2012 (Last Half)

So, the first half of 2012 wasn't good. (See We Miss you Bimblebee...)

The summer, and then fall, was spent in this weird fog (let's be honest, the fog hasn't really lifted yet, and don't know if it ever completely will).  We were trying to adjust our lives, figure out where to go from there. I still think we're tumbling and stumbling...it's so weird and surreal, but a learning process all the same, right? for all of us.

Monkey started preschool in September. OMG! My baby is such a big boy! *Knock on Wood* he loves school, and we lucked out with his classmates.  They are all so sweet, and their parents are just the same. phew...

Fall was BUSY, as this time of year tends to get.  This year was really tough, the fog growing around the holidays.  The Holidays was her favorite time of year. We pushed through September, then through October...then Sandy hit.  We weren't sure what to make of this storm initially.  The year before, Irene hardly made a dent on us.  We prepared nonetheless...and thank God we did.  Devastation all over the tri-state area.  Friends homeless for various reasons, offices and schools shut, some indefinitely.  2012 was really campaigning for worst year ever.  Our home was okay, electricity maintained, but Hubs' office was not so lucky.  It took some time to get everything cleaned up and reorganized. But it got done.


A couple weddings also fell in the midst of the second half of the year, beginning in August, (Welcome to the SAE Wives' Club, MS!), and then quite a few travels tacked on.  Florida, Vegas, LA, Maryland, London, and finally, Malaysia.

London came at a much needed time for us (Thanksgiving) and was really nice for Monkey to see all his cousins and Aunties and Uncles on Hubs' side of the fam.  It was also great for Hubs to spend time with his cousins.  He really needed it after the last year.   His family there is always so hospitable, and weenjoyed laughing and spending quality time.  We ate yummy Wagamamas (mmmm, Chili Chicken Mein & Raw Juice), Royal China (shredded Peking duck, dim sum, lots of wine), and Traditional English Fry-Ups every morning (Hubs & Monkey were so cute at the breakfast buffet each morning).  Missed Ping Pong, but tried a new Vietnamese place with my cousin and her husband (Salted caramel ice cream?! Yes, please!)  You know I can't talk about traveling without talking about food--whose blog do you think you're reading?!

Back to NY, and the December rush began.  Monkey's 3rd birthday (WHA?!), the different early family Christmases, and then our trip to Malaysia.

Monkey's 3rd birthday theme was Octonauts, of course...because Monkey is OBSSESSED.  It was another gym-based party...and Monkey had an amazing time with his friends and family.

Octonauts Cake Pops from my go-to, Lerida @ NY Cake Pops

Going to Malaysia was going to be our first trip in a long time that included nothing but relaxing, laughing, eating, and sleeping.  It was DEFINITELY much needed, and the most calm way to end this bizarre year.  Hubs, Monkey, Li'l Sis and I got on our Korean Air A380 flight headed to KL, excited to spend time with my Malaysian family, and my grandfather.  The trip did not disappoint, the first night being my cousin, Gui's Pub Golf birthday.  It was an ooltie of a time, apparently (I stayed in with Monkey).  We laughed so much, my face and stomach hurt.  Many nicknames came abound for the entire crew, and we ate so much, I really looked into purchasing some "comfier" pants.  Rot canai, fried rice, steamed buns, & exotic fruits for breakfast, Fierce Biryani (yummmmmmmy, cod fish biryani) -- the owner is this hilarious, dimple cheeked, fierce bear of a guy and we love him to bits, Nutella & Kaya rotis, Salted Gula Melaka ice cream (please, Taklu, step away from the freezer), Coffee Bean lattes (some Stateside comfort), and McD's fried apple pies (how could I resist?)

Chili Crab...yes, bibs were worn

Monkey enjoyed a new Thomas train everyday from Didi, and exciting jungle gyms and squirt gun fights with his Guy & Reinu Mamus.  Everyday, Hubs, Li'l Sis, & I would fight over the most amazing massage chair on the planet.  We even had our very own live-in Santa Claus in our Uncle.  One of the best parts of my trip was watching the interaction between Monkey and his Bada Nana. Separated by 2 generations in between, just a hug between the two would make me smile from ear to ear.
In between, Mom & Dad came down to visit from India, and we drove down to this awesome resort island, Pangkor Laut. For 3 days, we would wake up, eat breakfast, hang out by the pool, eat lunch, nap or get a massage, eat dinner, go to sleep. It was AMAZING!  While there, Hubs & I celebrated our 7 year anniversary.  We were going to do a romantic dinner just the 2 of us, but Monkey had decided he was not going to leave our sides the entire trip, so my parents & Li'l Sis decided to surprise us by bringing the romantic restaurant dinner to us.  Champagne & yummy grilled cod and seafood salads were had as Monkey watched the fish swim beneath us (while also noshing on his own ice cream creation).

