Frosty the Snowman

FACT: Marisa does not do crafts.  She doesn't scrapbook, stamp, make wreaths, flower arrangements, cute little signs or decorations... frankly, she can't really draw or cut a straight line. 

So tonight at YW's when we had the girls making scripture bags,  I was kinda relieved that we were 1 bag short, leaving me free from the task of making one.  All that ribbon and glitter paint was making me a bit nauseous.  Still, the responsible (ha ha) adult made me feel like I needed to do SOMETHING productive while the everyone else worked on their bags. We had some little finger puppets/ornaments that the girls could make as well if they had time left... so I thought, I can make a finger puppet.  Surely I could handle a tiny little ornament.  So there he is... Frosty... hanging on the tree.  He is cute right?!?!   Yeah, ummm... that's b/c it's small, the picture is fuzzy,  and the mood lighting from the Christmas tree makes him look slightly airbrushed.  

Now if you look at us in the light you will see him for the crippled snow man he is... arms too long (the instruction SAID, "cut 2- 1" sections for the arms," crooked smile, doofy hat,  silly ear muffs... I do like his little scarf though.  I will say unless you saw him up close and personal you couldn't really see how ghetto he really is. 

Oh well, I guess I will go back to my life motto... why make when you can buy.  

Merry Christmas!!!!

July Through November

I know I said I was going to post something.  I meant to... really.  It's like I used to be with my journal.  I'd get out of the habit of writing.  I would want to start again but I always thought I needed to try to catch myself up on everything that happened.  I kept getting further behind until it was too overwhelming to write at all.  Why do I do that?  I am going to try to sum up... 

JULY... 

In July one of my dearest friends Anna came to visit me from Utah on her way to Europe.  We spent a few days in DC and Richmond together and then she was off.  We had a great time.  We were even able to visit with my friend Scott in Alexandria who so kindly let us invade his life for a few days.  After Anna left Jessica and I had a mad dash to pack up our lives and put them into storage.  We moved out of our apt at the end of July and prepared our self for a month of nomad living.  The plan was for me to live with mom and dad and her to live with our brother Eric and his wife Joanna for until we were able to move into our new place...

AUGUST...

The 1st week of homelessness I was house sitting so I packed my car with all my belongings not in storage that I needed for the month. The last day of said house sitting was a Tuesday... I had an appt to get a haircut which took WAY too long and I was supposed to be downtown at 7 for institute.  I really needed the spiritual pick me up but I was not going to have enough time to unpack my car before going and I didn't want all my prized possessions including my computer to be unguarded in my car for a few hours in that neighborhood.  So I went home and borrowed my mom's car so I could go to institute.  I was about a mile from Mom and Dad's when another driver ran a red light and smashed into the left side of mom's car totalling it.  I was fortunate that no one including my self was injured.  Despite the fact that it wasn't my fault I hated the fact that Mom's car was "dead" not a great way to return back home.

In August I was also called to serve as the 1st counselor in the Young Women's Presidency in a newly re-established branch in the Chesterfield Stake, The Oak Grove Branch.  Formerly the Manchester Branch where Dad served as the Branch President.  It's a small unit with only 3 girls in the YW and serving with my friend Wendy as the YW President.  My records are still in the Singles Ward (and I have been attending both the singles ward and the branch) where I still serve as the Visiting Teaching Coordinator which I do love. 

SEPTEMBER....

Sept 8th the world welcomed another Garofalo to the world.  My cute little niece Reagan Lee Garofalo was born to brother Devin and his wife Shannon.  I have to be honest, Reagan is beautiful.  I mean, I know she is my niece and you might think I am biased but she really is such a sweet faced child. 

Sadly, Reagan's birth was overshadowed for Jessica and I with evenings of cleaning and painting our new house in preparation for moving.  We actually didn't get to see her for a few days after she was born b/c things were so crazy.  We are lucky to have great roommates and friends who stepped up and helped us.   While we didn't actually finish painting before we moved in Mid-September but I know we wouldn't have accomplished nearly as much with out extra help.  Even now we still have more painting to do... we should get on that.  We were also very fortunate to have good friends who were willing to help us move.  With their help we actually gone things out of storage and into the house in a few hours.  THANKS AGAIN to everyone who helped. 

