Is this the end?

December 31, 2012 - Pic #366

Wow. Bitter Sweet... this is the last one. Like we all must, as I say goodbye to 2012, I look forward to 2013. Happy New Year's eve!

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December 30, 2012 - Pic #366

A rare sight! 2008 NYC Reunion: Becca, Sesi and Meghan were all visiting from their respective new cities at the same time. We went to Cilantros, a favorite of Meghan's that I've somehow never been to before. Good friends and good fun!

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December 29, 2012 - Pic #364

While home, I do love baking/cooking with the parents. I finally gathered the courage to try making Arancini (Italian rice balls) from a recipe in a cookbook I got in Sicily five years ago. From start to finish the whole operation took a little over four hours, but it was worth it! Hard to tell here, but they are the size of baseballs. Delicious. 

The Last Twelve Days

December 28, 2012 - Pic #363

The big city of Schenectady. Isn't she cute? The parentals and I went to see Parental Guidance at Movieland today. It was cute. A bit cheesy, but we knew what we were getting ourselves into. There was hardly anyone else in the theater, though our next door neighbors were there! Turns out we parked next to one another, too. It really solidified the whole 'small world' feeling of the day. 

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December 27, 2012 - Pic #362

Fondue to Lauricia's annual Birthday/Christmas/New Year's celebration! Alicia and I did all our favorite things: Movie (Lincoln - fantastic!), dinner (Melting Pot, of course), and games. I'm glad I don't live near a Melting Pot, because I didn't think I'd be able to resist going all the time. And who is rich enough for that? 

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December 26, 2012 - Pic #361

Let it snow! Tonight I went over to Jess's new apartment in Slingerlands, where I stayed all night because of the blizzard (and the wine). I caught up with Meg, Ashley, and Kari, of which the former two are now engaged (not to each other). Come morning, it was not fun scraping snow and ice off the car, especially since it was still coming down strong. I don't think I've had to dig out a buried car since high school, and I don't miss it! Give me the subway any snowy day. 

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December 25, 2012 - Pic #360

Zooey made the trip home with me, of course. After a few less-than-friendly run-ins with Hex, she seems to have settled in just fine. She's certainly loving her decked out kitty tower. 

It was a wonderful, lazy Christmas, filled with good tidings, good food, good gifts, and great company!

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December 24, 2012 - Pic #359

Merry Christmas Eve! Today I tried my hand at cake pops. I had the help of a complete kit bought from CVS, but still, lots of fun. Dad helped quite a bit. He made a homemade cone mold for the Santa hat pops, and rolled out the dough the for the gingerbread men. Baking with Dad is always fun. Later in the week we made his grandmother's bread recipe, which proved to be just as difficult as we thought it might be :). 

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December 23, 2012 - Pic #358

Reunited! This morning I made the trek up to Clifton Park to have breakfast with an old friend, Jessica Krass (nee Lenaghan), her husband and her 3-year-old son. I cannot believe Ethan is already 3, because the last time I saw Jess she was pregnant with him. Too long. 

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December 22, 2012 - Pic #357

Home for the holidays! Glad to see our traditional moving characters in the bay window. Mrs. Claus, in her old age, is having difficulty keeping her head straight. Though, in reality, her head hasn't been straight since the day she arrived by snail mail from Grandpa Rothacker circa 1998. 

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December 21, 2012 - Pic #356

I went over to Dorothy's this evening to celebrate and catch up. We made orechiette with sausage and broccoli rabe. It was delicious! Though, with such a small kitchen and two less than graceful cooks, we nearly destroyed the place. She also got me a scrumptious piece of red velvet cake, and gave a solo performance of Happy Birthday. Good times :). 

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December 20, 2012 - Pic #355

December 20, 2012. The day before the Mayans predicted the world would end. I guess we shall soon see if they were right... hopefully not, since the world is still so beautiful. Today I went downtown, which now seems to be a rarity since I've been working at home post-Sandy. I dare say I miss it :). Apparently we'll back in the office January 7th, if all goes according to plan.

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December 19, 2012 - Pic #354

For the last two Black Fridays I've purchased bulk frame sets with the intention of giving them away as presents. Instead, they've sat empty in a box under my bed. With all the pictures I've collected throughout the last year, I'm newly inspired to print and display my favorites. I seem to be a few dozen frames short, though.  

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December 18, 2012 - Pic #353

Christmas came early! Tara is very good at gift giving, but very bad at waiting to give them. Two weeks before my birthday she wanted to give me my birthday present, and the day after my birthday, she asked if we could exchange Christmas presents. I relented today :). And I'm glad I did, because my present is awesome! It's an old library catalog turned necklace holder.  

