Wednesday Schmednesday :)

So today marks the middle of yet another work week. I don’t have much to report, aside from a decent day at work and an educating evening at Wednesday Bible study. The day was marked by a few different small things that made me smile.

The little sugary snowmen that Diana brought back for us after her day of sales calls put a nice wintery touch on an otherwise snow-less day.

The more amusing thing was the picture my best friend Kalyn posted of her knitting on her lunch break. This was one of those days that I definitely wish we lived closer. It’s hard to believe we are that similar. Hah.

It’s been somewhat of a long day; I’m callin’ it an early night.

Joe starts mid-shifts this week. Blahhhhhhh.

xo | cmd

Twenty-Seven!!

Oh my word.
I made it!

I think I’ve decided that my next endeavor in this earthly life is to cure Deceptive Birthday Syndrome. Allow me to explain.

You see, each year, this thing comes around that seems to get people excited when it has their name on it. [Duh, birthday.] So today is mine, and when it was all said and done, the day was wonderful, save for the fact that I am indeed getting older. Call it a quarter-life crisis, call it ridiculous, call it whatever you please, but sooner or later, I think most people would argue that turning the clock back wouldn’t be such a horrible thing. So, to solve the dilemma of actually getting older, I think I’ll start working on a way to preserve the customary fête – small or large – just sans the whole … aging part. I don’t think the odds are in my favor on this one, but hey, 27-year-olds can still dream, yeah?

There’s a special something about birthdays that will never fail to elicit well-wishes from an enormous chunk of friends, family, and facebook connections. Don’t lie; I’m one of those, and so are you! J I compiled just some of the blessings and wishes I got throughout the day, and I realized I am truly one fortunate girl. Be it a week, a year or five years, I’m grateful for all of my friends and extended family who took the moment to send annual congratulatory wishes via text, web, and/or phone call. Thank you!!

My first surprise was a box of donuts from Meagan; they arrived on my desk as soon as she walked in the door, and, although I did share, I have to say it was tough to decline eating every single one, in their delicious-looking state. Thank goodness for co-workers, hah.

Anyway, the second surprise came in the form of a text message from Joe telling me he’d left a work-related document in the backseat of the Murano. I went out to retrieve it, only to find a beautiful wooden decoration painted with my namesake verse, 1 Corinthians 13:13. [Yeah, for those of you just tuning in: I've since shortened my AKA to Cori, but post-adoption, I was given the name Corin, derived in this case from that exact verse, 1 Corinthians 13:13. Yenno, FYI.] In any sense, it’ll harmonize beautifully with the [Goodwill] frame I’d re-done with a picture of Joe and me.

For lunch, Diana treated me to my first visit to Peel, a relatively new but phenomenally delicious pizza dig in Edwardsville. With enough salad and pizza to fill up both us and a few takeout boxes, we headed back to the office. I’m certainly taking Joe there when we have the chance!

After work, I headed home with just enough time to change clothes before I was whisked back out the door for a double dinner date with Ryan & Stephanie Lopez at the Sushi Bar off 159. I’ll say this: that place definitely looks a little sketchy from the outside, but it is well worth the trip if you’re ever in the area. After dinner, we came back home with plans to watch a movie; of course Joe left me in charge of film selection, and as always, my answer: “Surprise me!” Well, he surprised me all right. He flipped on the T.V. and suggested we watch… maybe… Sportscenter?! Yeah, we have channels now, too! It’s been a long time since we’ve had satellite, and I’ve gotta say that while we were just fine without, it is a nice perk to have it.

That being said, it’s about time I call it a day. I had an excellent birthday, and for the time being, I’ll leave it at that and forget I’m inching my way closer to completing my third decade. We’ll cross that bridge when the time comes. Hah.

G’Nite!

xo | cmd

Santa-Jesus Tree Ornament?

Okay, so I thought I would throw this one out there because I’m still honestly a bit unsure as to how I feel about it.

tree ornament...

