Merry Christmas

I love Christmas, as you may know. And this year was just a fun as always, if not a little different. The eve of Christmas was the food and family fest it usually is, this year with 4 wee little ones. The Fashionista was the queen of the roost at 3 and 3/4 while little bro Wammy and cousins G, & E happily were snuggled and cooed over in between plates of baccala salad, cured meats and cheeses, penne vodka and cavatelli with broccoli.

The biggest twist to my holiday was not sleeping at my parents. Santa was going to be bringing gifts to the Big Sister's house, so Grandma, Grandpa, me and the hubby had our visions of sugarplums in the new house. But in the morning, The Fashionista came grumbling out of bed and we all gathered under the tree to see what Santa though of our behavior for the year.

IMG_2322.JPG, originally uploaded by gfiorillo.

Well, we all must have been very good cause the presents were piled high. A trampoline, kitchen and tons of books for the Fashionista, lots of Buffy and Clapton for me, the hubby will be anti-social for days with his new DVD collection, a new phone for grandma, and indoor garden for grandpa, and even some toys for fuzzy ones that were waiting at home for us.

IMG_2408.JPG, originally uploaded by gfiorillo.

And the best part, staying in my jammies all day, even driving home in them and then spending the rest of the day with all our new toys!

Christmas Edition of Getting to Know Your Friends.

I heart Christmas. (And not just cause it is the second holy day in GiJaKiKa - our month long celebration of birthdays, anniversaries and holidays).

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Paper, I love wrapping presents and using ribbons to make them all pretty

2. Real or fake tree? Real, and the Her-chick's and I cut it down every year!

3. When do you put up the tree? About a week or two before my party.

4. When do you take the tree down? When the needles have all fallen off and J finally yells at me to get rid of it.

5. Do you like eggnog? Yes, and one day I will actually make it myself.

6. Favorite gift received as a child? So many...I do remember a book about teddy bears that went everywhere with me for a while

7. Do you have a nativity scene? No, but one day I will inheret my mom's lenox set.

8. Hardest person to buy for? Mom, sometimes J.

9. Easiest person to buy for? Dad - he likes lots of stuff

10. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? hmmmm - none I'm willing to say in publis

11. Mail or email Christmas cards? mail, and usually late.

12. Favorite Christmas Movie? The Ref - is that wrong.

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? About 2 weeks before.

14.Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Does work grab bag present count?

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? Cookies... chocolate chip ones made by my wife.

17. Favorite Christmas song? Digging "Papa Noel" this year, but will always love "have yourself a merry little christmas"

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? usually home, but now with the hubby we may have to make a trip to MA one of these year.

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers? Yes.

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Star

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Both - eve with the exteneded family, morning with parents/sister.

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year? no snow

23. What I love most about Christmas? Really enjoying my family, the food, the friends and hopefully some nice cold snow.

8 Things

I have been tagged by Smelmooo to write about certain topics in blocks of 8. It took me a while, but here goes.

8 passions in my life
Hubby
Cooking
Ceramics
Eric Clapton
Buffy
My friends
My camera
My cats

8 things to do before I die:
Buy a house
Go to Ireland
Go to Australia
Own a dog
Learn to make a crown roast
Learn more lighting techniques
Go to a formal New Years Party and dress up
Sleep in a castle

8 things I often say
Whatever
Huh
I love you
Can I have the remote?
Dinner's ready
I'm on the ferry
What should I make for dinner?
How's Tia?

8 Books I read recently
Christopher Moore - The Christmas Angel
Christopher Moore - Dirty Jobs
Christopher Moore - Lust Lizard of Melancholy Cove
Christopher Moore - Bloodsucking Fiends
Laura Pederson - The Big Shuffle
Arturo Perez-Revere-the Nautical Chart
Light: Science and Magic III Edition
Steven Sherrill - The Minotaur takes a Ciggarette Break

8 songs that mean something to me
You're all I need to get by - Aretha Franklin
Happy Birthday (diner version)
Sweet Caroline - Neil Diamond
Groove is in the Heart - DeeLite
Running on Faith - Eric Clapton
Galileo - Indigo Girls
Bell Bottom Blues - Eric Clapton
Gina - Blues Traveler


8 Qualities I look for in a friend
Trust
Big Heart
Funny
Loyal
Wacky side
Inspirational
Good Listener
Willing to put me in my place


8 people who I'm passing this on to
No passing along, cause Smelmoo tagged everyone I know. So if you feel like trying, just drop me a comment so I can see what you think.