OCTOBER... 

I can't truly express how difficult July-September really were for me to anyone.  So much was happening for me not only with the move but personally.  Lots was changing... on top of the things I mentioned.  Work has been stressful to say the least.  I also had some car issues which cost me a little bit of money to have taken care of.  I found out my license was suspended (that is a way long story) which was pretty upsetting to me.  My grandfather, who had been living with my parents, was having chemo treatments for some skin cancer.  Once his treatments were over he decided to move back to California. Mom was in the hospital for a few days (about the time we moved), a friend of mine at work had a heart attack, another friend at work was diagnosed with a brain tumor, some friendships grew apart, other friends moving and getting married...  I was beginning to feel like my life had made a complete overhaul.  In many ways it did.  

October brought a little more calmness into my life.  I think I was finally feeling OK with all the changes that had occurred.  Being settled into my new place made things easier.   I think feeling like I was without routine was hard.  There is a something important to be able to sleep in your own bed.  Watch your own TV, eat food from your own refrigerator.  

NOVEMBER....

While the rest of the world was anxious to see who would be elected as our next President of the United States... I was more excited to see another niece come into the world.  On November 4th, Julia Lyn Garofalo was born to Eric and Joanna.  Josh and Ava were WAY excited to be the proud "owners" of this new little additional to their family.  I would say, I have some cute little nieces and nephews.  

Somewhere in the beginning of November I noticed some red bumps on my arms.  At 1st I thought I was having an allergic reaction... but after a few days and through the observation of others that became unrealistic.  So finally I went to the doctor.  APPARENTLY, I became the object of affection for some kinda bug according to the doctor.  It was rather gross. I had red bumps all over my arms and legs.  I would be lying to say I didn't have a break down or two over it.  I saw no evidence of any buggies which made matters worse.  Mom came over and we did the best we could to clean and wash everything in my room since I was the only one in the house of 4 girls to have been effected.  It didn't seem to be going away and Mom suggested I get a blessing from my Dad.  Luckily they were having dinner with some friends of theirs who just happened to be my singles ward Bishop and his wife who I am close to as well.  Bishop Levin administered the blessing.  I was very grateful to both my parents and the Levin's for their kindness and for their encouragement of me.  Now 2 weeks later most of the bumps are gone.  Hopefully for good.  I don't care what it was as long as it doesn't come back.  

 

there is so much more I could talk about but that is going to have to be it for now.  My brain is hurting.  Bed is calling. 

I will try to post some pictures soon.  And I will try to be better with the blogging.  

Fully Alive

It has been a LONG time since I have written anything, I know.  Those of you I don't see (or talk to) on a regular basis were probably wondering if I was dead.  Well, you can now sleep through the night to know I am fully alive.  Things on the Marisa front have been crazy.  I kinda don't know where to start to catch you (and myself) up, but I will try.  So stay tuned in the next week or so... Marisa blogging is back.  Not right now though.  I need to get dressed for church.   

T.G.I...EXtreme Dare Friday!

For Christmas I got a daily calendar called, Dumb Dares for the office, that sits on my desk at work.  Friday's are particularly exciting b/c the calendar has Extreme Dare Friday's.  A few weeks ago my co-worker Frank was skulking past my desk when I unveiled the EXTREME DARE... he thought it was way funny and so he dared me to it.  He offered to help me out.  How could I refuse? 

What you can not read says: "Draw a chalk outline (or form in masking tape ouline) of a human body outside the front door of your place of work."

Here is my masking tape outline in the door way of our boss's office.  

And here is Frank.  He was so proud of himself, standing here with his roll of masking tape.  

UNFORTUNATELY, we had to take it down before too many people saw it.  Oopsies... we got into a little trouble for it.  Oh well, what's the fun of Extreme Dare Friday's without a little crime and punishment, huh?!?  