I found this the other day, in an obscure and unlikely place: buried in a bag beneath a pile of yarn, fabric samples, and various crochet hooks and knitting needles. I was rifling through to ensure I had a specific color I’ve already promised to someone’s Christmas present, and I happened to pull this from the bottom.

Here’s what we’ve got: Santa Claus, baby Jesus, and a sheep.

I get the symbolism of it all, and for what it’s worth, I respect the artisan whose initiative led him/her to bring its design to fruition. If I interpret this in terms of saying that Santa Claus represents the material heartbeat of what Christmas has become culturally, then I absolutely appreciate this moment of reverence, or.. call it what you will.

On the other hand, I just don’t think the story went quite… that… way, if you get my drift. I don’t know if I feel it’s sacrilegious, but for the sake of preserving the inherently pure nature of the Christmas story, there are probably some better options. 

Like I said, I’m still somewhat at war with myself over this little ornament. Our tree went up tonight without much fuss, but I’m holding off on this addition… for now.

I wonder what else I’ll find this week…

Oh, and I turn 27 tomorrow. Scary.

xo | cmd

Sick of Driving

I'm going to squeeze this in before I call it a night.

I am... so sick ... of driving.


gorilla bread | delicious addition!



This morning, we put final touches on the lunch plans at my parents' house with them, and my Aunt & Uncle from Shaker Heights. We ate, took some family portraits, and then wasted no time getting everything stacked like a road-trip version of tetris into the car for the haul back to Illinois. We're borrowing my parents' artificial Christmas tree this year, too, since they're coming to us for Christmas and don't really mind ditching the fuss of erecting the tree if nobody will be around to oooh and ahhh over it on Christmas anyway. That meant all our luggage plus Sydni squeezed into slots in the backseat for the trip home.

Simply because I am exhausted after our 9-hour car ride home. Plus, it's work tomorrow.

*Yawn. Enjoy. 

mom & aunt toni

joe & cori | ♥

dills & drennings | christmas card preview? ;)

 G'Nite!

xo | cmd

Sydni vs. Santa

We took a 50/50 chance on doing the whole Santa Claus thing with Sydni today.
It didn't go well. I wouldn't really say there was an upper hand on either side, let alone a winner.

We'll get back to that.

heavy sleepers!

Today was excellent. It began when I found my dad snuggled up next to his grand daughter in the twin bed that was originally mine as a teenager. I later realized that both Joe and I had slept straight through Sydni waking up in the middle of the night crying for Nana and Pappy. She knows better than to call for Mommy and Daddy, especially when we're visiting the grandparents. Haha. It was a cute little scene, and I know Sydni loves being spoiled rotten, so this was just perfect for her.

Once we were all up and moving, we headed up to Bellville -- no, not Belleville [IL], but Bellville Ohio -- for lunch at Toyer's Dutch Heritage. It's been quite a while since I've been to an Amish restaurant, but it took me back to my younger years when we used to go frequently. We survived the majority of the outing there without incident; Sydni had one minor meltdown that was cured by Daddy taking her out to the car for a little vent session after which she was just fine. The weather provided for the perfect experience, and so we took our time dining before heading back to Mt. Vernon for what would be a terrifc fail at visiting Santa.



we don't love santa... yet.



Once I hunt down the picture of me with Santa Claus when I was about Sydni's age, I will share that with the class, as I remember it being a near duplication of the scene we saw today [poor thing]. The snapshot of toddler me with random mall Santa showed Santa standing, holding what could only be described as a hysterically terrified child, flailing with a life-altering urgency to escape that jolly, bearded man and all of his holiday magnificence. Charming photograph, really. Looking at it almost strikes a sense of pity for the Santa, who I'm sure was persuaded by no less than a handful of parents like mine to 'just hold her for a second!' While we didn't instruct today's Santa to constrain Sydni for photography's sake, we guided her over to Mrs. Claus, who did her best to daintily detain my child while we made lightning-like attempts to capture the moment. It came out, as you can see, just bursting of magic and fluff...... or not.

We'll try it again next year.

