Reflection

Well it's the last day in 2011, so I guess it's time for some reflection. It's been quite a busy year and I think a lot people have a hard time looking back at the year as a whole. Here's my list of 2011 happenings followed by 2012 resolutions and wishes for the new year.

2011 at a glance
- planned a wedding
- planned a long distance move
- learned how to run
- ran my first 5k alongside my family
- celebrated 2 years at my job
- visited the west coast for the first time in 9 years
- became obsessed with estate jewelry
- uncovered my personal style
- set our life plan in motion
- changed my name
- changed our day-to-day lives
- started working from home
- started Evan's new career
- welcomed Max Richmond into the world
- shared joy with other friends expecting babies
- won my own personal Christmas spirit award
- started healthy new family traditions

Wishes for 2012
- learn to snow shoe
- enjoy our first VT winter
- buy a house with my husband
- get a dog
- learn the ins and outs of antiquing
- run longer races (10k, half marathon)
- improve my yoga practice
- maintain long distance friendships
- build new local friendships

Resolutions for 2011
- be happier and more confident in myself
- make healthier choices daily
- live in the present, look forward to the future, learn from the past
- do something nice each day
- always treat my marriage as a priority
- be patient and tolerant
- make a dedicated effort for self improvement

Well that's it on my end. What are you resolving to do or not do in 2012?

Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind

25 days of viral videos - Merry Christmas

We made it!

Merry Christmas to all!

25 days of viral videos - Christmas Eve

I won't lie, I'm losing a little steam at the end here. One more video and we're done! I've really enjoyed this experience and 5 days of the week I've really appreciated starting my day with a laugh. It's been a little hard to force myself onto the computer during the weekend, but all in all it's been a really great experience.

As I sit down to enjoy the first few moments of down time with my husband during this month, I watch this video and laugh. Because today's post is so late I've posted 2 videos. Neither is really that old or rare, but they never fail to make me laugh. Much like my husband :) Merry Christmas Eve everyone!

25 days of videos - day 23

Only a few more videos left! I won't lie, I'm running thin on the good stuff. Hopefully I have enough ammo up my sleeve to really push through the next few days.

While the Bedroom Intruder got it's day in the sun, I feel like there are so many good news stories that get much less attention these days. This amazing piece of journalism comes to you from 2006. For anyone who has since heard me say "The whistles go WOOO" will now understand my insanity.

25 days of videos - day 22

Only three more videos to go! What will I choose? Today's video was brought to you by my High School years. I was chatting with a friend about the experiment and she reminded me of this little ditty. I can't believe I forgot about it! Thankfully I have thoughtful and hilarious friends to help me remember things like this.

Here's a little holiday cheer from our friends in Japan...

25 days of videos - day 21

Yesterday a good friend reminded me of an old good friend I had. Muffin Films. Muffin Films kept me occupied on those lazy, procrastination-filled days called Finals Prep. I may not be using my degree now, but I still enjoy Muffin Films. Take that SUNY system!

the festival of lights

Tonight is the first night of Hanukkah. As my first Jewish holiday as a married goy-Jew lover I prepared my first Seder meal. I won't lie, my brisket was the shiz. No joke.

Here are a few shots of our holiday

25 days of videos - day 20

Holy Moses only 5 days until Christmas! Some rain yesterday sopped up all of our snow but we've got some flurries going on right now. Let's make it count mother nature! If I don't have a white Christmas I'll have a blue Christmas without it...

Ok so tonight is the first night of Hanukkah and because I love my husband I've been preparing my very first Seder. Also because I love my husband I've posted today's video. Ok so she's not exactly Jewish because she loves her Christmas tree, but this Long Island mother impersonation is so close to a Jewish mother I just had to post it on the first night of Hanukkah.

It also makes me want to be this kind of mom someday. Love her.

25 days of videos - day 19

Ok I was lazy this weekend and it's triple post day. Sue me. There are like 6 days until Christmas and I'm really psyched about it.

Here's another little gift for you pre-holiday. Tomorrow starts Hanukkah so maybe I'll find some awesome Jew-y videos to post. A new challenge! Today's video is also about giving.

25 days of videos - day 17 & 18

Today I'll hit you with a one two punch of videos. I took this weekend off to unplug and get away from the computer. Hope you didn't miss me too much. The next 2 videos are more informational in nature so ladies please take notes.

