March 30, 2010: Day 89

It's been raining a lot over the last few days. A lot. I couldn't help but grin over the newly formed lake on the field near my house complete with dozens of seagulls. 

March 29, 2010: Day 88

Got home from work and slipped on "something a little more comfortable"...a pair of jeans in a size that I haven't worn since I was in high school.

March 28, 2010: Day 87

I don't know if I'll ever get used to the fact that I get paid to do something I enjoy so much. Teaching yoga is such a wonderful way to start a Sunday.

March 27, 2010: Day 86

I debated whether posting this picture would be "breaking the rules" or not. But then I remembered: my project, my rules. Mom took this picture and sent it to me, my dad and my sisters. We planted this cherry blossom tree in our backyard shortly after Grandma Classen passed away and it will bud every spring. Throughout the day, I kept looking at this picture and smiled. Spring is here...thanks Gram.

Thanks for the picture, Mom!

March 26, 2010: Day 85

I consider myself lucky for so many reasons, one of them being: I love my job. But just like anything, my job goes in cycles of ups and downs. Lately my workdays have been filled with pressuring deadlines, stress and frustration. Sometimes all it takes is a simple reminder, like this card from a newly hired candidate, that I love what I do. The excitement of offering someone a job and being able to share in their enthusiasm never, ever gets old.

March 25, 2010: Day 84

At 8:30 this morning as I was talking to my boss and teetering on the heel of my black high heels...snap! Off broke my fragile little heel. I couldn't help but laugh; totally my luck. This just only solidifies that parts of my life are straight out of a cheesy sitcom. Plus, if this is the worst thing to happen to me today, I'll take it...life is good.

March 24, 2010: Day 83

The last few days seem to be filled with news that quite simply makes life seem unfair. I was talking to dad today and he helped put it in perspective. For those who don't know him, he's the kind of person who always knows exactly what to say and says it perfectly. At the end of conversation he left me with this quote, "where there is life, there is hope." I can't disagree with that. I keep looking at the bright yellow daffodils on my desk and breathing in their sweet smell with the reassurance that hope and beauty surrounds us.

March 23, 2010: Day 82

Whit. Whits. Whitter. Twitter. Twit. Whitty. Whitster. Nitney. Freckles. W. Dub-ya. Dubs. Clementine.

I love nicknames. Some stick for-everrrrr (Whitnerd) and some, no matter how hard you try, never stick (Smitty.) I love the meaning, personalization, intimacy, memories or inside joke nicknames create.

March 22, 2010: Day 81

I'm a sucker for a cute accessory, especially scarves. Imagine my surprise during a chaotic work day to find a package in my mail slot with a thoughtful card and a coveted circle scarf.
Thanks, Mike!

March 21, 2010: Day 80

If you look, you can find love in the most unexpected of places.

March 20, 2010: Day 79

Today could not have been a more beautiful day. It was warm; the sun was shining and the streets of Boston were filled with happy, smiling, friendly people. Our team, the Purple Bandits, came in a very respectable 2nd place in the charity scavenger hunt. From Faneuil to Fenway, we collected everything from a Build-a-Bear heart, a lobster shell, a 7-11 cardboard coffee sleeve, a Hilton room key, four Three Wiseman shots, a completed Census, to a team picture with a wedding party. One of the things that we collected, this Livestrong bracelet, stands out the most. As Lauren (Penalba) was showing the list to a stranger sitting next to her on the T, he noticed "Livestrong bracelet - 100 points" on the list. He reluctantly lifted his sleeve to reveal the yellow rubber bracelet. "I've worn this every day for the last 5 years," he told us. But putting trust in us, complete strangers, he took off the bracelet and handed it to Lauren as we promised to mail it back to him. As trivial as this interaction may seem, it felt bigger. Here we were, running frantically around the city as part of a fundraiser for cancer research. He obviously wore this bracelet every day for some personal reason. He gave it to us in support of our personal cause and it reminded me that we are all in this fight together.

March 19, 2010: Day 78

Night out with the girls.

