You are 16, going on 17.

Okay, while the title may seem irrelevant to the post, I'm not crazy. Just wait a bit.

This weekend was awesome. It was a much needed break to my still-going-on winter break lounging around my house being lazy. Friday, I started my trip with a ride to my cousin's house. She lives in Joppatowne, Maryland with her husband and three girls. They are absolutely amazing!!! We made cool bracelets, ate chinese, made rice crispy treats, and a ton of other things. It was a blast to finally visit them at home. And I just have to say, her youngest, Lily, is absolutely hysterical.

Saturday, I woke up to (unexpected by me) snow. Madison came in the room saying there was a ton of snow and it wasn't stopping. I got so worried! I was supposed to be in Annapolis by 10 and how could I drive?! It turned out that it wasn't so bad outside and it wasn't snowing anymore. It was actually pretty. After an entertaining breakfast (Lily wanted all of the grapes but would stick them in her mouth and then give them to the dog), we went out to start my car. Turns out, quite a bit of snow had fallen and we needed to clean it off. Their neighbor must've thought we looked a little helpless and he offered his ice scraper to us. Upon it's return, he suggested I invest in one since it tends to snow around there. Sorry bud, I don't live there and didn't think it was going to snow that much. I said I'd look into one on my trip which he shot down saying everyone was going to be out buying them. Thanks, bro. Then I was off! The trip to Annapolis was much easier than expected, though I didn't arrive until 11. I picked Patrick up and we waited by Starbuck's to meet a friend. After Starbuck's, we went to whole foods and got some food for me for later. Yum!!! Then we went to P.F. Chang's for lunch. It was great! Our waiter was super talkative, it was funny. Then we headed over to Patrick's sponsor's to relax. We watched Off Their Rockers and some other Betty White stuff and talked to his sponsor parents. They crack me up. It was time to head back to the Academy. I always hate that part, but it's not nearly as bad when you know you'll be back tomorrow. After a quick goodbye, Patrick left with his shit ton of stuff from home, and I was on my way to the lovely Michelle's house. First of all, let me say, she has the most ADORABLE dogs. I am in love!! We stayed up talking a bit later than I should have but it was definitely worth it.

Sunday, I woke up at 6:30 to do my hair and makeup and get dressed for pictures!! After going to bed at 1, I was exhausted. I left a bit earlier than necessary, not accounting for the fact most normal people are asleep at that time on Sundays. I found a great parking spot right by gate 1 and even managed to park there for longer than 2 hours, lucky me. I met Patrick on my favorite walkway, that happens to be musical (not really, I just think it sounds funny which Patrick finds entertaining). We walked over to Bancroft and were met almost immediately by the lovely Megan Rossovskij ( megancable.com ). We had an absolute blast during our photo session! It was freezing but she still managed to deal with our silliness (I hope we didn't scare her off). At one point, I suggested going on these awesome benches and doing the whole Sound of Music "You are 16, going on 17" bench dancing while holding hands picture, but it was shot down. It did get Megan to sing a bit for us, though. Okay, maybe only a line or two, but still. The few pictures I've seen so far were amazing and now I'm anxiously awaiting the rest! She was awesome to work with, and we definitely would love to do another session when we get the chance (in the spring, perhaps?). After our two hours with Megan were up, who is hilarious by the way, we were a bit hungry. She suggested, well demanded, we try Sofi's crepes ASAP. So we said our goodbyes, I ran to my car to change, and ordered some crepes for our brunch. We ate in Dalghren and were awkwardly quiet because some football player was having an interview behind us. The quietness made it even more awkward! But, we enjoyed our crepes and it was nice to just relax. Then we headed over to mass in a part of the chapel I had never seen before. It was just as beautiful as the main part! We sat there and froze, even though we were inside with our coats on. Bad circulation is not something I would suggest having while spending time in 25 degree weather. After mass, it was time to go, unfortunately. But the weekend had been more than a success. It was absolutely perfect! And I'm really thankful Patrick decided to put up with my picture idea and have fun with it. He's pretty awesome. The drive home was crazy because I was exhausted. But, I finally made it safe and sound.

Now, I'm waiting to see if Megan lets us sneak a peek at any more pictures. I'm in love already after only 2 pictures! I can't wait for a blogpost dedicated to our photo session!

photography

So, I have always been beyond amazed looking at beautiful photographs, and a bit jealous mine don't turn out like that. I've recently started following a blog, that isn't a photography blog, but the girl is so incredibly talented in capturing magic in her pictures. Some people would say photography isn't that hard, that anyone can do it, but let me tell you, if it were me taking those pictures, you wouldn't even be able to tell it was at the same place!!