A view from our seats on Emerald Cove Beach

New Year's Eve was spent at a "House" Party in our hotel rooms, all our cousins in tow.  Monkey jumping around like a, well, like a Monkey as we ate, laughed, and watched the Fireworks display outsideof our window.  Two days later we were back on the Korean Air A380...on our way back to NYC and to begin the New Year.

New Year's Resolutions

I know, I know...I promised I'd post more last summer...then suddenly *poof* I disappeared again.
Well I'm back, and #1 on my list of New Year's Resolutions is to Blog More...so, read through at your own discretion to find out what I plan on changing and how :)
Enjoy!

1. Blog more -- I love writing, and it has always helped me organize my thoughts and emotions. But "journal writing" has stopped helping me with that. I think the blog format makes it more interesting for me. I definitely need some sort of release.

2. Make a better effort with people -- have I mentioned before that I'm not much of a people person? Since I was born I've always just sort of been my own buddy. Entertaining myself. Being socially awkward and/or shy. Not caring much for ass-kissing, BS, or anything of the sort. I also think I wear my emotions on my face...so in the end all this just makes people think I'm a, oh what's that not so nice word for a not so nice female?? Yeh, that. I'm not. I promise. People who know me well will attest to that. But since a very young age, my shyness and lack of BS tolerance makes me look like...that word. So, I just sort of gave into it. Whatever. I don't care what people think. But I do. And although hubby is not much of a talker, everyone likes him because he is a good person, fun, and honest. I think i lack in the fun department. So i definitely need to step up. thus, I will try BETTER, not necessarily harder --as I shouldn't HAVE to be desperate. I just have to do better.

3. Be nicer to my hubby -- He works really hard, and I don't think I give him enough credit for all that he does for his family.

4. Create a realistic budget. Stick with it. -- this just speaks for itself. I'm a complete shopaholic. Not crazy expensive items. Just everyday everythings. If I want the big things eventually - our own home, topmost college education for my baby...I must stop shopping mindlessly. When I do shop, I must shop smarter. Also, pay off current debts.

5. Declutter my home, my work, my life. -- I'm a pretty organized person, at least I think so. But I'm a total hoarder. I need to declutter, I'm Monica from Friends. I don't have just ONE messy closet though...I have multiples + messy drawers, cupboards, etc. I also want organize ALL the photos I have (and those packed up somewhere in the warehouse), hard copy and online, so we never have to worry about losing them. Like I said--I'm Monica from Friends.

6. Take better photographs. -- a past hobby of mine that I miss.

7. Be more focused at work. -- too much to explain on this one. So let's keep it simple.

8. Drink more water -- at least 2 liters a day. It's just better for my skin, my hair, and my belly. Just ordered my first faucet water purifier (PUR) (as opposed to the 7 year old BRITA fridge pitcher water purifier we currently have.)

9. Cook at least 2-3 days a week-- for me, my family, and even finally for my friends. Obviously, we all know that cooking is healthier, cheaper, and apparently more therapeutic (I'm still waiting to see that last one happen for me). It's a way to better control what goes into mine and my family's bodies...and, well, i like control :). Why cooking for my friends? i'd just like to have my friends over more for dinners (something i prefer over the drinking binges at oh so many bars out and about in the city), and let them see the progress i have made since the hockey puck apple muffins and stomachache cold noodles of yesteryear. This combined with #2 -- be a better hostess.

10. Workout at least 4-5 days a week -- again, no brainer. I was able to do this for 3 months over the summer. And boy did it make adifference in all aspects of my life. Then a few trips (ie excuses) knocked out my momentum...and it was all downhill from there. All my progress wiped out clean. Also -- stretch, stretch, stretch. My body feels a hundred years old.

11. Eat less simple carbs, more fiber, protein, and good for my body foods, my allow indulgences so i don't go crazy -- this ties in with #10. I was doing the no carbs at night thing, more protein at breakfast, more veggies all day, triple thinking sweet treats, and tracking what i'm eating to make myself aware of what's going into my body.