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December 17, 2012 - Pic #352

Every now and then I find a piece of the neighborhood I've never seen before. This piece is, well, a piece of art! Sort of. It seems as though someone has carefully selected items from a junk yard and formed a shrine. My personal favorite is the deflated Spiderman balloon. 

Weekend with the Bestie

December 16, 2012 - Pic #351

While roaming around waiting for Jess's train to arrive, we decided that Christmas has puked all over Penn Station. Lights and presents and decorations everywhere, pretty much just like the rest of the city. 

This Santa and reindeer lure folks into to a jolly-good time at a commuter's bar and restaurant. Santa may look content now, but I'm pretty sure he's not going to be able to fly his sleigh after he chugs that beer. 

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December 15, 2012 - Pic #350

It's official, holiday craft markets are where EVERYONE goes on Saturdays in December. Trying to walk through the aisles at the Columbus Circle Holiday Market was pretty much the worst thing ever (except for walking around Rockefeller Plaza at night which was actually the worst thing ever). But, at least there were pretty and cute things to look at! I always love the puppet stands because my mom got me a puppet when I was a kid (Princess Roslyn). These folks look like they could be singing Christmas carols, except for the dude directly behind the chef, who may have had one too many eggnogs. 

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December 14, 2012 - Pic #349

Yay... Jess came to visit! It's been way too long - since December 2010, in fact. We did our usual... lots of meal dates, flea markets, and movies, of course. Here we are on our way to see Silver Linings Playbook, which turned out to be fantastic. Nothing like a little dysfunctional love story to warm your heart at Christmas time. 

It continues...

December 13, 2012 - Pic #348

The most amazing gift I received this birthday came in an edible form. My parents made twelve of these 12-shaped cookies and wrapped them in shirt boxes. They downplayed it and said "Don't get excited". I'm not sure if anything is more exciting than these cookies... 

They made a stencil and mold themselves, and had to bake one cookie at a time since there was only one mold. Worth it, I hope, because it made me SO happy. Awesome. I brought them to the party and everyone loved them. I saved three for myself mostly so I could take this picture ;-). Just for the record, now we are down to 2. 

Seriously, best family ever. 

12:12:12 on the 12/12th/12

December 12, 2012 - Pic #347

This day definitely deserves a larger post, which is will get. For now I will say that 12-12-12 was an amazing, wonderful, spectacular day filled with laughs and love and friends and family. I am so so so blessed to have so many amazing people that put up with all my crazy. And, just so we can all take a deep breath, I do know I'm crazy :). 

This picture was definitely a process. I was out to lunch with the family at Dopo Teatro, and knew I needed my 12:12 on the 12th picture. I took some advice from a friend, and decided to start recording myself exactly at 12:12:00 and then take a still from 12 seconds in... 12:12:12! So Dad was the lucky one sitting across from who got to do the recording. He did an awesome job. So here I am, 12:12:12 on 12/12/12! 

More to come later, but if you'd like to see all the pictures today, check out the album I posted on Facebook.

Have I got a cupcake for you! Or two.

December 11, 2012 - Pic #346 

In an attempt to bribe people to come to my birthday party tomorrow, I promised there would be cupcakes. I thought about buying them since I'm not really a baker, but decided against it. I still phoned it in with boxed mix, but at least they are guaranteed to be delicious. 24 funfetti and 23 (oops) red velet... let's eat! 

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December 10, 2012 - Pic #345

It's always fun when you open your mailbox and mail literally falls out of it... especially when it's 12 birthday cards! I have the best (cutest) parents in the world, who clearly put a lot of time and heart into picking out my birthday cards. I received 12 numbered less than tasteful  awesome cards from my mom, two from my dad, one from my brother, and one from the whole family. The two cards from my dad celebrate kiddy birthdays, 9 and 3, because 9X3 = 27 (my age to be, ugh), and 9+3 = 12. Go Dad! Glad I'm making everyone crazy with this number business :). 

Happy Early Birthday Me!

December 9, 2012 - Pic #344

Yesterday I spent all day inside updating my blog. It felt simultaneously productive and unproductive. So today I ventured out into the city with a list of errands and a killer iPod playlist. Got decorations for the party, grocery shopped, did three loads of laundry, cleaned house, rearranged furniture, and best of all, found my birthday shoes! It is now 9:30, dinner is finally ready... and I realized I did not even think about doing my homework. It's going to be a long night...