We calmed both her and our nerves by venturing out into the rest of that shopping plaza and finding some other fun photo-friendly opportunities. One of my favorite pictures to date of Sydni was a product of today; I'm both proud of myself for seizing that moment and amazed at how much she changes, daily, it seems. I'll end on the note of sharing those shots with my fellow blogbots.

 

Tomorrow, we'll head back to the other Belleville. *Sigh.
Praying for travel mercies for all those heading back home after the holiday! :)

xo | cmd

Holidays at the Dren Lodge

nana's kitchen
teavana teapot & cups
hanging fruit baskets

Over the years, we've coined my parents' log home in Mt. Vernon the Dren Lodge. The primary reason of course being that it is a log home with a modern yet rustic appeal. It is not ... I repeat not a cabin, for all those out there that assume log homes and cabins are one and the same. Just sayin' .... 

rocking chairs on the porch



Joe, Sydni and I left from Cincinnati earlier today and made the short [3ish hour] drive up to Mount Vernon for the next leg of our Thanksgiving road trip. We arrived late afternoon, and immediately Miranda Lambert's song House that Built Me scrolled through my mind.

We pulled into the driveway and sat for a moment, thankful for another safe arrival, and stared up at the house in which I survived all my adolescent life events. My favorite dog is buried in the yard, and I did do homework and learn how to play guitar in my bedroom, which coincidentally is in the back of the house. For the time being, I pretend that nothing will ever change in the sense of my parents living there and us coming to visit. The smells of food cooking, potpourri drifting, and the natural aroma of the wooden carved walls and banisters isn't simply inviting, it's familiar. It's home for me. I went around taking pictures of some of the small details my mom is constantly updating to add to the whole picture. She does such an exquisite job of tying details to bring a room together, then tying rooms together to make a house into a home, and I admire her constant vigilance in maintaining such a cozy environment. 

of course, brought some knitting!

I'm sad to report that although my gorgeous sister Heidi and my nephew Jonathan did make it over for dinner, games, and half a movie, we didn't get to take photos. As has been the case over the past few years, every time I come back to the Dren Lodge, my allergies seem to get the best of me, and by night's end leave me with itchy, red, swollen eyes and a stuffy nose. I somehow survive each bout, but I was certainly in no shape to be photographed. Bummer. In any case, we had quite the feast; mom got ahold of some custom-cut turkey that she hugged around cranberry stuffing to transform the whole thing into a delicious stuffed turkey loaf, complete with sweet potatoes, green beans, and all the other trimmings you could hope to find at a country Thanksgiving table. Delicious. 

pappy & his grandkiddo



After dinner, we attempted to play a game that Mom found, and later plopped on the couch and surfed through channels until we found one of the Lord of the Rings movies that we muted in order to do voice-overs. This is a game that is definitely way more fun when you have someone else on the same brainwave, and also when the movie coincidentally pans out in real time to your new script. Heidi and I took full advantage of re-writing about 30 minutes of the movie before Sydni kidnapped the remote and changed the channel. We decided to call it a night, so Heidi and Jonathan scooted on out, and we're about to hit the hay after day 1 here at the Dren Lodge. Tomorrow, we're going out somewhere, which remains a mystery trip at the wishes of Mom & Dad. Allergies, allergies, please go awayyyyyy.

G'Nite!

xo | cmd

Give Thanks on Thanksgiving!!



happy thanksgiving! | *cupcake!

In the true spirit of Thanksgiving, I thought I would compile a list of the things or people for which/whom I am most thankful. Since it quickly blossomed into quite the lengthy thing, I shaved it down to the ones that stuck out in the front of my mind. This isn't to say I don't count myself blessed for each and every wonderful facet of my life, but for the sake of Thanksgiving, I will give thanks. Mmk??

Getting down to it:

.: My faith. I seriously doubt I would be who or where I am today without the faith I have in the Lord, my Savior. There was a point of my life in which I thought I really was capable of handling my life on my own terms without tearing the whole thing to shreds. I couldn't have been any further turned around than I was, and looking back, I'm thankful also for the times that tested me to my core. I know there was a plan, and I know that plan now is taking me to places and blessing me with things I couldn't have imagined. Taking that one step further, He has graced us with a church and a church family unlike any that I've ever had before. The fellowship we have with our Towerview family is incredible. Our Lord is responsible for the creation of our world, and yet He crafts my blessings one by one, specific to my needs. Hallelujah, I will praise Him!!