12. Pamper myself a bit -- i need to finally use all those massage gift certificates people have given me over the years. (They have not expired, i checked). I need to get manis/pedis more often. I need to actually pay attention to my hair, and not let it be a frizzy, bumpy mess on a daily basis.

13. Meditate more -- breathe, do yoga, take a few minutes of quiet time a day, and, in conjunction with meditating, learn patience -- jetlag & potty training have really taken their toll on me today.

So 13 resolutions for 2013. Wish me luck! And maybe prescribe me a xanax.

Question of the Day

Better 'N Peanut Butter (Low Sodium)

I LOVE peanut butter.  Hubs doesn't care for it, unless it's in a "peanut sauce" that goes with Chicken satays, cold sesame noodles, and so on.  Monkey has tried it a few times.  He likes it when I give it to him, but doesn't LOVE it yet because I don't have the opportunity to give it to him very often as his daycare and classes are all "nut free" (his future preschool is "nut free" as well).  I understand WHY they are nut free, and if my child were allergic to nuts, I'd be so happy to know that there was no threat of any allergic reaction when I was not with him.  However, I think natural low-sugar peanut and almond butter are really good sources of protein and equally delicious...so how do I find opportunities to give it to Monkey (without his father making a face every time I suggest it)?

[Update 7/31/13] Monkey LOVES PB & J sandwiches.  at least a thrice a week staple in his lunch.  Hubby, still a no go with PB.

We miss you, Bimblebee...

So it's now 2012.  We entered the Land of the "Terrible Twos" and even more big changes within our family were coming up.

Although I never mentioned it before, my mother-in-law, Bimblebee, had been battling Breast Cancer since 2002, and although she went into remission around 2003, it came back in 2007.  By the end of 2011 it had spread a bit, so in 2012 we made a family decision that she and my father-in-law, Papa, move to NYC so that she could go back to Sloane Memorial Hospital (one of the best Cancer Treatment Hospitals in the country).  It was the same hospital that helped her into remission in 2003, so we hoped for the same in 2012.  Since they decided to move to NYC, Bobblehead, Mama, and their two munchkins decided to move into my in-laws' house, where Hubs, Bobblehead, and Tiny Dancer grew up.  Although Bimblebee's condition seemed stable, every week a new obstacle on her path to recovery pushed her back a few steps.  Bimblebee (or Mom) lost her battle on May 17th, 2012, just 3 days shy of her 58th birthday, and exactly 5 days after her eldest sister passed away of a different form of Cancer.  May was not a good month.  On what would have been Mom's 58th birthday, we had an Indian Mourning Prayer at a local Hindu Center, and released balloons.  Not a day has gone by that we don't think about her and miss her. We know she's dancing and laughing with her sister, and watching over us.

I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack... (2011)

Last we left off, Hubs, Monkey, and I were spending our New Year's Eve cuddling in bed in my family's apartment in Mumbai.  Monkey's first trip to India was a success (barring some issues pertaining to his first tooth popping up 2 days before we left for India), and he even got to try and enjoy some new foods (Mutton Biryani anyone? My son is already a Foodie).  He even got to try his first taste test when we visited of Hokey Pokey Ice Cream shop, this amazing new ice cream joint blazing through India.  Monkey liked the Mango flavor the best.

2011 went by quick as well...every year seems to be going by faster and faster.  Is that what happens when you have kids?  We went back to work after our India trip, did some more traveling, went to a few more weddings, continued in our Mommy & Me classes, and even enrolled Monkey in Daycare a couple days a week.  Boy, was that difficult.  He cried every morning when I left, and every evening when I picked him up. I also went back to work on a more full time basis.  That was a lot as well. I also joined some girlfriends in a Community Board for our local Children's Diwali Shows.  That took up a lot of time, but the kids really enjoyed themselves.  We had realized the year before that, although Monkey is a very sensitive child, he LOVES performing.  He is such a ham in front of big groups of people! He does not, however, like loud noises.  Very ironic.  We also began the infamous NYC Preschool Search (see the documentary Nursery University).  Boy, what a process!  I hear the Kindergarten/Ongoing School Search is even tougher...(one Mom told me she stopped working for a year due to the Ongoing School Application Process).  Can you hear my knees shaking?
After the Preschool App process was said and done, we celebrated Monkey's 2nd birthday at a kids' gym (very fitting for my very active little boy) with a Superhero chocolate cake & cake pops (Check out my favorite Cake Pop Maker, Lerida, and her New York Cake Pops!) She made Monkey ones for Monkey's 1st birthday, and we had to continue the tradition.  Christmas was spent home with both our families together (which we hadn't done in a couple of years), and was loads of fun! Santa came out for the occasion and everything!

