Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right! ~Oprah Winfrey

Resolutions... do I always make them? Yes. Do I always keep them? No.

I must admit I feel very liberated by the new year. I want to start it off enthusiastically, with a better outlook on the person I would like to be.

So here's my thought, instead of resolutions, I will focus on a few things I'd like to either improve on, or continue doing. Of course there's always a few "add-ons" of things I'd like to start doing, but I won't call them resolutions. ;o)

1.) Continue to work out and eat good.

2.) Give 100% every day at work.

3.) Read more books and news stories.

4.) Explore more of Buffalo and the events it offers.


And to 2007 I say - Drop the last year into the silent limbo of the past. Let it go, for it was imperfect, and thank God that it can go! ~Brooks Atkinson

Mom's Birthday!

Here is the link with all the photos from Mom's fabulous birthday party!

http://picasaweb.google.com/Lady6ugz24

Unfortunately I'm having trouble with my laptop, so I have yet to load the infamous dance-off videos for you all. But rest assured, I am working away on solving the problem!

A litte excitement...

This afternoon I was in the kitchen and heard the weirdest noise. I saw the cat's ears stand at attention right, it freaked him out for sure! Well a few moments later I happen to look out the window and I see a young girl (with a car full of people) rearended another car. Well the girl's car was fine because it was heavy duty, but the woman had a Gradam with a plastic bumper! It was$ busted pretty bad and all over the road. Everyone was okay. Two cops came, a fire truck with wistles blazing and THREE tow trucks! I of course went outside immediately to be nosey! hahaha

And do you think I thought once to grab my camera? Nope!

Christmas at the Zielonko's!

My mother's beautiful tree! Complete with presents and cards! :o)



The fabulous dishes we had, plus two pies! And the Ham is my favorite!!





And all my goodies!!!!!!

Beer Tree: The Ultimate Christmas Project

Imagine all the work that must have gone into this!

HELP!

I accidentally deleted ALL my pictures from the Christmas party!! Can anyone who has some good ones send them to my email??


THANKS!!

Christmas at Work!

Christmas at work was fun! Our office was super talkative and rambuncious for most of the day with the anticipation of the upcoming holiday! Our team gave Carrie a Pier 1 gift card and a case of Coors Light! Here's our photo!



We did Secret Santa at noon, and my santa got me what I'm was hoping and waiting for... a Sudoku board!! I was so excited! And the funny thing about our Secret Santa party was that everyone seemed to buy big bottles of everyone's favorite alcohol for their presents! hahaha A company that parties together, stays together!

After work we all went to Deuce's for happy hour. It was tons of fun! We all stayed until about 8p and then went out seperate ways. What a great way to start off the holiday weekend! :o)

**Mini**Highlights**

Mmmm I just made meatloaf and banana bread! YUM!



I had a day at work that should have warranted much stress, but surprisingly I stayed in a chipper, cheerful mood even though more and more went wrong! I think I was too busy to freak out!

I'm still working out... I'm trying to focus more on building muscle than cardio. My muscles are sore most days, but thats when I know IM WORKIN IT OUT! hahaha

I'm 90% done with my Christmas shopping. Last night I layed out all my presents to get a visual of who was taken care of. I ended up with more done than I had originally thought! Go me! I'll be excited to wake up with Mom and Dad and open presents!! It's my most favorite part!
** Don't forget, Christmas is sooner than you think! **

~Aunt Molly I am THE MOST excited for your Christmas party! :o)

I can't wait to see you all Saturday!!!! :o)

Jason Whitten losing his helmet.

The best Cowboys moment all season!

The Colors of Christmas

To gain a greater appreciation of the colors of Christmas, one should look at them as symbols with religious and social significance. Red is the color of fire, which represents warmth. It is also the color of blood, the essence of life. Traditionally, red is used to represent charity and encourage action or arouse emotion. This symbolism easily applies to the festivities of Christmas. Everyone enjoys the warmth and charity of good fellowship during the season. Christmas is also the celebration of birth and life.
Green is symbolic of hope, youth and life everlasting. This is represented through the use of fir trees and plants that keep their leaves year round. Examples of these are the many evergreen varieties, holly and mistletoe used in Christmas decorations. Used since pagan times to celebrate the winter solstice, evergreens are rich in legend and folklore. Romans exchanged green boughs as a symbol of friendship and peace. Literature reveals a belief in the magical powers of the holly branch as a symbol that wards off evil and promises everlasting life. Mistletoe is the "Golden Bough" used as a charm to bring good fortune. Evergreens are an appropriate symbol for Christmas since Christ's birth brought the promise of everlasting life to mankind. The promise was delivered through the image of the Child, making green a perfect color for symbolizing youth.
Gold is used as the color to symbolize value and goodness. Gold is used in pictures of the Holy Family. It is the color of the halo of light about their heads. It is symbolic for the supernatural as seen in drawings of angels. It is the color of the Star of Bethlehem.
White is seen in nature. It is the color of the freshly fallen snow that colors a deadened earth. It is symbolic of purity -- the purity of the Christ Child and the purity of His mother, Mary.
Each Christmas color - red, green, gold and white - adds depth and dimension to the religious and social meanings of the Christmas season.

