The Whole Point of the Week

"The whole point of the week is the weekend.” ― Angela Montenegro


I can't wait for this weekend. Not because I'm going to see Blue Man Group like my coworker. Not because I have the weekend off. There really isn't a TON going on in my life this weekend, but for some reason, today I am more excited about the weekend than normal.

I remember that when I was younger Fridays were my favorite day of the week. My aunt and I would get together on Friday nights to watch ABC's TGIF lineup. Boy Meets World, and Sabrina the Teenage Witch. My week wasn't complete until I had my TGIF time with my aunt.

Nowadays, I look forward to my one day of the week where I don't have to wake up super early if I don't want too. That day is Saturday, since I work on Sundays.

This weekend seems to have more excitement going on though. Tonight I get to spend some much needed time with my brother, Anthony. Then tomorrow, I'm going to get up and make breakfast for the four of us.

My dad's dad is meeting us for lunch with his girlfriend Pat. I really like Pat. She very much reminds me of my dad's mom. And I love my Grammy so much. But she lives in Las Vegas, so I only get to see her once a year. :(

ANYWAY! We are going out to lunch. They requested we pick a "Fancy" restaurant. Wonder why? Maybe they are going to tell us that they are getting married?? That would be exciting! SO, my dad chose The Wayside Inn in Sudbury, MA.

**Side Note: I wanted to have my wedding reception here... :( But it's SO expensive!

For those of you that haven't been there, (and this includes me!) It's adorable. And old. here are a few pictures of it. They have a ton of weddings there, and the Martha Mary Chapel is featured in lots of movies because it's so picturesque!

It's just an old inn, with lots of scenic areas around it. VERY New England!

There is the Grist Mill:

http://newenglandphotography.wordpress.com/2012/06/25/the-wayside-inn-grist-mill/

Then there's the Martha Mary Chapel:


http://www.westford.com/fingerhut/Massachusetts.htm


And then there is the Inn itself, like I said, very New England!


http://www.westford.com/fingerhut/Massachusetts.htm


After lunch, I have some down time. BUT then the Bruins are playing their first game of the delayed season tomorrow night. AND it's poker night with the guys!

Gonna watch me some Boston Hockey and win me some Money!

Also, every poker night, we are supposed to bring a treat to share. In honor of the Bruins first game, I am going to make Bruins' Hockey Puck Cupcakes!

 


I got the recipe from Delicious Dishings blog. I can't wait to make them, and post about them!!! :)

And then Sunday I have to work. :(
OH WELL!

Happy Weekend and  TGIF!!!!!
Oh, and GO BRUINS!!!!!!
-Gabbi

House Rules

My book that I read this week was House Rules, by Jodi Picoult.



I will start with the fact, that I adore Jodi and all of her books. They are always so enrapturing! Seriously, the past 3 nights, Fabio has fallen asleep while I am still reading. --This never happens! I'm always the first one out cold!

To sum up the book, it follows the events surrounding a murder in a small Vermont town, focusing on an 18 year old boy named Jacob. Jacob has been coping the majority of his life with Asperger's Syndrome. The police come to talk to him about the death of his tutor, Jess, and in the following days, he is believed to be the murderer.

I'm not going to go into details, because like many of Picoult's books, the details of the book are what keep you reading like an addict.

I will say though, the dialogue of the book did make me physically and actually LOL several times. Jacob's literal translation of the world was just so funny! I also really enjoyed how this book focuses on the themes of family, healing, and coping with disabilities. I have a few family friends that are like my younger siblings, and the majority of this family has Asperger's. The entire time I was reading, I was comparing Jacob's antics to those of my friends.

One thing I didn't like, is the way that some information, and some stories are repeated from different  characters' perspectives. Besides that though?

I would give this book 4 out of 5 stars!

The only problem I have now? Which one should I read next?!?

I'm thinking either Salem Falls, Mercy or Lone Wolf???

Life Update!

I've totally given up on the NaBloPoMo. I have just been far too busy and preoccupied to worry about posting everyday. So now my goal is to just post as much as I can.

...SO I have some good news!!!!!


I, Gabriella, got a new job. Rather, I verbally accepted a new position at my company!

While it's not 100% final, I still feel it's okay to be excited about it!
(A new job means no more working weekends!)
I can finally get my life back!!!!!!!
**Cue the music**
CELEBRATE GOOD TIMES, C'MON!