Don't worry folks...there are more dares to come.

A Modern Fairy Tale

Once upon a time there lived a lovely young maiden with great style and amazing hair.  For the sake of this story we shall call her... M Garofalo... no, no...Marisa G.  Anywho... oft times Marisa found herself driving aimless across the span of the vast city searching for fun and excitement in her silver Ford Focus.  The theaters were full of good shows and she knew of many delectable places to get a bite to eat but these things didn't satisfy her restless soul for adventure.  

One lovely spring day Marisa was conversing with her equally fashionable and lovely sisters 

Arianne and Jessica (one through employment; the other by birth) and they made plans to set off to the east in search of fun and 

frenzy. The three knew this would be a time of great friendship and bonding. And so together they hopped into Dundee, Jessica's reliable Chrysler Seabring (who's purchase was not inspired by but comically noted to be the same car driven by the best manager the paper industry ever did see... Dunder Mifflin's very own... Michael Scott) toward our nations 1st settlement. There they would visit a lovely Garden maintained by two brewers named 

Anheuser and Busch.  Now these beloved gardens were not new to these 3 fair maidens... for they had been there many times before.  It was their desire to find their dear friends, the lovely nurse maid Layla and the Valiant Jason Lars of the Mill to share in these good times.  Through previous communications they knew their comrades had made the trek earlier that day to fulfill their own needs for exhilaration/

Upon arrival into this beautiful land, they began to search far and wide for their dear friends.. they Giest through the Alpines, took a ride on the Chariot of Apollo,  braved the woods where local legend tells The Big Bad Wolf has been seen, swung in

DiVinci's Cradle...even defied death as they rode on the Wings of the Griffon.  Invigorated from their escapades the three ladies could not help but feel a little sad for the loss of kindred spirits.  With courage the decided to soothe their souls the only way girls know how... though sweet treats and chocolate.  As they headed though the magical streets past the great tower their eyes beheld a wondrous surprise... Layla and Jason.  The 5 friends were reunited with much happiness and joy as they shared stories of their day. With the moon full above and the looming Griffon nearby they decided to brave the great crowds around him and challenged the beast to one last ride into the night sky.  Together they found great strength in their conquering of the Griffon once again but knew it was time to head back to town and life as they knew it.  They had been lifted and it was good.  As they parted the lovely Gardens that night they knew they would never be the same for they were filled with great joy.  They knew they must return soon.  Together... and inviting all those who accepted their invitation.  For each knew their otherwise dull lives were made better when filled with thrills and friendship.

THE END

this story was based on actual events that actually happened... no names have been changed to protect the innocent b/c frankly... that's how we roll.

OK Katie...I Shall Heed Your Tag

I don't normally do these things but... why not.  

Four Movies I Could Watch Over and Over Again:

1. Emma

2. Pride and Prejudice

3. Ocean's 11

4. Serendipity

Four Jobs I've Had:

1.  A Nanny

2. VCE

3. Molly Maid

4.  Diamond Moments

Four Places I've Lived:

1. BayShore NY

2. Midlothian, VA

3. Rexburg, ID

4. Richmond, VA

Four of My Favorite Dishes/Food:

1. Chicken Parmesan

2. Cheese especially lovin the goat cheese right now

3. Sushi

4. Chipotle Salads seem to be a craving as of late

Four TV Show's I Love:

1. The Hill's

2. Lost

3. The Office

4. American Idol

Four Sites I Visit Daily:

1. Gmail

2. IMDB

3. Google

4. Facebook

Four Places I Have Vacationed:

1.  Las Vegas, NV 

2. Disney World (Orlando FL)

3. Lake George, NY

4. Nashville, TN

Four Places I Would Rather Be Right Now:

1. In my bed... I guess  I could be there if I wasn't too lazy to walk up the stairs

2. Laying on a beach in Hawaii

3. Italy

4. With a cute boy

Four Bloggers I am Tagging:

1. Claire

2. Natalie

3. Ryan

4. Koni

Rainy Days and Monday

For those of you who don't live in VA you may not know that it has been raining for two days... and on this very Monday... this is the song that has been swirling around in my head.   