.: My family. When I say family, I realize the broad scope of the term, so I'll leave that to encompass my entire family. That starts with my incredible husband Joe and our daughter Sydni, without whom I would be lost in this world. They are my better halves? thirds, and they complete me in a way even I don't think I could begin to explain. It continues on then to our parents, our siblings, our nieces and nephews, our cousins, aunts, uncles, and everything in between, even on down to Bootsie, our dog. I look at the intricately woven mix of people in my family in particular [woo, adoption!], and I can't imagine my life any differently. I couldn't fathom anything less or more than the outstanding, unique group of people that comprise my [our] family tree.  I love you all, so very much.

.: My friends. Some are young, and some are gettin' up there ;), but when it's all said and done, there are a few who I believe are truly indispensable. To highlight just a few - my best friend, Kalyn, who lives right around 1,525 miles away from me, is probably the only other girl I've ever met that is truly on my level in just about everything. She is certainly a kindred soul, and I surely wouldn't trade our friendship for the world. I miss you, KP!! I also don't think this year would've been quite the same without our big vow renewal ceremony back in September, and I wouldn't have thought twice to ask anyone other than the girls I did: Jennifer, Laney, and Brittany - you girls are inspiring in your own specific ways and I admire the qualities you have that make us such good friends. [Cynthia and Maricor, my other two bridesmaids, are part of my family, but don't you dare feel left out! Hah.]  Happy Thanksgiving, to all of my dear friends; I hold you close to my heart and I truly do value how you've marked my life!



turkey!



.: My job. It sounds silly, but the sole mission of my job is to find work for other people, and to supply qualified employees for clients in need. On a daily basis, we hear story after story of people whose lives were smooth sailing until employment went sour and the bottom fell out from underneath their feet. Some deserved to lose their positions, yes, but others just couldn't control the economy and were consequently left behind in the wake of recession waves. I feel for all of these folks, especially during holiday seasons. There is such a reward in what we do when we've done it right and matched up the best people with jobs in which they'll excel. On top of that, our boss[es] gave us each a turkey as a Thanksgiving present this year - so thoughtful! :)

.: My life. Vague again, I know, but I'll allow this one to be somewhat all-encompassing as well. To keep it simple, I categorized my life's blessings and boiled it down as best I could. Our family and friends, jobs, housing, transportation, health, and salvation are the elements upon which we find ourselves building a life as individuals, as a couple, as parents, and as a family. Sure, I'm still human with human emotions, mistakes, and faults. There are ups and there are definitely downs, but even in the seemingly endless, intolerable times, I am still blessed with the wealth of what is actually a beautiful life. It's not perfect, but if it were anything other than what it is now, it wouldn't be mine.

SO, with just a glimpse at my blessings, I will let that be and get on to our Thanksgiving celebration with Joe's family here in Cincinnati. Earlier this morning, Joe went and played football with the old Milford HS guys that annually get together on Thanksgiving and make an event of it. Now he's back here resting up, and I really should get to making this dessert for his family's get together. I cannot wait to see them.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

xo | cmd

Constant Comment

It's FREDNESDAY!!

Pardon me for taking it upon myself to create a new day. Frednesday is the leap year child of Wednesday and Friday that happens when Wednesday takes the place of Friday in the work week cycle and is therefore the last work day of the week.

Erego, Frednesday.


constant comment | ♥

 We left work at noon today, and so before I get to packing up all our gear for the long haul back to Ohio, I thought I'd take a moment to thank Nancy for tuning me in to Constant Comment, a tea with which I have now fallen in love, thanks to Nanc. I'd never heard of it before I started working here, not to say that it wasn't readily available at Kroger's back home; I just never tried it. I have to say it's a welcome change in my routine green tea cycle [of which I owe thanks to Michael Moreno... ].

