MY STORIES

A NEW FACE

2010-09-11T10:17:00.000-04:00

ADEA
has a new web-look.
Check it out!!

YEAY DAD!!!!!!!!

2010-06-20T05:17:00.000-04:00

To all the Dad's out there. Old or Young. New Dad, Soon-to-BE-Dad... HAPPY FATHERS DAY!

catch up --

2010-06-11T19:29:00.000-04:00

Right, OK world... life in Britain catch up time.

We've had some roller coaster weather...spent one weekend laying in Richmond Park all day getting some serious Vitamin D while the weekend following was spent in winter hats and raincoats :: not really the most fun for a camping trip the the Cornwall coast. Lee did bravely get into the water with a wet suit, while I stood next to the lifeguard truck sealing as much heat from the engine I could. (I was one of three or four beachgoers that day, all of whom were coldly watching their kids or like me crazy boyfriend. Think Cape Cod water during January. bbbrrr.) Newquay did however provide us with a Stonehenge drive by, a GIANT pig farm drive by, some farm visits for fresh fruit and eggs, and of course, some scrumpy. (aka cider) to be tasted tomorrow along with PIMMS of course!

Last weekend we spent the weekend (WITH SUNNY GREAT WEATHER) out and about along the Thames and in the city. Saturday after a long walk/run we spent the afternoon lazy by the Thames, while Sunday we went into the city for a walk around the markets around brick lane, a must do every once in a while. Im still waiting to see what these car boot sales are like (aka flea market...on wheels).

This week has been cold rainy and not June-like at all, least not the June-type-weather Im used to. PLEASE let the rain go away!

As you might be aware, the World Cup has started. Tomorrow we will be attending a BBQ for the England vs USA game. I would be the token yank and kind of wish I had a big foam finger and some other items ... (hmm...i still have the morning to look around)

in the details

2010-06-04T09:40:00.000-04:00

It doesnt matter where you are from...everyone can appreciate the detail IN THIS MAP! zoom in and see for yourself!

for MAP click HERE

out of touch...but still in tune!

2010-06-02T13:00:00.000-04:00

I DO have a few posts to put up...but first, I HAVE to tell you how excited I was to recieve an email blast from THRILLIST this moring which acutally posted my friend Cory's Feed Football site. How cool that it would show up on the London Thrillist list (im signed up for both the London and the Boston blasts, and it wasnt posted on the Boston one)

The words of Thrillist

'Net News: Feed Football

Just launched, this new footy tracker allows you to create a customizable homepage for your favorite teams constantly fed with RSS feeds from every major sports outlet, including BBC, Sky Sports, and ESPN soccer, which utilizes all the power its parent company Disney's put at its disposal to break stories like "No David Beckham news today".

I posted his site FEED FOOTBALL a while back telling you to sigh up early .. well... its LIVE and working!

GET SIGNED UP!!!!

Dear Mom;

2010-05-09T13:44:00.000-04:00

You are my inspiration.

My best advice,
My worst critic,
My guilty conscious,
My personal shopper.

The best chef (well, ok 2^nd to Nana)

You’ve moulded me into who I’ve become and continue to guide me daily.

I love you very much.

Happy Mothers Day!

high and not dry

2010-05-07T04:14:00.000-04:00

Many of my UTenn friends and classmates are from and currently live in Nashville and the surrounding towns. Luckily none of their homes were destroyed, however minimal basemnt flooding is still costly. My heart goes out to those who lost more or all.

Please send any donations to Hands on Nashville or to the Red Cross.

a day out

2010-05-03T14:55:00.001-04:00

Today after a certain someone recovered from a night out, we took a drive to the beautiful countryside. With chilly weather but nice sunshine a little fresh air was the best thing to do for a bank holiday Monday. (yes, thats right, we had the day off today) Lee took me to the area where he spent summers as a kid in Surrey Hills. We had a super lunch in 'olde worlde' (aka 17th century) pub the White Horse and OF COURSE had some cream teas (tea, and scones served with thick whipped cream and jam) at a pub built over a water(power) mill.

