interview in this month's Redbook. She explains "...things always work out perfectly. They just do. Generally, when you let go of your vision of how something is supposed to be, the universe hands you exactly what you need."

I am going to keep working hard, whatever outcomes lie ahead of me and keep refills of Advil for my foot that isn't happy with my morning walk!!!

What have you been doing? Working? Resting? Vacationing?

Anyone else sporting Acrylic French tips? HA!
PS. Thanks Claire for my Sugar Doll Award. I adore you and your blog!!!!

Despicable Me.

2010-07-12T22:50:00.004-04:00

Despicable Me is hands down, the best movie I've seen all summer.

Have you seen it yet?

Deep Fried Cheesecake.

2010-07-10T22:40:00.000-04:00

Tonight after getting sushi with Jeremiah we shared Deep Fried Cheesecake for dessert.

Have you ever experienced this or anything like it?

...I hope you're enjoying images from my folder titled "A Love Bean Story"...

For those who are not fans of Courtney Love, Kurt or Frances Bean Cobain, there are plenty other folders to share with you in the future...Stay tuned and would you be surprised if I told you that I have Hole's "When I Wake Up In My Makeup..." song STUCK in my head!?!?!

(via google images)

Grunge Is Dead.

2010-07-10T18:38:00.005-04:00

A few weeks ago I went a little Nirvana crazy...It happens. I'm not fully sure what provoked this. Maybe when I started thinking back about 90s MTV here!?!?! Courtney Love, being a train wreck and all, is rather fascinating too? Self-destructive stars albeit being pathetic sometimes are very interesting to learn about, no?

Whose rise and fall stories intrigue you the most?

(via google images)

Stuck On Verse.

2010-07-10T18:14:00.007-04:00

Sometimes I wish I cared less, but then I'd be somebody else.

I hope you're enjoying your afternoon.

I'm getting sick of following the doctor's orders not to drive.

Although I haven't been home all day or even last night, while I was sailing, I want to be on the go again!!!!

I can't be still.

Now here's another random thought, does anyone know how to transfer cell phone pictures onto their laptops? I'm sort of technologically challenged!?!? I don't have a blackberry or iphone and my internet on my phone is hard to use, if you get what I'm saying????

Ciao Friends,

Hope xoxo

(via tumblr)

Grow Pot.

2010-07-08T20:36:00.000-04:00

For the record, I am talking about a necklace worth $254 that takes the green fashion movement to a new level. Quoted from Nylon Magazine: It's called a Silver Moss necklace, and features a tiny - and real - potted plant. According to the designer's directions, you can keep the flora alive for six to eight months if you water the plant every five weeks, and store it in your fridge when you're not wearing it.

Would you be interested in this?

If not, given $254 of fun money what might you splurge on?

(via)

Nothing To Steal.

2010-07-04T14:50:00.000-04:00

Happy 4th of July!!!!

I can't wait to celebrate by the water tonight, watch fireworks and take lots of pictures.

Also, last night I saw Eclipse and really enjoyed it.

Have you seen it and agree or disagree?

Bear with me loves...

I know that a billion other bloggers have been posting about Twilight and Independence Day, but what can I say? I'm an American Girl who is under the spell of Team Edward and Jacob (although I'd pick Edward foremost because Jacob's a little too young for me. In Twilight numerals, that'd be a few hundred years too young!)

Lastly, thanks Molly for my Blog of Substance Award! You rock!!!

(via tumblr)

Summer Camp.

2010-06-30T23:01:00.005-04:00

Hello Lovelies,

I hope life is treating you well!!!
Thanks so much for all of your well wishes for my broken bone.
Your thoughts have made me feel really special :)

Good News:

I have my art teaching position back for the fall.

I am keeping my options open, but am still grateful for what I do have.

I also have a foot that is ready for an ice pack and a summer camp job that I am loving! It's still orientation week, so no children yet, knock on wood-but I am feeling optimistic.

Yesterday I saw a family of deer galloping in the woods and that always brings me joy!

