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Friday, November 30, 2012

Day30: Three Wonderful Things that Happened this Month

November was really quite lovely.

1) While I typically like to keep my political opinions away from my blog (I save that for Twitter if you're interested), I just have to say I was really quite excited on election night. My friends had an Election Party so we could all watch the results come in together. There may or may not have been fireworks.




2) Kyle and I saw some seriously awesome movies. (Argo was my favorite.)


All images via IMDb

3) Our good friends, Joel and Victoria got married. It was a gorgeous wedding and awesome reception. (And aren't they a cute couple?) Congrats Joeltoria! May your lives be full of love and your whiskey never run dry. 




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Thank you everyone for following along with me for 30 Days Hath November. I really, really enjoyed blogging every day. Perhaps it should become a habit! Thanks, Désirée for hosting this fantastic link-up and for making November a little more exciting. I'm already looking forward to next year!

30DHN

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Day29: Something I Could Never Tire Of

The (former) fiction section.
Grand Rapids Public Library
May2008


As a lifelong reader, there are few places in this world as wonderful and enjoyable as the library. I will always, always prefer library books.


30DHN

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Day28: A Skill I'd Like to Learn



I've been saying for years that I want to learn yoga. I love the idea of strengthening myself through balance and meditation. I've tried out some beginner yoga videos at home via Netflix, but I would really love to take an actual class and learn first-hand. I just need to get over my fear of looking like an awkward fatty in a room full of graceful yogis. Maybe this should be my New Year's Resolution...

Any tips for a yoga novice?


30DHN

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Day27: A Silly Self-Portrait



Morgan snapped this photo of Kyle on Halloween. Little did he know, this Grady twin wanted in on the action. Oy, that was a night. 


30DHN

Monday, November 26, 2012

Day26: Something I'm Looking Forward To

Our first Christmas in our apartment.
Dec2010

It's embarrassing to admit, but I'm generally a bit of a Scrooge when it comes to Christmas. I'm all "grumble, grumble, bah humbug," in the weeks leading up to Christmas and then Christmas Eve hits and I'm all "God bless us, every one!" It's exhausting.

This year, I am bound and determined to enjoy Christmas. I'm not going to stress about gifts, wrapping, and baking. I'm just going to relax, watch It's a Wonderful Life, and drink hot chocolate while basking in the glow of our tree. Yes, I'm actually looking forward to Christmastime this year. (Just not the snow. Or the music.)


30DHN

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Day25: The Contents of My Purse

Wow. The contents of my purse have hardly changed at all since last year. Talk about boring!




Pictured above: wallet, sunglasses, reading glasses, pens, current read, work keys, car keys, iPod, movie tickets from this past weekend, Burt's Bees lip balm, & Winterfresh gum. 

30DHN

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Day24: Something That Makes Me Smile



This guy. This guy makes me smile. 

While I often roll my eyes at his awful jokes, goofy faces, and superhero obsession, Kyle truly makes me happy every single day. I'm so grateful that I'm married to someone who shares my weird sense of humor and embraces my near-constant sarcasm. Plus, anyone who will do his very relevant Dr. Evil impression on command like it's 1997 is just the best. 


 30DHN

Friday, November 23, 2012

Day23: Eight Things You Didn't Know About Me


1) I met Hillary Clinton at a campaign rally in South Bend when I was in college. It. Was. Awesome. 

2) I watched Unsolved Mysteries religiously (surprise, surprise), and I still remember the phone number for the tip line: 1-800-876-5353. 

3) I know all of the words to "We Didn't Start the Fire." I realize this isn't very topical, but it makes me feel accomplished.

4) I realized recently that my personality is identical to Rex from Toy Story. 

(source)

5) My favorite book growing up was Nettie Jo's Friends

6) My first job was as a library page. Best job ever. 

7) My favorite vacation as a kid was to Dyersville, Iowa to see where the movie Field of Dreams was filmed. It's also that farthest west that I've ever traveled.  

8) This kept running through my head every time I tried to think of an interesting fact about myself:

(source)


30DHN

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Day22: What I Love About My Job

Although it isn't the right place for me (for whatever reason), I cannot deny all of the good that this organization does for people across the state of Michigan. It's truly inspiring.

But the best part of my job? Why the artwork, of course.



This little masterpiece was created by the 4-year-old sister of one of our clients. She told me that it was called "Eleven Pigs." 

Sometimes, it just takes a small gesture to make the day brighter. 


30DHN

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wishing you and yours the happiest of Thanksgivings.



May your day be filled with delicious food and loving family; 
and may your travels not resemble a John Hughes movie. 

(But if you need a good laugh, watch this.)

Happy Thanksgiving, friends. Boy, am I ever grateful for you. 

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Forever Thankful



I'm forever thankful for...