Well, like I said, I've got a lot to do to get ready for this evening. I suppose we'll bid the blog adieu until tomorrow.

See you in Ohio!

xo | cmd

Gearing Up for Christmas!

Well, we've started in a little early on our Christmas prep for this season at work.

I have a personal rule of thumb that I refuse to listen to Christmas music before my birthday. That's primarily because radio stations start jingling and joy'ing practically on Halloween's heels, so by the time Christmas actually rolls around, I want absolutely nothing to do with singing about roasted chestnuts and mistletoe.

SO, in a roundabout way, in a completely out-of-suit decision, I hopped on the Express pre-Christmas task of toting out the stored decorations and lending a hand to create some neat little festive scenery in our office. On behalf of us here at the office, we'd also like to celebrate Meagan's first year of being able to reach the top of a Christmas tree. This is gonna be a good season, ya'll ;)

Oh, and to top off the cheer, I came home to find my husband trotting around with a roaring cowgirl perched on his back. I'll tell you, there's one thing that is certainly more adorable than a man in uniform: it's that man, in uniform, crawling around the room on his hands and knees to play with his baby. Love love love love.

Upcoming this weekend:

Turkey, stuffing, sweet potato bakes, green beans, more turkey, more stuffing, and of course... family!!

We've got one more half day before a much-anticipated, travel-packed, long holiday weekend. I'm so excited!

xo | cmd

Dumpster Diving with Diana

I have absolutely no problem openly discussing my indubitable obsession with thrift shopping. There's a certain subtle thrill that, though unspoken, is very alive whenever I acquire something fun for a fraction of what it would retail. In terms of consumerism, I pride myself on exercising discretionary spending without sacrificing in any one-or-the-other ultimatum. I am all about resale shops, yard sales, and hand-me-downs. When it boils down to it, really, I apparently am open to any form of transferring noteworthy items into my life.

Case & Point:

BEHOLD : The dumpster that resides in the corner of our parking lot at work. It's responsible for all discards from the 7-8 small businesses that share with us in our little plaza. I've made numerous trips across the lot to toss our trash and never stopped to think twice...

... until today.

My work day begins at 8am, so there I am getting settled in for the day when our co-owner breezes through the door telling me to grab my coat and follow. [Ooookay?] Well, as it turned out, Diana had taken our trash out and spotted a cabinet of some sort, disassembled and left for disposal. If you're wondering if we retrieved it, the answer is YES, OF COURSE WE DID.

I should start a bucket list. On that list I should scribe and check off :

√ Dumpster dive with employer

Fast forward to after we'd loaded this sucker, in pieces, into the back of my Murano and I ended up with it now sitting out, ready for me to attempt re-assembly. I have no screws or nails, and even less of an idea of what or how this thing goes together. This should be interesting. If all else fails, I'm scrapping parts and recycling them somehow. I'll keep you posted on my success [or potential lack thereof].

At any rate, I dedicate today to my boss, the wonderful up-and-coming dumpster diver. She thoroughly impressed me today with her instant initiative and quick response time in spotting and hauling out what we both hope to be a nicely-revived piece of furniture.

Welp, that's about all the excitement I could handle for one day. :)

Short work week, here we come!

xo | cmd

PIE!

Towerview Pie Social

Again, I surround myself with common company: food lovers.



one for you, one for us ...

In the spirit of the approaching holidays, Towerview organized a pie social to act as our Sunday evening fellowship for today. Not a bad decision. I decided on the ever habitual blueberry-cherry recipe I inherited from my mom.

Long story short, there was enough sugar to sustain us all for an hour of Trivial Pursuit questions, fellowship, and then choir practice. No qualms there.

We are about to cram five days worth of work into three work days in efforts to be outta there a couple hours before closing time. I know Wednesday evening will be here before I know it and we'll be headin' back to Ohio to see our families. I can't wait :)

All right, Monday, I'm ready for you!

xo | cmd

A Birthday + Toddlers & Laser Pointers

I thought I should share this. Excuse the dim lighting and less-than-suitable film quality.... oh, and the fact that you have to watch this sideways. It was actually pretty funny watching her obsess over this little laser pointer we had originally bought for my cat, and Joe got a huge kick out of teasing her with it.

