365 Days of Contentment

December 31, 2010: Day 365

2010-12-31T12:20:00.000-05:00

So this is it. Mission complete. 365 days of contentment.

What a year. Our family welcomed a new baby boy who added even more love to our growing family. I traveled all around the country to Maine, Florida, California, Niagara, Chicago and more. I got a promotion. I made my dream of teaching yoga come true. I settled in to my new cozy apartment. I made a goal for myself at the beginning of the year, and now I'm completing it. I met new friends and made lasting memories with old ones. I cried, but I laughed even harder. I loved and was given love in return. I chose happiness.

I wish you the same in 2011. Here's to a year filled with love, laughter, gratitude, and countless days of contentment.

December 30, 2010: Day 364

2010-12-31T09:55:00.000-05:00

Woke up to fully bloomed paperwhites. It's so gratifying to plant tiny little bulbs and how quickly they turn into delicate, happy little flowers.

December 29, 2010: Day 363

2010-12-31T09:19:00.001-05:00

The light peaking through the snowy fire escape steps stopped me in my tracks. Mystical looking, isn't it?

December 28, 2010: Day 362

2010-12-28T22:02:00.000-05:00

A few years ago, mom started charting the height of all the family members on the inside of our pantry door. I love to see how much the kids grow year after year.

December 27, 2010: Day 361

2010-12-28T12:00:00.000-05:00

I feel like I'm back in school. We had a snow day from work today which meant an extra day to play with the world's cutest nieces and nephews. A day filled with sledding in 16 inches of snow, making gingerbread houses, drinking hot chocolate (with extra marshmellows) and watching movies. Hooray for the Blizzard of 2010.

December 26, 2010: Day 360

2010-12-28T07:51:00.003-05:00

Shiny new boots. Bring it, Blizzard!

December 25, 2010: Day 359

2010-12-27T11:47:00.000-05:00

Children have the wonderful quality of making everything magical.

December 24, 2010: Day 358

2010-12-26T18:00:00.001-05:00

A beautiful, warm meal with family. Merry Christmas Eve!

December 23, 2010: Day 357

2010-12-24T10:34:00.000-05:00

This is what Christmas is all about.

December 22, 2010: Day 356

2010-12-24T10:11:00.000-05:00

It was so peaceful tonight you could hear the sound of the snow falling.

December 21, 2010: Day 355

2010-12-22T01:27:00.001-05:00

With 2010 coming to a close, I've been reflecting on the past year and starting, in a sense, to mourn the upcoming end of my 365 Days of Contentment project. A friend reached out to me this week saying she was having a tough time and was looking for advice on how I kept such a positive attitude and outlook "all the time." Truth be told, just because I have a photo from each day, doesn't mean every day was a "good" one. I reflect and although few and far between, there were certainly days of exhaustion, heart break and loneliness. Or more frequent were days that were routine or unremarkable. But even on the saddest or most mundane of days, there was always a splash of contentment, happiness or hope. There was always something to point my lens and focus on.

Today, for instance was a good day but not necessarily noteworthy. I enjoyed my day off from work with a true "Whit day" including finishing a wonderful book, Saltwater Buddha: A Surfer's Quest to Find Zen on the Sea, in my favorite coffee shop. (No, I'm not a surfer but that's a moot point.) One of the author's metaphors is that like life, the majority of time surfing is spent paddling and not necessarily riding waves. To be happy and really enjoy life, we must savor the paddling just as much as the thrill of riding the wave.

I wish you all peaceful paddling and extraordinary waves that are worth the wait. Happy Winter Solstice.

December 20, 2010: Day 354

2010-12-21T00:48:00.001-05:00

An annual tradition of making snowman cupcakes with Caitlyn & Sarah.

December 19, 2010: Day 353

2010-12-21T00:48:00.000-05:00

Talk about personality.

December 18, 2010: Day 352

2010-12-21T00:45:00.000-05:00

My first Bruins game. Had a blast (but I still think I'm more of a baseball gal.)

December 17, 2010: Day 351

2010-12-18T15:44:00.000-05:00

The holidays aren't complete without homemade poppyseed bread. Mom left me a package on my car at work with a freshly baked loaf and pretty red bow. Such a nice surprise to come out of work to.

December 16, 2010: Day 350

2010-12-18T11:43:00.001-05:00

Watching new life grow.

December 15, 2010: Day 349

2010-12-16T13:32:00.018-05:00

Enjoying my itty bitty Christmas tree.

December 14, 2010: Day 348

2010-12-15T13:45:00.000-05:00

Got last minute tickets to see Weezer tonight. Some of the best things are unplanned.