25 days of videos - day 16

There's been something on my mind for years and because it's 1 month until my birthday and only 9 days until Christmas I feel it needs to be said. Jesus was hot. There I said it. Why has this not been more of a part of Christianity? I think it would really help the religious scene to get more followers. "Hey everybody, come to church and stare at a half naked dude with hot abs for an hour". But I digress...

Today's video is in honor of Jesus' abs.

25 days of videos - day 15

I can't believe December is going by so quickly. Only 10 days left until Christmas. I don't know about you but I've been baking a ton! Cookies here, cakes there. It's a veritable smorgasbord over here. You know what my favorite sweet to bake is? Chocolate! Speaking of chocolate, today's video is probably one of the more popular choices I'll post, but it's too good to pass up.

25 days of videos - day 14

Today's post was donated by Amanda. Also known as MKF. MKF and I became fast friends because of our mutual love of the awkward and obscure. It was no surprise when she reminded me of this little gem. Honestly, I had likely blocked the sad little dance number at the end out of my head.

When I shared this video with Jessica (another lover of the strange and awkward) she said "Ouch, I feel a little skeevy just having watched that! That dance at the end was so...sad and lonely."

So please, enjoy and review. This one has gotten a lot of early response so I'm interested to see how it goes over.

25 days of videos - day 13

Today's video comes to you from the guys at The State. I'm not sure how many of you actually watched the State back in the 90's but it was the best thing MTV had  going and was unfortunately quite short lived. I still long for the days of sketch comedy and frequent cross dressing. Now you get reality shows and drag queens (not that I'm complaining).


After The State disbanded, 3 members (Michael Ian Black, Michael Showalter and David Wain) started a group called Stella. In the same nature and style of The State, Stella is/was an underground cultish comedy group that put out short videos on their website that range from funny, to awkward to uncomfortably sexual. The best skits include all three.

So please enjoy this video from three Jews about their quest to find and befriend Santa.

25 days of videos - day 12

Happy 12/12 everyone! Just think, it one short year everyone will be as excited about today as they were about 11/11/11.

Today's video isn't really vintage, but it's what I'll call a New Classic. This video fulfills my love for cute animals, nature videos and awesome accents. The three of them combined makes me giggle at this video probably more than I should. I hope you do too.

25 days of videos - day 11

In honor of the Muppet Movie, I've chosen today's video as All Through the Night by Escort. This video really helped me get through the Muppet-free years of the early millennium dancing and singing along with puppety fun.

Only 2 weeks to go!

25 days of videos - day 10

Our tenth video comes to you from my Freshman year of college and Homestar Runner. If you've never been to homestarrunner.com please clear out an evening and go nuts. My roommate freshman year and I were on this site non-stop. I actually believe it was my homepage at one point and we definitely redid one of the sketches on our answering machine.

Only 15 more days left of videos. Do you have any favorites yet?

25 days of videos - day 9

DAS IT!

25 days of videos - day 8

I've been feeling like I need advice a lot lately so it seemed appropriate to post this next video. Little Mermaid was my favorite movie for what was probably an inappropriately long time when I was growing up. Luckily for me I married a man with Disney Prince hair so all is good in the kingdom.

Granted, I won't be taking any of this advice (except the part about crabs... that's true) any time soon, I thought you all might enjoy a few nuggets of knowledge from Ariel.

25 days of videos - day 7

Today's video may ring a few bells for some of you out there. While the actual video itself was a phenomenon in its day, the song has resurfaced thanks to our dear friend Rhianna. I'm not sure if many Rhianna fans out there know where this song originated and I kind of hope this video is the reason she chose this sample. If so, major points Rhianna. Mayjah!

25 days of videos - day 6

Today's viral video is dedicated to none other than Ben Smith. Ben was my best friend through all of college and mostly because we shared a child like glee and fascination for videos like this one.

Phrases like "my spoon is too big", "I am a banana" and "my anus is bleeding" were peppered into our conversation and daily life. Honestly, they still should be. I may reinstitute a Rejected Cartoons day where we  speak only in quotes from this 9 minutes of wonder. So without further adieu. Enjoy.

25 days of videos - day 5

Ok I know. Two posts in one day. BUT I was behind so I wanted to get caught up. This is another post-college/wasting time at work video that comes from my days with those funny bitches at ABI.

It's been along time since these were shown during the Superbowl in 2006, but I still find an excuse to quote Terry Tate at least a few times a year. It's comedy gold... like that necklace...

25 days of videos - day 4

I know, I know. I'm already falling behind. I can do this, I swear!

Today's post is post-college and may be more of a current(ish) viral video, but it's still amazing and ties to the holidays because I always want shoes.