Love this show

Oh my goodness. If you don't get bbc, get it now. Cause otherwise you will not have a chance to see the Graham Norton Show. The Brits, only the brits could do this. by the way, the fact that they had to bleep out "boob" but left in sh**, makes me smile.

I can't even explain what is happening on the tv right now. Women grabbing women, being completely irreverent, someone just got their hand stuck under the boob. And now, it's not sexual at all, just a show about fitting women and their body types so they can buy clothes.

Back Home...

My latest trip took me south of the boder for a week in Puebla, Mexico. (Sometimes I hade my job). Work was work, but amongst the meetings and lectures there were some amazing chances to experience a spectacular culture.

Now, I'm not someone who LOVES Poblano cuisine, but I'm always willing to try it. AND since this trip didn't involve me getting a cold, or a sinus infection or any gastro-intestinal distress (yes, I stayed away from the water), I was able to experience it all if a full taste bud way.

As far as the food went, I had many things expected: tortillas, chile sauce, queso, brothy soups and lots of pumkin seeds. Mole Poblano, the signature dish of the region was served on the final lunch and was delicious. Unexpected tastes included a thin and watery frothy chocolate drink and some grasshoppers.



As for the culture, we had a Mariachi band perform at almost every meal, a 30 piece band play while we had dinner in the Museo de Arte and were blessed with the only public performace of an Aztec Ritual on the steps of a convent that was built near the old revered pyramid in Cholula.


And now I'm back home, and after a few days of hubby working 20 hour days we spent the weekend together, getting together with some old friends, and really old friends, and truly enjoying the fall.

Photo Friday: Wholesome

A Day In the country, originally uploaded by gfiorillo.

American Heritage Dictionary
whole·some (hōl'səm) adj. whole·som·er, whole·som·est
1. Conducive to sound health or well-being; salutary: simple, wholesome food; a wholesome climate.
2. Promoting mental, moral, or social health: wholesome entertainment.
3. Sound; healthy. See Synonyms at healthy.

Took this picture at my last trip to California. Me and da boss spent the afternoon at a great picnic, and ended the day with some watermelon.

Zicam is my friend

oh boy, my sister suggested I use the zicam nasal spray to help my congestion. And wow. I've been able to breathe for 3 whole hours already. Never a fan of nasal sprays, I'm quite impressed. Of course, my head is aching but I can lie down and not have to sound like darth vader now. Cool.

Bored on a Sick Day

Home sick, so I wanted to blog, but have no thought process since the congestion is hurting my brain. So I pulled out an old "about me" think - read on, if you care.

1. NAME ONE OF YOUR SCARS, HOW DID YOU GET IT ?
I have a chicken pox scar above my eyebrow. Other than that, not many scars.

2. WHAT IS ON THE WALLS IN YOUR ROOM?
Which one? I have lots of pictures that I took of trees in the dining room, living room mostly bookcases and bedroom a lovely print by Paul Klee.

3. WHAT DOES YOUR CELL PHONE LOOK LIKE?
Little Red Thing

4. WHAT MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO?
all sorts of stuff, recently been listening to a lot of blues, just got a new Michelle Shocked, trollling itunes for random interesting music.

5. WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT DESKTOP PICTURE?
Home: picture of a tree frog from my honeymoon; work:either the gsp gang from the wedding or plain - cant remember if I reuploaded after a crash.

6. WHAT DO YOU WANT MORE THAN ANYTHING RIGHT NOW?
To not have a cold!!!!

7. WHAT DO YOU MISS?
Breathing through my nose. And my friends I don't see cause I live far away.

8. WHAT TIME WERE YOU BORN?
11 am, I think.

9. WHAT DOES YOUR DAD DO FOR A LIVING?
Now, real estate. and is the best daddy.

10 WHAT ENDED YOUR LAST RELATIONSHIP?
Don't remember, don't care

11. DO YOU GET SCARED IN THE DARK?
Nope

12. THE LAST PERSON TO MAKE YOU CRY?
Well, technically I guess it would be me, but lets just say that stress, work and life had a little to do with it

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE COLOGNE / PERFUME?
Don't really have a favorite...I'm wearing Pink Pepper mostly lately.