Count Down.

December 8, 2012 - Pic #343

My favorite date! I super wish I could go to this concert, but I will be attending my own shindig. Such a fantastic idea, though. I can't believe people are taking advantage by scalping tickets - $60,000! Paying for the tickets knowing the money won't go to charity is almost as bad as selling the tickets in the first place. Ugh. 

Say Cheese!

December 7, 2012 - Pic #342

Tonight was the eChalk Holiday party! We on the Events Committee helped set up, and added a few early friends to our pre-party photo. It was a good time, especially since we really haven't seen much of each other since Sandy hit and put our office out of commission. We should be back in action the week of December 17th, if all goes well. 

Dream and Believe

December 6, 2012 - Pic #341 

Well, I completed the project! Only a few hiccups. My stencils were too big so I had to free write, and I'm not the best. Also, not so good at drilling holes. Still, I'm pleased. 

Why 'Dream and Believe'? 

When I was in high school I started getting these really bad stomachaches. They would start early in the morning and last for 12-16 hours. Just about every hour on the dot I'd vomit, whether there was anything to empty or not. It was pure agony. These episodes would come every few months, and no doctor could tell me why. They continued on until college, and then became less frequent. I still get them, but they are rarely so violent anymore. 

Anyhoo, the first time it ever happened I was in such pain I cried most of the day. My mom set me up in the living room, wrapped in blankets laying in a recliner. Halfway through the day I woke from a nap and noticed my toes sticking out from the blankets. I was wearing Fruit of the Loom socks, typical. The left said "Dream" in pink and the right said "Believe" in purple. Cheesy, but at the time, it felt like such a sign. I knew I'd get through it. They became my lucky socks, even though they reminded me of such pain. I kept them for years, until they were too ratty to justify wearing. 

#Holy #Awesome

December 5, 2012 - Pic #340

There are so many wonderful things about this picture. First of all, the Pope. Next, page 12. Finally, on 12/12/12, the Pope himself will begin tweeting from @pontifex. Glorious. He's going to save us all! 

Crafty pants.

December 4, 2012 - Pic #339

Today I went to the Mulberry Street Library, where I will do my internship next semester. I observed a teen program, "Crafternoon at the Library". It was awesome! Got to make this snazzy bird, who I named "Tweety Petey". Sarah Goldschadt, author of "Craft a Day", led the program. Check out her awesome book on Amazon.  

Not sure it worked...

December 3, 2012 - Pic #338

Left work (home) for a doctor's appointment today and stumbled upon this sidewalk graffiti. Around the edge it said "Step inside for happiness." So that's what I did!  

Fa la la la la

December 2, 2012 - Pic #337

Meet Barry the Christmas Tree! He came from the Urban Garden Center and is 100% beautiful.  

I really hope I don't get lice from this.

December 1, 2012 - Pic #336

We went in search of Christmas decorations today and I found this dapper Santa in TJ Max. Couldn't help myself. 

November Nothings

November. November. November.

A strange month in the life of LB. Working from home, saying goodbye to Franny Pants, welcoming four more years, eating a whole lot of pie... and spending a ridiculous amount of money.

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November 1, 2012 - Pic #306

I LOVE Pumpkin Spice Cookie season :).  
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November 2, 2012 - Pic #307

Cousin Chuck got married today :). Centerpiece was a castle, so obviously, I snatched it. Dad, however, is guilty of stealing the table marker for table #12... he knows me well :).  
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November 3, 2012 - Pic #308

Hard day today. Mom told me the Vet said Franny would not make it, so I made an unexpected trek to Albany to be with her.  
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November 4, 2012 - Pic #309

This was my view all day as I hung out with Franny, getting some QT. I'm glad I had this time with her, but it wasn't easy.  
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November 5, 2012 - Pic #310

RIP Franny Pants. Only 2 years old, yet so filled with life. When I rescued you from the foster home with your sister Zooey, you were but a tiny, scared, emaciated kitten. You hid under the couch your entire first night and wouldn't come out even for food. But that didn't last long :). Before no time you owned the place. You owned me. Eating my cheese danish, sleeping on my chest, whining every time I locked you out of the bathroom. I miss you Franny, more than you could ever know. I'm so glad you were my kitty. 
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November 6, 2012 - Pic #311

Election Day! It's 2012 - why are the ballots still paper? By the way... phew.  
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November 7, 2012 - Pic #312

Winter made it to November this year, but only for a short while.  
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November 8, 2012 - Pic #313