Us Girls at the Christmas Party!

Christmas List - UPDATED!

1. A wireless mouse

2. A set of cooking knives

3. Ralph Lauren Romance perfume

4. Barnes & Noble Gift Card *** THIS IS A CHRISTMAS STAPLE!!!

5. The movie 300

6. Radar Detector

7. Recipe Cards

8. A Cowboys Jersey - Jason Whitten

9. Teeth Whitening Trays

10. Photo Papper

11. Small make-up/purse bags

YAY for Christmas!

Friday was my holiday Christmas party! It was very nice and it was tons of fun to dress up! Surprisingly I didn't take many pictures, but here is one of my friend Mark and I for your veiwing pleasure!



Saturday consisted of working out and grocery shopping! Oh and I finally returned our cans, 4.5 large garbage bags, and got back almost $20!! The rest of the night I was a slug in front of the TV, watching Christmas movies and working on Wendy's scarf!


(Lisa if you're reading this, I'll be home the next THREE weekends and I would love
to go to that yarn store you mentioned!)

I'm thinking for my next scarf I'll make a brown and yellow striped one that I can show off at Alumni Weekend! :o)

Oh and I also made Chicken Pot Pie, from stratch, for dinner! It was delicious! And speaking of which, there better be some left when I got home! hahaha I also have a mix for us to make Christmas cookies with my mom's old cookie cutters! I'm super pumped! YAY FOR CHRISTMAS!!!

My 1st Christmas Tree! - DECORATED!!

My 1st Christmas Tree!

Here is my first very own Christmas tree! I'm super pumped to decorate it with my own lights, and ornaments and charm!



When I was younger, every year for Christmas, when my mom got the tree, she would always get a litttle potted tree for me too! I would put it in my room and decorate it with my own lights and ornaments. I would leave it on at while night I feel asleep, then my mom would tip-toe in later and unplug it. A couple of times, after Christmas, my dad would take it out and plant it in the yard! I think we have two or three that have turned into our huge pines trees in the back yard and one by the road.

That is always my most favorite memory at Christmas time!!

Mamacita donde esta Santa Claus.

This shit is hysterical!!!!!!

Go Cowboys!

Last night I went with my friends Laura & Heather to Tully's to watch the Packers vs. Cowboys game. The night was filled with bud light draft beer and smack talk between fans! I swear I was one of only five other cowboys fans that were there! But that's the best part, rooting for a team you know is the bomb, even though everyone doesn't think so!! HAHA

Laura's sister and her two other friends showed up, and they were fun. I have to say one of my favorite things about Buffalo is meeting new people!! There are so many awesome, interesting people out there to meet and conversate with! I'm glad to be expanding my pool of friends!

Go Cowboys!!

One Scarf-a-licious Weekend!

My weekend consisted of knitting my own scarf! Due to not wanting to do anything all weekend, I propped myself up in front of the TV and knitted away! I started my project Tuesday night, and continued to work on it Thursday after dinner, Friday night, Saturday and Sunday until it was complete! It's beautiful and my quality of work and determination impressed even myself! I'm planning on adding fringe to the bottom to complete the look.

Saturday Night:



The completed product!



The yarn wasn't anything special, just something I picked up at Wal*Mart. I've already promised to do one for my roommate once she picks out her yarn. However, I will take a few days to rest as I must confess my hand is a little crippled and cramped from the last hour or so! But yay for knitting! :o)

Christmas is Here!

YAY! I'm so pumped Christmas is here! It's my favorite holiday and this year I am alright alive with Christmas spirit! What a warm feeling this time of year it gives to everyone. All the houses are lite with lights and decorations, Salvation Army bells are ringing and everyone is in the mood for a holiday party! I'm super pumped this year as I've already begun my Christmas shopping which means less to stress as the big day gets closer. Instead I can relax and soak up the happy vibe radiating off everybody excitement! :o) I hope you all feel the same as me!!

I have a list of my own started so far:

1. A car starter

2. A set of cooking knives

3. Ralph Lauren Romance perfume

4. Barnes & Noble Gift Card

5. The movie 300

6. Radar Detector

7. Recipe Cards

8. A Cowboys Jersey

9. Teeth Whitening Trays

Home for Turkey Day!