14. WHAT KIND OF HAIR/EYE COLOR DO YOU LIKE ON THE OPPOSITE/SAME SEX
Depends on my mood - don't really have a preference

15. DO YOU LIKE PAINKILLERS?
To help end pain, yes. But I'm allergic to Ibuprofin.

16. COFFEE OR ENERGY DRINKS?
Allergy to caffine....

17. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PIZZA TOPPING?
lots of tomato sauce, little cheese (margharita style). Broccoli and spinach when looking for the healthy route, pepperoni when not so healthy.

18. IF YOU CAN EAT ANYTHING RIGHT NOW, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Totally have had a craving for fried chicken lately. Of course right now I don't really have an appetite, damn cold.

19. WHO IS THE LAST PERSON YOU MADE MAD?
Who knows, I'm a cold-hearted bitch.

20. DO YOU SPEAK ANOTHER LANGUAGE?
Can ask for a beer in German and read a menu in Italian, but I'm learning more Italian on the job.

21. WHAT WAS THE FIRST GIFT SOMEONE EVER GAVE YOU?
No idea, can't remember gifts from 5 years ago - how am I supposed to remember from 30.

22. DO U LIKE SOMEONE?
Lots.

23. ARE YOU DOUBLE JOINTED?
No.

24. FAVORITE CLOTHING BRAND?
No preference, and since work is pretty casual my jeans have been getting a workout. Although I love j.jill but most of their stuff doesn't actually work for me - too curvy

25. WHAT'S YOUR DREAM CAR?
Love the mini coopers. but love my saturn too.

27. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF MARRIAGE?
Warming up to the concept.

28. WOULD YOU FALL IN LOVE KNOWING THAT THE PERSON IS LEAVING?
I've always said you can't help who you fall in love with, so you really have no control.

29. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO TELL SOMEONE HOW MUCH THEY MEAN TO YOU?
Say it, show it, just be there for them and listen when needed.

30. SAY A NUMBER FROM ONE TO A HUNDRED :
27 is my favorite number.

31. BLONDES OR BRUNETTES?
Brunettes.

32. WHO IS THE ONE PERSON YOU CALL OFTEN?
Jack, or my parents - probably tied.

33. WHAT ANNOYS YOU MOST?
Wasting time.

34. HAVE YOU BEEN OUT OF THE U.S.?
Canada and Italy, heading to Mexico soon.

35. YOUR WEAKNESSES?
Mint Chip ice cream, potato chips, bad sci-fi and some others that I'm sure friends would point out.

36. WHAT WAS THE LAST GIFT YOU RECIEVED?
My mom replaced my Garmin since mine was stolen.

37. FIRST JOB?
Union Music School, teachers aid then dance teacher....

38. EVER DONE A PRANK CALL?
I was a teenager once....what do you think.

39. WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE YOU FILLED OUT THIS?
Sleeping in a sudafed induced coma.

40. IF YOU COULD' GET PLASTIC SURGERY WHAT WOULD IT BE?
not really interested - but losing some boobs wouldn't be bad - I'd love to wear a tank top without major rigging.

41. HOW MANY TIMES HAVE YOU BEEN IN LOVE?
lots, including Robert Capko in the 3rd grade.

42. WHAT DO YOU GET COMPLIMENTED ABOUT MOST?
Don't know - probably my pottery, lately my photographs

43. WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF ALCOHOL BECAME ILLEGAL?
Be sad, I would miss my wine.

44. WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR YOUR BIRTHDAY?
Practical: new 180GB internal hard drive & OS upgrade
Not Practical: A blizzard and white christmas!

45. HOW MANY KIDS DO YOU WANT?
Not ready for this question, but maybe one or two.

46. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
My parents just liked the name

47. DO YOU WISH ON STARS?
Occasionally.

48. WHICH FINGER[S] IS YOUR FAVORITE?
Don't like any of them - short and stubby.

49. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY?
yesterday.

50. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
Never really thought about it, but it's ok I guess.

51. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Depending on my mood - roast beef and cheddar with horseradish mayo is pretty good, but when I'm sad and needing comfort food bologna and american on white makes me happy.

52. ANY BAD HABITS?
Yes. And I'm not sharing.

53. WHAT IS YOUR MOST EMBARRASSING CD ON THE SHELF?
Some Michael Bolton.

54. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
I think so, I'm pretty friendly and nice.

55. HAVE YOU EVER TOLD A SECRET YOU SWORE NOT TO TELL?
Not that I can remember.

56. DO LOOKS MATTER?
In a way - do little things make a difference, no, but there are broad levels that can help give "clues" to what's in store generally.