We spent New Year's at a really fun restaurant in the Meatpacking district, Villa Pacri, where dancing on chairs is encouraged, and bottles of champagne come out with sparklers.

It was a good year, but happy to move onto 2012 (as Li'l Sis so happily portrays above)!  Bring it on!

I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack...(2009-2010 recap)

I know, I know...you're wondering where the heck I've been for the last 2 and some odd years.  I've been pretty busy actually.
The last you heard from me (September 24th, 2009), I was 3/4 of the way through my pregnancy.  Well, on December 8th, 2009, my li'l monkey (we had a baby boy!) was born in all his 7lbs 10oz and 21 1/4" glory.  Monkey was a handful from the get-go, and I went through a bit of PPD (more about that at a later date perhaps).  But boy, did I fall in love with this kid the moment they placed him on belly. That super pensive face--he always looked like he was deep in thought--I couldn't stop staring at him (can you imagine how he must have felt?  "Moooooom, STOP looking at me!) 2 1/2 years, about 100 milestones (and tantrums) later...and I still can't stand being away form him.  Needless to say, going back to work when Monkey was 3 months old was not an easy move for me. I went back part-time initially, but have been rockin' 4 days a week for the passed year.
Back to my lost 2 1/2 year timeline...
Tiny Dancer got married to Golden Boy October 2009 -- I was 8 months preggers and Mama could have delivered right there on the dance floor. (Thankfully, she didn't.)  We partied til the break of dawn, baby bellies and all.
Mama had a baby girl, my Stinkybelle, in November 2009.  She was a feisty diva from day one and I love every bit of her.
2010 seemed to wiz by...I turned 30 (woohoo!!), we did some traveling (Monkey got to meet all his British cousins!), took Monkey to a few weddings, made some new friends, and tried out a few Mommy & Me classes.  Monkey rolled over at months, pulled himself to standing by 8 months, stood on his own by 9 months, and started walking at 10 months...and within what felt like seconds, it was his 1st birthday.

We had a Monkey themed party (of course) with a big ol' chocolate monkey cake and some monkey cake pops. Of course, he spent most of the party crying or with pensive-face.

The following week, Monkey started getting his first tooth, and we left for his first trip to India to visit his Bada Nana (Great-Grandfather). Monkey had a lot of fun trying new foods, running around India, and meeting new people.  The three of us, Hubs, Monkey, and I, spent New Years Eve cuddling in bed together. Perfect way to end a busy year.

Ooooh, We're HalfWay Theeere...

Say hello to our li'l blueri, Baby BrownieSugar @ 20 weeks. :) Hubby & I have decided NOT to find out the sex of the baby (much to the chagrin of MY mommy), and letting ourselves be surprised on the day we actually meet Baby face to face.
So far, Baby likes to take naps and is a tad stubborn (like it's Daddy) ;)
I think we bothered Baby enough by the end of the appointment as it put both hands up in prayer to let him/her be. Hahaha.
I love you, Baby. <3

I wonder if this might help...

In the weekday mornings as I'm getting ready for work, I like to catch up a little bit on the lives of Regis Philbin & Kelly Ripa on Live with Regis & Kelly. Over the last few weeks (months?), Regis has been complaining about sleep issues (something I can absolutely relate to being a lifelong insomniac myself. Ask my Mom. She'll vouch for it.) Anyhoo, a couple weeks ago, Michael Gellman (their producer) bought Regis some sort of sleep headband contraption that would monitor his sleep and let him (and us) know what was going with Regis on in the wee hours of the night. This contraption can also be hooked up to the internet, thus calculating all the data online, and putting it together in a way that (hopefully) makes sense. I was dying to know where I could get such a contraption (and hopefully put an end to my sleepless nights...at least for the next 5 months before the only reason I'm awake at nights is a screaming newborn).
I finally found the gadget (known as the Zeo: Personal Sleep Coach), but why the hell is it $400? I wonder if this is truly the sound investment I am trying to convince Hubby it is :)

Movie Time!