25 days of videos - day 3

When I think back to my bartending days in Rochester I think of this video. Not only were my fellow bartenders and I obsessed with this video, we got the bar to play the song nightly with the equally absurd video on the big screen. Oh the perks of working at a night club.

Warning: This video isn't what one would call family friendly or safe for work. Honestly it's practically German pornography. But it's hilarious and that ridiculous mustache is amazing.

the kindness of strangers

A friend shared this amazing story with me and I just had to return the favor. Stories like this make me want to be a better person. Not sure if I'd have the cojones to reach out to a mugger like that, but it's proof that a difference can be made if you try.

A Victim Treats His Mugger Right

 http://www.npr.org/2008/03/28/89164759/a-victim-treats-his-mugger-right

Julio Diaz has a daily routine. Every night, the 31-year-old social worker ends his hour-long subway commute to the Bronx one stop early, just so he can eat at his favorite diner.

But one night last month, as Diaz stepped off the No. 6 train and onto a nearly empty platform, his evening took an unexpected turn.

He was walking toward the stairs when a teenage boy approached and pulled out a knife.
"He wants my money, so I just gave him my wallet and told him, 'Here you go,'" Diaz says.
As the teen began to walk away, Diaz told him, "Hey, wait a minute. You forgot something. If you're going to be robbing people for the rest of the night, you might as well take my coat to keep you warm."

The would-be robber looked at his would-be victim, "like what's going on here?" Diaz says. "He asked me, 'Why are you doing this?'"

Diaz replied: "If you're willing to risk your freedom for a few dollars, then I guess you must really need the money. I mean, all I wanted to do was get dinner and if you really want to join me ... hey, you're more than welcome.

"You know, I just felt maybe he really needs help," Diaz says.

Diaz says he and the teen went into the diner and sat in a booth.

"The manager comes by, the dishwashers come by, the waiters come by to say hi," Diaz says. "The kid was like, 'You know everybody here. Do you own this place?'"

"No, I just eat here a lot," Diaz says he told the teen. "He says, 'But you're even nice to the dishwasher.'"

Diaz replied, "Well, haven't you been taught you should be nice to everybody?"
"Yea, but I didn't think people actually behaved that way," the teen said.

Diaz asked him what he wanted out of life. "He just had almost a sad face," Diaz says.
The teen couldn't answer Diaz — or he didn't want to.

When the bill arrived, Diaz told the teen, "Look, I guess you're going to have to pay for this bill 'cause you have my money and I can't pay for this. So if you give me my wallet back, I'll gladly treat you."
The teen "didn't even think about it" and returned the wallet, Diaz says. "I gave him $20 ... I figure maybe it'll help him. I don't know."

Diaz says he asked for something in return — the teen's knife — "and he gave it to me."
Afterward, when Diaz told his mother what happened, she said, "You're the type of kid that if someone asked you for the time, you gave them your watch."

"I figure, you know, if you treat people right, you can only hope that they treat you right. It's as simple as it gets in this complicated world."

Produced for Morning Edition by Michael Garofalo.

25 days of videos - day 2

Good morning and welcome to day 2 of 25 Days of Viral Videos! Today's video comes to you from Korea in 1999. Having worked in Koreatown for more than 2 years, I'm quite surprised it took me as long as it did to revisit this video.

As a college freshman I was obsessed with this video. Not just the choreographed dancing of 2 lithe hairless teenage Korean boys, but the catchy song (who's lyrics I totally figured out and sang). Viewing this gem again was like a conversation with an old friend. Lame I know, but it was still fun and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

p.s. - I was (not) surprised to find that I still pretty much know the entire dance. How I missed the opportunity to sing this karaoke style in Koreatown is beyond me. #missedopportunities

25 days of videos

After sharing one of my favorite old viral videos back from the days before youtube, I've decided to treat you all to 25 days of Viral Videos.

Now it wouldn't be a holiday treat if it was current viral videos. You can find those on your own you lazies. No, this is oldie but goodie viral videos from my college days and beyond. Maybe even before. Who knows! 25 videos is a lot. Anyhoo. The first video in this advent calendar of humor come from the folks at Nutrigrain. I was reminded of this video because everyone I know is having, wants to have or has had a baby and the classic line of "yeaaaahhh. Babies everywhereeeee" came flooding back into my brain.

Without further adieu, here's video #1

new obsessions

It's official you Goldfried lovers. I have a new obsession. You all know about my love affair with online shopping but now it's gone to a whole new level. Online HOUSE shopping. Yes. Houses.