Heres a few photos from our afternoon.

Julie + Julia

2010-05-02T14:39:00.000-04:00

What a GREAT movie!!!! I'm pretty sure that Kirsty didn't enjoy it as much as I did last night, but these Brits didn't grow up with Juuuuuuuuuulia Child (in her high sing-song voice) on TV. What a FANTASTIC movie!! I highly recomend it to anyone who liked watching Julia Childs show, anyone who likes to cook, and of course, anyone who enjoys eating! I have fond memories of watching her on TV playing with full chickens and making you laugh as you learned to cook - and well, saying her name in her fun voice (come on, i KNOW you did to!)

Here's to you, Julia (and Julie for cooking all those meals!).

London Marathon

2010-04-26T16:57:00.002-04:00

From the view of the spectator....

As exhausted as I am from fighting the crowds to get to the front of the barriers at each mile I was expected to be seen, I'll not complain but leave that to those who spent the hours running. (tho Phil and I had to do some sprinting to the DLR / Tube to make our next spots) Thanks Phil for being a great spectator companion! What an inspirational day! ALMOST makes me want to sign up for next year! I mean, hey, if batman/robin, senior citizens, ice cream cones, soldiers in full gear, cancer survivors, Guinness records breakers (for tallest costume, most people linked together) and hundreds of others can do it...I might be talked into it.

From the view of the runner...

"It was an emotional experience, beyond the realms of pain and exhaustion but the memories of yesterday will live me forever and your support from day 1 of training to the big day itself, generous sponsorship, encouragement and huge noise en route inspired me to keep moving and got me across the line.

WE have raised in excess of £2,000 for Children With Leukaemia, helping suffering kids with treatment and supporting their families through their treatment and recovery process. The money is vital to fund investment in treating the condition and every single penny is appreciated. Thank you so much."

THE BEST PART IS ....

The RESULT of yesterdays race - the sideshow of Sir Richard Branson vs Lee Garratty, the source of much amusement at the pub yesterday...

SIR RICHARD:(and I quote...(from the official marathon website)

"Sir Richard himself crossed the line 5:02:24 surrounded by his team of celebrities"

VERSUS

LEE GARRATTY; 04:57:03

Yes, that's right Team Garratty fans, he smashed Branson by a full 5 minutes! WOHOO.

AND SOME CHOICE PHOTOS

Nathan playing the NATIONAL ANTHEM

2010-04-20T11:46:00.000-04:00

Below is a video of Nathan (the brother of my good friend Cory in Memphis Tennessee) playing the National Anthem at last nights Memphis Redbirds Game. WELL DONE NATHAN!!!!! How cool is that! We are all so proud!

HISTORIC WEEK

2010-04-18T17:40:00.000-04:00

What a strange and awesome week it's been.

The UK had their first political debate. Too bad I cant vote here yet ... 6 years and counting (I think?)! If you didnt watch it, im sure by now youtube has snip-its or the entire 90 minute segment up.

If you weren't aware - tho by now, im sure the whole world knows - the air space had been shut because of Icelandic Volcanic Ash clouds moving slowly and spreading out...

The Polish president has been layed to rest. (such a sad and tragic crash) ...

Earthquakes, attacks, violence, economic issues... oh the list dosent end.

On a less world-ly topic, Lee and I are all caught up on LOST (woah, so many conversations to be sparked there) and have finished the 'Band of Brothers' series. WHAT a powerful series!! We have also set the SkyBox (Tivo equivalent) to record 'The Pacific' ... now that i've made it thru Band of Brothers, I think Ill be able to handle The Pacific with maybe a few less tears.

The sun was shining and the skys were clear (seriously, not a plane in the sky!) and after a 7 mile run in Richmond Park on Saturday Morning, several laundry piles less, a good nap in Wimbledon Park, I was OK to work a few hours on Sunday.

