Green Eyes

Life Goes On

As most of you know, I had to put my little kitten, Sadie, to sleep a few weeks ago. She was a great companion, and her antics were and are very missed around our house. Unfortunately, she suffered from a heart disease that was not treatable in a 4 month old kitty. She showed no signs of discomfort until her last hours... poor little trooper! Anyways, my roomate Sean and I put her to rest by a pond where theres lots of birds; since bird watching was a favorite pastime of hers.

My days were too quiet around here, and it made me realize how much I really enjoy having pets. So I invited a new friend to live with me... a calico cutie I named "Molly Jones", after the the character in the Beatle's song, "Obla-di, Obla-da" (which is an anthem to the concept that life goes on). She's a playful and affectionate delight. Come meet her!!!!

In 2006 I never thought I'd...

The past year was an extremely fast paced one for me; for many reasons.  The biggest event was graduating college with a Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design. It was just one of those things I strived for since I was a toddler-- no joke!!! The most exciting part about completing that aspect of my design education is that from here on out, I'll be learning not only by reading, watching, and listening to stories, but by doing.

Among other things, I went skydiving, learned to surf in California, started kayaking, traveled to Europe for my first time, met Paul McCartney, broke my first bone, got an impulsive tattoo, saw my first Broadway show, and basically landed my dream job. These are the types of things I'll be telling my grandkids about one day...

Although with all the major changes that rapidly unfolded throughout the year kept me on my toes, I really learned a lot about "life", I guess is the best way to put it.  Finances, love, mortgages, friendship, family, death, career, transitions, independence... I got a lot of lessons in growing up in what now seems to be an incredibly short amount of time. I'm expecting 2007 will be a little be easier; at least emotionally, after all I've learned. Without a doubt, I think 2006 was the most eventful year of my life. (So far, of course!)

Got big plans lined up for '07; stay tuned.

Christmas Spirit

From breakfast to late night holiday drinks, today was a true care-free holiday spirited day; spent with a ton of family and friends, both old and new. Doesn't get much better than that. Hope everyone has a great Christmas!

Back to the 'hood

My parents moved into a really cool new house this weekend, in Easton. Easton is where my parents and I first lived when I was young. In fact, their new place is just 1.4 miles (yes, that's the exact number) from our favorite Eastoners, the Everetts! The yard and the decks are beautiful... which reminds me of the fact that I'll be sure to keep everyone posted on when the parties are going down. Especially for those who missed out on the Bell's Pirate Party 2006 last winter... you know who you are.

Design Associate

Well, my new job in Wilton as a design associate at a high-end residential firm has been going great. I love everything I get to do, I've already learned SO much, and I'm definately looking forward to working with the people there; was working for only 2 days and they gave me a birthday party on Wednesday, hah... and happy hour the next night. I think I'm going to like it here. Here's what the place looks like:

New Roomie

Upon completing my 22nd year as a human, the celebrations began. Eric and I ate at Three Bears Restaurant in Wilton; which is by far the best American cuisine I've ever had... everything from chicken to steak to pheasant to duck to venison. Everything there is delicious and if you plan on trying something like duck or venison for the first time; do it here, you're destined to leave with a good first impression. Plus, they have 5 fireplaces and really interesting antiques...very New England-esque.

I got an awesome oversized original photo print of Paul McCartney holding up a newspaper of a Rolling Stone's article in 1966. Eric graciously gave it to me, it's awesome. Another fun gift I got was a new roomate; a kitten! Sean realized I wasn't insane when I called out my old cat's name around the house-- I just was lonely for a feline friend. I named the little creature "Sadie" since Sexy Sadie was stuck in my head that whole night. This blog entry cleary proves I'm a Beatles nerd...

New Job

Friday was my last day at the Kimball Group in Bridgeport. I've been doing interior design and conceptual designs for the commercial real estate company for well over a year now, but I found what seems to be a very promising position at a design-build firm in Wilton, called Titus Built. I will be a design associate there, and I'm really excited to be working and learning from other designers and architects; my main downfall of working for the Kimballs. I did a good amount of celebrating at work, as well as after work... from Fairfield to New Haven...thanks to all of you who took part in the fun!!

PS: I've decided my all time favorite Italian food in New Haven is Hot Tomatoes! I've had it all over the years; Sally's, Pepe's, all of Wooster street's lesser knowns, Modern, Eli's, etc. But nothing hits the spot like a plain ol' dish of ziti and sauce than Hot Tomatoe's version. And try the pasta pillows (sweet potatoe ravioli in a creamy sage sauce) for an appetizer, I give you my word that it'll change your life.

   

NYU Again?

I'm thinking of taking another course at NYU's School of Continuing & Professional Studies this fall. This is the one I'd go for right now: Home Product Design.

Moved In!

As most of you know, I moved into my new place this weekend. It went well, ALOT of cleaning occured, but its sooo worth it; my roomates and I probably increased the value of the home just by cleaning the place up, the difference is that dramatic. We lack a lot of furniture, but I have big plans to obtain some cool stuff when I get back from Europe in a few weeks. I LOVE the Black Rock neighborhood, it's like I'm on vacation... the homes are absolutely gorgeous, there's friendly people everywhere, playing tennis down the street, walking dogs, riding bikes, and fishing. I went for a walk down St. Mary's by the sea, which is right by my house. It's a hidden treasure that I never knew about til now; it kind of reminds me of the Dana Point Harbor in California. There were active people everywhere, picnics, random Frank Sinatra music being blasted from Penfield Beach...and the view of the lighthouse, the sailboats, etc etc is just stunning. I never would have guessed someplace like this existed in Bridgeport. I love it!

Aside from moving, I only got outta there one night for D.R.U.N.K., which was an awesome party a couple of friends, Dave & Rich, threw on Sunday night...I saw many people I love and miss, and I came home with mardi-gras beads, shotglasses, tshirts, keychains, and a bottle of icy Goldshlagger! That's what I call a party; thanks guys! (PS: if anyone has any pics from that night, send em my wayyy!)

Moving to Fairfield

Next week I'll be moving into a house just off the water of Black Rock Harbor, which is on the Bridgeport/Fairfield line.  I'm goin in on it with two guys as my roomates again (big surprise there, huh?), Bryan & Sean.  I'm looking forward to it, its in a gorgeous neighborhood, and I'll be closer to civilization, my job, GREAT shopping, and of course we get use of a private beach and boat ramp. Come visitttttt!!!!!