Surprises....

So the past 3 weeks have brought about a good turn of events for myself......work is getting better, (I dont feel like an absolute moron anymore....thank GOD!) the love life is back on track again which I couldnt be happier about! I am still looking for a new place to hang my hat, but I am thinking it will now be a place for 3 as opposed to just myself and the significant other...... So "the #3 is?" you ask? (Dont get ahead of yourself people, it's not what you think.....no ring=no baby in my book.....) HOWEVER........I would love to introduce you all to the newest member of the family.....Gypsy.....my new little 8 week old Pitt-bull. Now, for those of you who know me and my absolute allergy to all things furry, you are probably saying "um, Nik? what the hell are you doing with a dog.....let alone a pitt??????? you are allergic??????"

Well to you folks, I would say, thankfully I have a guy who loves me enough to blow a buttload of money on air purifiers and vacuum cleaners with Hepa Filters and the rest of the "doggy"-caboodle!

So far so good with the allergies......I am a happy camper.......now, as for sleep? Having a puppy is like having a baby......sleep is NO MORE........I have recently discovered this travesty! Well so far so good......I will keep you all posted on my new little cutie patootie........ I feel worse for my hunny since now their are not one.....but two bitches in the house! HA!

Fall In New England.....

So it's fall time here in New England..... Gorgeous time of year.......the beginning of that "need a sweater....but just at night......pretty colors on the trees" time.......(for about 2 flippin weeks......then the cold weather starts to get colder and the frickin trees are bare and all you have left over is about 5 months of crappy winter and 65 feet of unshovel-able snow to look forward to......super.......happy autumnal equinox folks......)
hmmmm, I might just be bitter against the winter..........ya think?
Anyway.....I cant say I am not happy fall is here.....I love the change of the seasons in New England and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else this time of the year. But, if I could stop at fall and go straight back to spring.....I would.
So this "Farmers Almanac" ordeal is getting out of hand.......the prediction this year is......oh, I dunno........564.8 feet of snow......within the first month of winter. Now SOMEHOW this book is always right.......a little odd now isn't it? We manage to have the "sacred book of weather predictions" at our finger-tips EVERY YEAR that somehow is correct about 95% of the time......yet the channel 4 weather cant get a single day right if their life depended on it? I'm in the wrong business ladies and gentlemen. I think I am in a position to point at a green screen and say (*eh-hem*) "tomorrow it will be partly sunny and partly cloudy with a slight wind between 0 and 25mph and a slim to great chance of precipitation in the form of rain, sleet or snow.......but hell......just take a look out your window tomorrow and if you are still unsure.......open the damn thing.......I'm sure you will see........I was totally correct." Ah, the life of a weather-gal......... hmmm, where's the phone number for that Channel 4 news?
;o)

Jason & Danielle's Wedding!!

So yesterday was my brothers wedding day! Jason & Danielle tied the knot! The day started off a little rainy & muggy but after church the weather was beautiful and sunny and the rain held off for the rest of the evenings festivities! Congratulations you two! Love you both! Here are some pics from the day......

In Above My Head?

So everyone has their new job "freak out" first few days where you usually say "what the hell did I get myself into? Why am here?? What was I thinking???????" Well my friends, I had that.......times 4 weeks.......
I am adjusting though. There is so much to learn. (Believe it or not, insurance, as boring as it may seem, has a butt load of details........especially commercial insurance!) So things are a little overwhelming right now, but word on the street is it gets easier.....(ever wonder who the hell these people on the proverbial "street" are anyways? One day I'd like to smack one of them.....)
At any rate, I love the job. Hopefully my training wheels will come off soon!
-Me

Brew-Fest 2008

So this weekend was the Brew-Fest!! It's a pretty good time with good friends, good food and of course........GOOD BEER!!!! Just wanted to share a few pics from the day.......to all of my friends and family that were there that day.......love ya and it was a blast........cant wait til next year!

Catching Up......