57. HOW DO YOU RELEASE YOUR ANGER?
Bubble baths, cooking and singing - but lately my commute and job leaves me unable to do most of those, so venting to the hubby has become more common.

58. WHERE IS YOUR SECOND HOME?
In Staten Island (my first home is still in Union with my family)

59. DO YOU TRUST OTHERS EASILY?
I always give people the benefit of the doubt, unfortunately

60. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE TOY AS A CHILD?
My teddy. Plus legos.

61. HOW MANY NUMBERS ARE IN YOUR CELL PHONe?
about 30 I think

62. DO YOU USE SARCASM?
Only when well deserved.

64. HAVE YOU EVER BEEN IN A MOSH PIT?
Yes, but unwillingly.

65. WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A GUY/GIRL?
Someone who makes me laugh and understands me. And someone who appreciates my quirks, and someone who is kind, caring and good. Not too much to ask for.

66. WHAT ARE YOUR NICKNAMES?
G, Mickey - not really a nickname gal.

67.WHAT IS THE MOST PAIN YOU HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED?
Emotionally: Losing a loved one. Physically: Wisdom Teeth

68. DO YOU UN-TIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Yes, otherwise I can't get them off.

69.WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU SPILLED?
Some tea yesterday

70. WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR?
Did I mention Mint Chip. Oh and there's this violet chocolate chip that I had in New Hope one summer that was amazing. And the Bent Spoon in Princeton - mmmmm Basil, or Blood Orange, or marscapone....ooooh, bent spoon!

71. WHAT'S THE LAST FURRY THING YOU TOUCHED?
Max, waking me up, me tossing him off the couch

72. WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE COLORS?
Like Green, big fan of browns and orange - pretty much earth tones and dark colors. No pastels for me.

73. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE BAND?
Mr. Clapton rules. And I like Deborah Conway, Michael Buckley, Indigo Girls, Paula Cole, Kane, Allman Brothers and lots of others.

74. HOW MANY WISDOM TEETH DO YOU HAVE?
Two still, but they might need to come out.

75. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS?
It would be nice to see some, but it' long.

76. WHO ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
TV's on - Stargate SG1

77. LAST THING YOU ATE?
Some illegal raw milk cheese (illegal to sell, not illegal to eat)

78. LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My dad, cause I'm sick and need pampering - and was out of chicken soup.

79. WHATS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ON THE OPPOSITE/SAME SEX?
Eyes.

80. FAVORITE THOUGHT PROVOKING SONG:
there's no favorite - all mood based.

81. FAVORITE THING TO HATE:
Don't really hate much.

82. FAVORITE DRINK:
Boozy: the Bees Knees is my new favorite drink.
Non-Boozy: Water, or root beer soda for a treat.

83. FAVORITE ZODIAC SIGN
Don't really have one.

84. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPORT?
Don't really have one, although I like swiming, diving and watching ice skating.

85. WHAT IS YOUR HAIR COLOR?
Brown.

86. EYE COLOR?
Brown.

87. DO YOU WEAR GLASSES?
Yes, and I like them.

88. SIBLINGS?
One sister, and one "sister"

89. FAVORITE MONTH?
December - my birthday, christmas, snow and lots and lots of family, what more can a girl want.

90. DO YOU LIKE SUSHI?
Not really true sushi, but california rolls are ok.

91. LAST THING YOU WATCHED?
Slept through a few Law & Orders today, last thing I was awake to watch was the pilot of Pushing Daisies - love DVR

92. Favorite Day of the Year?
December 20.

93. ARE YOU TOO SHY TO ASK SOMEONE OUT?
Yes, but i did ask out J.

94. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Winter all the way - but Fall is even better.

95. KISSES OR HUGS?
All of the above.

96. RELATIONSHIPS OR ONE NIGHT STANDS?
Now, relationships but one night stand (or flings) have a place too.

97. WHO IS THE MOST LIKELY TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS?
Well, K already did, so maybe B.

98. WHO IS THE LEAST LIKELY TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS?
Most people.

99. Biggest Fear?
Global Warming.

100. IS ANYONE IN LOVE WITH YOU?
My hubby.

Weekend Pleasures

Camping Harriman, originally uploaded by gfiorillo.

Happy Anniversary Chris & Jenna! Ah, the fond memories of your wedding....none that will be published here.