These are things we love doing on Saturdays ;)




mvhs graduation, circa 2003 | sheff 2010
'then & now'



Additionally, I love birthdays of all sizes and digits; today is no exception. Happy 27th to one of my closest friends from high school who continues to stay exactly 10 days older than I, of which I again remind him for no other reason than just to give him a hard time. I couldn't tell you how much random, unlikely calamity this guy attracted while we were trying to survive high school. I'll just say, Blue Jeep and Corn Rows to jog some memories there. Ha :). I miss this guy, but hopefully will see him soon if we're ever back in Ohio at the same time.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Clark!!

xo | cmd

401 Friday!

This won't mean anything to most of you, but it matters to me, and since this is my blog, I have the beautiful liberty of sharing this with any wandering eyes.

I dropped hints earlier in the week of a quota of 500 that my two colleagues and I were given to reach by Wednesday of next week. I'm happy to say that we finished today at a whopping 401!

Don't you worry.... Nancy, Meagan, and Cori are bustin' outta dodge at 3pm sharp next Wednesday. Mark my words, it'll happen ;)

P.S. - Like that sunset? I did. It was absolutely stellar.
Enjoy.

Happy weekend!!

xo | cmd

[Real Life] Care Bears

Let me preface this by saying that I have a 2-year-old daughter who I personally hold responsible for the childlike things of late. I don't think I need to explain to anyone how the presence of a child or children drastically alters a household's inventory; ours seems to be most dramatically affected by new additions to our DVD collection.

Among the characters that now sit on our bookshelf are the Care Bears. Remember those? I'm trying to meet halfway on the kiddie stuff here, although I realize it's probably going to take me outside of my zone. By that, I mean that I'm completely cool with stocking up on the cartoons we watched as kids, just because I was so fond of them. I'm beginning to coax myself on remaining objective with the newer cartoons and kid-friendly personalities. I already know I'm going to have my hands full, and I take comfort in the fact that I know I won't be alone; Joe and I can't possibly be the only two parents out there leary of the exposure that kids today will have to elements strange to even my generation. It's sad, but it's true.

I'm rabbit trailing.
Back on point: Care Bears.

Today, I interviewed a gentleman that reminded me of Grumpy Bear. We'll call him Teddy, both for privacy purposes and for ironic qualities [take a second, if you don't get that]. No, he wasn't furry and blue, but he sure did have a scowl tattooed on his face for the majority of the interview. Teddy's immediate vibe was sheer negativity, and afterwards, he left me behind in the office trying to recover from what was likely the most brutal interview I've ever done. I personally find it peculiar that a person lacking employment would be so openly pessimistic on an interview for employment, but apparently there is a whole new side of first impressions that are just waiting in the wings to attack a good morning. In any sense, Teddy didn't succeed in ruining my day, but it was an experience worth noting if for no other reason than to appreciate the more warming moments of my day. So, for all the Teddy's out there, even if that's you today, pick your chin up and relax your brow; it will get better. :)

+++

Lastly, on a note related only by association, I found something fun while I was searching for an image of the grumpy Care Bear:

Adult costumed Care Bears.
Now WHY on earth did we not think of this for the Run Like Hell back in October last year? Granted, we went as Pac Man, which, looking back now, I don't think I would've changed it. I guess what I'm saying here is that I'm thoroughly impressed by the effort of this group here and if/when my next costumed 5k surfaces, I'm dragging some friends down with me and we're heading to Care-A-Lot. If you don't know where that is, you'll have to look it up, because I'm gonna save face and pretend like I didn't just remember that from one of the movies we have at home.

Until tomorrow....

xo | cmd

Express Eats

It dawned on me today that I've been surrounding myself for the majority of my life with people who like to eat. It's a pretty frank concept, but either way, I can't recall a time during which I ever preferred the company of food-shy friends or family.