Kyle. My parents. Henson. My sister. Grandparents. Aunts, uncles, and cousins. My in-laws. A wonderful group of friends. My best friends. Our beautiful neighborhood. A full-time job. Sunshine. Lake Michigan. Netflix. Access to clean/safe food and water. The Cubs. A roof over my head. YOU. 

Honestly, I'm simply thankful to be thankful. Today and always, I hope to  be more intentional at practicing grace and gratitude in my daily life. Always. 

Day21: A Self-Portrait



Kyle and I are heading over to the east side of the state after work to celebrate Thanksgiving with his family. I'm so grateful to have a 4-day weekend. Seriously. 

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Day20: Something That Means A Lot to Me

My city means the world to me. I've come to love Grand Rapids and this place I call home. 

View from the lawn of the Public Museum.

I love living in Heritage Hill, and being within walking distance of both downtown and Eastown. I love the growing art community, and the revitalization it's bringing to a once-struggling city. I love the museums, the restaurants, and the bars. 

Looking north from the Blue Bridge. 


Most of all, I love the support system Kyle and I have here. We live in the same neighborhood as many of our closest friends, and we wouldn't have it any other way. If I've said it once, I've said it a million times: I love these people and I love this city. Life is grand.  

A Great Blaze of Light cast, and some of my closest friends.
Photo courtesy of Mariea. 

Monday, November 19, 2012

Day19: Myself, One Year Ago

One year(ish) ago, I met Morgan and Lauren for coffee at Wealthy Street Bakery. We caught up and laughed and let the stress melt away.

Morgan, Lauren, me

Lauren is working across the state at the Purple Rose Theatre

I miss her. So, so much.

30DHN

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Day18: What I Wore Today

Usually Sundays consist of leggings and sweatshirts, but today we headed down to Berrien to celebrate my dad's birthday so I thought I'd wear actual pants for the occasion. (You're welcome, everyone.) We had dinner with family at Clementine's in St. Joe, and homemade (by me!) pumpkin pie for dessert.

Blazer: Target, for-ev-er ago
Blouse: Maureen's closet, via clothing exchange
Denim: Old Navy Rockstars
Flats: Morgan's closet, via clothing exchange


A fashion blogger I am not. 

Raptor arms.

Happy birthday, Dad! Love, Goose


30DHN

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Day17: My Family

I'm blessed to have a wonderful and supportive family. I love my parents, sister, in-laws, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends dearly and hold them close to my heart.

I love that when Kyle and I got married, we became a family. We have NO plans for babies in the near future, and I'm enjoying our time as a family of two (three counting that neurotic terrier who hates having his picture taken). 




30DHN

Friday, November 16, 2012

The Northern Skies



The Northern Skies


I will be the first to admit that I don't have particularly sophisticated or diverse musical tastes.
 
You can normally find me listening to the same songs on repeat, and I'm not usually up on the latest artists. (Surprise, surprise.) But I know what I like...and these guys are it.
 
Kyle and I stumbled upon the Northern Skies a few years ago when they were performing at the Eastown Street Fair. We were instantly hooked. Their folky sound is infused with just the right amount of rock. "Folk rock with teeth," if you will. Each song features members jamming on the banjo, violin, or harmonica. The best part? Many of their songs are about their love for Michigan. I can get behind that. 
 
I love that they sing about places I know and things that I love. Their songs aren't just about their love for Michigan, but also about the hardships of living in a struggling state. I love it because I can relate to it. (Plus, one of their songs mentions Victorian homes and beach sands. Only my two favorite things!)
 
We just saw them again last night at Fricano's, a restaurant just north of GR. Spending the evening with my husband and our favorite local band was a great way to break up our weekday routine.
 
Check them out!
 
Do you dig local music?

Day16: Someone Who Inspires Me

Being goofy in Mackinaw City, Aug2012.
Photo courtesy of my sister, Svet.

My parents are my inspiration and constant source of support. Words aren't enough to express how grateful I am to them, for everything. 

Thanks, Mom and Dad. I hope I've made you proud. 

Love, Goose


30DHN

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Day15: Three Blogs I Always Read

Honestly, I do a pretty good job of keeping up with all of the blogs on my Reader. I love seeing what everyone is up to and what's going on in their little corners of the world. (Is that weird?)

There are a handful of blogs that I've been reading for the past three years or so (The Soul Anchor, So Fawned, Sunshine Cupcakes) that will always be among my favorites. However, I always get excited when I stumble across a new blog to love. 

Kay @ Life After 



Fellow Michigander, wife and mother (to the seriously adorable baby), and writes with true honesty. 


Megan @ SixOne in Heels 




Sister of Kay (cool, huh?), working girl exploring a new city, and absolutely hilarious. Seriously. 



Young Georgia Love 

College student, baker extraordinaire, and wise beyond her years. 