Talking to myself and feeling old

Sometimes I'd like to quit

Nothing ever seems to fit

Hanging around, nothing to do but frown

Rainy days and Mondays always get me down

What I've got the used to call the blues

Nothing is really wrong

Feeling like I don't belong

Walking around some kinda lonely clown

Rainy days and Mondays always get me down

Funny but it seems I always wind up here with you

It's nice to  know somebody loves me

Funny but it seems that it's the only thing to do

To run and find the one who loves me

What I feel is come and gone before

No need to talk it out

We know what  it's all about

Hanging around, nothing to do but frown

Rainy days and Mondays always get me down

Funny but it seems that it's the only thing to do

Run and find the one who loves me

Hanging around nothing to do but frown

Rainy days and Mondays always get me down.  

Text Messaging

When clearing some old pictures from our camera, I discovered these photos and had to share them.  I didn't realize anyone was paying attention as my cute little nephew was showing off his text messaging skills.   A few of you may know how talented he is b/c you've been the recipient of a random "jjjjeeersdfserzxv.... josh...>:-)" text sent to you from my cell phone.  I love that boy! 

I love that face

Don't be confused... Josh is teaching me how to use my cell phone not the other way around. 

Back to The Office

 Even though the writers strike has been over for a while now, I haven't really been able to reap any of the rewards of the settlement.  Lost was already prepared to give us 8 episode and American Idol... well, Simon has never failed me with his witty judgements.   April 10... the return of The Office... it's like a dream come true.  Just a moment ago, my dearest sister shared this little tidbit she learned from officequotes.net... posted just today.  Quoted directly from the site:  just a quick note.  When The Office returns next week, the episode ("Dinner Party") will be two and a half hours long.  This is to catch up to the original schedule set by NBC Studios.  Don't for get to set your DVR!  Now if the Garofalo sisters can get their Tivo up and running... we'll be set!

Welcome To Moe's

Last week was rough... not enough sleep made the 9-5 (or in my case 7-4:30) work day drag on with much pain and some near sleeping at my desk moment.  I may had slept through a lunch break or two in my car at the park.  Such was my plan on Friday... I had a piece of pizza in the fridge at work for my lunch and then off I was to the park where I would happily slumber.  I cooked up this plan around 8:30 and could hardly wait until 12 to get my nap. 

I don't know how or why but when the time came I was too excited to think of food and I jumped in the car, started the engine and off I went.  Big mistake because no sooner had I pulled out of the parking lot my stomach spoke in a very clear manner that it was it's intention to eat and if I didn't provide some sort of sustenance it would turn on the other organs.  I debated turning around but laziness dictated me to continue on to the nearest drive thru.  

And that is when I saw it... a yellow and red sign that simply read: MOE'S.  Could it be?  Is it possible? Now, I am not gonna lie to you... I have been to Moe's Southwestern Grill before.  It's OK food.  Not my absolute favorite but for some reason, on this sunny Friday afternoon, nothing was more appealing (not even my most beloved nap) then a taco, some chips and salsa, and a sunny patio.  Maybe it was simply the new lunch time food option, but as I sat eating my happy little lunch (all purchased at the low, low price of $3.39) I felt content.  Silly as it may be, as I walked away, I couldn't help but turn around to get one last look at Moe's... and snap this picture.  

Channeling a Higher Power

I know, it's been a while... I will do better.  

 I have to admit an embarrassing little fact about me.  Every morning upon arriving at work, before I do anything, I log into MSN and check my daily Horoscope.  It's not that I really believe in all that Astronomy stuff (I know it is Astrology I was just trying to be funny), but for some reason I feel like I can't start the day without knowing what it says.   EX.  Today's horoscope say:

You might find it difficult to deal with people on an emotional level today, Marisa. You might find that others are too demanding of your attention, and that the want to keep the focus on themselves.  At the same time you will probably need to get a bit more attention than usual.  Try not to be so stubborn!  Give people the love they need and you will find that the love you require will come to you as well. 

