25

March 19th we celebrated Eddie's 25th birthday. Starting with a restaurant week dinner at Grotto (amazing meal), and then ending with a Celtics-Heat game at the garden. Unfortunately the primary excitement of the game was the chance to see Lebron James play-- but he had taken the day off. A bit disappointing, but what can you do! 

Betty's Day

This past Saturday, March 1st, was my grandmother's birthday. Although she passed away 15 years ago, my family decided to come together and celebrate her-- by being together and cooking her food. It was wonderful to get together outside of holiday celebrations, something I now vow to do more of. There was so much food, mainly polish, as well as some of her classic recipes. We left stuffed with pierogis and poppy seed cake. 

Grandparents on their wedding day, June  23rd, 1956

5 years

On February 20th, Eddie and I celebrated our five year anniversary. I honestly can't believe how quickly time has gone, and I am excited when thinking about the years ahead. We headed to a nice french restaurant, Marliave, in downtown boston. We left so stuffed, it hurt to breathe. All in all, it was a great night and I feel very grateful. 

lately.

The cold just continues to persist. This truly is the coldest winter in recent memory. As a person who is always cold no matter the temperature outside, it particularly has been a struggle. A glimpse of one of the many snowstorms on my usual walk to work:

As for what I have been up to-- In late January, we headed to our first Celtic's game of the season (vs. Philly). It was a great game, but they unfortunately lost right on the buzzer. Very sad.

In terms of fitness goals, I am closing in on almost 450 miles in one year. I consider March 31st my 'one year mark' in the journey to being consistently fit. I am proud to say I haven't missed a single week without exercising in some capacity (gym or running). The winter (essentially, January) was and is very difficult. Some weeks I could only make it twice. February is already beginning to look a little better, but the cold continues to be my biggest hurdle. Hence four mile runs in 26 degree weather:

My next step this year will definitely be an improved diet. I say this as I eat the peanut butter cookies I baked last night.... :)

Girls Weekend Winter 2014

This long weekend, Julie, Jenni, Mara, and I got together in NYC for our traditional biannual girls weekend. It was fun, a bit tiring, but was amazing to see them! There is nothing like spending time with 4 true best friends. Friday, we spent the day wandering Central Park and visiting the MoMA.

Friday night we went to a Piano Bar, Brandy's, where we stayed until close. They played the most amazing renditions of classic songs, with each employee of the bar displaying their performing talent. It was truly awe inspiring and their voices were unbelievable. 

Saturday we spent a long time catching up on sleep, but still managed to explore Washington Square Park and enjoy Thai food for dinner in Brooklyn. 

Sunday we went to the 5th annual Gettysburg College MLK weekend bar crawl, reuniting with friends from college. Although the Patriots lost the AFC title game, it was great to see everyone. One of my best friends from high school also happened to be there. It was the most amazing surprise, as I haven't seen her in four years! 

Overall, it was a great weekend and a wonderful start to 2014. 

Cold.

This week there has been a snowstorm and below zero temperatures. A cold way to start off 2014. There was a point where we didn't go outside for three days. I was going a bit crazy to say the least. 

Tomorrow is the first full week of work since Dec 20th. It's been a nice couple of weeks off, but I am ready to get back into the swing of things and start off 2014. 

As usual Boston is as pretty as ever. 

2013: a photo recap

Happy New Year! I say this every year, but I cannot believe it is 2014.

It sounds so old and futuristic (to me at least). Admittedly, I am not a big fan of New Year's, but I am hoping for a year full of new adventures, health, and happiness. 

For resolutions, I have nothing drastic, but have resolved to travel more and eat better.
I also want to keep my commitment of exercising a few times a week, which I have been good about since March. Here's hoping I can keep it up in 2014. 

Instead of only a list of pictures as usual, I decided to do a flipagram as well for 2013.

Christmas 2013

Christmas was busy, but I was able to spend a lot of time with family. I am desperately trying to "record" more memories...literally and figuratively. Using the app Magisto, I tried to capture each family holiday celebration here. I think they came out pretty well :). Here's to 2014 and making more memories. 

Choiniere Christmas

Britton Christmas

O'Haire/Pfenning Christmas

Thanksgiving 2013

Thankful for so many things, but most of all the health and happiness of my family.

Turkey trot tradition with Dad.

Our first thanksgiving together :)

Snapshot with Mom in the kitchen.

And finally, pie. 

winter cape weekend

This past weekend we headed to the Cape to dog sit and stay with my brother Jack while my parents escaped to Jersey. It was a chilly weekend but that didn't stop us from a walk on the beach and marsh. I almost love the beach even more in the winter, there is a quiet and serene effect. 

I am overly excited for the holidays this year, almost more than usual. It is November 12th and I've already listened to Christmas music at work and watched several holiday movies. Can't wait for December when this is slightly more appropriate. 

Red Sox: World Series Champions

The Boston Red Sox are World Series champions! I have been a big Sox fan since I was young, even frequenting spring training with my dad way back when. I was thrilled throughout the entire playoff season. It was truly extra special for this city given the events that took place here in April. I am proud to live in Boston.

My younger brother Will came up from the Cape for the day to enjoy the parade with Eddie and I. 

This parade brought back memories from  the 2004 World Series (the 2007 one I was away at Gettysburg). I can't believe 2004 was ten years ago! 

Here's to next year!