Do me a solid and check these ladies out. You won't be sorry!


30DHN

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Day14: Style Inspiration for the Season

My style hasn't changed too much from last year. My go-to outfit is still skinny jeans and boots, paired with a cardigan or blazer and a scarf. Easy peasy. 

This year, I'm also loving chambray shirts and colorful skinnies. While at first I was wary to wear bright colors on my legs (or anywhere for that matter), I've fully embraced the trend. 

I've also decided that 25 will be the Year of the Blazers. They make any outfit, business or casual, look put together and sassy. 











Source: jcrew.com via Daisy on Pinterest






Source: wanelo.com via Sara on Pinterest






30DHN

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Day13: Something I'm Proud Of

My road to becoming a "runner" has been long. I feel as though I'm always taking one step forward and two steps back. I'm not very fast, my endurance isn't fantastic, and I can't run over 2 miles without having to walk. 

But I keep with it. Although it's a pain in the ass (sometimes literally), I love running. 



In 2012, I completed three 5K races. I'm proud of myself for sticking with it. Next year, my goal is to run in five. I can't wait!


30DHN

Monday, November 12, 2012

If I Could Do Anything...

Illustration from Bridge to Terabithia
Effects via PicMonkey

Recently Jessie at Young Georgia Love, one of my new favorite blogs, wrote about what she would do if she could do anything. I loved this post because it  looked beyond the scope of a career. We live in a society that puts so much emphasis on what we "do." Most of the time, "what we do" is just another way of saying "how you earn your paycheck." 

I'm guilty of being a workaholic and career-minded to a fault. Currently, I'm in the process of finding a new job. Reevaluating my career goals has also given me the opportunity to evaluate what makes me happiest. Life is about being and doing...and there is so much more to those things than simply how your bills get paid. 

If I could do anything, I would travel. I would drive across the country, take back roads and eat pie at greasy diners. I would take pictures with disposable cameras and write the stories of people I met along the way. I would stand atop mountains, explore national parks, and get lured into tourist traps. I would swim in the ocean, go to museums, and buy local art. I would hop a plane to Italy. To Greece. To England. To Germany. Back to Key West. I would take a train across Alaska. I would take a cruise on the Mediterranean. I would meet new friends, make new memories, and breathe new air.

If I could do anything, I would create. I would write short stories, memoirs, and maybe a novel or two. I would write constantly. I would learn to knit more than just scarves. I would splatter paint on canvases, throw pots, and make jewelry. I would sew throw pillows, aprons, and dresses. I would learn how to sing, join an orchestra, and play "Hallelujah" on my violin. I would write, produce, and star in a one woman show (tentatively titled, "The Fattest Girl on Stage"). I would play Magenta in The Rocky Horror Show. I would repaint, redecorate, and rearrange our apartment monthly. I would be satisfied with my creations.

If I could do anything, I would run my own business. It would be a cafe/bakery/art gallery. It would be called "Oh, Honey" and I'd have beehives in my rooftop garden. I'd give free coffee to college students and retirees, or anyone who could tell me a good story. I'd sell local art and collaborate with local artists to make the place beautiful. I'd bake honey oat banana muffins, peanut butter honey cookies, and honey vanilla cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. I would scribble the menu on a giant chalkboard, decorate with fresh flowers, and always prop the door open. I would live and breathe community. 

If I could do anything, I would change the world. I would write the life stories of hospice patients and hold their hands. I would serve soup, sort clothing donations, and hand out blankets. I would pay for the groceries of the person in line behind me at Meijer. I would go on a TOMS Giving Trip. I would help build houses and dig wells for clean drinking water. I would pay it forward, starting in my own back yard. 

If I could do anything, I would live with reckless abandon. I would walk the length of the entire shore of Lake Michigan. I would run the Chicago Marathon. I would be on Broadway. I would go ghosthunting. I would be a dog walker. I would find myself while losing myself in Europe. I would move to Portland. I would search for Bigfoot, the Lock Ness Monster, and UFOs. I would ride in a limo. I would spend the night in a library. I would time travel with my husband. I would host SNL (live from New York) and dodge Matt Lauer's questions about my personal life on the Today Show. I would cover myself in tattoos. I would find buried treasure, Amelia Earhart's airplane, and Jimmy Hoffa's briefcase. I would finally get around to watching Twin Peaks. I would have lunch with Tina Fey, Tom Hanks, and Kermit the Frog. If I could do anything, I would wake up every morning excited to get out of bed and seize the day. (Maybe there's hope.)

If I could do anything, I would just be.

What would you do? 

Day12: The Last Item I Purchased

I purchased these earrings at Forever 21 for a pin-up girl themed bachelorette party for my friend Victoria this past weekend.




Clearly, a good time was had by all. 





30DHN