I am stubborn and don't ya know I felt kinda needy today.  I really struggled with wanting to call everyone I know, love and trust to complain and cry over my seemly pathetic little life.   I desperately wished someone would give me the attention I felt I deserved.  Then I wondered...  I over-analyze everything,  I know it's true, so am I over analyzing this?  You know almost a self fulfilling prophesy.  It has been a real effort today as I have tried to stop myself from doing it.  

2007 was kind of a rough year for me.  I really struggled with knowing who and where I wanted to be in my life.  I let a lot of things control me.   I let a lot of things that are important to me take a backseat to my own insecurities and frustrations.  I became really complacent in my relationship with The Savior and with the church.  I found myself neglecting my scripture study and prayers.  The absence of those things left me lost, confused and really lonely.  I felt stuck, paralyzed even.  What I really wanted was someone to take over my life and make my decisions for me.  It seemed too hard to do it myself.  However, had someone stepped in and done so,  I would have felt too prideful to relent power over my decisions and life path.  I was pretty much stuck in a serious rut that I wasn't willing to help myself out of. 

Funny, sometimes when you are least expecting it a voice of reason cuts through all of your confusion and gets you motivated to get on the right track.  Without going in to details the lesson I learned (again) is The Lord loves us.  He loves us so much that He will always provide us with the nourishment our souls need if we will but listen.  Many times the things that are of most value to us can be found in the everyday activities that we are neglecting.  Prayer, scripture study, fasting... even just fully participating in our church meetings and activities can be outlets for the will of the Father to be made known unto us.  We need to open our ears and soften our hearts to know when he is speaking to us.  I am thankful for that swift kick that helped me open my scriptures a little more and opening myself up to the Lord for comfort. 

Obviously, I still have a ways to go since I deep in my subconscious I must be hoping that my daily ritual will provide me with some direction.  Still, despite my little quirks, I find myself content with life.  I am allowing myself to be happy.  I am allowing myself to be myself.  I see so many places to serve.  So many ways I can be an influence for good.  Talents to share and develop.  I pray that I will continue on this forward journey of progression.  

  

The Great Debate

About 5 weeks ago I got a new hair cut and color (thanks Anna and Julie!!!) and since then I've had a great debate going on in my head... curly or straight?  I guess I should consider myself lucky that I have the option of either/or and be satisfied with that.  I'm not. It's more of a curiosity rather than a choice of one over the other.  Regardless, I have been bouncing back and forth between the two a lot recently to figure out which one I like better.   Straight hair is so much work.  It means 20-30 minutes to blow dry and then taking a piping hot flat iron to it until it's bone straight.  When I go curly it's super easy just wash, product it up (moose is my form of choice) and let it air dry. Seems easy but I never can tell how big it's gonna get.  I run the risk of "big bar hair" as Jess and I call it. Since I can't make my own decision,  I was just wondering what other people thought. So?  Curly or straight?  In the infamous word of Cher Horowitz (for you pop culturally challenged she is the main character in Clueless played by Alicia Silverstone.  If you still don't know who she is... give me a call.  I have a really important movie you need to watch... but I digress), "I don't rely mirrors, that's why I always take Polaroids."  So using the handy dandy photo booth feature on my laptop, I submit two pictures for your consideration.  What do you think? Please help me satisfy my vanity.  

Last Year

Sometimes I find myself trying to recall exactly what I was doing a week, a month, a year, a decade ago... I have to admit I can be fairly good at it.  I think there will be an argument among those present (Eric, Joanna, Jess... just let me have this one OK) but I think at this very moment we were sitting with one very lively 3 year old and one very resilient 6 month old in the Magic Kingdom.   Excitement filled the air as children and grown ups alike anxiously  awaited the arrival of Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan, Aladdin, Donald, Daisy, Goofy... and of course Minnie and Mickey.   They aren't lying when they say it's a Magical Place that Disney World.