Thanks for inviting us to the camping fun. And as a friend used to do, here's a list of happy things from the weekend.

Spending 3 days in the woods with lots of fun people
Getting lost (ahem - lazy) on the Irish Potato Trail and having the Rangers come rescue us
Two words - Campfire Chili
Hanging out with Ranger Lou
Going through 4 kegs of "O'Douls"
Lauging so hard the whole weekend, my stomach hurt on Monday
Cocktail Hour snacks
Jenna uttering the words Chris has been waiting a year to hear "I have beer in my *****". Happy Anniversary

And many more happy things that I can't remember due to the amount of grape juice I had.

Photo Friday: Beach

Summer Days, originally uploaded by gfiorillo.

A few years ago, we went camping to celebrate a friends birthday. It was a great weekend, with lots of fun to be had and even spend some time at the beach.

Things that make me....

Inspired: A really great board meeting in the agricultural haven of California. Go Team!
Pissed off: Realizing someone smashed the window of my car, just to steal the Garmin
Full: Eating way too much delicous food at the board meeting in California
Determined: Looking at my to do list and saying "yes I can"
Tired: Getting woken up by a small fuzzy named Max
Bummed out: Finding out they stopped airing Buffy reruns at 7:00 am so that I now cant get my woman power inspiration daily
Chilly: checking the weather for my trip to Madison - 57 degrees baby!
Content: Having dinner with my hubby, admist a crazy travel month
Old Fashioned: Canning my first batch of tomatoes
Artistic: Getting lots of compliments on my Cali pics
Confused: Watching my cat run around in circles
Lazy: Not wanting to finish my laundry before I leave for Madison

I Rock....

So today I made a major deadline. It didn't go whizzing past (like all the other ones recently). Not only did I make it, I made it by noon (had till 7 pm).

I got home to celebrate, and unfortunatly only had one bottle of white (that I was saving to share w/ J) and wanted a gin and tonic but had no tonic. So I whipped up a little version of a cosmo (cointreau, grey goose vodka, cranberry cider and half a lime) and it came out almost as yummy as Kyle's.

So here's to accomplishing something in a big pile of crazy. Just me, my martini and a little Stargate!

My Daemon

So, good friends reccomended this series of books to me and I totally got hooked. Am very excited for the first movie to be coming out. And the website's neat and you can create your own Daemon. So I did.

The first time, I was a mouse. The second time I took it I was a snow leopard. And then when J and Pippy tried to confirm if it was a good match, it changed (a bunny rabbit and jackel). I confirmed and back to a mouse. So what you think?

Photo Friday: Old

Grandma's Jewelry, originally uploaded by gfiorillo.

I resisted posting a picture of my sister and instead, for the first time, spent time this weekend composing a picture. At first I was going to find one of my Italy pictures, but then I saw someone else had a photo of a teddy bear. That got me thinking and after pictures of teddy, old diary's and yearbooks and some random memorabilia a composite of my grandmothers' jewelery on grandpa F's suede jacket became my favorite of the afternoon shoot.

Photo Friday: Wet

Tia Swimming 2004, originally uploaded by gfiorillo.

T's first summer at the beach - I think she liked it!

Ode to a Cold....

Actually, I don't have one. Just a general harump that I'm sick.

I guess better now then on my vay-cay next week.

sniffle, honk, hack, cough.

Loosy Goosy Writing Roosty

I'm in crunch time for a proposal. Gotta write, gotta write. The lives of millions of people depend on me to successfully write about seeds and breeds and trees (oh my). Ok, maybe not millions, but there are a few. Of course, I've hit a wall. So I thought I would write something that has absolutely nothing to do with biodiversity, or seed saving, or cultural traditions to try to get my brain all creative again.

So what should I talk about - who knows, right now I'm feeling so fried it just feels good to get my fingers typing. I guess I could talk about how excited I am for the family reunion - you know, that one i'm not going to cause i have to work. Yup, that one.

Well even though I'll miss the actual Pool Party part of the reunion, I am going to enjoy some zepploe at the St. Ann's Feast with my cousins. As a child we used to go to so many italian festivals, cause really, there were plenty. But the St. Ann's Feast was always cool cause it involved a trip - Hoboken was SO far away from where I grew up (note the sarcasm for those who don't know where I grew up). And zeppole - oh how I love thee.

