ACK!

The wedding reception table

I completely forgot to post our Anniversary blog! EEK! Meh - Looks like no one has noticed, so none of you will mind it going up a few days late. December 19th, Mike and I celebrated our first year of marriage... it is also just shy of marking just shy of 7 years together. I know, it's crazy but true.



Our first year of marriage was, by no means, easy. It was fraught with difficulty, stress, more stress... and some stress. But we made it through it, stronger and closer. I won't go into details... since it's all on the site for your reading pleasure... or at least most of it is. (hint, hint)

Rob & Mari dancing

The guys (Rob G, Justin V, Mike)

In the coming year we have yet more to help each other through. And, while I cannot say I look forward to all of it, I will say that I look forward to the growth that it provides us as a couple and as individuals. We'll be moving in April, living alone (hopefully) for the first time in longer than I can count. He still doesn't have a permanent job, but I will say that things are looking up on the employment front. We hope to continue our adventures with some of our very closest friends, and hopefully tackle some gorgeous hikes this summer. Through all of it, I look forward to keeping you all in the loop. Coming up next week there will be a year in review post... or perhaps I should call it a coming in 2011. I don't know. We'll figure it out.

The girls (Katie V, Me, Jen G)

Regardless, we're all here for one another.




Christmas is just three short days away. Wait... is that right? Three? EEEP! Our stockings are hanging, the tree is up and decorated. I've baked more Christmas treats than I can count... or eat, the cards are sent and most of my shopping is done. So I guess I've got that going for me.

Much love and happy holidays from our family to yours!

Well, I've finally gotten around to uploading some of the shots I took between Halloween and Thanksgiving. I'm not done polishing them all up just yet, but here is a peek at a few of the ones that I have spit-shined.

The roomies did a fabulous job decorating for Halloween:

Here's the bruddah-in-law all fancied up for the party: 

The party was tons o' fun. There was a murder mystery, fun drinks and fun people... so all in all a good time was had. 

For Thanksgiving, there was a little bit of a bake-off held. Mike and Dan each vs Dad in a battle of French Bread and Egg Twist bread. I contributed two pies as well, while Joe contributed two of his own to the mix. 

Holiday cooking is shifting up into high gear at my place this week/weekend. There is hot buttered rum, Butter Toffee, Merry Minty Meringues and much else to be made in the coming days. Gifts to give at work this week and general insanity to be had. I'm hoping to update everyone on the chaos by the end of the weekend. 

Happy Playing folks!

It's time I said it:

I'm a Gleek. There. I said it.

Being a fan of Glee seems to be somewhat controversial lately. I'm not really sure why, unless it's simply all of the haters in the world and those who've never been a part of a choir or vocal ensemble. I have the happy fortune to have been in both. A full concert choir, a vocal jazz ensemble, a church choir... I've been around the proverbial choral block. I loved every minute of it. And while none of the groups I was lucky enough to sing with were reviled like the kids on Glee, we were always unique. Unique in that the groups always had a certain sense of family closeness and togetherness that not a lot of other groups have. I attribute it to the fact that without some seriously close partnership your songs would sound like crap. One person isn't in sync and you can certainly tell. Choral groups played a massive role in shaping who I am today. Glee had their Christmas special this last Tuesday and I got to spend a happy hour remembering all of the Holiday concerts I've been in. Also? I totally found my Christmas spirit. It is no longer missing. One of my favorite pieces of the evening was the final song they treated us to. Welcome, Christmas. You'll remember it from every rendition of  "How The Grinch Stole Christmas" that is out there. The harmonies, the spirit behind the song brought tears to my eyes. For those of you who didn't catch the episode, or don't even watch Glee, feast your ears on the lovely choral piece below.




They also did "The Most Wonderful Day of the Year" from the classic Rudolph movie. Which I'm also going to treat you to below. Just a couple of blasts from childhood Christmas specials!





I'll leave you with that folks. Merry Christmas and Happy Weekend!