It's come up to me a few times recently how much I love pictures and that if mine turned out a but better, that I wouldn't be able to put my camera down (mind you, my iphone takes better pictures than my actual camera, so a nicer camera is being added to my wishlist for when I'm no longer broke). I'm thinking maybe this summer, or in the next few years at school, I will look into taking a photography class. If anyone who happens to see this has any info on cameras, classes, etc, I'd LOVE any input.

Well, this post was short, but I just finished a long "catch up" one. Just needed to get it out there that my new hobby may just turn out to be photography!

Winter break - part 2

Well, I have finally got around to blogging after procrastinating for weeks. The sad thing is, I forget a ton of things I wanted to talk about. Here is a list of a few things Patrick and I did before he went back to school:

• Bowling - this was a fail. We wanted to go on a double date with our friends, Nick and Jess, but we got to the bowling alley and there was a 2 hour wait. According to the boys, it was welfare night. What great catches we have.
• New Years Eve Day - I went with my mom to visit my aunt in Toms River. All of her daughters and their kids were there so it was awesome! She is my mom's younger sister but she has 5 grandchildren, 3 girls and 2 boys. They are some of the cutest kids I've ever seen!
• New Years Eve - Patrick and I went to a party with some of his old crew friends. They all have really nice girlfriends, but I wasn't really close with any of them. BUT, then one of my DP girls walked in!!! It was the best moment of that night. We ended up getting another of our friends to come, it was awesome. I ended up going back later that night to pick Kristina and Michele up, so we had a slumber party:)
• Friendly's - After New Years, we met up with some of Michele's friends at Friendly's. Even though I'm not close with most of these girls (except Liz) I love hanging out with them. They are HILARIOUS!
• John Campbell's - If you grew up in Somers Point, that night was epic. This is the kid (I feel bad saying this) that no one was friends with nor did they want to talk to. He was kinda annoying and not cute enough for it to be overlooked. This was a HUGE deal. And I swear, my whole entire grade was at this kid's house.
• Sherlock Holmes - Patrick, his brother, Matthew, and I went to see the new Sherlock Holmes. It was awesome! There was one part that bothered me, but I don't want to give anything away.

Hmm..I'm sure I'm forgetting a ton of fun things, but I'll leave it at that.

That Friday, I drove with Julie to take Patrick back to the Academy. Of all the drives back to the Academy, this was one of my least favorite. But, we had a wonderful walk before he had to go and it was nice just to do something a little relaxing.

The next day, I went to the beach with Tori, one of my good friends since junior high. The beach is one of the few places that always makes me happy, no matter who I am with. There were a ton of dogs and it was gorgeous out! We had fun taking pictures of the water, sun, and, of course, ourselves. Later that night, I went to Starbucks with Jess. We definitely had a ton of catching up to do. She's one of the people I miss most at school.

That Wednesday, I went up to Monmouth with Jess to look at houses for her to live in next year with a few of her friends. I had never been to Monmouth and it's a lot prettier that I thought! Annie was filmed in one f the halls. It's crazy. And the school is right by the beach. It's gorgeous! I can't wait until I can finally visit her.

Thursday, I went with my dad to my grandmother's house. It was weird being back for the first time after she passed away. It still looks the same as the last time I'd been there. And her kids have been working on cleaning it out for months!! I found so much cool stuff though. I found some pearls, tennis bracelets, cross necklaces, and a gorgeous ring I was able to take home. I also found some World War I medals that I thought were crazy cool. My favorite thing that I found that day was a box of letters to my grandmother from my grandfather while he was in the Army during WWII. I've read a few and it's amazing to see some similarities between my grandparents and Patrick and me. 

Friday, I took  my first pilates class! It was with reformer machines and beyond awesome! It was just Ruthie, this fabulous instructor, Julie, Kara, and me. I had a wonderfl time, especially since I hadn't seen them in a few days.

Saturday, I went over Patrick's house to make dinner with Kara. We made crab topped portobello mushrooms, cous cous stuffed peppers, mini salads, and crepes. Everything came out perfectly! Then we headed downstairs to watch Miss America. If nothing else, I can say I always have a fun time with those Dods' girls.

Sunday, I went to church with my family and we went out to lunch at the diner. After that, I went shopping for my I-ball dress! And I had to make a tough decision between two absolutely gorgeous dresses.

Monday, I went to see Beauty and the Beast in 3D with Michele and Kristina. I LOVED it. In case you didn't know, it is my all time favorite Disney movie, and I will sing along the whole time. My I-ball dress happens to look a bit like Belle's dress. After that, I went back and visited the Dance Place. It really reminded me how much I miss dancing, and how happy I've been since last recital. I NEED to find a way to get back to dancing at school. I did finally remember to get my recital DVD from last year (and from 2008?). So I spent my night watching it last nigh. It was awesome.

Today, I spent ALL day baking for Patrick this weekend. I love baking and find it kind of therapeutic but addicting. I found out some more information about a possible addition to our family. And I called my cousin to find out a few more details about staying at her house this weekend.