So, naturally, I would find myself working alongside bosses who, prior to their Express ventures, had delved into the entrepreneurship of owning an Italian restaurant. My colleague who doubles as my knitting resource is forever trying to fatten us with baked goods that are out of this world, and my other office mate is from the south; As a former resident of Alabama, I can vouch that southerners can cook.

EREGO:

Every other Wednesday, our office dedicates our normal lunch hour to what we call a Lunch & Learn, during which we chow down and discuss ways to operate more efficiently, productively, and proactively.

We've experimented with a variety of different settings, agendas, and exercises, but one constant we've noticed is that the best ideas surface when they're drawn out by food.

To say that the way to our productivity is often through edible bribes is probably true.

Hello hashbrown bake, artichoke bread, cheesecake squares, Asian coleslaw, and two chickens. Note also the very festive, very matching table decorations provided by the First Lady of our office, Diana.

You can't go wrong on an Express buffet day.

I told you this week was gonna be pretty good.
I'll keep my fingers crossed for the rest of it!

xo | cmd

Scarf Spoiler Alert!

Okay, okay, okay.
I think I'm developing a problem.
A knitting problem.

Last night, I started in on a little somethin' that is going to eventually be a Christmas pressent for a certain best friend of mine that may or may not live in Phoenix. I was at war with myself for about an hour or so over whether or not to post what progress I've made thus far, but I can't help it. I'm so excited that my knitting has taken itself from complete, utter confusion to a level worthy of gifting. Who knew?

SO, without further adieu:

Voilà!

Haaaaa.... Gotcha.

Really? You thought I'd actually spoil the fun?

-- I really do have nearly a foot of knitting complete for this, but I wouldn't dare show off more than what Kalyn's *ahem* anonymous best friend has already seen. :)

Anyway, I'm feeling pretty good about this week. We got a challenge from our management yesterday that if we hit a quota of 500 for a certain task we do here, we'll be heading out for the Thanksgiving holiday a few hours early.

Well, you'd better believe we'll be leavin' early ;)

xo | cmd

Marvelous Monday

So long, Monday!



happy bday brittany!

 First off - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!! to my best friend's sister, and one of my bridesmaids, Brittany :). I hope it's a perfect birthday! ♥
If there's a tougher girl out there than Brittany, she surely can't beat her by much. She may be beautiful [always!], but this chick survived hitting a tree a few years back during a ski outing and I must say, I wouldn't have wished that surgery/recovery process on anyone. I'm glad to call her a friend and hopefully today is as cool as she [and Miss Maddie, pictured]!

I felt rather accomplished, for the most part, at the closing of this Monday.

- My most recent knitting project made its debut today and not only served its purpose, but held up through all the hustle and bustle of Mondays at the office. I'm starting to feel some solidity under my feet when it comes to handling the basics of knitting. I'd like to think that, after some more practice, I can branch out to some more complicated endeavors: socks, beanies, and looms are my first three targets. I'm at a good pace, so far.

- Secondly, we did Salmon tonight, which is one of my favorites for both its taste and nutritional value. I always feel a swelling pride when I watch Sydni eat stuff like this; she obviously doesn't realize the idea behind healthy eating, but I sure do, and I sleep better at night knowing my mini is getting the right kind of fuel. :)

All in all, it's not been a bad start to the week, by any stretch.

Let's see how the rest of it pans out!

xo | cmd

Barbie Birthday Bash

Whoaaaa, pink.

I guess I should get used to it, since I do have a daughter, and that daughter has seen at least 15 of the Barbie movies. I'm still struggling to relate, because, while I do remember having Barbies as a kid, I don't remember ever being obsessed with the girly, frilly, pink side of that twiggish Blonde's lifestyle. I know that there's a case of dolls stashed somewhere at my parents' house that serve as remnants of that period of my life; most if not all of them have short hair, because I thought it looked better. I was certainly wrong there, but I hated brushing them all the time, so I dissolved the issue altogether by giving them all bobs.