Moreover, the setting reminds me of the camp in Hayley Mill's The Parent Trap<3

All I need is some bug spray, bottled water and sunscreen and I'll be ready to go!

Did you ever go to summer camp?

Have any memories from it?

Sincerely,

A Happy Camper =)

It's Official!

2010-06-27T17:44:00.008-04:00

I have broken my first bone. It's one on the top of my foot. It hurts a lot!!!! I also got my first X-Ray ever today and am now learning how to use crutches...I didn't think the week could possibly get any worse, but at least it's Sunday now, a new week?

I've been pretty miserable these days with job stresses and now that I have fractured my foot, it just adds to the drama...I need to embrace a more positive attitude because in the grander scheme of things, it could always be A LOT WORSE...

Jeremiah reminded me that I'm 25 and will have a job for the next 60 years because I need one, even if I do collect unemployment in between or am forced to flip burgers. Moreover, I could have broken something more serious such as a hip and that would be something completely different and much more painful...I think I just complain too much because my mom always gives worse off stories whenever I moan and groan about anything too!!!!!

However, I will COMPLAIN three times more because:

A. I live on the 3rd floor and have to sit backwards to pull myself up 2 flights of stairs

B. I broke my right foot for driving

C. I start my new job tomorrow and this will make me "the one" with crutches, who also may need to carpool...all because I wanted to go for a walk to get junk food from 7-Eleven at 11:30 on Saturday night!!!!!!!!!! Really!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I wish I had a better reason, like playing a sport, at least doing something good for my body.

-and now I'll move forward, with one foot and two crutches!!!!!!!

Enjoy your Sundays!!!!!

No Heels Involved.

2010-06-27T11:06:00.001-04:00

As many of you know, I've had a rough last few days. Last night I went for a walk for some late night munchies at 7-Eleven and fell really hard on the top of my foot. It's bruised, swollen and being iced. I hope it's not broken. Since I've never broken anything before, it's hard to tell.
It's very painful and I can barely walk on it. Jeremiah's been assisting me.
I will be visiting the ER today to find out the damage and will be sure to share
(hopefully minimal!!!!!!!!!)

Have you ever broken a bone?
If so, which ones?
I am thinking that I would love an ice pack from Gal Pal or A Hello Kitty one JUST BECAUSE. I have a thing for child bandaids since they are colorful and fun...why not ice packs?

Upcycled Skirts.

2010-06-25T17:40:00.002-04:00

Check out these umbrella's converted into colorful clothes here.

Pretty amazing.

What do you think?

No Answers, Only Love.

2010-06-25T11:08:00.001-04:00

Today is my last day of school. It used to be a blast but now it is more somber. I have no clear answers about my job for next year yet...I am sleepy since last night I couldn't fall asleep until really late...I get to start thinking about filing for unemployment (Oh Joy!) and hopefully resting some this evening...

On a happier note, there is still a ray of hope for my job, another opening elsewhere that I and every other art teacher in the state of RI will be going for, but EVEN STILL an opening...and I have the most amazing boyfriend of all time. He has taken care of me through all of this.

I am healthy, happy and in love...It always used to be that everything BUT my love life was going right...
How times change!!!!!!!!!

Anyhow, my sister told me on the phone yesterday, I need to stay upbeat or I will drive myself insane. Moreover, she said that "Everything happens for a reason" which I do believe...But sometimes that reason isn't discovered until months or even years later and I don't know about you all, but I like instant gratification and answers right away. I'm a fast paced girl living in a world that isn't slowing down anytime soon.

Lastly, I'm looking forward to going back to basics and sharing images that are collecting dust on my desktop. But, resumes and lesson plans have to take priority. Funny, huh? BIG SIGH!!
Have a great weekend!

What will yours bring?

Did You See This Coming?

2010-06-23T21:39:00.002-04:00

If Lady Gaga can't defy gravity, who can?

I wish that was the only thing on my mind.
I find out more about my job situation for next year tomorrow...
That's a tad scarier than Gaga's footwear and certain outfits combined!!!

(via)

MTV Singled Out.