Gobble Gobble! My Thanksgiving was WONDERFUL thanks to my Mother cooking a fabulous meal singlehandedly and being able to spend quality time with my Dad! He didn't even go out to hunt! Of course we did wake up to the first real snow of the winter:


It was a great family day together full of laugh, fun and family lovin!!! I even started to knit myself a scarf Tuesday night and was able to sit and get a lot of work done on it. We watched the Cowboy's game after dinner and not only did they win, they scored 34 points! Meaning my dad won the 34 board at the club! WOOHOO!! More money in his pocket! I immediately asked for it! ;o)

I love the holidays!!

Albion - Always Classy... Never Trashy!

(Albion, N.Y.) -- Police in Orleans County have arrested four people for selling crack cocaine in Albion.

Facing multiple charges are Shardae A. Hadick, 19; Isaiah Young, 20; Isaac A. Williams, 20; and Kaeyla M. Erway, 18.

Hadick is the daughter of Albion mayor Michael Hadick.

Police seized 91 bags of crack cocaine, marijuana, pills, and cash as part of the investigation.

Police said further charges and arrests are pending in this case.

F*L*O*R*I*D*A*

No time to post, work has been so busy lately! But check out my pictures!

R.I.P. Mrs. Donda West

I will have my Florida adventure posted soon, but for now I wanted to take a moment and express my deepest sympathy for my favorite rapper Kanye West. On Monday it was announced that the phenomenal rapper lost the most important and influential person in his life, his mom. Kanye has always rapped about what a wonderful and supportive person his mom is, and how she means the world to him. I can not even imagine the loss and pain he must be feeling right now. My condolences to him and his family.




Click here to read more.

The Most Amazing Dog!

Girls Weekend!

I’m always playing catch up with my weekend post!

Thursday I met an old college buddy Joe for dinner at Chili’s! He works in the city so we were able to meet up after our busy days. We dined on fabulous steaks and had pomegranate and wheat beer! We laughed and caught up and dished about our “new” lives! It’s always fun to see old friends!



Friday I took a half day and headed home to get my hair done! I’ve had the same hair dresser since I was 2 years old! After hearing numerous horror stories from my mom, I refuse to go to anyone else! She gave me a fabulously revitalizing color and cut! Now I will look great for Florida!

Later in the evening Mom and I ventured to the Junior Wilson’s Club with free beer chips from my Dad for a few drinks! He was out of town hunting and wanted to treat us! While we were there we got the spur-of-the-moment idea to head to Wiggly & Jiggly’s to hear Bill Pelligi play happy hour and visit with Mom’s good friend Annie! And we had buy one get one free coupons there! After we got home I headed back out to see Bill play at the Old Coach and hang with old friends. It was a fun night full of lots of laughs but I’m glad I’m not going out in Albion every night anymore!

Saturday Mom and I woke up and it was off to the Greece for shopping!! On the way we hung a U and stopped at an antique barn sale. We poked and rummaged and each found a few things for cheap. It was neat to look at old treasures.

At the mall we powered shopped all the clearance racks. We meant business! And the deal was I would not buy anymore stripes or collared shirts! I have enough!!! Then we headed to Red Lobster for lunch! YUM! My favorite!
The Ultimate Feast!



Once we finally got home Mom and I hung together and watched the movie 300!! It was excellent and I really loved the Spartan attitude of King Leonitis. We could all learn to be that strong and dignified! Mom busted out with a special treat of ice cream and cones for us too!



Sunday we woke up with “orders from headquarters” from my father to put away all the deck and patio furniture. It was good to be outside and get some exercise. We even took a walk down to look at the crick, new bridge and Camp Grouse! Even Buddy tagged along with us! We would run ahead of us, running up trees and played all around us! (Look for him in the shadow picture, he snuck in!)





Crick











Sunday afternoon was our annual turkey dinner before Gma & Gpa leave for Florida! It’s our last hoo-ray until Spring! Our family is so amazing and we always have fun when we get together. It’s always full of laughing and stories and good food! My cousin Lisa (my blog inspiration) and I were taking rival blog pictures! Hahaha! Make sure you check out her blog for more turkey pictures! :o)











I have to say I had the best weekend at home! My favorite part was hanging with YOU Mom and having girl time! You are such an incredibly woman and friend and I and lucky and blessed to have you as my mother! I love you Mom! :o)

McDonald's Happy Meal Ad Cha Cha Slide

My cousin showed me this commercial and it's hysterical! The new McDonald's commerical!

Ode to Continue in Kind

Everyone please take a moment to check out my Cousin Lisa’s blog! She is one tremendous blogger and my blogging inspiration! Had it not been for her creative and descriptive posts, I would have never created one of my own!!

I can not compare to her clever and witty posts, I can only try to keep up!

She is my cousin and she is fabulous! Check out her blog!

Happy Halloween!!