So it's been awhile since my last post.......wanted to catch up on the events of the past few weeks.....
So I have a new job.......and I LOOOOOOOVE it!!!!! Same field as I was in, but much more in depth and a different area of the field......(yes, insurance)........things are good......life is changing, but its good........
I have learned a ton the past 3-4 weeks there.......met some really great co-workers that I love and things are on the up and up........
Still lookin for a place to "hang my hat" but that will come soon I hope.......
Things are ok I have to say.........just getting myself together........for me.........that's my focus......
Ever sit back and look around and say "man......I really put "me" on hold.....for a very long time...." and actually resent yourself for it? Yep, I did......I think I was too busy tryin to make everyone else happy........and not me.........well guess what.......time for Moi' for a change......
So, the past few weeks have been crazy with the job.......my nieces birthday, my future sister in laws bachelorette and birthdays........the coming few weeks will be more of the same........ CRAZY!!!!!!
Hell, I guess role with the punches..........

My Life Story......

So a friend of mine posted a blog on her site that challenged a few of her blog-ette's to write out in 6 words the "story of my life".......

Now after thinking long and hard about different things that would apply here, the most obvious 6 words flooded my head......

"Life is never what you plan"

Now, for those of you who know me, know that I am the eternal "planner"........everything from daily activities to months out......to the inevitable "5 year plan"........yep, that's me.

PLANNER-WOMAN

(I am debating getting a pink super-hero suit with a big "P" on the front......but for some reason I fear I may be adopted by the pepto-bismal people.......probably not a good idea........)

The thing about planning, (at least for myself) is that those plans lead to disappointments a lot of the time. For someone who is pretty scheduled with her time and always likes to have "something" going on, I have discovered that yes, it really is true what they say: "life happens while you are busy making other plans".......... (ppfftthh......don't I know it.......)

That being said, there are some changes that have unexpectedly come into my life. A new job, (yes, I knew I got it, but I didn't expect it to come when it did and the type of position as well) a new "status", a new place to live..........life is changing and as much as it is scary as hell........well, I'm just going to ride the wave and see what happens next........

So I challenge all who read this...........tell your story..............in 6 little words.......... you may just learn a few things about yourself.....

:o)

xoxoxo, me

The Final Day At My Job......

So its been awhile (again) since my last post, so I am going to fill you in on some pretty big news for me.....today is my last day here at my old job. I start my new one on Monday. It's kind of bitter sweet to say the least. I have wanted a new job for about 2 years now and now that it's here, I am definitely a little afraid of what is to come! Change is tough for everyone I guess, but maybe more so when its your career. While I am super excited that I got the new (*better in so many ways*) job, I am sad to leave behind my "comfort zone" too. I am in the insurance industry, so moving from one end of it to a totally different end is kind of nerve-wrecking. I think it will be excellent for me though. I'm ready for the change, I need the change and I actually am ready to see where this will take me in my career. This is a pretty big day for me. Sad, but big. I'm ready to have a few days off and then jump in head-first to this great new start for me!
Wish me luck! (I sure hope I know what the hell I'm doing! LOL LOL Fake it, til you make it, right? LOL)
Thanks for reading......
:o)
-Nik

Been Awhile....

So I know it has been awhile since my last post here. I have been a little crazy with things going on. Weddings, Showers, Birthdays, Going-Away Shin-Dig......been a tad hectic. But I'm back now! :o)
So Let me catch you up......
My future sister in laws shower was a few weeks ago. My "little sisters" wedding was a week ago this past weekend. (As you saw from the pics below.....very nice time and she looked beautiful!) Had a going away get-together for some friends who are moving away to Georgia. It has been a life-changing time for a lot of people!
I am starting to look at my life a little differently. Things I would like to see change and things I don't want to change at all. People that I love having in my life and people that I really don't mind seeing go at this point. Life is way too short to deal with bullshit if you ask me, right? I am at the point where I am looking for my life to go forward, not stay the same or reverse its direction. I am hoping that all of the people I choose to have around me at this time, stay with me during this transition upward. I love them all very dearly and wouldn't give them up for the world..... (For those of them who read this, you know who you are.....and thank you.......)
Life has a funny way of handing you problems and issues that no matter how concerned you are to handle them......you can always do it..... its just a matter of having the balls to do it.....