December 13, 2010: Day 347

2010-12-15T10:33:00.001-05:00

I can't believe 346 days have gone by and my absolute favorite cup hasn't made an appearance on the blog. I got this cheap, plastic cup for free at Burger King over 15 years ago. It's faded, chipped and, I'll admit, tacky. Mom gave up years ago trying to get rid of it. Not sure why, but everything just tastes better out my Pocahontas glass.

December 12, 2010: Day 346

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Carolers!

December 11, 2010: Day 345

2010-12-12T18:07:00.000-05:00

Surrounded by Santas :)

December 10, 2010: Day 344

2010-12-10T21:43:00.000-05:00

You've got mail! In the age of texting and email, getting snail mail is all the more exciting.

December 9, 2010: Day 343

2010-12-10T21:20:00.000-05:00

Fa la la la la! Holiday cheer and bottle swap at MOB and Alex's. I was deeeelighted when I got home and opened this treat from Meg to find her famous chocolate covered pretzels with peanuts, M&Ms, and caramel. I love this time of year!

December 8, 2010: Day 342

2010-12-08T22:59:00.001-05:00

Free Internet!

Where's the motivation to pay for internet when the watering hole next door has a comfy couch, live music, an ever changing list of beers on tap, and free internet so I can finally update my blog. Now that is a whole lot of contentment.

December 7, 2010: Day 341

2010-12-08T22:36:00.002-05:00

Came home to flowers on my doorstep. A whole lot of sunshine on a cold, winter day.

December 6, 2010: Day 340

2010-12-08T22:34:00.001-05:00

Parked next to this car tonight. Reindeer antlers and an autism awareness sticker...my kind of people!

December 5, 2010: Day 339

2010-12-08T22:19:00.001-05:00

Mum dug up an entire eight-piece set of Aunt Mary and Uncle Jerry's old dishes from the basement tonight. I am truly delighted to have these funky, retro dishes filling my kitchen cabinets.

December 4, 2010: Day 338

2010-12-05T21:40:00.000-05:00

Tis the season for the world's best smelling candle, Frasier Fir.

December 3, 2010: Day 337

2010-12-05T21:26:00.000-05:00

A surprise housewarming gift from mom. Moms are the best.

December 2, 2010: Day 336

2010-12-03T00:53:00.002-05:00

"Life is like a movie, write your own ending."

December 1, 2010: Day 335

2010-12-01T22:04:00.000-05:00

My new view. New beginnings are awfully exciting.

November 30, 2010: Day 334

2010-12-01T22:03:00.001-05:00

An evening of board games, beer, and best buds.

November 29, 2010: Day 333

2010-11-29T23:51:00.000-05:00

Bridget slipped this handmade card in my purse this morning. It absolutely made my day.

November 28, 2010: Day 332

2010-11-29T23:45:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving dinner #2

November 27, 2010: Day 331

2010-11-28T12:30:00.000-05:00

Ruby and I made (delicious!) chocolate chip pancakes this morning for breakfast. It's safe to assume if Ruby and I are in the kitchen, chocolate will be involved.

November 26, 2010: Day 330

2010-11-27T18:04:00.001-05:00

Patrick couldn't wait to go to Grandma and Papa's house. Shoes, check. Hat, check. Penguin backpack filled with toy trains, check.

November 25, 2010: Day 329

2010-11-26T23:47:00.005-05:00

Thanksgiving in Queens.

During my drive to New York this morning, I was reflecting on all the people and things I have to be grateful for this Thanksgiving. I played back the pictures from the last 328 days in my head, realizing that in a sense I have been celebrating Thanksgiving all year long. The blessings are countless....parents who made it so I have always known love; three sisters that are always there for me; the cutest darn nieces and nephews that never fail to make me smile; three amazing, dynamic and loving brother-in-laws; friends who feel like family; co-workers who have proved to be so much more; getting paid to do something I love; the health of my family and friends; and the list goes on and on. Happy Thanksgiving all. Wishing you a gratitude-filled holiday season.

November 24, 2010: Day 328

2010-11-26T08:08:00.000-05:00

Starbucks always tastes better out of their holiday cups...I wonder why that is.

November 23, 2010: Day 327

2010-11-25T08:44:00.000-05:00

Piles of clean laundry.

November 21, 2010: Day 325

2010-11-24T07:26:00.003-05:00

A pre-Thanksgiving celebration shared with cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, parents, brother-in-laws, and sisters. Aunt Carol even showed me how to make her famous lasagna. I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for my family, the memories and certainly the feast we shared.

November 22, 2010: Day 326

2010-11-24T07:26:00.001-05:00

Couldn't imagine a better way to pass the day then coloring and playing with Mara all day.

A lazy day all around.

November 20, 2010: Day 324

2010-11-22T09:49:00.000-05:00

Shannon, Robert and I didn't see this sign until AFTER we accidentally crashed the High School Reunion. Ooops! They were serving champagne...who are we to say no?