CELEBRATION!


I'm sorry, I just had to boast about that for a minute.

So much has happened in the last 6 months! I've moved out of my parents house, gotten married, become a step-mom, and now have a new/better paying position!

Here's to a 2013 that is shaping up to be AWESOME!

Have a happy day everyone! :)

My Childhood Idol

As a child I had quite a few idols.

I had the normal ones, the Disney Princesses: Pocahontas, and Belle from Beauty and the Beast...and then...there was David Bowie! (So normal for a 5 year old, right?)

David Bowie captured my heart at a very young age. It was his movie Labryinth that made my childhood self obsessed with him. Something to do with his accent, and the interesting way he said "Cruel". Or maybe it was the way he sang the soundtrack to the movie? Regardless of what caused it, I can still remember the first temper-tantrum I threw over David Bowie...

This is the face of my child hood idol :)

Let’s go back in time…….

I remember it all clearly…as if it was yesterday.

The TV sat on the floor, in the corner of the room, near the kitchen.

It was the day my mom's fried Topher gave me the etchasketch. Near Christmas I believe…

We were sitting there while my mom and dad were in the kitchen. We were watching Sesame Street, and I didn’t want to watch it. I wanted to watch Labryinth. And my mommy told me I had to finish Sesame Street and then I could watch Labryinth because she had just rewound the sesame street vhs for me. And that was not the answer I wanted to hear.. I wanted to watch Labryinth. I wanted to sing and dance like David Bowie.  I remember being so upset about it. J And Topher just laughing at me.

And now here we are, 17 years later, and David Bowie just turned 66. With his birthday he released a new song, and announced a new CD will be coming out.

My 21 year old self can't be more excited. My childhood idol is still alive and singing. While my favorite songs will always be those from Labryinth, I still am extremely looking forward to new music from him. AND DARE I DREAM...? A TOUR??

I mean, why couldn't he tour? Mick Jagger Tours! Stephen Tyler Tours! Why can't Bowie tour one last time?

It would be the event of my dreams if I could go see him live in concert...but I'm not going to hold my breath!

-Gabbi

Successful Failure

I'm a failure.

A
Complete
and
total
epic
FAILURE!

I officially failed at blogging everyday! Oh noooooo!

I'm so disappointed in myself, but to my defense, I got called for an interview, and that took up all of my extra mental space (that I normally reserve for my blog.)

Anyways! I interviewed yesterday, and it went reeeeally well! Hopefully I get that one, or the one that I have an interview for next week! One of them would be nice!..

Cross your fingers for me!

..or your eyes.

Or toes.

Just cross something! Pretty please with a cherry on top!???


THANKS! :)
-Gabbi

Generation Y and the Millennials

Generation Y and the Millennials... Sounds kind of like an 70's band doesn't it??

Maybe the opening band for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers? :)

Just Kidding!

I've been doing some research about the different generations and how they characterize each of us. Basically the idea behind the generations is how old you were when a large historical event happened (WWII, Kennedy Assassination, Watergate, Vietnam, 9/11 etc). They believe that is what causes generations, and in turn, causes how we deal with life.

The majority of people living today are one of the following generations:

• The Silent Generation (1925-1942)
• The Baby Boomers (1943-1960)
• Generation X (1961-1981)
• The Millennial Generation, also known as Generation Y (1981-2004)
• The Homeland Generation (2005-Present)

Now, I personally, am part of The Millennial Generation-- Born smack dab in the middle, 1991. And I'm Damn proud of it!!


(http://blog.k12.com/category/tags/transform)
It's actually pretty interesting. They say that my generation is the time in history when children were treated once again as "special". At the time when the generation was starting an emphasis was put on the welfare of children. Everyone starting care a heck of a lot more about how you raised your children, and the "No Child Left Behind Act" was instituted.

Anyways, because of the special attention put on us when we were born, this in turn, made our primary focus in life parenting. Now, we don't have the over abounding urge to have 10 kids like the boomers did, but in a poll, many Millennials said that being a better parent was more important than focusing on your marriage.

Other characteristics of this generation, is that we are hesitant to take risks, or indulge in risky behavior, and we have extremely close relationships in our family. (Which is the opposite of The Silent Generation and Generation X.)