Here's to me growing a "set".........good things are to come.......I am sure of it.......

-Me

Update.....

Thought I would post some pics from the wedding last weekend......hope ya enjoy!

Weddings....

Summertime.....
It's that special time of year for picnics, the beach, bbq's and of course.....WEDDINGS!! So many people choose the springtime and summertime to get married since the weather is just fantastic! Seems like I go to more and more of these ever year and every year I am in at least one of them! Yes it can be a bit costly to go to or be involved in, but they are always fun and an honor to be a part of.
So this week is "wedding week" for me. On Sunday I had my future sister-in-laws bridal shower. It was definitely a wonderful time and she made out like a bandit of course! (lucky gal!) Then the rest of the week will be spent getting ready for my boyfriends sisters wedding! We have rehearsal & the dinner on Thursday, setting things up for the reception on Friday and then the big day is Saturday! All very exciting!
I sit back and think about how I saw these two couples go through so much in their relationships and grow so much stronger year by year and I cant help but smile. I wish them nothing but the best life has to offer! Love is strong enough to help you through the best and worst of times. Have faith in your relationships and the rest will fall into place. And always remember, "Live Well, Laugh Often & Love Much"......xoxoxo

Been Awhile!!

Well hello ladies & gents!

It's been awhile, I know. And I am sure you are all on the edge of your seat with wonder on what could possibly be going on with moi'!!! (*yes, I do live in a world full of delusion and all the voices in my head love it that way, thank you....ha ha*)

Well, I'm officially 30! (*And I survived! GO FIGURE??*) My past week (*or a little over*) has been pretty exciting! Fourth of July weekend, my boyfriend decided to throw me for a little loop and have a very beautiful surprise party for me! (*I was definitely surprised, the party was wonderful and pretty much everyone I hold close to me was there!*) I was told I was going to a brunch and to dress up. (*I should have known right then and there something was up!*) So I walk into the place and **SURPRISE!!!** everyone was there waiting!! I turn my head to the left and MORE people were there! It was definitely a great day!! He did an amazing job and my mom even helped out with great pics of me and family and friends from the time I was born alllllllll the way til this year......crazy.......time sure does fly! Well, I partied that day and then sadly had to go into work the next day with a hangover that made the ones I had at 21 jealous.....(*good times I assure you.....*)

On my actual birthday, the girls & I headed off to the beach! Great weather, great friends, the day couldn't get any better, right? Well we went out that night to one of my favorite summer places. A Mexican restaurant with a great patio to enjoy a great night and some really GREAT margarita's!! yummy! Friends and a few family members came out to spend the last part of the birthday with me. All in all.......30 ended up being alot better than I thought it would be. Thanks to some very special people in my life!

If any of you happen to read this: thank you for everything! I couldn't have asked for a better way to spend my 30th!!

PS......yes, 30 IS the new 20......to hell with all those little hoochies out there.....I am still supa'-dupa'-fly!! ;o) ha ha!!

Toodles For Now!

~Nik

Well Happy 4th Of July Everyone!!

Today is the day for thanking those who came before us and those who are fighting for our freedom now.......

With that being said, its also a good day to sit back, have a few beers and several hot dogs and hamburgers too!! Don't forget the potato salad and all sorts of great desserts!! YUM!!!

So what do you have planned for this fourth? I love holidays that fall on a Friday!! The longer the weekend- the better!!!

Hopefully fireworks will be in my future this evening if the weather holds out!! (You don't like the weather in New England.......wait five mins.......it will change for ya!!) This weekend will be spent with friends and family having a good time. Why is it we wait til "special holidays" to do picnics and get-togethers? I think this should be a year round thing. Don't you? It's always: Christmas, Turkey-Day, Easter, Memorial Day, Labor Day and of course today.....the 4th of July that we decide, "hey, today seems like a day for a little party!!" The way I see it, every day should be celebrated, not blown over...... So today I say "start celebrating the 18th of August! The 10th of December! The 2nd Of June! And hell.....throw in July 7th this year......give yourself a nice LOOOOOONG weekend!!!"

