Work Desk Scenes

Leisurely morning at work: a modified mocha with a shot of strong coffee, half a packet of hot chocolate powder, topped off with hot water, apricot jam sandwich cookie left over from yesterday afternoon's celebration (yes, the 1.5 billionaire was there. And so was I).

Work yet to do: departmental propaganda, institutional propaganda, filled calendar, list of materials for upcoming experiments, scientific literature to peruse, today's to-do list.

Happy long weekend to those who are not at work today.

In 2011...

I resolve to...

chase after and achieve my dreams instead of just fantasizing about them

stretch every night

be fearlessly positive towards others and myself

floss at least 3 times a week

take on a creative endeavor once a week like cooking, sewing, writing

not be afraid to ask for help or to say no

drink more water

live confidently and joyfully

Though this is about a week late, I've actually been in trial mode for most of my resolutions during December. I can already touch my toes! I think 8 resolutions won't completely overwhelm me; plus 8 is an auspicious number.

I hope this year finds you determined, renewed, and inspired. Here's to a fulfilling 2011!

(poster by francesca, via mary ruffle)

Holiday Baking Frenzy

The Holiday Goodie-bag of 2010 Menu List:

• Jam thumbprint cookies
• Peppermint hot chocolate drop cookies
• A yet undecided cake or bread, or brownies - any suggestions?

This treat bag will be my Christmas gift to my coworkers. I've made and frozen the dough for the two cookies which I'll bake later this week along with the cake, bread, or brownies, when I finally decide. I'll also share the recipes when I get around to the actual baking part. I did actually bake this banana bread for my parents' dinner party tonight. It was served warm with vanilla ice cream and boy, this recipe is a keeper! Maybe it will be banana bread for my coworkers...

(photo via mary ruffle)

Grateful Monday

In efforts to make this week better than last week, here's a list of things that I'm grateful for on this dreary Monday morning. In no particular order:

• All the students are on Fall Break, meaning more free parking and my sister is home
• Halloween plans in Boston and my booked plane ticket
• The song "Animal" by the Neon Trees and commercial free pop radio during my drive today
• Around 31 hours of sleep this weekend
• My forgiving family... and my mom's birthday today!
• I made an apple-butter spice cake and I have plenty for sharing. Any takers?
• My Yankees are playing at home tonight. For a win.
• My chartreuse corduroy skirt that I'm wearing at work today with tall brown boots

Hope your Monday is as full as mine.

(photo by Leo Patrone)