2010-06-22T19:47:00.003-04:00

After reading The Blog O'Cheese I was reminded of Jenny McCarthy and her relevancy from yesterday to today. It got me thinking about my days as a child of the 90s watching MTV.

Singled Out was one of my favorites.

I thought Jenny McCarthy was the most beautiful human being on the planet.

She looked like one of my Barbie Dolls, which I was still playing with between watching MTV dating shows, Nickelodeon and reading my American Girl Doll Books.

I was sad when she left the show, but soon got used to Carmen Electra.

She could've been one of my Barbies too!

I even had a dolphin that made noise to go along with my doll.

When you think of your childhood, what's the first show that pops into your head?

Feel free to share more than one!

Degas Ballerinas.

2010-06-21T12:40:00.001-04:00

This spring I did a lesson with kindergarteners inspired by Edgar Degas. They first viewed an i-movie that I created. Then we discussed how in a ballet, dancers tell a story. There are both good and evil characters in many stories. The girls got to draw the good, princess ballerinas and the boys got to do the evil, boy ballerinas. This satisfied both parties, because initially when I was going to have the boys draw ballet dancers in tutus most were not happy...I hope my students work cheers up your day!

I am dedicating this post to my lovely blog friend Dancing Branflakes.

She is a dancer, a wonderful blogger and her comments always lift my spirits.

Thanks dear and for all who add a little twirl to my daily step!

Food Stylist: Linda Lundgren

2010-06-19T16:29:00.004-04:00

I am lusting over Linda Lundgren's food styling for Hemkop.

I could stare at each picture for a really long time!

What do you think?

Dan In Real Life.

2010-06-19T13:30:00.000-04:00

Last night I went to a party at the house where they filmed Dan in Real Life. It has beautiful water views and feels untouched by time. The home itself is a classic "summer house" built without any insulation.

I got to meet some great people there :)

Click here to learn more about this place.

Have you ever been on the set of a film?

I hope you are having a fabulous weekend!!!

PS. I got my first sunburn of the season yesterday during my students field day.

What's your favorite sunblock?

I hear that some are better than others and it makes picking out a lotion more difficult now :P

xoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxooxxo

Book Picks for Baby Ben.

2010-06-16T19:03:00.005-04:00

Thanks everyone for your congrats on being an auntie :D

Baby Ben will be coming home from the hospital today and sleeping in his jungle themed nursery for the first time. Below is him with his eyes open. He was sleeping when I met him on his birthday. Naturally, he was exhausted after making the long journey into this world.

He looks just like his dad.

His daddy is 6'5 and a former D1 college football lineman.
Ben has the same big feet and hands.
He's going to be one tough cookie when he grows up.

Mom is an English teacher and talented writer.

She is looking forward to reading him bedtime stories in a couple of years.

For her baby shower she wanted everyone to bring their favorite children's book as their gift.
Somehow this idea fell through when her priorities shifted to diaper$.

Any suggestions for Ben's bookshelf?

I'd love to surprise her and Benjamin with a reading list.
Your ideas will be much appreciated.
Thank You,
Hope :) xXx

Benjamin Daniel: Flag Day Baby!

2010-06-14T23:35:00.004-04:00

This morning I became an aunt for the first time.

(Above, Baby Ben and His Parents. A Happy Little Family!)

If you thought I was getting married or pregnant wait until I'm closer to 30? ;)

(Above, Uncle J, Aunt Hopie and Baby Ben)

I am OVERJOYED to welcome my nephew into this world!

I didn't want to stop holding him at the hospital tonight.

Neither did Uncle J!

Remember the nursery I painted?

Well, now there is a precious face to go along with the room!

Oh Happy Day!

xoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxo

Don't Drink and Drive.

2010-06-13T20:37:00.000-04:00

Last night on my way home from my friend's 25th birthday party, my landlord calls Jeremiah and I to explain that there was an accident at my house. One of our neighbors who shares the parking lot next to ours got really drunk and crashed into our house's natural gas supply line. The gas was leaking into the street, so the fire department showed up in case there was an explosion. The police came and found the drunk lady passed out in her car...When we came home the gas company was fixing the damages and there was no hot water...It felt very surreal and made the rest of my problems seem shallow. My house and/or the surrounding ones in my neighborhood could've all burned down last night. I could have been home. Scary.