After I've eaten, drank and wheel of chanced my way through the streets of Hoboken, the family will rest up for our trip to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. An ongoing sucker for anything historic, I've lived in Jersey my whole life, and other than a school trip that I an BARELY remember, I've never been to the SoL. Mind you, I see it every day on my commute (love that ferry), but as a child it was closed, or there were renovations or something but I never went. Then i was too cool. Now I'm totally cool, but it will be even cooler to check out the family history.

So, let's see if this brain dump can get my fingers typing again for money. Thanks for the mental check off!

July 28th.....

Is the busiest day of the year. Why are all the cool things happening on the same day.....

What I could be doing:
Eating BBQ'd chicken, fruit salad and playing with Tucker while spending quality time with Tucker's owners who I haven't spent any quality time with in about 8 months.

Spending the day with 93 of the Pizza Clan at a family reunion. Cousins, aunts and uncles that I haven't seen in 10 years, all of us in one place swimming in the pool, eating fresh mozzerella and letting the new generation rock together.

Going to Chicago to the Crossroads Blues Festival and seeing my dream guitar god of a man on stage with some other really cool people. (Ok, maybe I wouldn't be doing this - but I'd like to)

What I am doing:
Working. (Granted, it's in a cool place and with cool people, but)

You figure out how I feel.

Yay, Friday the 13th...

A few thank you's from the weekend.

Thank you to the very nice gentleman who told me I had a flat tire, and then blocked traffic so I could exit off the Major Deegan and figure it all out.

Thank you to the nice man at the Tire Repair Shop who walked the half block to the gas station, put air in my tire and then helped me manuever by stopping traffic so I could cross the road and drive the wrong way to get into the repair shop. And thanks for replacing my tire in under 30 minutes so I was still able to make dinner.

Thank you to my parents and J's parents for a nice dinner, breakfast and time to just chill out - and for doing it all in Poughkeepsie, NY even though J only had about an hour to spend with them.

Thank you to the gas station attendent for being so nice and letting J leave his car there when it died.

Thank you to the guy from Brandel's Towing who helped get J's car started again and reccomended the good repair shop.

Ah, happy friday the 13th.

Photo Friday: Gray

grey nyc, originally uploaded by gfiorillo.

Commutting sometimes has it's perks. One snowy day the ferry gave me this shot of lower Manhattan.

Canon Powershot G5, Shutter Speed 1/6, Apeture 4.5

Fashion advice....

Now that spring has arrived, men are drooling as skirts and dresses become commonplace and halter tops are the new mandatory accessory. Walking around the city, I see lots of styles but please, there are a few things that need to be said. Now, I recognize the whole stones, glass house thing, and I'm the first to admidt that there are probably days when people look at me and wonder if I had a mirror, but I hope I'm never guilty of the following fashion misdemeanors.

Ladies, if you are wearing white pants, DO NOT wear hot pink underwear. Especially if you didn't splurge for a good pair of lining in the pants.

Hip hugger jeans. Love them. Wear them, they make everyone look a little sexy. Unless they are so low on your hip that the top of your butt crack shows while you are standing around. Please, no-one should see that.

And that's just in the past week!

Phrase I never thought I'd say....

"I have to finish the functional expense allocation and international reconcilliations to complete the audit"

this coming from the girl who SUCKED at math, and took Math For Liberal Arts Majors in college twice, cause the first time she got a D.

ha ha ha ha ha

thunk*

(Just me banging my head against the table, again)

Photo Friday: How I See Myself

Pips and I spent a girls weekend in New Hope, and I had a good time with the flip around LCD on the camera. We spent the day wandering around and included a trip to a Lavender Farm.

Canon Powershot G5; 1/320 f 4.0

Photo Friday: Futuristic

Modern Art, originally uploaded by gfiorillo.

Work sometimes makes good fodder for photographs. My first "Governors' Forum" in NOLA had me wandering around this sculpture at the French Quarter Festival in 2006.

My trusty Canon Powershot G5; Shutter Speed 1/400; Apeture f 4

Confused....

How is it that a funny, clever, intelligent, warm, happy, emotional show gets cancelled but a show about a 30 year old trying to decide between 20 year old women and 40 year old women makes it to the airwaves?

Jeez.

Photo Friday: Large

balloon, originally uploaded by gfiorillo.

Ok, I refrained from putting up a picture of my hubby's belly. But here's my entry for this week's Photo Friday.