As part of my Things to Do Before I Go Broke list, #13, I plan on actually getting to the movie theater and watching the movies I want to see, whether Hubby wants to come with me or not :)
So here's a list of the movies I am awaiting to see this summer (beginning from the start of summer-June 21st). Please send me any recommendations or reviews if you have seen these already!

The Hangover (saw it 2 weekends ago --friggin' HIGH-larious!!)
Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen (going to see it tonight at IMAX)
Up (I know, I know, this has been out for a while. I will eventually get to the theater to see this)
Away We Go (I'm pregnant, so any movie about pregnant people, I'm all for. Plus I hear it's really cute)
Public Enemies (Johnny Depp & Christian Bale all in one film?! Thank you, Michael Mann!)
Bruno (I will admit, I was not a Borat fan. Hoping Bruno will ignite the fashionista in me)
Harry Potter & the Half Blood Prince (I still have not seen TWO of the Harry Potter films already out. I better add them to my Netflix list -- also part of #13 on my TtDBIGB list)
500 Days of Summer
The Ugly Truth
Funny People
The Time Traveler's Wife

Only wanna see the following movies for the hotties starring in them:
The Proposal (Ryan Reynolds)
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (Channing Tatum)

Randomness of the Day

1) I'm so sleepy.

2) I wonder if anybody would pay me to just be on social networking sites all day long, updating my pages.

3) I secretly love when Hubby sings. It makes him so happy. I like when he's happy.

4) I'm scared about winning the lottery or at casinos. I feel like karma will find a way to then screw you in some other way, big time. Like Hurley on Lost.

5) I can't wait until the summer season of reality tv dies down, and autumn welcomes the new season of scripted sitcoms and dramas.

RIP: In Memoriam of MJ

Michael Jackson/Billie Jean photo courtesy of VH1

We heard/saw the happenings of the Michael Jackson passing en route to a wedding in Florida this passed Thursday-June 25th, 2009. Hubby, a very big MJ fan (his favorite song being Billie Jean), intently watched the entire story unfold on multiple channels for the entire 2 and a half hours on flight (thank you, DirectTV and JetBlue Airlines). As soon as we landed, every single one of his friends called, emailed, and texted about the tragic news. He knew the only way he would want to pay tribute, is by getting everyone together at some point, and singing a few classic MJ songs. Since his favorite is Billie Jean, and the only one of MJ's songs that he knows EVERY word to...a microphone was arranged for him at one of the events. And BOY did he bring on the cheers. They even asked him to sing it again the next night! We hope you were watching, MJ, enjoying every minute :)

Randomness of the Day

1) This NON-STOP rain, wind, humidity, cold weather all at once just adds to my "the apocalypse is coming" theory. Either that or Mother Nature thinks it's funny to add MORE depression into our lives this year.

2) I need a staycation...a month-long staycation....

3) Ryan Reynolds has 3% body fat. THREE PERCENT! Is that even healthy?!

4) I cannot wait to start feeling the li'l bluebri move. Also, cannot wait until August when Hubby and I can start registering and setting up the nursery. :)

5) Why do some people, who can very clearly SEE that you are not in the mood to chitty-chat, insist on chitty-chatting with you? Leave me alone until you can find something that makes sense to talk to me about.

Randomness of the Day

1) Hubby & I are a Bengay mess. His messed up back and arm, and my messed up neck and back are not helping us push the fact that we are much younger than we actually are. At least we look younger (knock on wood).

2) How did my next two empty weekends to clean out my apartment, turn into Party Central?

3) What's the best way to get rid of garlic breath? Even brushing my teeth doesn't get rid of that taste.

4) I really don't enjoy "reality" tv anymore. I think "I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Outta Here" really sealed that grave for me. Bring on all the new scripted shows of the 2009-2010 season, PLEASE!!

5) I'm trying to see if I can go one month without shopping (does not include groceries, drug store items, and gifts/flowers for others). I officially started June 1st. :)

Things to do before I go broke...

My name is Brownie, and I am a shopaholic. Recently I was talking to a friend (no, not OH), and she told me that I shop so much because I am bored, and don't have any hobbies like I once did. She asked me to think of what fun things I would like to do, that would take me away from my insane shopping habit (much to the extreme joy of Hubby).

So here's my list. Let's see if I can get at least some of them done this summer, and save some moolah for the Li'l Bluebri's college education.

