Lady can’t stray far from moi.

I decided to keep my face out of this shot.  Working from home does not bode well for keeping up appearances.

Help Decorate My Apartment

In just three short weeks, I’m going to live in an apartment with enough space for a dining room table.  For you non-New Yorkers, let me just say that this is kind of a big deal.

I’ve narrowed down the choice to the above two.  They may look somewhat different, but they are the exact same set, just different finishes and cushions.

Which do you prefer?  #1 or #2?

Cody says “night, night”. Told you he was a hussy.

Last year’s Super Bowl was a smidge more exciting.

Last night, over delicious Kir Royals with a dear friend, I learned a little bit about support.  There’s the support you give, the support you need, and the support that just happens without asking.  We can all use a little bit more support in our life, in one form or another.  As February can be quite dreary and people tend to go into hibernation mode, I encourage you to lend support and help loved ones whenever you can.  No matter how big or small, any gesture is a welcome one and the littlest things can sometimes mean the most.

Lady Dixie and Mr. Cody are currently napping and cuddling together.

Lady and Cody are being so cute.  Usually Lady is a bit territorial, but she’s welcomed Cody into our home with open paws.

Cody is such a lover and a hussy - all he wants to do is give kisses.

It’s time for another round of foster puppy!

Mr. Cody will be living with me for the next week or so until someone gives him a forever home.

In case you’re interested, Cody is a mastiff/boxer mix and currently weighs in at a whopping 19 lbs.  He’s a bundle of love and so playful!

Phenomenal picture and phenomenal recommendations from Tatiana.

mikhailovna:

Here’s a 2009 lesson from my book:

This past year I learned how important it is to grow and be challenged as a couple.

Life is busy and with work, school, and family obligations you notice that often your relationship gets pushed to the outskirts of your life. We realized that in order to always be on the same page with each other you must both grow. How did we learn to accomplish that? Here are some ideas that helped us:

• You don’t have to read the same book together but do set aside time to share your thoughts on your respective literary conquests. Sometimes a book can change your life or at least augment your world view a little, that is important to share with your partner. Plus, it’s always interesting to see what kind of conversations can be born out of a discussion of a book.
• Do even mundane activities together. If I’m cooking and Kevin wants to be on the computer he will pull up a chair so that at least we can exchange a few words here and there. It makes you feel present and connected. Lately I’ve been asking Kevin to stay in the bathroom while I shower so we can catch up a little. As working adults we all know that there is so little time left for couples, learn to make use of every minute you have.
• Don’t just watch shows or movies that are entertaining. Watch something challenging and educational together at least once a month. Such movies or shows will more often than not bring up discussions to do with values, beliefs, and priorities and it is important to have conversations on these subjects on a regular basis to see where you stand. Everyone has those conversations initially but you are both growing and changing individuals, it’s important to share those areas of growth with your partner.
• Have semi-annual or quarterly “check ups” with your partner. Talk about all aspects of your relationship and where you think your partner stands and also where you yourself stand. See where the “problem” or “growth” areas are. You are not each others mind readers so don’t expect to just “know” what the other person needs, wants, likes, or doesn’t like. Tell each other.
• Lastly, make sure you spend at least one night a week unplugged. Turn off the tv, put away the laptops, turn off the radio, hide the phones, close the shades, climb into bed and just lay there and sort of “free associate” and see what comes out. Share with each other about your day, week, friends, or odd things you’ve come across. Simply reconnect.

We’ve found that since implementing some of these simple ideas into our life as a couple we feel closer and stronger than ever before. Life is demanding and can jumble up our priorities so it is essential to make a conscious effort to keep them where they are.

Last night I spoke on the Women in Social Media Panel and thanks to a smidge of pre-panel vino, I managed to actually keep my nerves under control.  Can you believe it?  No extreme blushing, no stumbling over my words, no talking too fast ( I think….)

A big virtual hug to all those who attended, especially to those who I got to meet and chat with afterward!

For the few of you who were video-taping, can you please send me the link at CaseyCulture@gmail.com?  My parents will be forever grateful.

The ensemble break down:

Dress: Cynthia Steffe

Tights: Hue

Shoes: Max Studio