I'm looking forward to next Sunday when Lee will race in the London Marathon! Photos to come following the day.

BORDERS

2010-04-18T08:08:00.000-04:00

got an email today which i thought id repost here:

LET ME SEE IF I GOT THIS RIGHT.

IF YOU CROSS THE NORTH KOREAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU GET 12 YEARS HARD LABOR.

IF YOU CROSS THE IRANIAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU ARE DETAINED INDEFINITELY.

IF YOU CROSS THE AFGHAN BORDER ILLEGALLY, YOU GET SHOT.

IF YOU CROSS THE SAUDI ARABIAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU WILL BE JAILED.

IF YOU CROSS THE CHINESE BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU MAY NEVER BE HEARD FROM AGAIN.

IF YOU CROSS THE VENEZUELAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU WILL BE BRANDED A SPY AND YOUR FATE WILL BE SEALED.

IF YOU CROSS THE CUBAN BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU WILL BE THROWN INTO POLITICAL PRISON TO ROT.

IF YOU CROSS THE U.S. BORDER ILLEGALLY YOU GET
• A JOB,
• A DRIVERS LICENSE,
• SOCIAL SECURITY CARD,
• WELFARE,
• FOOD STAMPS,
• CREDIT CARDS,
• SUBSIDIZED RENT OR A LOAN TO BUY A HOUSE,
• FREE EDUCATION,
• FREE HEALTH CARE,
• A LOBBYIST IN WASHINGTON
• BILLIONS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF PUBLIC DOCUMENTS PRINTED IN YOUR LANGUAGE
• THE RIGHT TO CARRY YOUR COUNTRY'S FLAG WHILE YOU PROTEST THAT YOU DON'T GET ENOUGH RESPECT
• AND, IN MANY INSTANCES, YOU CAN VOTE.

I JUST WANTED TO MAKE SURE I HAD A FIRM GRASP ON THE SITUATION .

hmmmmmmm....same deal here in the UK. (tho i shouldnt complain .. I'm here...)

For the Star Wars/Lego Lovers...

2010-04-09T10:04:00.000-04:00

A guy from work was telling me about the comedian Eddie Izzard who recently ran 43 marathons in 51 days for charity (NUTS, I know) Here's a funny youtube clip for you Star Wars fans....

A NEW DiPIERRO!

2010-04-09T09:57:00.000-04:00

CONGRATS to Mike + Jenny!!! We welcomed Hudson Matteo DiPierro on April 7th. He's a beauty!!!!

PUBLISHED!

2010-03-21T17:48:00.000-04:00

check it out!
I just found out a friend of mine is published!!! This book can be purchased on Amazon (just click the book title). CONGRATS Tristan! (I'll mail you a copy to sign)

Force + Feedback + Fabrication: Integrating Structural Feedback into Design Processes for Complex Surface-Active Form

REPRESENTING US

2010-03-19T05:56:00.001-04:00

Currently a Shrewsbury Town Meeting Member, owner of a local sustainable, energy efficient construction company, and participates in many many other community services, my good friend Matt Beaton is running for Massachusetts STATE REPRESENTATIVE for Shrewsbury/Westborough.

Please support Matt, join his campaign, and help out your area.

SPREAD THE WORD.

Vist HIS SITE
www.BeatonForRep.com

Join him on Facebook or ATTEND huis KICK OFF EVENT!!!
6:00pm THURSDAY, 25th March @ VINNY T's in Shrewsbury!!

didnt stop!

2010-03-09T17:55:00.000-05:00

OK all! I DID IT!!! I ran in a 10K (with minimal practice due to cold weather and ...well, im a wimp). I competed with 331 others and placed 209th! Not that I was really concerned at all with placement, just the shear fact that id finish without walking was the motive….and I DID! under an hour! I ran it in 58.35 according to my ankle chip. WOHOO

I've been trolling thru the photos to find a good one (there was only one to find anyway) but the site has a copy protection on it, so I cant share even with the watermark. I ran with my killer Boston Red Sox army hat (thank you Katie for the sweet purchase) and my old school JL's (must have been pulling some competitiveness from my rowing days).