Whew! I think I'm finally all caught up! This weekend should hold a few more stories that I can't wait to share! I'll be visiting my cousin and then heading down to Annapolis! I'll keep you posted!

A Christmas Story - Minus Pictures! Part 1

Well, I have been trying to make a post for at least 2 weeks! I've wanted to since before Christmas, but didn't want to give away anyone's presents! And now, I have been trouble uploading pictures (well, finding them) from iPhoto. So, this post will be boring because of the lack of pictures. So, I will start back at the beginning...

December 16, I ventured back to Delaware to take my last final, ex sci. I finished within 45 minutes and was on my way back home! IT WAS WINTER BREAK!!!! The next day, my wonderful boyfriend took his final exam and made his way home! I did not get to see him, so finally on Sunday, we were reunited! (on a side note, his sister came home early, similarly to how I came home between exams, Yay Kara!!!!) The whole Dods clan was once again together!

That Thursday, Jason, Patrick and I were off to Delaware/PA to help prepare for Willia (no, that's not how it is spelled, but how it is pronounced. I've never seen the spelling well enough to remember it). We went by way of Wegman's and "rower friend I do not know's" household. Patrick happened to forget his uniform for the All Academies Ball and this lovely gentleman picked it up for him! Jason spoiled us by letting us get food at Wegman's. Next stop: Hockhessin, DE, home of the Thurrell family, and some mean pierogie making parties. There were plenty of hands willing to help, so I went with the lovely Aunt Amy back to her house to prepare for the dinner the next night. I absolutely love spending time with Aunt Amy!!!! And to be honest, I'm kinda happy she isn't moving!! That means she might possibly want to steal me away from school at some point again:) Anyway, the boys ended up coming back with her three kids. If I remember correctly, a ton of video games were being played while I made food trays for the next day and Aunt Amy made fried rice. The video games continued until the kids went to bed. Then, we watched our new favorite show "The Big Bang Theory". The next day, Patrick, Jason, and Uncle Bob went for a run. Right when they got back, Aunt Amy and I left with the kids for kickboxing! It was killer, but I loved it! We came back and worked on final prep for dinner. Then, the rest of Patrick's family arrived at his grandparent's house, so back we went. After presents, we went back to Amy's. Almost time for dinner! Polish Christmas Eve dinner has become one of my favorite traditions!! I am so happy to have been included!

Saturday, I don't really remember what I did that day, but that night was my family's traditional Christmas Eve party. After a lovely church service (Christmas Eve service is my favorite!), we went back to my house to wait for our guests. Along with my family, two of our neighborhood families, along with my mom's good friend and her family, have always came. This year, our one neighborhood family couldn't come, but the Dods' came for the second year!! It was awesome.

Christmas day, we woke up and had an amazing time opening presents together. I have come to realize, my favorite part of Christmas is the time leading up to it, along with the look on someone's face when they open something you gave them, and they absolutely love it. After presents, we went up to my Uncle Rob's house to visit my family. I love seeing everyone! We went home and I headed over to Patrick's house. His mom offered to have their priest over for dinner after his last mass. He is quite the funny guy! definitely not what I would expect.

Monday, it was the day of our first All Academies Ball! Man, was I excited!! My lovely friend, Victoria, offered to do my hair! She also lent me a ton of accessories for that night. It looked great! I did my makeup, got dressed, and headed over to Patrick's with my mom for pictures. By this point, he really was wondering what he had gotten himself into. He didn't have a clasp he needed for his uniform and his mom had been running around all morning looking for something that would work. He was not  a happy camper. We took a few pictures and were on our way! Boy, was he in for a surprise. For some reason, he happened to disregard all of the stories and info I told him about this ball. He turned ghost white as soon as he saw all of the high ranking officers in the reception room. I was in trouble! The silly boy didn't pay attention to anything I said, and therefore was freaking out about his uniform! Well, eventually he calmed down and we actually had a blast!! He will even admit it! We got to sit with June and Foster,  a lovely couple we kinda sorta knew because June goes to UDel! Foster goes to West Point, but it was great to sit together. We also sat with this awesome firstie's family. Well, we didn't talk much to the kids, but the parents were great!!! They were stationed in Guam when they had their first son! How cool!? But, Patrick's favorite part of the night had to be that he actually made money! For some reason, he was told we were all paid up before he even sent a check! He was worried about that and was ready to pay when we got there. Well, we checked in and no one said a thing! So we were even. But, every mid/cadet got a visa giftcard, Score!!!! So, the night wasn't too bad for Patrick anyway! We still aren't sure how that worked out, but if someone out there paid for us, thank you so much!! It's the little things like that that can make your day!

Okay, so I haven't even come close to finishing Patrick's winter break/the first half of my winter break. But this post is way long and I am getting tired, so I will try to finish up with a second post in the next few days!!!