Things that Make me Wanna Dance

I don't know about you, but there are certain things that I just so excited about I have to do a little jig. Let me warn you, though, it is not pretty with this 6 ft, uncoordinated gal. Doesn't stop me from wanting to dance anyway. Here are those recent things that have put that hop in my step.

My maternal grandmother had this 1929 Singer Sewing Machine No. 66 that is still in working condition. I always remember loving it, but she always used it as a plant table. My mother actually taught herself how to sew using this old treadle sewing machine. I was goofing off on Craigslist when I noticed a few of the local people were selling theres in various stages of disrepair. They cost a small fortune, but I sent the links to my mother suggesting she get one since she too always loved Grandma's and I couldn't afford one. Turns out, she HAD Grandma's!! It was in storage because she didn't have space for it, so she GAVE IT TO ME!!! That is definitely dance worthy--I don't care who you are! Anyway, I cleaned it up (there was about 50 years worth of dust on it) and put it in my dining room. Have a replacement belt to get it back into working condition again too.

As an early birthday present to myself, I finally was able to purchase my own DSLR camera. I have been researching and saving up for one for 2 years and finally got it. It was so exciting/terrifying spending that much money on something, but I have already put it to good use and can't wait to learn all the ends and outs of it. In Grad school I took an Environmental Photography class so I'm extra excited to get back outside with a good camera this time!

Also as an early birthday present from my mother (who helped me pick them out AND my husband even liked them), I got a new set of dishes. I can't even tell you how badly we needed them. My husband used to work for Le Creuset and we got so much stuff from there either free or SUPER discounted. Le Creuset is an amazing company and if you can afford to get ANYTHING from them--do it. With that in mind, the plates are not worth the money because after only 5 years of having them they are all chipped or broken. Now my new Gourmet Basics by Mikasa dish set are a subtle elegance with a super cool etched pattern. Very different from my brightly colored Le Creuset plates, but I cannot wait to start using these and getting more sets!!

Lastly, it's my husband. I know that sounds super cheesy, but it's so true. My husband has been a rock for me ever since I met him in 2010. I have been dealing with some medical issues the past few months and he has been there for me supporting me and encouraging me through the whole process. Last weekend he went to Walt Disney World with some of his family while I stayed home--don't worry, my sister came to visit! He competed in the Dopey Challenge which is running a 5k on Thursday, 10k on Friday, 1/2 Marathon on Saturday, and Marathon on Sunday. That's 48.6 miles in 4 days. It's so impressive and he did it! His 61 year old father did them all except the 1/2 marathon and his brother-in-law did the Goofy Challenge which is the 1/2 marathon and the marathon back to back. They all did such an amazing job and I'm so proud of all of them, but Brad with his 6 medals (7 if you count the medal from the charity he ran for) is so cool looking.

Don't stop dancing!