Lee ran the half marathon while I was doing the 10K and for the first 7.5K the two races merged. Of course my steady turtle pace kept to the left as the sprinters took to the right, well, the left, and it felt like from the top and bottom too! There was a good 5-10minutes of peace before the hoards of marathoners were unleashed on us. I kept looking for Lee to pass as he's a much faster runner than I, but he had started too far back to pass me before the split. Lee finished the half in 2hours and 16 seconds. He’s right on track for the London Marathon – which he’s planning to finish under 4hours. (yes, of course, finish at all!)

I think i'll take a break from running and head back to the gym, the pool, the dance studio, the art studio... anything but! Ill be sure to have the biggest most obnoxious sign for Lee for the marathon though. Cheerleading isnt my thing, but i can sure make a scene when i want to! .....maybe I'll dress up like sonic the hedgehog or a banana or cow like a few of the half marathoners did on Saturday.

London Skyline!

2010-03-03T04:01:00.002-05:00

Check out this fun webpage!! (follow the directions on the page)

CHANGE THE LONDON SKYLINE

out of touch

2010-02-25T15:12:00.000-05:00

My poor alien laptop is now in emergency care with IT. Due to a windows update, my computer self destructed. YIPEE. Hopefully when I get it back it will work just as good as it did before. I know I should upgrade really, but, until now, it’s been a great computer and has served me well. It’s been two weeks now since the black screen of death – hence why I haven’t been online at night, facebooking, emailing and the like. I have my big list to do when she’s back to life – starting with taxes. OOOOOOHHHH the fun!

the gift of luxury

2010-02-12T08:29:00.000-05:00

HEY MASSACHUSETTS GUYS!!!

It's not too late to get your significant other a (20% off!!!!!) Valentines gift to go to...

Piel Skin Boutique

I know if I were in Shrewsbury, Worcester, Boston... anywhere close THATS what I would want!

HAPPY SKIN!!!!!!

ZOO TIME

2010-02-09T14:39:00.000-05:00

My brother and his wife asked me to do a series of paintings for their baby's room. These are 6"x6" paintings of animal silhouettes which will soon be hanging in baby DiPierro's room!

BEFORE CARA STARTED

STEP 1+

FINISHED!

my nan

2010-02-06T11:04:00.000-05:00

gone are the days of suffering.

your love, your cooking expertise and your happy ways will live on always.

i will always remember the hours of card playing, scrabble, boggle - you never let us win. i still try to pop my gum like you - i try all the time and after years of you even telling me your secret i cant do it! every time i get dressed up or use the good china i will remember you.

thank you for all your years of wonderful cooking, no ones tomato sauce tastes quite the same as yours. im convinced the missing ingredient is your loving hand. thank you for getting us dressed and feeling like ladies however young and uncomfortable the bows and tights. i promise to get my nails done more often and 'do' my hair.

i miss you but i know you are in very good hands.

ill be seeing ya.

CADBURY + KRAFT

2010-01-24T15:02:00.001-05:00

So, if you haven't heard, on the 19th of January this year 2010, Cadbury has accepted an offer from Kraft. The UK company Cadbury has taken the $18.9 billion offer from the USA giant.

Im cool with the merger so long as Kraft doesn't change the taste of the well known and loved Cadbury chocolate.

....more personally, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE dont change my favorite MINI EGGS!!!!!!!

CLIMATE GATE

2010-01-21T11:07:00.000-05:00

If you have an hour to spare, and are interested in all things 'GREEN' i HIGHLY recommend you watch the videos posted on youtube of an interview with Lord Christopher Monckton. Whatever your beliefs are surrounding climate change, I hope you have learned by now that not everything the media presents is fact, true or for the greater good.

This is the first video of 5. WATCH and keep an open mind....