Every new beginning comes from some other beginnings end..

Hey All,
I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas! During the last few days of 2008 I wanted to take a moment to reflect on some of the great things that this year had to offer and make some resolutions for the new year. In case you havent heard - I passed my CPA exam - I am officially done with the tests FOREVER AND THANK GOD! That was a major accomplishment, as it took up the majority of my free time in 2008.

Looking back, this year has been one of the overall happiest years of my life thus far. It was far less of an emotional rollercoaster then most have been. I have made some great friends in Manayunk, as well as kept in touch with friends from both highscool and college. I'd like to think of my life as a triangle. The three keys to a happy life are personal health, career sucess, and good relationships. This year I have been blessed to find the delicate balance of all three.

Careerwise: I am overjoyed to have passed my exam, a huge weight off of my shoulders. I received good ratings at work, which secures my job.. for now!

Family: I am so greatful to have my grandparents still in my life... and while I see that they are starting to fail.. I am trying to enjoy the little time I get to spend with them these days. I am also greatful for a healthy/happy family - a mom, dad, and brother who love me and I miss them every day when I am in Philly!

Relationships: I have been so lucky to find great friends in a new city this year. I have been even luckier to reconnect with some friends from highschool and stay in touch with my great girlfriends from college. I couldnt be happier with the people who surround my life these days.

Personal Health: This is my biggest weakness at the moment. I dont think my body has seen a gym in many many months. I have come to terms with the fact that a person can only accomplish so many things on any given day, and therefore my personal health has been up until now put on the back burner. Now that all of the above mentioned items are under control, I feel it is time to get back in shape as I really could benefit from the excercise. See this and other goals below for 2009:

2009
1. Get in Shape
2. Visit all friends that I have not seen in forever
3. Save Money
4. Get more sleep

This list will continue as the new year gets closer.

May all your Christmas' be bright!

Hi All,
Just wanted to share the family Christmas Photo this year! I dont know if you can tell but Bren is pulling my hair in the one on the left. Its funny, this is how I remember us and this picture feels like yesterday to me. It was 1990 - almost 18 years ago! Where ever you are this Christmas, take time to reflect on all the joy life has brought you through the years. I know that I am very blessed. Wishing each of you a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2009!

13 days until Christmas..

So.. lately there has been a lack of inspiration in my fingers. Every time I sign onto this website, I come up with a title for my blog and then promptly realize that I have nothing to contribute. This could be for one of two reasons:

1. Everything is going well in my life, therefore, I have no drama, and therefore nothing to say

2. I work crazy hours and pretty much live for the weekend. 

Since my last post:

I came back to Philly after Thanksgiving with a renewed sense of spirit towards my job. My CPA exam score never came, but I have been able to put it to the back of my mind and focus on the tasks at hand.  I have been making attempts to get into the Christmas spirit by decorating my apartment windows with Christmas lights, I also bought a poinsettia, which is nice. Last weekend I hung out with J.R. (we will use initials to protect his identity) and had a very nice time. We went to Dave and Busters on Saturday, just hung out and played some pool and video games. Saturday night we went to Mad River - a new bar in Manayunk, which was a ton of fun. 

For those of you that don't know, JR is a guy that I have been seeing for a few months. Nothing truly official, but pretty  much. Due to our highly ambiguous title, I am a little weary about the upcoming gift exchange. I want to get something nice, but not extravagant, something fun, but not too coupley. Let me know if you have any ideas. Other then that I am just trying to get through the week, as I leave for Rochester on Friday and I still have a ton of stuff to get done at work. 

Much Love,
N

Drunk Amendment

Hi All,
Its currently 4:15 am.. Thankgiving eve, the biggest bar night of the year. I just went out in Webster, my hometown, and am still feeling the effects of a wonderous evening. I wanted to share my drunk thoughts on tonight with the blogging world.. before I sober up and forget what I really think.

TONIGHT WAS AMAZING. I went to a local sports bar in the 585. There, resided most of the class of 2003, in their usual clicks. There was one difference this time though. ME. I didn't care what anyone thought of me. I went up and talked to every single person I knew or remotely recognized! Funny thing was... most were highly receptive to my friendliness and remembered not only who I was but welcomed me by name. Without getting into more detail because it is now 4:20 am and I am drunk and tired. The moral of the story is..

1. no one is better then anyone else. The inferiorness we felt to "the popular" crowd in highschool was mosly our own insecurity in our head
2. if you peak in highschool I feel sad for you
3. Things change, people change, and you have to be willing to see people for who they are, instead of who they were. Some people, even the worst ones.. may deserve a second chance.

Tis all..
Goodnight.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hey all,
In honor of thankgiving, I decided to write a post of all I am thankful for. There are so many things in life that I am greatful to have and often in my daily life forget to appreciate. Here is a short list of all I am thankful for this year.
1. My family: I am so lucky to have 3 out of 4 of my grandparents still living, a mom and dad who love me, and a wonderful brother.

2. My job: In this economy, I feel very lucky to even have a job, let alone one that I enjoy. My job has its good and bad points, but overall I enjoy it and have learned a lot during the last year.

3. My girlfriends: Toni, Michele, Sara, Meg, Megan, Rachel - You guys are awesome, I couldnt have done alot of things in my life without your support. I know that no matter how many miles seperate us at the moment, we will always still be there for eachother, and I am so greatful for that.

4. The Manayunk crowd: I have met a wonderful group of friends in Manayunk who make me appreciate where I live every day. You guys are so much fun, and I am so glad to have had the chance to get to know you this year.

4. My past: Without this I wouldnt be where I am today. I am thankful for all the ups and downs I have had in my life. They have shaped me into a wonderful person, who I am proud to be.

5. My home: I love Rochester, even though I have moved from this place, I will always call it home.

6. I am thankful to be me.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
<3 Nicole

Unknown

Hey All,

Not really much exciting things have happened this week! I am still waiting for my exam score -- and this waiting game is taking years off my life. I just want to know whether I am done, or need to geer up again. I hate being in limbo.

Leaving for Rochester for Thanksgiving on Wednesday! Very excited to see the family.

1 tequilla, 2 tequilla, 3 tequilla, floor..

Hey All, 

So this weekend a group of us went to a BYOT. What is a BYOT you may ask? Well, BYOT stands for bring your own tequilla! There is a small resturant in old city called La Azteca. You bring your own bottle of tequilla and they will provide many flavors of magarita mix. Our dinner party was huge, 25 to be exact... and between us we polished off 8 large bottles of tequilla and this was only the pregame. The dinner was good too.. and cheap! For 25 people = $360 dollars! (20 bucks a person with tip). 

After getting incredibly wasted at dinner, we went to Plough and Stars in Old city and continued right on with the drinking extravaganza. Needless to say, I haven't woke up that hung over in awhile. But it was a good time.

 On Saturday, Sara, Steve, Joe and I went to the park and played some football to get outside and get some fresh air. It was beautiful, at least 70 degrees. For dinner, we went to Five Guys, a famous burger joint in the area. My burger was amazing, and most of you know my feelings on burgers!

Now: Sunday afternoon, still tired, need to clean, did nothing productive this weekend, and cpa scores come out sometime during the week. Life is soon to get a whole lot better or a whole lot worse!

Will keep you posted.