this week was good because of...

...the new experience of participating in a web meeting - complete with headset.

...a new season of "Real Housewives of Orange County."

...colleagues who offer genuine sentiments of support and concern in an emotionally difficult situation at work.



...a delicious microwave meal for lunch.

...the campus choir's Fall Concert.

...Security Guy finally (finally!) understanding my question.

...curling up in my jersey sheets.



...fun Google headers celebrating Sesame Street's 40th anniversary.

What made your week good?

Where I am: home
What I'm re-reading: Belong to Me by Marisa de los Santos

this week was good because of...

...pumpkin-carving with my staff.

...long naps.

...hugs from friends and their little ones.



...awesome coordinating Halloween costumes.

...helping friends pass out candy to more than 300 trick-or-treaters.



...having lunch and hanging out with my Big Brother and her family.

...finding the words to describe my heart's questions.



...delicious food - including sweet potato fries drizzled in honey. Mmm.

...moving forward with new creative projects.

...finally (!) finding a bag of Mellow Creme pumpkins.

...safe, easy travels.

Where I am: home
What I'm reading: the December issue of Creating Keepsakes magazine

cheers to the happy couple!

This is Karen and Jeff:



Today, they're getting married. In Las Vegas. Which is amazing and awesome and fantastic and so totally them. And while I can't be there in person, I am definitely thinking of them and sending them lots of love as they walk into the future together.



Congratulations, Karen & Jeff!!

happy halloween!

why i do it for me, not you

You might think I make that extra effort for you...

...that I style my hair for you.
...that I shave my legs for you.
...that I dress for you.
...that I pick out my jewelry for you.
...that I manicure my nails for you.

But the truth is this - I do those things for me...for how confident and wonderful and special I feel as a result of that effort. If you like it, too...well, that's a bonus. If you don't like it - or don't get to see it because you have to cancel our date - well, that's your loss.

Where I am: home
What I'm reading: (nothing at the moment)

this week was good because of...

...picking apples in an apple orchard.

...stepping outside of my comfort zone.

...showing self-restraint while shoe-shopping.

...a fantastic weekend with dear friends.



...the unique, delicious menu at Jolly Pumpkin.

...caring enough to ask difficult questions.

...using my time wisely.

...cheering for Boston College in person.

...six hours of conversation - about everything - during a round trip to South Bend.

What made your week good?

Where I am: home
What I'm reading: the November issue of InStyle

this is not a hard question

Here's some advice for the guys in the audience. When a girl that you've been dating for three months asks what you like about her, you should be able to answer the question without too much thought. Because she's probably asking for a very good reason. Maybe she's concerned that your interest in her is more about your appreciation for the drama-free normalcy of this relationship compared to past ones...more about her patience with your complicated life situation....than it is about her as an individual. It probably also doesn't help that you've told both her and one of her best friends that what you really like about her is her "understanding"...i.e. her being understanding of all the complexities in your life.

And while she might be amused by the fact that, after a great deal of thought, the one thing you finally say that you like about her is her sarcasm...while she might be a bit relieved that you appreciate that aspect of her personality...don't be surprised if she's more than a little disappointed that that's all you can say. Because after keeping you around for three months, chances are pretty good that she has a well-detailed list of things she likes about you.

And finally, please don't try to explain your attraction to her as "an unexplainable connection." As sweet and romantic as that sounds, she most likely will hear that as an avoidance of the question...your attempt to dodge what she considers a valid concern.

Or am I being unfair? Is it unreasonable to ask a guy, "What do you like about me?" and expect him to answer easily?

Where I am: home
What I'm reading: Cockatiels at Seven