Canon Powershot G5, Shutter Speed 1/50, Apeture f 5.6

New Toys...

Let me just say, for the first time in 10 years I don't have to make a car payment! No twit in a nissan totalled my car months before completing my loan this time so I decided to treat myself to a few fun upgrades to Mippy since Chase no longer needed my moolah.

I got a new radio and front speakers so I no longer have to keep the balence turned all the way to the right - both speakers actually work now! And with the new radio, I can plug my ipod directly into the stereo - no stupid fm transmitter needed. Cause anyone in the NYC area knows there is no radio station not in use!

All I want to do is drive now. It's kind of a shame that I don't need a car for work, I may just have to drive one day to play with my new music.

yippie skippie!

Photo Friday: Smoke

J and I spent some time at his folks and wandered out to the beach at sunset. Nic-fitter that he is, couldn't resist lighting up a camel.

Taken with Canon Powershot G5. Shutter .4, Apeture f 2.2

New Look....

Ok, so I know I futz with my look often - trying to recreate my seasonal photography, but I finally gave up. So here's a new template, that will stay for a while, and isn't tied into spring flowers. I took this picture in Costa Rica and I think it works.

Beauty...Skin Deep?

No wonder why it sucks being a girl

Photo Friday: Country

Took this picture early one morning when Pippy and I spent a nice girls weekend at a little organic farm/b&b. I spent the morning wandering around the property and had some quality time with the chickens and roosters, but really liked this tree.

Taken with Canon PowerShot G5; Shutter 1/1250; Apeture 4.5 - edits in photoshop

Happy Earth Day!

I don't often get up on my soapbox. OK, so maybe I do, but today is totally appropriate as it is Earth Day. So first off


Maybe it's just me, but I feel like when Oprah gets in on the gig, you know there's some traction. Of course, I was very disappointed that she didn't mention one of the biggest things you can do to save the planet - eat local! I was impressed that the green issue of Vanity Fair at least is starting to recognize that food is an environmental issue. Because really, does changing all your light bulbs, and composting, and using less paper, and changing power strips and all that make sense if you are still buying tomatoes that are grown in a hothouse in China in January. Besides the fact that they taste like crap, think of all the resources that went to getting that to your plate.

Of course, I'm not perfect - I don't always make it to my farmers markets, and I buy synthetic fabrics, and Our electric bill is higher than it should (although that's mostly J leaving every single light on) I try to be aware of what I'm doing - be it choosing my food, my beauty regimen, or my home. So in honor of Earth Day, I'm going to try to do one more thing that I hadn't done before (I think it my be trying to "unplug" all those phantom load devices) and see if I can't save the world.

Oh, and here are a few more links that I couldn't work into the above:
WorldWatch
Ideal Bite
Grist
Slow Food USA

Fun Families...

Last weekend I got to experience my first "Richardson" holiday. See my new in-laws, who are lots of fun, have a tradition of fully celebrating the 1st of April. Stories of eating worms, milk exchanged for buttermilk in the coffee and disappearing cars had me intrigued, so when J's aunt (Cin) invited us to pull one over on J's uncle (GG) for his birthday, I was excited to get in on the fun.

The weekend started of innocent enough. J's dad came down from MA and on Saturday the three of us treked the 2 1/2 hour ride to south jersey under the guise of an innocent early easter with the family. That night some other friends who lived in upstate NY stopped by "unexpectedly" and we settled in for a lovely dinner, with everyone in on the joke that would commence at 5 am.

So early the next morning, while everyone was sleeping, Cin had arranged for a neighbor to "steal" GG car, so when 6 am rolled around, and GG got up to get the supplies for his prank, which were in his car, the tone was set for the day. Shortly after he began making coffee - but the regular and the decaf were switched and it took 3 pots before anyone told him what was going on. Now, mind you there was a house full of family and friends at this poing, GG's car is missing, he has no caffene and the doorbell rings and it's a friend with all his tools "expecting" GG to refinish the floors and do some work around the house. Eventually everyone woke up and a large breakfast of pancakes, sausage, eggs and scrapple were a 'cookin.

At this point J fell into the danger of April 1st when he realized that his pancakes were made not of yummy batter, but batter covered cardboard. GG finally began to suspect that the day was going to be a bit more than the family in the morning when the neigbor shows up with his car and GG sees the mounds of food for the all day party!.

