365.1/31/10: Day 28

Alex's Sweet Potato Shepard's Pie.

Paleo comfort food at it's best.

365.1/30/10: Day 27

Sleepover at Grammy & Grampy's (o: we took about 40 of these pictures, and it was hard to choose just one. That's what happens when you have such cute kids in the pic...

365.1/29/10: Day 26

As I was walking out of work a little past 5:00pm today, I was SO excited that it was still light outside and the sun hadn't set completely (Spring is coming!)... then as I left the building I looked up and saw the amazing moon. I knew I needed a picture of it! Unfortunately, all I had w/ me at the moment was my cell phone, and I couldn't get a picture that was even close to being post-worthy. So I drove home planning to grab my camera as soon as I walked in, and literally, just as I walked in the door of my apartment, Alex got a text from our friend Drew saying the following:
"Take a look at the moon when u get a chance. Tonight the moon is at it's closest orbit of the year, making it the biggest full moon of the year. It's also the wolf moon tonight. Pretty cool."

... I'll say it's pretty cool.

PS. Taking a quality picture of the moon is so hard! This is the best I could do in 12 degree weather. I wasn't about to stand outside any longer than I had to to get the shot! But overall not bad, I didn't edit it at all!

365.1/28/10: Day 25

Ladies Night out at Riverview (o: there's nothing like a little laughter w/ girlfriends at the hole in the wall pizza joint. Mmmm, Riverview.

... and don't be fooled by the redness in this pic, there were no camera tricks, just a lot of red lights in the place.

365.1/27/10: Day 24

My mom has been influencing the way I live my life, everyday, for the 28 years I've been on this planet. There is no way that I could even start to list the ways that she has inspired me. She has been my constant source of motivation, and that all important voice of reason everyone needs in their life. If I could be half the person she is, I'd be the luckiest person around (o: I sent the link to this blog to friends and family a few days ago, and today I talked to my mom about it. She told me that she was excited to see the daily updates and was happy to be able to have this virtual connection (ok she didn't use that word 'virtual,' but you know what I mean). She also told me that this blog has inspired her to notice the little things in her life a bit more, and that she may start keeping a journal. Her telling me this, warmed my heart like you couldn't believe. The fact that I've inspired her is truly amazing to me.... because she'll never stop inspiring me.

Here is a picture of me and Mom. (o:

365.1/26/10: Day 23

Alex packed my lunch today, whatta sweetie.



Mmmm... I'm currently on a huge navel orange kick. They are a lot of work w/ the peeling and whatnot, but every wedge is worth the work.

365.1/25/10: Day 22

So my birthday is the 25th of the 8th month of the year... so the 25th of every month I will post a self-portrait. Here is my first! A last minute self-portrait right before bed on January 25th. (o:



54 degrees at 6:30pm on January 25th! Definitely made me smile.



... long black socks and neon Asics Tigers walking the frozen food isle in Stop & Shop.

365.1/24/10: Day 21

Nico (Alex's nephew) dancing to the Wiggles before Sunday dinner... I can't get enough of him! The little curls in his damp hair from his tub, the spaceship PJs, his lil belly sticking out and those socks falling off, I could just squeeze him.

365.1/23/10: Day 20

Alex competed in a CrossFit competition today ~ he won (o:

365.1/22/10: Day 19

Every little bit helps...

365.1/21/10: Day 18

An impromptu excursion to Trader Joe's w/ Whit, Cath and Deanna - fresh groceries w/ friends... love it.

365.1/20/10: Day 17

I warned that this blog would get mundane at times (o: but come on, PJ pants and slippers after a long day in uncomfortable shoes, definitely makes ME happy.

365.1/19/10: Day 16

I can't quite say why... but whenever I get home, and Alex's car is parked outside of our apartment, it makes me smile.

365.1/18/10: Day 15

The dishes are done, man!


Is that weird that an empty sink and drainer full of clean dishes makes me happy?

365.1/17/10: Day 14

Balsam fir candle = Christmas all winter

365.1/16/10: Day 13

Some nice words to live by, right? (o:

365.1/15/10: Day 12

I really wanted to go out tonight to the fundraiser Whit was helping organize for Corey's run... I went to the gym, showered, and even got dressed... but then made the mistake of sitting on the couch, and was asleep w/in about a half hour... so it turned into a Snuggie night~

365.1/14/10: Day 11

I'm 28 and I still love getting snail mail, eventhough it's usually junk mail or a bill... but today it was the movie UP via Netflix. Yes!!

365.1/13/10: Day 10

My yankee swap gift, the Aqua Globes are working quite nicely... my peace lily likes it very much (o:

365.1/12/10: Day 9

Work, gym, dinner, shower, "jammies" and bed... today, jammies was my favorite part.

365.1/11/10: Day 8

I'd like to go somewhere warm, sometime soon...

365.1/10/10: Day 7

Hmmm... January 10th, do I have to take the Christmas decorations down?

365.1/9/10: Day 6

O'Briens invade Kevin & Anna's wedding today. And this is Guggs... she always has hugs for Alex (o:

365.1/8/10: Day 5

This is a Havannet. Also known as THE most delicious cone shaped treat ever. It's from Argentina and they are one of the most coveted sweets around (o: I mean, come on... what's better than a cone shaped mound of dulce de leche on a cookie covered in chocolate? This little piece of heaven, wrapped in delightful navy blue foil is sitting on my kitchen counter patiently waiting for 30 days of paleo to be over so it can be happily enjoyed. I can't wait!

365.1/7/10: Day 4

It might be busy, a little chaotic looking... but even with the very loud, very long motorcycle rallies that go over it all summer, I still love the view of the Beverly/Salem bridge (and that small spec of water we can see) from our little deck.

365.1/6/10: Day 3

I made dinner tonight! Lovely green broccoli, sweet potato fries and what was suppose to be a chicken cutlet of sorts. There was a mess, there was some smoke, but all in all, not bad.

365.1/5/10: Day 2

Alex and I went to Mayflower today (his parent's house) to spend some time w/ his mom after hearing yesterday's news. Macarena was there w/ Mateo. Sometimes I get jealous of little ones who don't quite know what's happening in the world around them yet. But what's so great is, what could have been a slightly somber afternoon was turned into hours of play, laughter, getting to know little 15 month old Mateo better, and of course delicious food (I mean afterall, we were at Mayflower... when isn't there fantastic food?)

365.1/4/10: Day 1

So this is a picture of a picture, I hope that isn't cheating... but when I decided to begin this crazy blog I didn't know that today would signify such an important day in the lives of the Verdaguer family. Today, Alex's maternal grandmother, Lela passed away. Lela was very ill for quite a while, so her death could be viewed as a blessing, however, that doesn't always take the sting away. I met Lela back when Alex's grandparents and great aunt & uncle visited a few summers ago. With the limited amount of Spanish I know, I didn't get to have many conversations w/ her, however whenever she grabbed my face and gave me kisses on the cheek, I felt her compassion. This picture was taken at Alex's sister's (Macarena & Matt's) wedding. I think it's an amazing photo of pure love and happiness & makes me smile every time I look at it. (Thank you to Maca who gave Alex this photo and frame.)