Fabulous

This month I kind of punted again, but I really did go someplace in St. Louis to which I have never been...The Fabulous Fox.  My friends and I went to see Spring Awakening (the best musical about abuse, abortion and suicide you will ever see, hands down!).  I am still in awe over the powerful message.  What struck me most about the experience, however, was the majesty of the Fox (a former movie palace, refurbished).  Have you ever had the feeling you were born in the wrong era?  Or is it just me?  I know I would have enjoyed the days of getting dressed up to see a movie in.  Sigh.  

As you may have noticed, I have lost my steam with this endeavor.  I'm going to make a concerted effort to really commit to what I have started.  So, to kick things off, I'm headed to London!!!  How's that for commitment?

Out with the old...

So, I did something completely out of character this month.  I traded in my old Kia Rio for a brand new Kia Sportage.  You may ask, "Why?  There wasn't anything wrong with Rio."  No, no there wasn't.  It was completely unnecessary, but I did it any way.  I did it because I could.  It probably wasn't the most financially sound decision, but I am no worse off than I was before.  I still don't have buyer's remorse.  I think the car suits me better.  Seeing the road from a different perspective has actually made my commute to and from work a bit more fun.  So, probably one of the most spontaneous things I have ever done.  A huge decision I made on my own!!! 

So, here's to starting off the year in a big way!

End of the year wrap up

Well, folks, I petered out this month.  I did manage to play a Wii for the first time.  I'm not necessarily certain that absolutely 100% counts, but at this point I'm going to take it!

This past year has been a true learning experience for me.  While I didn't accomplish everything, I did some of the bigger things on my bucket list!  Going to Ireland was probably as good as it gets.  Not only did I visit the land of my ancestors, but also, I was able to go with my sister.  It was definitely one of the highlights of my life, thus far.

I had to learn to let some things go--learning Russian was just too much.  I may give it another go at some point, but I'm ok with leaving it alone for now.

I'd say overall pushing myself out of my comfort zone has been good for me.  So, next year I'm pushing a little more.

Happy New Year and God bless you!

I've Been Knotty...

My thing for this month has been something I have tried to do in the past, but at which have never been successful. I actually learned how to crochet this month! My grandmother taught me to knit when I was ten or eleven, but I decided several years ago, for whatever reason I really needed to know how to crochet. I bought a book, but was never able to get it. My friend, Jacki taught me a simple pattern for a scarf, but I still couldn't really do it. I pushed through, though, and practiced (many, many frustrating hours of practice). Then, as if a light switch was turned on, I got it!!! So, I've been a crocheting fool. I also found a pattern for a different kind of scarf that I really like and have made several scarves. My next big project--afghans for my nephews!!!!

While this whole venture may seem rather mundane in nature, it truly is a huge step for me. Most of my life, whenever I encounter something hard or something at which I don't excel, I either give up or don't pursue it. I really wanted to give up several times, but by forcing myself to not give up, enabled me to be creative in a completely different way. I feel very domestic goddessy.

So, we're nearly at the end of my little experiment. Next month I'll recap--a State of the Union address, if you will. Plus, I need to come up with something completely amazing to cap this all off!

Until then, Happy Holidays!

Sake to me

I really stepped out on a limb this month...I joined a book club. "But, Lara," you say. "You love to read. You've NEVER been in a book club?" Sadly, no. Here's the thing. I do love to read. I have a rather voracious appetite when it comes to reading. The thing is, I read for pleasure. Do I have perfect retention? No. Do I over analyze every nuance of wording. Typically not. I always figured joining a book club would take me back to the days when I would sit in my lit classes and dread being called upon, for fear of giving some absurd answer. So, when my friend, Amanda asked me to join, I actually said yes, much to my surprise.

We met Monday. Our book: Memoirs of a Geisha. I had wanted to read it for such a long time (and wanted to see the movie). So I accomplished both this month. What I loved about Memoirs was how detailed Arthur Golden's writing was. To write from the female perspective in such a way is really to his credit. I was drawn in by the cleverness of his heroine and learned about an aspect of a culture of which I knew so little.

The group itself is not extremely diverse, except in age (I, of course, am the oldest). I truly enjoyed hearing the other's opinions and was engaged in discourse. These are bright women and I am so glad I decided to join!

I highly recommend the book, btw. While I enjoyed the movie, I favor the book more.

Until next month!

September's "Thing" is...

Scrapbooking! Since BOTH Katie and Kara deemed it so, I guess it is my duty to follow through.
I need to get a move on!

Thanks, ladies, for your input!!!

Where the streets have no name...

Ok, I know Bono wasn't talking about Dublin when he wrote that song (see below), but seriously!  Fortunately being perpetually lost in Dublin did not mar our trip.  I won't bore you with the details.  I did fall in love with Ireland, although it was completely different than I imagined (not bad, just different).  I learned a bit about myself; my sister shined a light on some not so flattering qualities I have embodied as of late (namely loss of confidence).  All in all it was a wonderful experience.  Without further ado, here are the top lessons learned in Ireland (in no particular order):

1)  Always bring a converter even if you don't think you'll need one (R.I.P. portable fan).

2)  If you are lost, look up (on the side of buildings--that's where the street signs are posted).

3)  Roundabouts are the Irish version of a do-over!

4)  Never underestimate the power of a pot of tea.

5)  A Spar can save your life (or at least ease your hunger at a very low cost!).

6)  A little more planning would have paid off and saved some money.

7)  Traveling with someone you love is helpful when you have been up for 24 hours and are a bit cranky.

8)  Sometimes veering off the scheduled route leads to amazing discoveries.

9)  If you want interesting info--ask a local.

10)  A little patience goes a long, long way. 

Pics are posted here.

So, I still need a "thing" for this month.  I toyed with the idea of counting Ireland for both August and September, but that's wussing out, right?   Any ideas?