Fortunately, all is well.

I am 1/4 the way there to completing my summer lesson plans because I worked today in a place where I couldn't get online. Funny, huh???

My boyfriend is looking forward to me finishing them for both of our sakes.

As you probably know, I've been going a little mad recently. Sigh.

I am finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel though :)

That seems to be the way of the world! Isn't it?

Good, Bad, Ups, Downs...Never a dull moment!!!

...and in a few days, there should be even bigger news to share...

How has your weekend been???

(via fffound)

Have You Or Haven't You?

2010-06-12T14:25:00.001-04:00

Changed the design of your blog, that is?

In my half-dead Friday night state of mind, I played around and went for a nighttime look.

I love this new feature on blogger.
What do you think?

For me, it's refreshing and I definitely was needing a facelift here.
I also need a mental health day because in the last two weeks I've been overstressed and it hasn't been helping my sleep. I've had chronic nightmares that give me headaches and heartaches to boot. Change is good.

Sometimes the only way to move forward is to fall down first.
Enjoy Your Weekend!!! xXx

(via we heart it)

Get Him To The Greek!

2010-06-11T09:11:00.000-04:00

Hello Lovelies,

I hope you are doing well. I visited my dog's burial site yesterday underneath a beautiful tree in my parent's yard. Thanks again and again for your kind words...I am sorry that of late, I've been pathetic about catching up on everyone's blogs. I'm honestly just trying to sort out everything in my life with a new summer job starting in a few weeks, the end of the school year happening and financing a brandy new car. Yikes!!!

Anyways, enough of my apologizing...

I am hoping that if you don't mind raunchy funny, that you will go and see Get Him To The Greek! It's been the highlight of my week!!! Russell Brand, Jonah Hill, P. Diddy and everyone else in this film rocked my socks. Jeremiah wasn't a fan of Jonah Hill's doctor girlfriend but I thought she was perfectly cast. Apparently I laughed at three parts when no one else in the theater did (to Jeremiah's amusement of course!)...so maybe I am building up this movie more than I should!?!?!?

In any event, you'll have to see it first in order to make your own decision ;)

The last really good movie I've seen in theaters before this was How to Train Your Dragon and I'd recommend to that everyone, old and young alike.

Since I no longer have cable and J's Xbox broke, we are back into Netflix and movie going.
What are the last 2 movies you've seen in theaters that you'd hands down recommend?

On the contrary, any really horrible movies you've seen recently?

Have a great Friday!!!
Hope :) xoxoxo

Complications, Betrayals and Lies.

2010-06-08T18:56:00.000-04:00

What's on your bookshelf?

(via we heart it, tumblr)

Santiago Sangria.

2010-06-07T13:44:00.004-04:00

Thanks everyone for your condolences about my dog Buck.

It's been a tough weekend for sure :(

I am trying to celebrate his life now.

The picture in the middle is one I made of Buck inspired by William Wegman as an example for an art lesson. If you are not already familiar with Wegman, then click on his name in bold and enjoy his hilarious photographs of personified dogs!!!!

The next picture is Jude Law telling Robert Downey Jr. to make room for my dog Buck as Sherlock Holmes. This was another example that was fun to do on photoshop with my tablet.

Presently I have on OPI's Santiago Sangria polish and am about to jump head first into lesson planning. Oh Joy!!!! (getting started is the hardest part!!!!!!!!! This is old news, I know, but I am not pretending to be a girl who is ever on time!)

Furthermore, I've been back to collecting pictures, so stay tuned ;)

What does your Monday look like?

Is it as beautiful where you are as it is where I am?

PS. Last night I saw Letters to Juliet as a way of getting my mind off of things. It was sweet, but I thought that the character's romances weren't believable enough? Thoughts?