Of course, Jack wasn't the only innocent bystander who was part of the collateral damage. When GG's car was back, and Cin was to observent, GG's plan to saran wrap her car wound up at plan b - they got my car instead.



All in all, it was a great day! Some soccer, lots of food, good birthday cake and family - who could ask for more than that!

Go Jersey...

Solar going mainstream -- for the realz this time

Just gotta say, love the fact that Jersey's #2 at producing Solar Power - we rock!

Welcome Wammy!

I have a new nephew. Meet Wammy! (AKA Wesley). 8lbs, 11oz and 21inches tall - he's got his daddy's genes!

Photo Friday: Sentimental

Vikki & Tia.JPG, originally uploaded by gfiorillo.

Last Easter I took a stream of pics of T and her Aunt V. They wer laughing and having a great time, but this one was just so sweet.

Another one of those silly quizzes...

I'm sick....

I tried and tried to fight it off - I've been airborning on an off and thought I was successful, but it looks as if I only delayed it cause I finally succumbed to the plague that's been floating through the office. Luckily hubby is taking good care of me - got me more Nyquill, and cough drops, and orange juice and is currenlty making me soup. Because I become such a baby when I'm sick.....he's even doing my laundry so I can sleep! Good man.

Oh, Chicago....

La, la, la....

I finally made it out to the windy city - and for all my fear of a cold blustery weekend, I was pleasantly suprised by sunny and beautiful days. Too bad I spent them all in meetings, but I did get a little wandering around on breaks so saw some sunlight.

And although it was a completely packed 4 days with meetings and dinners and dinners and meetings that I never even got my camera out for, I did spend a bit o' time at a great blues bar, Kingston Mines. In so many ways it reminded me of those days where I was the gal, out with the guys - although this time I wasn't dating anyone in the band. It was a great band, learned some fascinating things about some of our leaders (I'm not the only born and bred Jerseyan) and even with the whole spring forward, still made it on time to the last day of the meeting!

I also got to hang out with an old buddy who had moved out to Chicago about 6 years ago. The hubby and he used to work together, and we had many a double date when hubby and I first fell for each other. One of my favorite southern boys, it was great to catch up with him and laugh about all the good times we had.

Of course, the whole time was bookended by delayed flights, but it wasn't too bad - and by the way, Jet Blue is hysterically aplogetic about everything now. Which made me laugh, until it started interrupting my viewing of Revenge of the Nerds!

Photo Friday: Alone

Yay, I'm still posting! Ok, this was taken at the Grounds for Schulpture down in Hamilton. The peacock just decided to hang out in the spotlight at the doorway.

Photo Friday: Texture

Blizzard 2005
Originally uploaded by gfiorillo.

Trying to get back into a habit of posting, of taking pictures and all that so here's my Photo Friday entry for Texture. This picture was the ice on the windows during the Blizzard of 2005 when we were stuck at the in-laws for 5 days. Very cool ice glows!

The Snow is Coming...

I really like winter, in case no-one knows that. I love snow, and have been very disappointed with the lack of it this winter white.

I also just ordered a new phone. But it tried to deliver 3 times at home, and we werent' there so I rescheduled it to go to my office. Which it did but is expected to get there tommorow.

But now, the winter white is expected to come down so I'm going to work from home. So I'll miss my phone. But be able to stay warm in my house and get lots of work done while the weather is my favorite type. And maybe I'll even get some more pictures - it's been a while.

update: yes I'm home, the weather is totally pretty but not preventative from me getting to work, so I could have gotten my phone today and worked from home tomorrow...but alas, I'm here so I might as well work from the sofa!

I'm Married!

Yup, it happened. And it was wonderful. And now we're home, back to our kitty cats (who only held a slight grudge) and the piles of Christmas decorations and wedding centerpiecess that are filling every corner of the house. I posted some Costa Rica pictures - see sidebar - and once I get some nuptial ones, I'll add them too. More stories on Costa Rica later!

Only 2 more days...

till I'm an old married woman. Today was my last day of work, and it ended with a bang - left my keys in Brooklyn. Luckily I had my car key, so while I drove around SI looking for a &*^%#$^$^*(&&$# cell signal on my *^$@$%%@*() phone, I could stay warm. It only took Jack and hour and a halft to get home after me - so not bad, huh.

J-E-R-S-E-Y

I don't know if I'm happy or sad that I only got an 84% on this quiz. Part of me feels I should have scored higher, but is that really a good thing?

How New Jersey Are You?