ARTVOICE

This is my favorite Buffalo publication!! It comes out weekly and is full of articles, happenings around the city, art shows, festivals, etc! I usually find a few interesting things in each issue. Unfortunately, every time I've seen an event I would like to attend, I already have plans! And they are everywhere! The library, the liquor store and on street corners! It's quite nifty!

Now you'll all be in the know if someone asks you about ARTVOICE!

FUN FUN FUN

Whew, I have to get you guys caught up on my weekend!! Let’s start with my favorite Buffalo experience to date: O Restaurant! A fabulous sushi bar (super close to my house) with an amazing atmosphere! I went with my friend/co-worker/work-out buddy Laura and her roommate! We sipped chocolate martini’s while we waited for our three different rolls: Crab Truffle, Californian King (my fav!) and a Quesadilla one! And of course we ordered low-sodium soy sauce! ;o) It was soooo good, I can’t wait to go back!



Friday was a fun day all around! We celebrated a friend/co-worker’s birthday all day. I organized to have everyone chip in $3 to get a breakfast pizza surprise! Plus I made an ice-cream sandwich cake! YUM! After work I went to my friend Tucci’s place to help decorate for the Halloween/Derek’s Birthday Party. Then home to change to my costume and then back to party! A lot of people from work showed up again, so it was tons of fun!
Derek surprised at work!


Halloween Party!



Saturday started out with a nice breakfast at Denny’s with the roomie then off to the library for their used book sale!! I got about 7 books for only $8.50! Here’s us searching through the titles!



After using one of the computers upstairs, we went home where I prepared a grocery list for the apartment warming party and headed to the gym. And boy did I get a good workout in! Then it was off to Tops where I got a bunch of groceries, checked out and didn’t have my checkbook! HA! How embarrassing! So I had to leave my groceries at the checkout and call Wendy to drive my checkbook to me! Of course I waited outside to avoid more embarrassment!

Saturday night’s entertainment was a girl’s night with our friend Jamie! We had wine and mic ultra’s and watched movies and played Skip-bo! By the end of the night we were dying from laughter! Bedtime wasn’t until 3am, whew!



Sunday morning Wendy and I woke up, raced around to do cooking and cleaning before everyone arrived. We barely got ourselves ready before my Mom & Dad and Grandma & Grandpa showed up! They came with gifts in arms for me! I was so shocked, I didn’t expect anyone to bring anything! We had a good time hanging in the apartment and eating chili and chicken wing dip! My mom brought me the most BEAUTIFUL bouquet ever!! I couldn’t take my eyes off of them the entire time!!



What an awesome weekend!!! Thanks to everyone!!

I'm going to Florida!!

I, Jamie Zielonko, have been selected to go to Fort Lauderdale, FL to represent the Travel Division of Supplemental Health Care at a Nursing Spectrum Career Day! My responsibilities include maining a booth to inform nurses about the benefits and perks of traveling with Supplemental, and also hosting a Meet & Greet for active nurses on assignment in South Florida! I'm super pumped! I will definitely be gone Thursday, Nov. 8th. Whether or not I will stay any longer than that, I am not sure.

But I will keep everyone updated! Yay for me!!

You Kill'em, We Grill'em!

Remember the Road Kill Cafe poster Grandpa use to have in the Little House!?!? Well I found the menu online! Check it out and laugh over some of your old favorites!!

http://www.road-kill-cafe.com/roadkill.html

Weekend Mania!

Friday started off with an awesome working out and followed with the first Halloween Party of the year!! I went as an elegant Geisha, wearing a real kimono complete with real chopsticks given to me as a gift from Japan! It was a lot fun! Mostly co-workers were in attedance, but it was fun to party outside of work together. Being the newly responsible adult that I am, we left early as there is only so much standing around and playing beer pong that a girl can take!

Here is me all dressed up!



Saturday I woke up at 7a without any lucky of falling back into slumber. So I was at the gym by 9:30 to get a little cardio in, take an hour Pilates class and start my new weight routine. I am completely loving working out and find myself wanting to stay longer and longer at the gym! I've also been eating better, which makes me feel double good about my myself! Today I'm trying a HILO class for an hour, which is suppose to be basic floor areobics. The rest of the day I went to the library to use a computer, Tops to stock up on South Beach Diet worthy food and then home where I relaxed and watch IT! Which is definitely always a good watch!



Sunday was full of laundry, puttering and cooking! I made breakfast sandwiches for Wendy and I in the morning and then started a pot of Chili in my crockpot!


In the afternoon Wendy and I went together to a co-worker's son's birthday party at Chucky Cheese!! It was tons of fun as Wendy and I just ran around playing all the video games and eating pizza! hahaha! When we got home we had two friends come over to eat the delicious chili with us, drink wine and play Buzzword!! I'm happy to report my team won! WOOOHOO!! :o)