November 19, 2010: Day 323

2010-11-19T22:31:00.001-05:00

The city lights looks looked so pretty in the "bean" at Millennium Park.

Admiring "Sunday in the Park"...

Goodnight, Chicago.

November 18, 2010: Day 322

2010-11-19T11:52:00.000-05:00

Girls sleepover!

November 17, 2010: Day 321

2010-11-19T11:51:00.000-05:00

All packed for Chicago! First thing I packed was my running sneakers...is it possible that I'm actually starting to like running!?

November 16, 2010: Day 320

2010-11-17T12:36:00.002-05:00

So very proud to be part of a community that not only respects diversity but celebrates it.

November 15, 2010: Day 319

2010-11-15T22:47:00.000-05:00

She'll probably kill me for posting this picture...but it certainly made me smile when I ran into my mom at CVS tonight. Like mother, like daughter.

November 14, 2010: Day 318

2010-11-14T23:20:00.000-05:00

Closing out the weekend with a mug of hot cocoa and a scoop of Ben & Jerry's vanilla ice cream.

November 13, 2010: Day 317

2010-11-14T12:40:00.001-05:00

"If there's a light in everybody, send out your ray of sunshine."

Perfect fall day.

November 12, 2010: Day 316

2010-11-14T12:37:00.001-05:00

Ladybug on my windshield. How fitting...happy birthday, John Ryan.

November 11, 2010: Day 315

2010-11-11T23:16:00.001-05:00

11:11 on 11/11. Make a wish!

November 10, 2010: Day 314

2010-11-11T07:25:00.000-05:00

As I was cleaning an old drawer, I found this check I had saved from when Lauren and I opened a joint account in college to pay for rent and bills. I instantly laughed out loud when I found it, after having not seen it for almost six years. I was flooded with great memories of the "Back House" and one of the greatest years. It's amazing how finding one tiny scrap of paper can affect your mood.

November 9, 2010: Day 313

2010-11-10T00:06:00.000-05:00

Where everybody knows your name...

November 8, 2010: Day 312

2010-11-09T07:57:00.002-05:00

A bowl full of hot, buttery popcorn.

November 7, 2010: Day 311

2010-11-07T22:55:00.003-05:00

This project has heightened my appreciation for all the countless things I have to be grateful for...the big things, the little things and everything in between. As I sat and ate dinner and reflected on a chaotic day, I thought about the million things I have to be thankful for including the roof above me and the people gathered below it.

November 6, 2010: Day 310

2010-11-06T11:26:00.000-04:00

I drive by this house almost every single day and have never noticed this tire swing hanging in the backyard until today. Simple, yes. But it certainly made me smile.

November 5, 2010: Day 309

2010-11-06T09:52:00.000-04:00

Candlelit yoga, take-out thai for dinner, and pumpkin beer in a frosty mug is recipe for a perfect Friday night.

November 4, 2010: Day 308

2010-11-04T23:13:00.000-04:00

Autumn...a time of harvest...of gathering together.

November 3, 2010: Day 307

2010-11-04T22:21:00.000-04:00

I think about her every day, but for some reason Gram was in my thoughts even more than usual today.

November 2, 2010: Day 306

2010-11-03T00:31:00.001-04:00

Yep!

November 1, 2010: Day 305

2010-11-03T00:31:00.000-04:00

While driving home tonight, for some reason the sunset reflecting in my side mirror reminded me of the Irish blessing...

May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be always at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face...

October 31, 2010: Day 304

2010-10-31T18:21:00.001-04:00

Happy Halloween!

October 30, 2010: Day 303

2010-10-31T18:20:00.001-04:00

Greeted by sidewalk art on the way to the Broyles.

October 29, 2010: Day 302

2010-10-29T17:52:00.000-04:00

I love the sound of autumn leaves crunching under my feet.

October 28, 2010: Day 301

2010-10-29T17:44:00.006-04:00

It's one of the last days of October in New England and it reached 79 degrees. Somebody forgot to tell Mother Nature (including this pink little flower) that summer is over. I'm certainly not complaining.

October 27, 2010: Day 300

2010-10-28T11:37:00.000-04:00

Sugar. My drug of choice.

October 26, 2010: Day 299

2010-10-27T20:14:00.002-04:00

Every time I see this wallpaper, I think back to when Courtney and I helped Dad wallpaper the bathroom. Who knew that twenty years later these flowers would bring back such fond memories.

October 25, 2010: Day 298

2010-10-26T00:00:00.000-04:00

I love this time of year. Halloween costume is finally coming together...

October 24, 2010: Day 297

2010-10-24T18:06:00.001-04:00

I hope I never take for granted that this is where I call home.

October 23, 2010: Day 296

2010-10-24T18:06:00.000-04:00

Love.

