cleaning out my closet, part 1

Sorry I have been so bloggily boring lately.  I think I just made up a word! :)   Anyways, I'd like to start the "clean out  my closet" project within the next few days...

I'm going to go through my closet this weekend, take photographs of the items I haven't worn in 3 months (aside from seasonal specific attire of course), post it here and you can vote whether I should 

1. Keep it

2. Donate it to the Salvation Army

3. Donate it to my Sister

4. Donate it to you.  

I realize blog shops rarely work, and I'm certainly not trying to sell anything.  I would charge shipping, and that would require you to  have a PayPal account.   Or, if you are in the area I can have you meet me at my dance studio for the exchange!  

What I will do is post 1 or 2 pictures a day, and you can comment your vote on what it's status should be.  

Ok, I'm off for a run - it's actually tolerable outside :) 

xx

on the brink of spring...

As the weather goes from 16 to 28 to 32 to 45 back to 16... I am more and more, much like everyone else, longing for the warm outdoors.  A long walk with the sun scorching your skin, without the wind biting it that is...  I am yearning to wear my adorable and comfortable cotton skirts with plain t-shirts; going hiking or running in minimal layers.   I know, I know, stop complaining already; this does happen every year.  Cabin fever sets in around St Patrick's Day and since God graces us with gorgeous, sunny, spring like days, it's such a tease!  Because, back to frozen tundra it goes and out come the fuzzy boots and knits again.  We make claims to move to warm places, but let's face it... I like it here!  I'm not even sick of the snow, slush, and cold weather until the Calendar tells me it's "spring".   Eh, ok enough of my Negative Nancy attitude.  At least the sun is out!  :)  

How warm is it where you are?  Are you also longing, yearning, dying for spring? 

soccer

Yesterday I went with a friend from work to watch the Toronto Football Club team at their season opener. The sun was out, the drive was pleasant, and the company was great. I have never been to a professional soccer game before. I played soccer as a youngster and through high school, watched Mia Hamm and Brandi Chastain and the USA woman's World Cup team rip their shirt off in victory... Yet, never went to even a Rhinos (Rochester's minor league team) game. The atmosphere was incredible! People chanting, heckling, drinking and eating delicious stadium grub. I myself, indulged in some Poutine, a Canadian specialty. The dish traditionally consists of French fries, cheese curd, with owey gooey gravy poured over the top. I added bacon to mine and Jon went with the TFC special, traditional Poutine add bacon, pulled pork, and sausage. Yum!

TFC ended up winning the game to top of the afternoon (2-0).

After I arrived back in the USA, I met up with Chris and friends. We went down to a local hotel, where friends of ours were renting a room to have a hotel pool party. Going into this I thought it was incredibly silly; I wad pleasantly surprised by the lovely hot tub and good company. Turned out to be a lovely day. :)

xx.

trying not to be dissapointed...

On Wednesday of this week we received a huge snow storm, and quite a few inches of snow!  It was such a let down after the week of St Patrick's Day, and the glorious weather we had to enjoy.  

I'm trying not to let it bring me down, but it's definitely amping me up for our vacation in Ireland in a month!
Here's the to do list:
1. book hostels
2. obtain sleeping bag from Mary
3. find some kind of inexpensive convertable hiking pant
4. save money despite all the wonderful spring lines coming out right now.
After all, I won't be able to wear most of it until we're back anyways!

In the mean time, I'm still waiting on TCRG Exam results.  Which is another thing I'm trying not to let bring me down.  Last night for the first time I had a dream that I received my results.  They came in the mail, they were in a manila envelope and appeared electronically produced; like SAT results.  I tore it open and it said "Pass".  :)   I'm hoping it was some kind of deluted premonition.  Supposidly An Coimisiun (Irish Dance Commission) is meeting this weekend, and we should find out by next week.  Still - this is only an assumption.   Everyone will know the moment I do - believe me.

For now, I just enjoy the rest of my Friday and get pumped for the weekend!

xx

monday night outings...

Last night, in between loads at the laundry mat, Chris and I enjoyed the AOH Happy Hour at Sheridan's Irish Pub.  The Guinness was flowing all night.   The food was great, although the server had to come back out and tell me they were out of Beef to make my Beef on Weck that I ordered :(   I went with the chicken portabello wrap instead.  Chris and I traded halfs, he ordered the veggie wrap.  Now, this plan would have been much more interesting had they still were able to deliver my beef sammy, because his veggie wrap was very similar to mine!  The Saratoga chips are amazing though!  Definitely prefer them over fries!  