1. Take drawing classes (OH gave me a set of of 5 for my birthday...now I actually have to use them)
2. Visit a different Museum every couple of weeks (Met, Moma, Bodies exhibit, Natural History, Frick)
3. Ride a bicycle through Central Park (not feasible while pregnant, however), or just walk around the park & have a picnic lunch there
4a. Join a Book Club....it sounds like fun, but then I actually have to complete a book for each meeting
4b. While we're at that, actually use my library card for the first time
5. Help out in some sort of child care environment, maybe an art class for kids or something to that effect
6. Try an art therapy class for adults (do they exist?)
7. Take swim lessons
8. Create some new scrapbooks (especially one for the baby)
9. Work on a photo montage for Tiny Dancer & SK Prankster
10. Put together new fun playlists on my ipod (I want some good tunes for the baby to hear in the womb)
11. Plan the nursery/get the nursery done
12. Take a dance class (again, probably not very feasible during the pregnancy)
13. Join Netflix and rent a bunch of DVDs of shows that I want to get into; go to the theater and see a movie
14a. Go to the Bronx Zoo/Sothstreet Seaport/Cloisters/Botanical Gardens/
14b. Again, while we're at it, (Although this should probably be done WITH kids) Go to an Amusement Park--Hershey, Sesame, Great Adventure
15. Increase my baking skills--get creative with fondant, flavors, colors, etc.

Randomness of the Day

1) I believe that when old friends leave your life, they are opening the door for new friends. There are a few friends I refuse to let leave. They are my extended family, and parts of my heart. You know who you are. I will continue to send you hellos everyday. (No, I'm not a stalker thankyouverymuch). There are also some friends who took other paths, and I miss them dearly. I'm hoping, via Facebook, our paths will cross again (again, I promise I am not a stalker). ;)

2) My favorite word in the world is passion. I love the sound, the look, and the many different meanings. I love what it brings to other words when put together. I think I lost my personal meaning for it somewhere back in college.

3) Although I have not an athletic bone in my body, and sports tend to bore me, I religiously wear the Jets' PJs my brother-in-law (BobbleHead) and sister-in-law (Mama) got me for my birthday one year. The Jets are Hubby's favorite football team, and I feel a part of him when I wear the PJ's. It's silly I know, but I'm silly :) This will also stand true for any Devils' paraphernalia I will come into ownership of as the years go on.

4) I wish I wasn't afraid of the responsibility of having a pet, as I think I might like having a puppy.

5) People who don't reply to emails/voicemails/text messages etc EVER are on my list of biggest pet peeves. EVERYONE is busy.

Randomness of the Day

1) I don't care if the channel is in HD or not. I know what the difference is, but I just don't care. I really could go through life WITHOUT seeing ALL the zits on an actor's face. This situation annoys my hubby to no end.

2) I can't seem to get myself out of bed and into the shower to get to work on time. This is not a new thing. I have this issue EVERYDAY.

3) I do tend to talk to myself, and have been for as long as I remember. I never had an imaginary friend. I just had me.

4) I still get excited when somebody mentions the New Mickey Mouse Club (aka MMC). It makes me feel special that I knew about Justin Timberlake, Ryan Gosling (one of my faves), Christina Aguilera (another fave), Britney Spears, JC Chasez (the love of my life), and Keri Russell (wanted to be her, and was DEVASTATED when she broke up with Tony Lucca-her "soul mate") before most people.

5) When working out, I keep imagining "Nicole Sherzinger abs and Kelly Ripa arms" over and over again in my head. This somehow doesn't motivate me to get up and out of bed any earlier to get to the gym in the a.m., and then get to work on time.

Randomness of the Day

So, on Facebook, a "note" has been going around called: 25 Random Things About Me. It's actually quite interesting and fun (but, of course, I love that kind of stuff). So I thought, why not post my list of 25 on here, and then everyday post something random about me or that I'm thinking of (along with my "Train of Thought" post), as I have PLENTY of random thoughts about myself and the world. So, let's start today with the initial "25 random thoughts about me":