Have a wonderful week and thanks again for stopping by!!!!

xoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxo

(via we heart it , google images and myself)

All Dogs Go To Heaven.

2010-06-05T15:30:00.000-04:00

Today started out like any other, with the exception that I had the worst nightmares last night. Something just wasn't right, but I still thought it would be a good day because it's Saturday. I got up, grabbed coffee with J and took him to his race so I could have the car. I came back home and updated my blog. Then I was working on updating my teaching website before heading out...and then...I got a phone call from my mother that turned my world upside down.

My dog Buck had to be put down this morning. He was 16 years old. My family got him in 1994 as a 9 week old puppy. I was going into 4th grade. I grew up with him! Presently, I am just devastated. He was doing well up until very recently. I saw him last weekend for Jeremiah's birthday and he was struggling, but he didn't take any turns for the worse until last night, as I was told. He couldn't walk or swallow anymore. He died in my dad's arms.

This is the saddest day and if you are spiritual, can you please pray for my dog?

Thanks so much! I hope he is in Heaven frolicking and chasing bunnies again!

Nostalgia.

2010-06-05T11:09:00.016-04:00

Whoa! The weather has drastically changed since yesterday and last weekend. At the moment it is cloudy, drizzling and supposed to be thundering all day!!!! My best friend from college has her outdoor graduation today and my boyfriend is participating in a regatta to raise money for leukemia.

What a day to be out on the water :O

I suppose I am a fair weather Señorita!

Last night I had a blast hanging out with my friend Liat on Thayer Street in Providence.

We caught up and did hibachi.

I got a sticker for my car, some crazy sequined headbands (ones that I will continue to wear in my 20s) and Quirkey's Penguin Key Covers.

I love buying silly things every blue moon.

Jeremiah even got dice that always rolls a 7 or 11.

He was really happy about that until he figured out the secret.

Visiting my old college town provokes nostalgia.

I am always looking for what has changed and what has stayed the same.

Is there anywhere in the world that makes you feel that way?

Sailing and Birthday Celebration.

2010-06-05T10:59:00.006-04:00

Last Friday, I got the opportunity to go sailing after work. It was pure bliss.

(Above, J and I before we set sail)

I love feeling the fresh sea breeze, listening to the waves and looking at the glistening sun make the water sparkle. It reminds me of Ariel walking out of the water in Little Mermaid.

I also adore seeing landmarks such as this house on rocks:

How cool is that?????

Moreover, I am intrigued by the cockpit. I love seeing pots and pans tied down to the stove and checking out fancy knot work that many sailboats have. J's friend lives on this boat alone. Would you ever want to live on a boat?

If I lived on one, I would definitely need to invest in storage space and one of those portable internet routers, right?

My Memorial Day weekend also included a chocolate cake for Jeremiah's Birthday!

...and some serious soul searching as to why I am a blogger in the first place, thanks to the interview I did for Rachael's blog: It's Simple Love.

I sincerely appreciate your commenting on my guest post and my blog. I'm happy this allowed me to become introduced to new wonderful bloggers as well. Welcome to this blog-o-mine! If you are new to my blog, introduce yourself...and please tell me...

Has anyone seen "Get Him To The Greek" yet? Or do you plan to see it?

I hope to go next week. I could use a good laugh!!!!

Hope :) xoxoxoxox

...It's Simple Love...Guest Post!!!!

2010-06-01T14:42:00.004-04:00

Hello Everyone,

My first guest post EVER is viewable now on Rachael's blog ...It's Simple Love...

There are new pictures and an interview by me.

Please check it out and comment on her beautiful blog!!!

I hope you all had a fabulous weekend!

I sure did, but I somehow found myself sleepless last night. At one point the breeze was making the bathroom door squeak a lot and I woke up Jeremiah thinking that someone had broken in. It was a little mental. Needless to say, I will postpone pictures from my Memorial Day Weekend until a later time. I also discovered yesterday that all of my lesson plans and supply lists for my summer job are DUE THIS WEEK!

Maybe that contributed to my staying awake :P

Do you work under pressure and last minute deadlines?