March 18, 2010: Day 77

Who doesn't love getting mail? Came home to adorable cards from two of my favorite couples.

March 17, 2010: Day 76

65 and sunny. Driving with the windows down and the radio on. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

March 16, 2010: Day 75

A mid-morning surprise treat from Meg.

March 15, 2010: Day 74

After a long day at work, I was tired and craaaaanky until my mom handed me a small package wrapped in white tissue paper. I unwrapped the paper to discover this wooden heart-shaped box decorated by Mara especially for me with colorful gems and oodles of glitter. Suddenly all was right with the world.

March 14, 2010: Day 73

My car is a traveling suitcase and it's never easy to find anything when I need it. However, I always know my St. Christopher's medal is safely tucked away in a little compartment near the dashboard. Between the strange noises Dory (my 2006 Honda Civic) was making and the sideways falling rain, I was strongly relying on the little round medal to get me home safely. Sure enough the medal fell out of it's little slot when I was almost home to let know it had been doing its job.

March 13, 2010: Day 72

After a little pep talk, I finally went to spin for the first time this morning. Felt surprisingly content after class (and even a little during class.)

Sang "happy 'one week' birthday" to Ethan with Ms. Mara on skype.

March 12, 2010: Day 71

Hot yoga, vegetable tikka masala, and the comforting smell of incense is simply the perfect way to close out a long week.

March 11, 2010: Day 70

Two lovely faces to see when you look in the mirror.

March 10, 2010: Day 69

Staying in bed every last minute possible.

March 9, 2010: Day 68

I'm plant sitting for Trish's crazy plant while she is on maternity leave. It makes me smile...for many reasons.

March 8, 2010: Day 67

So maybe they are intended for kids, but I can't help but love the fact that my plastic cup changes color when you put cold liquid in it.

March 7, 2010: Day 66

My first Oscar party! I've been dying to go to one for years. I'll never pass up the chance to wear shiny jewelry and drink champagne.

March 6, 2010: Day 65

Today was gorgeous day. I swear the sun was shining a little brighter and the birds were chirping a bit more cheerfully. My nephew, Ethan West, was born very early this morning. Happy, healthy and beautiful. My heart actually aches; I'm overwhelmed with happiness. Today is no doubt a day that I will remember filled with miracles, new life, love, and pure joy.

Ethan West Matthews

Born March 6, 2010 at 3:05am
8 lbs 9 oz 20.5 inches

It's hard to be away from my sister and her family on such a momentous day. More than anything, I wish I could meet little Ethan on the day of his birth, but I will be Chicago bound soon enough so I can hold and kiss him. But today was absolutely all about babies. My friends, Trish & Will (aka Twill), are expecting a baby in a few short weeks. They graciously let me have a mini-photo shoot with them this afternoon. Being with them on Ethan's birthday was very therapeutic for me. Being able to see firsthand their excitement, anticipation and already endless love for their unborn baby was simply beautiful. I hope years from now, they can show these pictures to their son or daughter and reflect on what a beautiful journey they have gone through over the last nine months.

Congrats Twill! And a very, very happy birthday Ethan West!

March 5, 2010: Day 64

I love that when I wear tall boots my socks don't have to match.

March 4, 2010: Day 63

How 2010 am I?! Thanks to the patience, knowledge and creativity of a dedicated blog follower and his thoughtful suggestion, not only do I now know what a domain name is but I have one of my very own! After an hour of unexpected brainstorming and troubleshooting... 

www.capturingcontentment.com

Thanks Ben ~ karma is a beautiful thing!

March 3, 2010: Day 62

A late night makes the morning caffeine buzz even more appreciated.

March 2, 2010: Day 61

Meghan gave me this little pot and seeds to "plant your own clovers." She has one at her desk too so we spent a few minutes prepping our plants together this morning. It totally made me smile. Just in time for St. Patty's Day. Now my clovers can keep my little forget-me-nots company!

March 1, 2010: Day 60

It's official! Going outside of my comfort zone and absolutely loving it!