I did try to play around with the manual focus settings on my camera - Chris wasn't really happy that I kept telling him to stay still...     Our friend Joe taught me a bit about the shutter speed, exposure, etc.   That will help....now if only I can trade in my own hand for a steadier one... 

xx 

happy tuesday, spring is almost here.

Obsessing over:

Chunky, strappy, wedge sandles which aren't quite in season here yet.

Quick pops of color mixed into natural hues.

Masculine Military attire paired with feminine sexy accessories.

Oversized shirts, super skinny jeans.

Jeans, converse, and a simple T.

Freshly pedicured toes...

Waking up to birds chirping and luscious sunshine.

Sunday's with zero plans.

Walking with no set destination....

long weekends...

Are fabulous.

St Patricks Day went smoothly! Phew! ((wipes sweat off brow)). I am so proud of all of our students who participated in the 6 shows we did Thursday!! :)

That made yesterday a day for relaxation! It was about 55 degrees out and Chris and I started the day out by going to Pat's for breakfast. It is truly the cutest coziest place, only open for a short time during the day, I've only ever eaten breakfast there. The servers are like family and the atmosphere is like your grandma's kitchen!

For lunch we went down to a neighborhood we don't ever go into. We had a groupon for Swans German Deli. We both ordered the "sampler", which not really knowing much about German food I was quite scared of, and prepared to take some home. It was DELICIOUS! I had wonderful German potato salad, goulash, schnitzel with mushroom gravy sauce, a strange looking block of stuffing with a cut of pork and gravy that is making my mouth water is I type! I was so surprised that I enjoyed everything on my plate. We also indulged in a tort for desert which was cool and refreshing despite it's heavy, and rich appearance.

To top of the Friday food fest - corned beef, cabbage and veggies for dinner!! I actually don't mind cabbage, after all these years claiming I hated it.

So, today I will be taking a nice 5k run outside, because even though it's a little cooler than yesterday, the sun is shining. It's luscious and intoxicating brightness is calling me.

TTFN
Hope your having sunshine and spring like weather!

Parade Day..

We had good weather, great positioning, and loads of fun!!  

The Senior girls did a fantastic job performing the Duke Reel at the County Executive Office building for the Flag Raising and Opening Ceremonies.   Then we were off to the parade route, where Wendy and I dressed the "float" with all the little ones!  We gave them princess crowns, leprechaun ears and bubbles.   The girls who were a little older marched, and did a lovely job.  Occasionally we stop and dance, and our group became better and better as we went along; when we reached the viewing stand, it was near perfection!  

It was a great day. 

success...

The Parade was an ultimate success!! It was far more organized than previous years, and I actually think the kids had fun. I know I did! This coming from someone who loathed the parade. I never liked it much as a kid, although it's cool to say that you are in it, the weather rarely works out and you're sitting, standing, and marching in the cold.

It was an absolute pleasure! I am so pumped for Thursday (show list to come, for my local readers).

This morning Wendy, Mary, and I enjoyed a relaxing visit to the spa! It's always so great to revisit our non-dance friendships!

To top off this excellent weekend, check out this article in the Democrat & Chronicle we were featured in.
http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011103130330

Pardon the link, I'm blogging from Le iPhone, and I have a ton of photos from opening ceremonies, the parade, and Celtic faire. So, keep a look out for my post with the best ones!

xx

Wearin' O the Green

Today embarks the busiest of my seasons.  St Patrick's Day.  It's a time for me to remember my Irish heritage, why I Irish Dance, and why I pass on the traditions.  

Tonight, the girls and I will be performing with the Dady Brothers, and that isn't something we generally this time of year.  We are usually trying to tame our St Pat's alter egos and whip the children into performance shape. We teach them the Irish National Anthem, and what it means to be a "soldier for Ireland", by strapping on their Ghillies and moving their feet (not their arms)!   Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love our students going out there and showing people what we've taught them.   Even though, once and a while we do step out and bust an Irish move,  we never really do many "shows" that are just us. Tonight's dance out with the Dady's is a wonderful way to start the week full of Irish festivities!  

Give me my hardshoes, a beer, a rueben and I'll be on my way!

I'm so excited to just DANCE!

Oh, and wish us luck! 

xx

keep the flow...

"I honor the Spirit in you which is also in me."