It is also said, that the only generation in the last 100 years that was born into a similar time was the G.I. Generation (Those born 1901-1924). Based off of the Strauss-Howe Generational Theory both generations are said to be of the "hero" characteristic.

"Hero generations are born after an Awakening, during a time of individual pragmatism, self-reliance, and laissez faire. Heroes grow up as increasingly protected post-Awakening children, come of age as team-oriented young optimists during a Crisis, emerge as energetic, overly-confident midlifers, and age into politically powerful elders attacked by another Awakening.^{" http://www.lifecourse.com/about/method/generational-archetypes.html}


Here it talks about "An Awakening". In present time the most recent awakening was the early 2000's, we experienced 9/11, a new war, and an economic downturn. During this time, my generation was at the age where it shaped who we were to become. Unlike the generation before us (GenX) who had been shaped in the late 70's and early 80's.

I don't know, I totally just rambled on about all of that, but I find it fascinating! The explanation of the events in the time help me to explain why people in my life act how they act. Why they have the views on topics that they do. Like my grandparents, who are part of the Silent Generation. It is said that they were so aloof with their families, but at the same time, they were the youngest generation to become parents. Which explains why my grandparents to this day are so hesitant with me, or anyone else for the matter, starting a life, or getting married.

Thanks for reading my ramble! I feel like a Million Bucks right now! Like I have all my family members figured out! --Which I obviously do not! (But let's let me think I do for a minute!)

Alrighty Y'all!
Have a LOVELY night!!
-Gabbi

A Huge, Massive, Lack...of Energy

I have the flu.

I used to joke about it, and didn't really ever think it was a big deal. But as I've gotten older. I can't help but feel like a miserable little baby. I had a fever the past few days..off and on. With a high of 102.5. :(

All I want to do is sleep.

And if I don't sleep every few hours? My eyes burn, like I haven't slept in days!

In order to cure my ailments, I've tried every "Old Wives Tale" that there is in the book.
Any suggestions for kicking the flu, and helping me regain my energy??

Sets of Three

You know that saying "Bad things happen in sets of three"??
Well, I'm superstitious. I believe in that 100%.

Since Christmas I have heard of three people who have died tragic deaths.

The first one was a coworker's brother-in-law, was killed accidentally. A wrong place in the wrong time situation. He died the day before Christmas Eve.

The next was another coworker's mother. Christmas morning the mother's lung collapsed in her daughter's driveway. By the time her daughter found her, it was too late for CPR.

And the last, was my friend from high school; who took his own life last night. 21 years old. He was a talented photographer that I will always remember for his multi-colored curly afro.

Here's one of his photos that I found on his art website. I'm half debating buying it to give to my brother (A snowboard fanatic.)



Starting the New Year with all these tragedies is just a reminder for us all to appreciate those in our lives; not to hold grudges; and to always say I love you to those we cherish.

All three of you will be in my thoughts.
Rest in Peace.

-Gabbi

My Most Recent Dilemma

I must admit, I have a terrible issue where I honestly care far too much what other people think. It's a problem, I know, and I am trying to work on it. I let other people's opinions basically rule my own decisions.

That's an important side fact for you to know before I explain my dilemma...

My Dilemma is:
When you get married, you have to make the decision to change your name or not.
Now, my current name, my beautifully crafted name, given to me by my lovely parents is Gabriella Faith Cardarelli. And I'm not going to lie, I hated it as a child. What kind wants to have such a long name to spell out? But now as an adult, and with a husband that has a sexy accent that beautifully rolls out my name, I adore it. My parents when I was born, made sure that my name both sounded nice, and looked nice on paper. Cardarelli has two L's so therefore Gabriella had to be spelled with two L's. Cardarelli had 4 syllables, so Gabriella had to have 4 syllables. --Really makes you appreciate it when you realize how hard they worked at naming their first child!!

So now that I'm married...to a man with the name Fabio de Oliveira, what do I do?
I reeeeally don't want to get rid of Cardarelli, it's pretty its own Italian way.. And my mother gets this sad look on her face anytime I mention it. :(

My idea is to kinda sort of hyphenate it, but without the physical hyphen. 
Or I could add Cardarelli as a middle name?
I'm so stuck!