While we're quite a ways away from actually being able to purchase a home, it's good to see what's in the market and how much they cost/what they actually sell for. For added self torture I mix in home design shows and another new obsession of mine, Mike Holmes.

Have you seen this guy? He's like the rain man of home inspections. Thank GOD my dad is like a mini Mike Holmes and has offered to come out and rip any property we're considering to shreds. In a good way.

Right now we're looking at condos, townhouses and a few older homes mixed in. We'll see what we actually end up with but we know we want it to have room for a giant dog and possibly have a fireplace. Ok, we're picky and like those stupid people on Property Virgins, but at least we're pretty. They should really put us on a show and give us things.

the trotting of the turkeys

As I lay here in bed almost exactly 24 hours after my first turkey trot, I've started reflecting on what I'm thankful for. I know, I know, I'm like a day late, but I've always been a late bloomer.

I don't know why, but running a turkey trot has always been something really important to me. I come from a family with little to no healthy traditions and seeing healthy and happy families lining up for a race was something I've always craved.

Now that Mr Goldfried and I are in Vermont with my family, I was determined to do it. Now, it didn't take much persuading to get everyone to sign up, but it was a cold, early morning and my sisters whole family came to cheer her (and by default me) on.

The race was so heartwarming. Whole families running together, old retired couples, people with baby strollers, dogs, and young kids all running together on a holiday that revolves around overeating. I won't lie, I teared up a few times.

So today, and everyday, I'm thankful for:

My husband
My sister and her family who let us live in their home until we find one I our own
The prospect of actually being a homeowner someday
My health
The opportunity to run and be active in and around our new home
Family
Great friends
Technology for keeping me in touch with everyone I moved away from

snow what fun

It's official - my first snow as a Vermonter!! I'll sit here enjoying it today until I have to run in it tomorrow...

breaking dawn

Ok so I went to see Breaking Dawn and I know people like to shit on franchises like these, but I have to say I was impressed. While I liked the majority of the film, I think I was most taken with the transformation of Kristen Stewart from healthy, happy honeymoon Bella to dead and dying Bella.

I've been trying to find out if it was makeup and camera tricks or if she really lost a shit ton of weight to look completely emaciated. I feel like peon would've seen her that skinny and mentioned it, but it looked too real and convincing to make me 100% certain it wasn't an actual 'diet'.

I have to say that I enjoy theater and movies much more now that my eyes have been opened to the amazing world of costume by a great friend. It really does make or break a story.

Another unsung star of Breaking Dawn is Bella's wedding shoes from Alice. Did anyone else want to make love to those things?!?! I'd marry the undead and forsake my family for those shoes. Not sure if I'd birth a potential world-ending demon for them, but give me a few days to marinate on it and I'll let you know...

today in simple pleasures

I went for my first cold morning run with my sister today. 24 degrees and 2 miles later I was chilly.

Today's simple pleasures are warm running gear, cuddle duds and large mugs of coffee.

domesticity is my city

I had my crazy obscure eating and drinking plans on hold for the weekend in preparation for a visit from mom, but she got sick so I had an open weekend.

So my sister and I decided to take advantage of the spare time and spend a day together shopping and wandering about. We had ton of fun and my shopping was quite successful! I've been looking for a new handbag for months and have gotten crazy frustrated with the offerings available at this time in the season.

Then I found Lovey (pictured below). I found her after having picked up 3 different variations of the same bag in different colors and fabrics. Then she just showed herself to me in all her preppy glory. I haven't been this excited about a handbag since since my snow white cross body bag with gold studs 2 years ago.

After a full day of shopping, Mr Goldfried and I decided to rent a movie and enjoy a nice night in. Much to my chagrin, watched XMen First Class. Honestly, I ended up loving it! Aside from wanting to binge and purge every time January Jones was on the screen I thought it was a great story and it kept my attention the whole time. It's on the Mrs Goldy list of recommended flicks.

Sunday was rainy so I decided to do some cooking. First I baked oatmeal raisin cookies to bring to Mr Goldfried while he works the dreaded Sunday shift. Then I was still all in the swing of things so I decided to make baked ziti two ways. I know, it's so top chef of me. Two ways. I'm kind of impressed with myself too...

I did one on the more traditional side for the Brott's then I decided to jazz up the Goldfried batch and added ground beef, roasted garlic, spinach and a later of ricotta. They're in the oven now so i'll let you know how they turn out and post yummy pix laterzzzzzz

you lost that battle vermont

Tried to order Chinese food for lunch today because I had no car and couldn't pick it up. The only place in the area doesn't deliver. What a reality check for me. Two months ago I was getting Pinkberry delivered to my office on whim and now I have to plan out my meals like a normal person. Oy.