Or are you someone who gets things done ahead of time?

What's your go-getter style?????

(via we heart it)

Finally!!!!

2010-05-30T10:51:00.002-04:00

Last night I saw Inglorious Bastards for the first time and adored it.

Have you seen it?

This summer I'm looking forward to Eat, Pray, Love. I can't imagine the movie living up to the book in any way because the book was SO DARN GOOD. Nor can I envision Julia Roberts as being the best portrayer of Elizabeth Gilbert. But...I still like Roberts and will see the movie for what it is: an interpretation of an amazing true story.

It doesn't hurt that James Franco will be starring in the film too!!!!

What movies are at the top of your list to see?

I hope you are enjoying your day of sabbath.
I have lots of pictures from this weekend to post and can't wait to catch up on your blogs!!!
What have you been up to?
XxOxOxXxOxOxxOxX

You, Me, Frozen in Time.

2010-05-27T22:46:00.019-04:00

Dear Lovely People,

How are you doing?

Thinking about your weekend plans (or lack thereof)?

I am exhausted and VERY MUCH looking forward to Friday night couch crashing!?!?

REVISION: I WILL BE SAILING AFTER WORK FIRST AND THEN?? SOFA TIME.

I'm also in an inquisitive mood ;)

I've had a chuck full week of heat (more on that later!!?!) and getting up to date on end of year lessons and curriculum writing etc.

Some of the highlights from my week have included reading your responses to my 4th graders tree houses :D ...and...

Leasing a new car for the first time!!!

(the other one I drove was a beater from my dad)

I got a 2010 Toyota Corolla in Barcelona Red. Nothing fancy, but a definite upgrade from my 96' Ford Escort with 186,000+ miles on it. My Escort has been leaking coolant for weeks now and making stranger and stranger noises each day.

Do you remember buying or leasing your first vehicle?

I got a lucky break at the car dealership because I qualified for a recent graduate discount. 2 years ago this week I got my Masters in Teaching. If I came on Saturday to get my car I'd have been 5 days too late to meet the cutoff. For lack of better words, my jalopy chose the right time to S*&$ the bed!!!

Furthermore, on Saturday is Jeremiah's birthday!!!!

We had fancy dinner plans but are putting that on hold since my mom wants to make him dinner and a cake.

Below is the cake he made for my 25th!

It is indeed Funfetti!!!

Do you have a favorite birthday cake?

I'm looking forward to more than one celebration for Jeremy!!! He deserves it!!!!

Last, but not least, have you seen the movie "Cashback"?

Since the cable in my apartment is turned off I am now taking full advantage of our netflix.

"Cashback" was not the best movie I've ever seen but it had some beautiful movie stills, an adorable main character, some laugh out loud parts and quotes that resonated with me.

For instance, Ben Willis explains:

There is an art to dealing with the boredom of an 8-hour shift. An art to putting your mind somewhere else while the seconds slowly tick away. I found that all the people working here had perfected their own individual art. Take Sharon Pintey. Sharon knows rule #1, the clock is the enemy. The basic rule is this: the more you look at the clock, the slower the time goes. It will uncover the hiding place of your mind, and torture it with every second. This is the basic art in dealing with the trade of your time.

Now let the weekend countdown begin!!!!!!...and here's another question in relation to "Cashback"...

If you could freeze one moment in time in your life what would it be and why?

I'll try to answer this myself, but for now, be in touch!

Hope :-) xoxo

Tree Houses.

2010-05-24T13:12:00.004-04:00

I love tree houses especially the contemporary ones that have been popping up around the world in recent years. I admire them so much that I did an entire art lesson about them with my 4th graders. To see more of their artwork click here.

If you could design a tree house for yourself what would you include?

I'd definitely want at least 3 stories, a hot tub and a screened in porch with a hammock connected to my kitchen. I'd enjoy reading and sipping lemonade in the shade. My art studio would be at the top of the house with grand skylights and an awesome view of the forest. Happy Sigh and Week Ahead!!!
xoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxo