two years down, eight to go

In this list, I put to paper the 25 things I wanted to do/accomplish before I was 40. In that my 32nd birthday is right around the corner, meaning two years have passed, I figured I better do a little check-in to gauge where I'm at.

1. Get married
2. Start a family
3. Buy a house in the country
4. Travel internationally- Ireland or Italy
5. Buy a big girl camera and learn how to really use it
6. Napa Valley wine tour
7. Run a 10k
8. Learn CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver
9. Pay off all debt (well, a mortgage is ok)
10. Learn how to change a flat tire
11. Buy a Dyson
12. Host a dinner party- where I do the cooking!
13. Become a mentor
14. Build a garden from dirt to veggies!
15. Volunteer
16. Get a second tattoo- this one with meaning
17. Eat more seafood
18. Live without envy
19. Contribute WAY more to savings and my 401k
20. Take better care of my body/skin- drink more water, get facials, buy proper make-up, stay out of the sun, exercise often!
21. Learn how to shoot a gun
22. Take a roadtrip with my mom
23. Smile more, worry less
24. Be content
25. Be a good, loving wife and mom

I think I'm doing good at knocking things off, and still have eight years to go! And seeing as though I'm basically an expert in procrastination, I really didn't expect this much ;) 

AND! Many things on the list are in progress: starting a family, paying off that darn credit card (SO, SO close!), instead of a garden, I'm practicing with flowers and plants, we are renting in the country right now and within next couple of years will buy, and finally...learning everyday to love, appreciate and be grateful for the many, many blessings in my life. I'm a lucky girl...

on life...at the moment

I'm back! Sorry about that almost-two-month-long hiatus. Here I am, ready to get this blog back on track. The thing is, I really, really like everything about blogging...writing posts, thinking of new posts, catching up on all my "blog friends", chatting with my best friend about all the mutual blogs we read. But, I sit in front of a computer all day. At my desk, during meetings, in my laptop bag strapped to my body, this computer of mine is always with me. So, when I get home to my country retreat, and the weather is beautiful and the dogs want to play and Jennette is ready for our nightly three-mile walk, the last thing I feel like doing is sitting in front of my computer. And this absence is actually no surprise to me, as I have found, looking back through the archives, a couple of other times I briefly disappeared.

So, with no further adieu...catching up.

The big move from city to country was a success, and honestly, I can't remember a time I've ever been happier. I love living on acres of land, looking out the window and seeing nothing but green, having a window open and hearing..well, silence. Wait! Birds! That is what I hear. Chirping, singing, happy birds. And at any given time, I can look out my kitchen window and see deer, turkeys or cranes. I love country living, and moving back to Manchester was the best decision we've recently made. 

The floorplan of our new home is very open, and perfect for having people over. There have been countless nights where we've had all our friends over, and I even hosted Easter for my family and Ryan's (my home before was much to small for that). Being with my very best friends or all of my family under one roof makes my heart happy, and I'm thrilled to live back in a location closer to everyone I love. 

Speaking of friends, my bestie Jennette lives right next door. Literally. It's so, so fun to live next to someone who is basically your sister. We do crafty things, go for walks, cook lots, and sit on the front porch and watch our dogs babies play. Sigh, no complaints :) 

The hubs is great and, from what I can tell, liking his new job. If there is one thing about Ryan, it's that he doesn't complain. Sometimes I have to pry info out of him, but every time I ask him how work is going, I get a good response. It was a good decision for him to leave his previous job and take this one, as he is definitely happier and more relaxed.

All is still, unfortunately, quiet on the baby-front. We've basically been trying since the day I walked down the aisle, but my body is being plain stubborn. While I'm trying to remain positive and optimistic..."Oh, when the time is right, we'll have our baby" or "I've been pregnant before, so I will again"...it is frustrating. It's hard to want something so bad, something that longs to be and aches deep inside, but be denied month after month. So I'm trying to have fun in this foot-loose-and-fancy-free period of my life alone with my husband, knowing (praying) it won't be like this for long. In the meantime, I've started a string of appointments at the Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility clinic in Ann Arbor just to make sure I'm healthy and everything is the way it should be, ahem, down there, and so far, from bloodwork panels to ultrasounds, all is checking out perfectly. I'm taking comfort in that and trying to do what everyone is telling me to do...relax.

And finally, work. My job at Team Detroit is going good. Much like every other agency I've worked, there are those really busy days that make me want to pull my hair out, and then there are a few days of sanity. Thank goodness for those sane days, since it reminds me why I love this industry so much. Much like my previous two stints in the Detroit ad world, I'm solely digital, but with all my focus on site work (ford.com) rather than OLA (online advertising). I do appreciate how much I'm learning- something new everyday. As for my commute, it's actually much more tolerable than I thought it was going to be. I just pop in my Harry Potter audio book, and I'm at work/home before I know it!

In a nutshell, that's about it for us Novesses. As I type this, it doesn't seem like we've been up to a whole heck of a lot since we've moved, but I swear I feel busier. Perhaps just happier ;) 

goodbye city, hello country!

In one short week, the u-haul will be packed and our little home in Royal Oak will be empty. It will be goodbye  city, hello country. Five acres to spread out on rather than a postage stamp sized lot. The dogs will be in heaven, and we simply cannot wait. As excited as we are, there are things about the city that truly will be missed. In no particular order:

1. Target- there's one in every direction, and the closest is literally a mile and a half away.
2. Restaurants, bars and night life- take your pick, there's anything to suit your mood. 
3. My commute to work- 25 mins. Can't beat that. 
4. CVS/Walgreens- I remember a few months ago when I ran up to CVS (a mile away) at 10pm for some cold medicine. I was home 10 mins later. In Manchester, the closest CVS is...hmmmm...20 mins away. 
5. Hospitals- our closest hospital right now, is- no joke- within walking distance. When I hit my head, it felt like it took forever to get to the ER (in reality it was only 20 mins), and that was just a small hospital in the next town over. A larger hospitals are 30 to 45 mins away. 
6. Shopping- one of the best malls EVER is right around the corner. 
7. Target- oh wait, I mentioned that. 
8. Grocery stores- West Born, Market Fresh, Kroger, Meijer, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods- take your pick. 
9. Starbucks- or any coffee house for that matter. Sometimes you just don't feel like making it at home!
10. Convenience- see 1 through 9. It will be missed!

Our country life is going to be some simple, and I wouldn't trade it for all the convenience in the world. One grocery store, no stop lights, a bar where the locals gather, great schools for our babies, everyone knows everyone. It'll be good to get back to my roots!

Happy Saturday, y'all :) 

is there any calgon in the house?

Stressed. Stressed at work. Stressed with life (moving...gaaaaaah!). Stressed about feeling stressed. Here's to hoping work slows down, the boxes get packed (by themselves would be nice), and the next two weeks fly by.

That's about it on a Saturday morning. My brain, thanks to all this stress, is complete and utter mush.

it's one of them

Around 8:15 this morning, I realized I was running 15 minutes behind schedule. Sigh. Running late is not a good way to start the day.

At 8:43, when literally running out the door and cursing that I'm 13 minutes behind schedule, I fell down the (two) stairs that lead from our kitchen to the back door. Um- ouch.

Got to work, and was told one of my projects that was supposed to go-live on ford.com tomorrow was now not going live. Put that fire out, got the project back on track.

Immediately after, I found out another project that was going to have a three-day turnaround time now has a one-month turnaround time. Perfect.

Upon realizing the only thing that was going to make me feel better at that moment was an overpriced pop-tart, I headed down to the store on the first floor but saw the line was out the door and around the corner. At this point, I didn't have the time nor the patience to wait it out. Geez, I couldn't even stuff my face with a caloric, crappy breakfast!

Yup, it's one of them days. BUT! I have a hot date with my handsome Hubs tonight. Thank goodness for sushi, wine and love.

Hope your day is going better than mine :)

love me some sugar

Sweets have always been my weakness, especially in the morning. Give me sweet over salty any day. Pie and coffee? Please! Cake? Sure! Powdered, glazed and chocolate doughnuts? I don't discriminate. Candy bars, gummies, sweet or sour. I love it all. 

When I was little, my parents told me I would not grow if I didn't eat my vegetables. Since we lived in the country, we had our own garden so fresh veggies were at our disposal. But I just wouldn't eat them, and actually believed I would stay the same size. That didn't faze me, though. I said no to tomatoes, green beans, potatoes, cucumbers. I would sit at the dinner table longer than anyone else, because the rule was if you didn't eat your dinner, you didn't get dessert. GASP! No ice cream! It was just unfathomable to me. So there I'd sit, until my dad did a few rounds of airplane and I was excused from the table. 

My mom blames this on me being the youngest of three kids. She said that by the time I was able to eat real food, my older brothers were school-aged so treats were introduced to me at an earlier age. Of course as my taste buds grew I learned to love and eat most veggies, but it does make me think ahead to my children. Will they be picky like me? Or will they be like their dad and eat anything that's put in front of them? What disciplinary roles will I have to take with them so they are healthy and happy? There are so many things about parenthood that are daunting. To be honest, thinking about cooking well-balanced meals, every night while I balance a career and family, is right up there at the top of the list. Right now, if we don't feel like eating a big dinner, I simply don't cook and the Hubs fends for himself. But these days of caring only for ourselves are slowly coming to an end. Soon there will be little ones to think about, to provide for and to make decisions for. As terrifying as it sounds, it also sounds so, so beautiful. 

And I can do it. I'm certain of that. 

Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got some doughnut holes to eat. 

:)

survived week 1

Ryan has been gone for just over one week and although I miss him like crazy and the house is incredibly too quiet, I decided to focus on the bright side of our situation rather than complain. Here are the few perks I'm experiencing in his absence:

• Setting the thermostat to whatever I want...no ifs, ands, or butts about it. I like it warm in the evenings, frigid when I sleep, and on the cooler side while I get ready in the morning. All of these preferences drive Ryan bonkers.
• Watching whatever I want to watch...ON THE DOWNSTAIRS TV! If Ryan is around, sports, sports, sports plays on the living room TV 24/7.
• Sleeping in the middle of the bed. Although I tend to always wake up on my side. 
• Eating cereal for dinner. My man thinks I eat like a bird, and I do when he's not around!

But, I'd surely give these few things up in a nanosecond if it meant he'd come home tomorrow. I miss my Hubs! 

comfort and joy

Things have been pretty quiet around the Novess household lately. I've been settling into my new work routine, and Ryan has been enjoying his last couple weeks of taking it easy before he leaves for training in Florida on January 2nd. We have, however, been in full Christmas mode and are very much looking forward to the festivities coming up.

I actually put up all our Christmas decorations before we spent Thanksgiving week in Manchester. That way it was done when we got back home the following weekend. This antique door/bench is by far my most favorite piece of furniture I own. I bought it in Florida, and you should have seen my mom and I getting it from the antique store to my condo in my Mustang. Quite. The. Sight. I love, love decorating it for each holiday.

The nativity scene sitting on the bench is so nostalgic, and I adore it. My parents bought all the pieces during their first years of marriage back in 1973, and had even built a manager that was far larger and more elaborate than this one. I'm sad I don't have it anymore...too many moves over the years. I'm thankful my mom gave me this set, as I remember setting it up each Christmastime when I was little and then playing with all the pieces. 

I feel like this weekend is the calm before the storm. We have just a few more presents to buy, and then this coming Thursday after work we will be packing up the car and doggies and driving to Manchester for the week. I'm dern excited Team Detroit closes the week between Christmas and New Year's. I'm so ready for a great week spent with family and friends, and it's the last week Ryan and I have together before he leaves for a month. On Friday, we have our annual Ugly Sweater Christmas Party with our friends. We have a blast every year and it's fun (understatement) to all be together. 

 Ugly Xmas Sweater Party 2007

 Ugly Xmas Sweater Party 2010

We always have some sort of gift exchange at the party, and this year the theme is "homemade under $10". I drew Leigh, who is notoriously hard to shop for, and am overall quite pleased with what I put together. I hope she likes it as much as I do or I might just take it back for myself! (she doesn't read blogs so I'm safe to post a pic)

And after the friend party, it's some much needed family time starting with Christmas Eve at my mom's, Christmas morning with Ryan's family and Christmas afternoon at my dad's. Feeling very content, very happy and very much at peace with all the blessings in my life. Now if only the weather would cooperate and bring us some snow...

:) 

opportunity knocked so we opened the door

As I recently mentioned (HERE), there are a lot of changes coming in the Novess household. The first of which happens this week. On November 18th, I had my last day at Goodby, Silverstein and Partners and thus begin my new job at Team Detroit tomorrow. I am so happy for my time spent at GSP, but I knew it just wasn't the long-term job for me. It is a FABULOUS agency filled with AMAZING people. I was sad, very sad, to say goodbye. But I'm hoping this new gig at Team Detroit brings a little more structure and process. I'm not nervous...this is the third new job I've started in a year and a half. However, I am not looking forward to being the new girl. Again. Here's to hoping everyone is nice ;)

Meanwhile, Ryan is enjoying his last month of freedom before he starts his new job in January. He will spend the whole month of Jan. in Florida for training. Let's just say I am trying not to be green with envy! I am very happy for him, though. This is a great opportunity for him and us.

So, more later this week on my new job. Now it's time to get motivated. I need to head to the SOS office to officially change my last name (finally) and then go shopping. Can't start a new job in the same ol clothes I already have!

so thankful

Thankful that on this day one year ago, my best friend asked me to marry him.

Thankful that eight months after that, we were able to be surrounded by all those nearest and dearest to us while we said "I Do". 

Thankful to spend every Thanksgiving with my in-laws, who are really much, much more than that.

Thankful that next week, I get to embark upon a new adventure at another ad agency, and in January, Ryan begins his journey with a new company. So, so incredibly blessed to have amazing career opportunities during this time. 

Thankful for my girlfriends, who are family.

Thankful for my nieces and nephew- they make me smile. 

Thankful for my doggies, the goofiest two boxers around. They constantly make me laugh. 

Thankful for this beautiful, sunny day. In November, in Michigan, you can't ask for more.

Thankful for the blessings we receive. Daily. All the time. Never taken for granted. 

Happy Thanksgiving   :)

the road home

If you would have asked the 22 through 26-year old me if I'd ever leave Florida and move back to Michigan, my adamant response would have been "no way!".

If you would have asked the 28-year old me if I'd ever leave Memphis and move back to Michigan, my enthusiastic response would have been "some day!".

If you ask the present day, 31-year old me to leave Royal Oak and move back to my born-and-raised-place-where-I-graduated-high-school hometown of Manchester, I basically scream "YES! WHEN!".

It's funny how things come full circle and how much your perspective on things change. I move almost 1500 miles away, end up falling in love with a guy I went to high school with (who, mind you, does not even LIVE in that state), move halfway home, then finally head back to my homestate, and now ache to get back to the place where I started from. What happened that made me never want to leave Florida to all of sudden needing to get back to Manchester?

Well...I grew up. I met the man I knew I was going to marry. I realized there is no other place I'd want to raise my family than the same exact place I was raised. Surrounded by family, friends and good people. Back to the place that built and shaped me, so I can instill the same values and traditions in my children.

So...we're doing it, folks. We're moving.

And we're moving home.

:)

adios, september

I've been a bit stumped lately on what exactly to post. It's not that we don't have a TON going on, because we do, but more like....what's news worthy I really want to recall. September was a busy month for us. We've been heading into Manchester (known affectionately at GSP as "Saint Olaf" or "my hometown") every weekend lately for one reason or another, and both Ryan and I are pretty hectic at work. That makes for tired evenings and not a whole lot of energy to blog.

What astonishes me, though, is that we are ALREADY through September. I've been married for eight weeks, football and U of M tailgating are upon us, and the leaves are changing colors. The days have been cool, they sky has been more gray this month than blue, and pumpkins are decorating my front porch. Although this tends to be one of my favorite times of year in Michigan, I sit here and wonder where in the world my summer went!

So, as another month passes, I welcome you October. Starting with a wedding this weekend, and then on to beautiful colors, pumpkin spice latte, orchards, sweater-weather, boots, endless hours of football and lazy-weekends. Also hoping you bring answers, clarity and a long-awaited gift. Please, and thanks :)

season of change

Wherever you go, go with all your heart. 

I read this the other day on Facebook. That little saying stuck with me and it resonated. I feel as though there are major changes coming in the Novess household and, for once, I've decided to let go of the inner control freak in me and just go with it. I'm thinking positive thoughts daily and trying to put full trust in knowing that whatever is in store for Ryan and me is in fact exactly what is meant to happen. In the meantime, I try not to get overwhelmed by said changes...

...like wanting to be a mom and wondering (constantly) when will that happen.

....like needing to buy a home that can house the family we plan to have.

...but wanting our home to be back closer to friends and family in Manchester.

...but not caring to have the daily commute that would come along with a zip code change of that nature.

...and hoping my husband finds happiness in his career path.

....and needing to keep an open mind about my own.

So for now I'll try to remember things happen for a reason, and wherever life takes us over these next few months, I will go there.

Hopefully with all of my heart.