New York: 1
Vermont: 0

long distance book club

Pat and I have decided to start a long distance book club. The first book that unofficially started it all was the 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman. We both got a lot out of it and thought it was worthwhile to keep going and finding books we both enjoy and appreciate even though we're several states apart.

This month's book is A Course in Weight Loss by Marianne Williamson.  The book consists of 21 spiritual lessons that form a holistic paradigm for weight loss, addressing the spiritual, emotional, and psychological elements involved in what Williamson refers to as “conscious weight loss.” Apparently, the book is for food addicts and compulsive eaters. I'm self diagnosed as both so I'm totally game to see what this book is all about.

Then we got a little out of hand and I also decided I really want to read The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. I'm not sure if you've heard of this one but it's an absolutely fascinating subject. Doctors took cells from Lacks, a poor tobacco farmer, without her knowledge and she was the mother (for lack of a better word) the first “immortal” human cells grown in culture. Her cells are still alive today, though she has been dead for more than sixty years.

So now my Kindle bookshelf looks a little like this. For some reason I find it humorous that what you don't see is Tim Gunn's short story about OCD and The Lies that Chelsea Handler Told me.

a whole month

Well my dears, today marks a full month of Vermont living for your loving Goldfrieds. Can you believe it? Me either.

Today marked another nice first for Mrs. Goldie. My first brunch with a girlfriend since we moved. It was refreshing and I know it's a small thing, but having a day like today really made me feel like a local. Walking around downtown just window shopping day drinking while speaking openly and candidly with a friend is one of life's simple pleasures that I missed dearly. And it was glorious. I saw some new shops to keep my eye on for the holidays, tried a new brunch spot and had more poached eggs than should be legal in any state, but VT is cool with it. They're trend setters like that.

Here's to another month of acclimation and happy firsts (and even happier seconds!)

a saturday to remember

An unforeseen trip to the NY border prompted another VT adventure this Saturday. As typically happens when I'm held responsible for directions, we got lost. Luckily, the getting lost wasn't without a stop to this crazy local gas station with amazing freshly baked goods. Check out these oatmeal raisin cookies!

As a little reward after getting lost in the nowhere's of Vermont, we decided to make the best of the day and visit the Food & Wine Festival at  Shelburne Vineyard. There were tons of yummy vendors and we got to try some really great local food and wine including local made bread, cheese, stuffing, bacon, pepperoni, wine and mead.

They even had an American Flatbread truck outside. Nothing makes Mrs. Goldie happier than eating pizza in a wine field. Even if it's cold and windy...

Because it was on the way home, we stopped at the Magic Hat Brewery to try their new winter beers. Our favorites were Howl, a black lager and Ravel, a vanilla stout.

Howl will be available in stores nationwide, but Ravel was produced in smaller batches and will only be available in the winter sampler. It's totally worth it. It was a really exceptional beer, even if Magic Hat sold out to North American Brewery.

Today I'm thankful that I live in an area with good wine, cheese, bread and beer. Later the hub and I will walk to the local Italian place for the first time to try their VT Carbonara with housemade pasta, local bacon, peas, cheese and cream. We may need to do the walk twice to burn all of that off. Woof!

a nerd is born

He's here! Geekbaby was born today to two of the most amazing new parents a tiny chubster could ever ask for. Welcome to the world Max. I can't wait to teach you naughty words and get your mom drunk again. Love you!

today in simple pleasures

Today's simple pleasure is brought to you by motivation.

I woke up on this mild morning and decided to run the route I crapped out in my first week here. And I rocked it.

Not only did I rock the run, but the beauty of my trail was not lost on me. I also wicked appreciated the unseasonable 45 degree temps this morning. Thanks global warming. Love you!

outdoorsy

On Sunday we decided to go for a hike with my sister and her family. We were warned that because of the snow in the higher elevations that said hike would be super easy. This is where I tell you how much my ass hurt the next day because of the elevation.

Because it was a paved hike, I can see where one may assume its easy. But the steady elevation an slippery leaves. created their own special level of difficulty. The payoff was pretty great though. Views of the Green and Adirondack mountains surrounded us. It was pretty spectacular.

I can't wait to get back on a mountain. Preferably geared up and with some sort of ski or snowboard apparatus beneath me.