This is what 7 pounds of fudge looks like, made by Tara's mom. I'm pretty sure I'd gain a lot more than 7 pounds, though, if I ate all of this.  
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November 9, 2012 - Pic #314

Hard to believe, but this was my first time below 116th street since Sandy! Frequented Merrion Square with Mike, Manny and Carrie. 
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November 10, 2012 - Pic #315

While walking around The Strand browsing random books, I found this inserted in a mystery novel about a Spanish Ice Skater. Turns out it's part of a photo project by an artist named Fred Cray. He hides unique photos all over the world. They are unique because he destroys the digital copy after he prints the photo. This is number 5736. Read about him here: http://fredcray.com/images_unique_01.html
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November 11, 2012 - Pic #316

First of all, happy birthday Leonardo DiCaprio! I have known your birthday and your age since I was 12 (you turned 38 today... ouch!). It's easy to remember because you were born on 11/11/74, 11 years before I was born on 12/12. Ah... numerically meant to be.  

Also, had a movie date with Zack to see Wreck it Ralph. It was adorable and hilarious. Found this awesome photo op on our way out of the theater. 
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November 12, 2012 - Pic #317

This kitten is my work buddy. Everytime I get up, she takes my seat. She looks cuter in it than I do, anyway.  
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November 13, 2012 - Pic #318

Tonight I went to the Hayden Planetarium for a lecture on "exo planets", planets that orbit stars like the Earth orbits the sun. I truly love the Planetarium. Sometimes I wish I continued a career in science... I suppose it's not too late. For now, going to the museum will have to do :).  
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November 14, 2012 - Pic #319

SpaHa, our Spanish Harlem neighborhood coffee joint, thinks very highly (hotly?) of themselves.  
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November 15, 2012 - Pic #320

So, when did they start remaking furbies? I'm pretty sure mine would still be scaring the crap out of me if I didn't remove the batteries. No toy should have a mind of its own.  
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November 16, 2012 - Pic #321

When Tara's mom visited, she asked us what we need for the apartment. We really don't need anything, but she kept asking. I thought of a toaster, which is something I've wanted every since Meghan moved out and took hers with her. Tara was very much against the idea, though, and so we did not get one. However, it blurted out of my mouth, and Mom Brite would not look back! She got me this toaster for my birthday :). It's adorable, isn't it?  
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November 17, 2012 - Pic #322

Friend Thanksgiving, 2012! Laura and Annie made an awesome turkey. It was a wonderful time :). And Tali came all the way from Philly!  
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November 18, 2012 - Pic #323

Been sick with a sore throat and the sniffles. Luckily I have a comfy couch and lots of ring pops.  
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November 19, 2012 - Pic #324

Still sick... and looking for things around the house to take a pic of. More adorable stationery... this one's for Sesi :).  
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November 20, 2012 - Pic #325

D got these for me a long time ago and I completely forgot about them! Found them today and put them in their rightful place on the fridge. Cuteness party.  
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November 21, 2012 - Pic #326

Arrived home for Thanksgiving today, and Dad had already made the pies. This huge apple crumble pie was delicious!  
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November 22, 2012 - Pic #327

Took our traditional walk through the woods post Thanksgiving feast today.  
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November 23, 2012 - Pic #328

After a full night of shopping (10pm - 8am), this was all the damage we did. 90% done with my holiday shopping! Definitely bought way too much for myself, as well.  
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November 24, 2012 - Pic #329

Santa! Is it Christmas already? It's still November! At least he's jolly :).  
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November 25, 2012 - Pic #330

This is Dad's solution to the squirrels eating all the birdseed.  One of the many wonders in our backyard!
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November 26, 2012 - Pic #331

Got into the zipcar after class and immediately turned on the radio. I forgot that at 9pm tonight, the Empire State Building was going to show off its new LED light system with a timed show to Alicia Keys music.  I got to listen to the music on Z100, but missed the show. That's what youtube is for, though!
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November 27, 2012 - Pic #332

I went to a Marketo User Group at Moody's today in 7 World Trade Center. Got a rare view of Ground Zero and the 9/11 Memorial.  
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November 28, 2012 - Pic #333

At the Union Square Holiday Market with Carrie I found this awesome art stand. Inspiration for new art project!  
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November 29, 2012 - Pic #334

The Urban Garden Center next door changes for every season. I think this is my favorite one :).  
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November 30, 2012 - Pic #335

Made friends with construction workers along the new 2nd ave subway line.