Weddings.

October 22, 2010: Day 295

2010-10-24T18:05:00.000-04:00

Rediscovered the coziness of my peanut butter and jelly pajama pants.

October 21, 2010: Day 294

2010-10-24T11:48:00.000-04:00

Laugh. Love. Dream.

October 20, 2010: Day 293

2010-10-20T20:00:00.000-04:00

So many colors...how is a girl to decide? Gosh my life is hard.

October 19, 2010: Day 292

2010-10-20T19:58:00.000-04:00

Found a box of raisins that Mara put in my purse on Sunday so I would have a snack on the plane. Such a thoughtful gesture. And from a four-year-old nonetheless.

October 18, 2010: Day 291

2010-10-20T00:30:00.000-04:00

Gorgeous, crisp, autumn sky.

October 17, 2010: Day 290

2010-10-18T22:12:00.001-04:00

Am I a proud aunt and sister? I guess you could say that.

October 16, 2010: Day 289

2010-10-18T21:45:00.008-04:00

My fortune read, "smile often, and see what happens."

October 15, 2010: Day 288

2010-10-18T07:46:00.000-04:00

The perfect welcome to Chicago!

October 14, 2010: Day 287

2010-10-14T21:21:00.000-04:00

I find it funny that some of my favorite things are the exact things that I used to dread when I was a kid...eating my vegetables, going to bed, and taking bubble baths.

October 13, 2010: Day 286

2010-10-14T19:41:00.000-04:00

All you have to do is look for it.

October 12, 2010: Day 285

2010-10-13T00:54:00.000-04:00

Natalie's homemade apple caramel mini cheesecakes. Delicious doesn't even cut it.

October 11, 2010: Day 284

2010-10-11T16:28:00.000-04:00

Honor system pumpkin stand.

10.10.10: Day 283

2010-10-11T16:27:00.000-04:00

Shaq!

October 9, 2010: Day 282

2010-10-09T16:12:00.003-04:00

Wish I could bottle up this perfect Saturday morning...warm sun, crisp autumn air and hearts decorating the deck.

October 8, 2010: Day 281

2010-10-09T15:25:00.003-04:00

Everyone should be so festive!

October 7, 2010: Day 280

2010-10-07T21:06:00.000-04:00

Two-dollar bills and Sacagaweas.

October 6, 2010: Day 279

2010-10-06T21:34:00.001-04:00

iChat conference call with the fam. Playing with the camera distortions never gets old.

October 5, 2010: Day 278

2010-10-06T00:26:00.000-04:00

Woke up to see these three bears that Patrick had arranged on Gram's old chair. What a nice crowd to be greeted by in the morning.

October 4, 2010: Day 277

2010-10-06T00:25:00.000-04:00

It really is the little things in life. Patrick was so excited when I surprised him with a giant Cookie Monster cookie. He made the simple act of eating a frosting-covered cookie an event. We should all be so lucky to have the ability to make the smallest things special and memorable. To top it off, he serenaded us with his singing, dancing, piano and guitar skills. Bridget even agreed to play my favorite Phantom of the Opera songs on the piano. She makes such beautiful music, I simply love listening to her play. Not too shabby for a Monday night.

October 2, 2010: Day 275

2010-10-03T21:17:00.002-04:00

The leaves looked like they were on fire.

October 3, 2010: Day 276

2010-10-03T21:17:00.001-04:00

It's not fall without the Fair.

October 1, 2010: Day 274

2010-10-01T20:27:00.001-04:00

Taught a rainy, candlelit, Friday night yoga class tonight. The studio is so peaceful at the end of class.

September 30, 2010: Day 273

2010-10-01T20:23:00.001-04:00

Hit me!

September 29, 2010: Day 272

2010-10-01T20:23:00.000-04:00

ॐ

September 28, 2010: Day 271

2010-09-29T23:45:00.001-04:00

I love the chaos of Tuesday night volleyball.

September 27, 2010: Day 270

2010-09-29T23:32:00.000-04:00

Fall is slowly creeping in.

September 26, 2010: Day 269

2010-09-27T21:16:00.000-04:00

I was so sad to be leaving New York and my dearest friends this weekend...imagine my surprise when I saw Adam's smiling face boarding the same bus back to Boston as me.

September 25, 2010: Day 268

2010-09-26T21:20:00.000-04:00

Eat Pray Love Weekend.

Delicious food, surprise visits, peaceful yoga class, non-stop laughter, and reminiscing about ten years of memories while making new ones.

September 24, 2010: Day 267

2010-09-26T19:48:00.000-04:00

Homemade apple crisp. Simply delectable.

September 23, 2010: Day 266

2010-09-24T07:03:00.000-04:00

After a twelve-hour workday, a little aromatherapy goes a long way.