Anyway, today I was catapulted back to the days of dreamhouses and battery-operated horses that were among the artillery of accessories, friends, add-ons, etc. for Barbie. Joe's niece Katie turns 6 this week, and in honor of the big day, Joe's sister threw her a Barbie-themed birthday bash. All joking aside, it was a great set-up, complete from the matching tablecloth, plates, napkins, cups, and party favors to the quite large, quite delicious, quite pink birthday cake. [[Very nicely done, Nicki - I know that took some work to put everything together, but it looked great!]]

Basically, Katie was blessed with all kinds of Barbie gear, and all the kids spent at least five minutes stuffing their faces full of cake and licking pink icing off their fingers. It was certainly a good time all around, and even nicer to spend some quality time with Joe's family.



happy birthday, katie!

Not only did we see Joe's family, my parents made it down this morning to join us for church and lunch out. It still amazes me that they drive 3 hours to spend 4 with us, then head back, but then again, I think about Sydni and when that point comes, I'm sure we'll be in that same position and the distance won't matter. I love seeing them and Sydni makes it a point that her Nana, her Pappy, and her Mamaw are her favorites.

Now it's en route back to the dreamland *Belleville??* and to the regularly-scheduled work week that awaits us.

Til then.....

xo | cmd

Mr. & Mrs. Miller!!

SHE DID IT!

Congratulations, a thousand times over, to my beautiful friend Kim and her new husband, Daniel. She's American, he's British, and the whole ordeal was absolutely perfect. I love weddings as it is, but it's a whole different experience when it's one of your good friends and you feel like you can't express just how truly happy you are for them. Plus, there's something special to be said about a girl who hand-writes notes for the place settings of each and every single one of her wedding guests.

our gift to her | her gift to me

st. patty's day 07 | catie's 23rd bday | clearchannel christmas party
|| kim & dan's wedding!!! ||

This was also a very special night for me because I finally was able to see and catch up with another dear girlfriend of mine that I haven't seen in quite a while. Catie, I love you and it was just as I thought it would be to see you and Kim and cut loose just like the three of us used to so often. I miss it, but tonight was a great refresher!  

Kim, I wish you and Dan the most literal happiness and genuine prosperity as this next chapter unfolds itself. I regret that we live so far apart, but I consider it a blessing to still call you a friend. Thank you for having me share in your celebration. Have FUN in China!!

Tomorrow, my parents will be here, and we'll also get to see Joe's niece Katie for her big 6th birthday party. Hard to believe!

G'Nite!

xo | cmd

11.11.11



at work. exhilirating, i know. : /

What a binary day ;)

[[I had to, sorry.]]

So today's 11-11-[20]11, which is pretty darn cool if it's your birthday.
For little Lillian Andrako, today's that day, which is especially neat since it's her actual day OF birth...

baby lillian & proud mommy andrea



That being said, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! to my cousin Andrea & her newest [[beautiful]] addition!

Daddy and big brother Thomas are definitely included in that congratulatory note; we are so thrilled for you!!

Next on the list of great marks for today:
It's Veteran's Day.

Although we're not technically a veteran family yet, I see the impact that my husband's job has on the military's overall mission. I see the enormous amount of reverence that eminates from families of veterans. Then I see veterans themselves, and occasionally, if we're within sitting distance, I see the looks on the faces of the older ones when people start talking about a time or era that strikes that chord with them. It's a bittersweet expression: sweet because they know that their goal of serving their country was accomplished, but bitter because even though their lives may be in a later season, their sense of awareness is dangerously acute in regards to the sacrifice it takes to maintain our freedoms. I'm just me, just one person, just Cori, but from the very bottom of my heart I'm extending my sincerest gratitude for the service of the men and women who chose the road of service and dedicated all they had to the cause. We are in your debt. Thank You.

Lastly,
we are heading home here within the next few hours, basically as soon as Joe gets home from work. I'm hoping he'll breeze through the door any second now, but if we hit the road before 11pm, I'll still be satisfied. Kim's getting married tomorrow. Weird. Exciting. I can't believe it's happening, but I can't friggin' wait, either.

I'm gonna go finish packing some stuff :)
Happy BIRTH[day], Lillian!
& Happy Veterans Day!!

xo | cmd