Should I do..
Gabriella (Faith Cardarelli) de Oliveira --Initials would be G.O.
or
Gabriella (Faith) Cardarelli de Oliveira --initials would be GCO

Right now I'm leaning toward the second one.

What do you think??

Kate Winslet

Okay!
So this post is totally unrelated, but I was just reading the news, trying to figure out why one of our major highways was closed this morning with a 2 hour traffic backup...when I saw the article on the side about Kate Winslet's newest marriage last week.

On a side note...Can I just say how awesome it is that her new husband's last name is Rocknroll!????
         If she changed her last name, she would be Kate Rocknroll. Oh man.. that makes me giggle!

Anyways, that article reminded me just how much I adore Kate Winslet. I mean, obviously we all loved her as Rose in Titanic...but even Titanic isn't my favorite one of her movies. My all time favorite character she has played is Iris Simpkins from The Holiday. I know quite a few people that really can't stand that movie, but it is one of the loves of my life. Just the cast alone is fantastic! Kate Winslet(beautiful), Cameron Diaz(also beautiful), Jude Law (yum) and Jack Black(great personality)--Some of my very favorite actor/actresses all wrapped up in one quite charming movie of self discovery!

There's just something about it. Possibly because I identify with Iris' character so much! Can't we all? She's a lady, who is strung along for years by this Shumuck, and then she goes away on vacation and finds herself! --With the help of a charming older gentlemen and Jack Black's character!! Overall I just love her transformation. It's inspiring! (There you go, that's my energy tie in..)

I would love to be her. She's absolutely gorgeous (She has the BEST hair!), talented, and has this super cute accent! And from the looks of all of her charity work, she's also a splendid person!

I mean, look at her...So stunning! Talk about natural beauty!


One of the best line's she has in the movie... It makes me want to just stand up and cheer for her!


Alright, I'm done gushing about her. Now you know exactly how I feel about Kate Winslet.

Have a nice day y'all! :)
-Gabbi

New Year, New Inspiration

Happy 2013!!

You know what I love most about New Years? I love looking back at my year. Seeing where I was at this time last year, what I've accomplished, who has been important in my life, who I've (unfortunately) lost touch with... Really makes me think about where I want to go with my life.

So here's my 2012 Reflection:
Since January 1st 2012:
- I have made lots of new friends, and gained a large amount of family (Many of whom I have yet to meet!)
- Moved out of my parents house, into my own apartment.
- Started to learn a new language.
- Fallen in love, and gotten married.
-Thought a lot about where I want to go with my life in the next 10 or so years.
-Strengthened my relationship with my brother and my parents.
- Opened my perspective of people and the world.
- Turned 21!
-Taken up a new hobby. (Baking)
-Cut some of the drama out of my life.
-Bought a new car!
-Cooked my first Thanksgiving dinner!
-Experienced life from a blonde's point of view. hehehe
-Managed to stay at my job without totally going prematurely grey.

And I could keep going for awhile, but you get the idea. :)

Interesting how much one year can change you..isn't it? In the past year I feel like my mind has aged 5 years...oh boy! So by this time next year, I'll be a 22 year old, with a 32 year old's brain??? OH NO! I really need to take more bubble bath's and read more books.

Regardless of where I was mentally or physically this time last year, I'm here. Right now, this 2nd day of January in the new year of 2013! And I'm ready, and excited to see what I'm going to experience this year. What adventures I will go on, what people I will meet.

Quoting one of my favorite author's, the great Dr. Seuss...
"You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
any direction you choose.
You're on your own. And you know what you know.
And YOU are the guy who'll decide where to go"
--From 'Oh the Place You'll Go'

That book is in my opinion one of the most inspirational books...EVER.
I get so amped up every time I read it. And I'm not going to lie, I also tear up every time. But in a happy sort of way!

**Fun Fact: For my high school graduation my parents gave me a copy of that book,  and had all my family members and close friends write really lovely things all over the cover and pages.

In fact, Dr. Seuss is so inspirational, that I think he will be my inspiration for NaBloPoMo January! We post once per day, and the month of January's theme is energy.

After thinking it over a bit, I get my energy from my goals. And quotes like that one are quite inspiring, and make me want to reach my goals! Which in turn is a form of energy, right?

Happy New Year!!
-Gabbi