 I started my day today with some Flow Yoga.  After a great competitive class last night, I needed that positive start to my day to keep the "flow".  I had the kids write down "what I love about dancing", inspired from Dancing Branflakes' "What it feels like to dance" post.  It seems to be a struggle to motivate their little feet, practice outside of class, and really do well at competition.  So, with this exercise I wanted to bond the heart with the feet.  I taught them that heart and passion = hardwork = success.  It's a lesson I've learned holds true in life itself, not just Irish dance.   Wendy and I also participated in the exercise, and I got a really great response!  We read the responses outloud, and clapped for our friends/teammates; it was really inspiring!   

So, keep the positive flow today and spread the wealth! 

Namaste.

Everyday Italian...

Let's be real here - I'm Irish and Italian.  Yet, a student of the culinary arts.  A lesson which takes place in Chris' or my kitchen weekly!  Last night we tried making Risotto - tried and succeeded!!  It was delicious.  Here's the recipe we loosely followed.   We didn't have Parsley so, we threw in some peas.  Also, I bought Rosemary/Balsamic marinated chicken for some extra flavor!   

Enjoy! 

xx

Malu

Malu, is a Hawaiian word.  It just so happens that Chris decided on Malu, derived from Polamalu; as in Troy Polamalu from the Pittsburgh Steelers of course.   Malu's father comes from a Hawaiian owned Kennel - so, when Chris mentioned the names he was thinking about for the puppy... Kyle gave us a little insight into the history and name of his kennel.  Malu is a Basenji, an African Hunting dog.

We brought this little guy home last night and he's just now coming out of his shell, and being a little more interactive with us.  He only cried for 20 minutes or so before giving up and falling asleep!  It will be interesting to see his and Chris' relationship grow, as they become buddies.  He's proving he'll be an excellent companion.  

The weekend otherwise, has been consumed with preparing for his arrival and taking care of him.  Today we did venture out today with Will and Heidi for some delicious pub grub at the Elmwood Inn.  Rochester received a light snow storm of about a foot of snow over night, and this morning.  We decided to walk the 30 minute jaunt to the Elmwood, and the beer and delicious (greasy
& unhealthy) food was just the treat!  

Tomorrow's back to work - I'm off to enjoy the rest of my night! :) 

xx

all(most) ready to go...

Chris and I booked our flights to Ireland last night!  I am so excited!! Although it's going to be quite difficult for me to leave the fashion behind and really pack "light".  I don't really need to bring the fashionable clothes with me, afterall we will only be hiking around for 7 days.  It's still difficult to visit a place and not want to look nice while you are there.  I keep thinking, "but I want to..." and then immediately think, "but, it's not necessary".  I have to pretend it's a camping trip!  

I am just grateful that we are going soon, and I can power save!  Let's face it - just like Carrie Bradshaw, I like my money right where I can see it; in my closet!  But until May 17th I'm rocking my Frugal Frock and saving my pennies for arguably, the best trip of my life.  

I'm also a little excited and anxious to go away with Chris.  I don't think we've ever really spent that much time with... only eachother.  (DUM DUM DAAHHM)  Hopefully, it's a success and I don't drive him to dump me.  :) 

There is still so much to do.  We need a list of places we want to go, make sure our bus tickets are all set, book our tour spots (we are doing a tour of northern Ireland our last 3 days there).  Chris put me in charge of finding things "cool" to do.  What does that mean?  I've never been there - I guess I'll be googleing! 

On another note...

With St Patrick's Day around the corner, and all of the prepration that goes into that... I really want my exam results!!  Kelly emailed me today, equally anxious and nervous!  I've nearly convinced myself I've passed - but at the same time, the Irish in me says "expect the worst; you failed"! 

When, oh when will they be here!!?!?!?!

How can I feel so sure, yet so unsure about whether I passed or not.  The suspense is literally killing all of us.  Come on, An Coimisuin, TELL US ALREADY!

Thursday's are not Friday's...

I always wonder why it may be that one of my blog ladies that I follow, wasn't able to get a fresh post up there for me to read. Now that I'm blogging myself I completely understand why.

If you're wondering why I disappear occasionally, it's because I basically work two full time jobs. I'm not complaining but it is tough. The Irish dance Academy is truly a dream come true and everytime we enroll a new student or one of our kids performs well at a show or a feis (competition), its a great feeling that we're one more step to being in there with the elites.

I'm headed to work; it's just been such a negative environment lately. I really am more of a positive thinker. Don't get me wrong, I can complain and vent like the next gal, but I always try to make the situation better. How can I improve my day today? How can I feel like I WANT to be there? Well, if it were Friday it may be easier!

xx

look of the day

Target top
Charlotte russe jeans
No name boots from marshals