Happy Picnic-ing People!!!

Have a safe holiday!!

Cheers to the 4th of July!!!

~Nik xo

Humor & Friends....

I consider myself to be a pretty fun and funny gal to be around. In fact my personality is probably my best quality. I always have something wacky to say and 90% of the time people understand my "quick-wit". My true friends are among the 90% of course. Then, there are the people that look at you like you either have 3 heads or are missing the one you were born with. (I like to call them "humor-challenged"....)

I have a good group of very close friends who love me as I am and take me "bad jokes" and all. For these people, I am extremely grateful.

I heard once that "Friends are like flowers- they add color to your life....."

Every last one of my friends bring a different color to my life. Ah yes, on occasion those colors may blur a little, maybe turn dark or even fade away. But they are always there.....somewhere.

Plus, who the hell wants everything sunshine frickin yellow 24/7?? Jeeze, ya might as well have had a frontal lobotomy for cryin out loud!!

I look forward to watching the flowers in my life bloom and I love every last one of them... (even those "wildflowers" that seem to pop in and out of my life every now and again!! Sometimes they are the best ones...lol)

So to finish up here my flower-friends, may you all bloom with the best of them and be in my garden for a very long time!! (well unless you piss me off.....then I'm pretty much going to yank your ass out by the root and toss ya.......but til then, bloom on friends.........bloom on..........)

hee hee hee ;o)

Small Rant....

Kind of a small rant today ladies and gents.....

So today I am reminded of a little saying I learned about 11 years ago.....

"WORK"........just another word for "JOB"........which is just another way of shortening the phrase "Just.Over.Broke."...........

It ain't Shakespeare........but that's my feeling today..........Thanks for checkin in with me!

:o)

~Nik

Timelines & Age...

(*steps up onto her soapbox*EH-HEM!!*)

So lets touch on the subject of age here for a minute..... Now, to some people "30" isn't a big deal right? (most of those people are about 31+ and already had the mental breakdown that "30" seems to create......so its no longer a "big deal" to them.....) Well 30 is "sort of" a big deal to me. Its a landmark birthday and should be celebrated and not loathed right? Now, I'm not so sure I am going to have the big "mental breakdown".......I had one at 25.......its was lovely........."quarter of a century old" and doing the "where is my life headed and why isn't it where I needed it to be by now??" speech over and over in my head........good times. No wish to re-create that one thanks.......



I heard a quote once that said "life happens when you are busy making other plans"...... How true.... So my new "plan" is to not have one. So what.....I'm 30.....(in 2 weeks, 11hours and 45mins.....) big whoop....... all good things come to those who wait right? (well I say 30 years is looooooong enough to wait.......so the way I see it, it can only get better from here.......just call me "positive-Polly" from now on.....)

(*steps down off her soapbox* politely bows & flips off all the people who say I should be afraid of 30!*)

Welcome to my page!!!
Lets see, where do I start? I got into the "blogging thing" basically as advice from my sister......(thanks Kim......now you are stuck reading this thing....ha ha!)

This is just meant to be sort of a "Day In The Life Of Nicole" type of thing........nothing too exciting.......

So a little about me:My name is Nicole (or Nikki....I respond to either) and I am currently about to be 30 (*gulp*) years old. I am at that point in my life where I am re-evaluating certain things. Looking for a new job, a new place to live, taking the certain people and things out of my life that are not "necessary" (or healthy for me for that matter) anymore. I guess it comes with age...... I don't really expect to become this 100% different person, but I do hope to better myself in a few areas of my life. Now, I also don't expect anyone to actually read this and then suggest I win a Pulitzer. It's pretty much for me to do some chatting about life in general.

Enjoy!

~me