1) I had written this whole thing out, and my program decided to shut down on me before I could save it. Aargh. Of course, I did it again immediately. I love this stuff.
2) I am SUPREMELY neurotic
3) My little sister is my soul mate -- connected through all of our lives, past, present, and future
4) But my husband is the love of my life -- my strength, my calmness, my laughter, my tears, my annoyance, my hugs, and everything in between
5) The one regret in my life is quitting dance. I started taking classes at age 3, until age 12, when I contracted a major case of stage fright. Still have it.
6) I love to write, however I find I write in rambles. Thus blogging and I have really connected. Check mine out at browniesugar.blogspot.com
7) I wish I were wittier. I think I might have been at one point.
8) Josh Duhamel is #1 on my celeb "to do" list ;)
9) I really wish I was more like Heidi Klum as she's #1 on my husband's list :)
10) Shopping is my drug of choice
11) Baking is my activity of choice. And now I bake from scratch! (No more boxed mixes for me, no sir!)
12) I want to see the world
13) I speak Hindi-English and Spanglish. One of these days, I'll actually start speaking fluent Hindi and Spanish
14) I want to go back to school to get my masters. I just wish I knew in what.
15) I already have names picked out for my future daughters. I can't think of any boys' names I like. This just means I have to have all girls :)
16) I dream in color -- very vivid, very real dreams
17) I majored in psychology due to my extreme fascination with "why we are the way we are" -from birth through the college years. I'm still fascinated by this.
18) I sing in the shower, and think I sound amazing (only in the shower)
19) I incessantly stare at my bare, non-existent abs (aka pooch) in the mirror
20) I play out every worst case scenario in my head of any and every situation that comes my way, whether is has anything to do with me or not. Sometimes I do the same thing for situations I see on tv.
21) I am insanely competitive, thus avoid playing any games to avoid having a "Monica" moment (see "FRIENDS" ep "The One With All The Poker"). I hate when people know more about pop culture than I do. But I'll keep that to myself ;)
22) I used to see 4-5 movies at the theater, in one month, growing up. I now see that many in a year.
23) I love monkeys. The cute curious george, chimp types. Not the crazy baboons with the red butts.
24) I need sleep.
25) I don't know how to swim

My New Year's Hopelutions

The King of Written House has informed me that my blog has started off on a dark note, and would like me to sunshine it up a bit. This post, King, is for you.

So every New Year's Day, millions and millions of people "resolve" to do or quit something that year. The most popular being - lose weight, quit smoking, stress less, and so on. The gyms and grocery stores grow more crowded, the quit smoking hotline becomes busier, and the daily "to-do" lists analyzed. And come January 15th to February 1st, the gyms grow quieter, the Restaurant delivery business increases, life becomes more chaotic, and the people shivering outside my office building trying to light their cigarettes is back up to the usual again. And all of these people have a darker look in their eyes. A look of disappointment and frustration. And, sadly to say, I'm one of those people (sans the smoking--yuck!)

This year, after watching a few news reports and listening to my friends decide, in all gusto, that they are not making ANY resolutions this year, I decided to make a list of HOPELUTIONS. Things that I HOPE to do or make happen this year. No actual deadlines. NO strict rules.

So here's my hopelutions' list (in no particular order):
1) Lose another 10lbs
2) Learn to swim (*I can tread in water, but that's about it)
3) Stop being a shopaholic (*Hubby's favorite off my hopelution list)
4) Learn fluent Hindi & Spanish (*both of which I can only "get by" on now)
5) Take up dancing again (*I took every type of dance class you can think of from the ages of 3-14)
6) Declutter my life (*my office, my desk(s), my apartment)
7) Change my hairstyle
8) Keep a manicure for at least 5 days to a week (*mine tend to chip after a day...if they even make it out of the salon unscathed)
9) Write more (*that's what this blog is for)
10) Get back into my creativity (*Photography, sketching, writing, dancing, general creating)
11) See my nieces and nephews more (*at least those who live in the country)
12) Cook more often
13) Read more (*any good book recommendations? check me out on GoodReads)
14) Go back to school (*I'd like to eventually get my masters...just not sure in what yet)
15) Be more confident
16) Take on more responsibility at work
17) Do more outdoor activities (*bicycling, roller-skating, jogging...once the weather gets warmer)
18) Take up yoga/meditation (*quiet my mind)
19) Workout 4-5 times a week
20) Volunteer more / become more involved
21) Stop procrastinating
22) Increase my energy
23) Organize my finances / understand my finances
24) Wake up earlier / sleep better
25) Stop drinking Diet Coke
26) Be more on top of doctor's appointments (*mine & Hubby's)
27) Buy an apartment
28) Keep up my correspondence with people
29) Organize the addresses/information in my address book
30) Start a family
31) Find AT LEAST one new buyer/store to sell our clothing line to

If you would like to post your hopelutions online, check out 43Things