Dana Daily

Item number 29 on my birthday bucket list  was to "go to a piano bar" which I had the opportunity to do, for the very first time, this past weekend. It sounds fun right? It totally was. It was more than just going to a piano bar though. It was a first date. With a really nice guy. It's true. A genuinely nice guy. The plan, as far as I knew, was dinner at Cafe du Jour on Pittsburgh's South Side. Which I highly recommend, by the way. Here's a tip, the stuffed chicken breast is delicious. Charlie Murdoch's is in an old church! The piano bar, Charlie Murdoch's to be specific, was a complete surprise. I had mentioned my birthday bucket list in a prior conversation and later sent him a link to my blog for a completely different reason. He took it upon himself to see what was on it and if there was something we could cross off on our first date. How cool is that? I know. . .awesome. Having never been to a piano bar, I had no expectations. It was so...

My parents hosted Thanksgiving this year and the girls and I had such a fun time. I have promised to host next year and I think my mom and dad are looking forward to that. I only took a few pictures this year and didn't get any food pictures, but here's one of my favorites...my sister and I with our respective children. Here are a few food highlights: My aunt and her husband make homemade wine and brought four different kinds. We had a little wine tasting and my personal favorite was a blackberry/grape. This same aunt baked a "real" pumpkin pie - with pumpkins straight out of her garden. The pumpkin roll the girls and I made was a big hit. The stuffing was yummy.

Sometimes things are better in theory than in execution. At St. Sebastian Parish, "Advent"ure Sunday is a chance for families to learn about Advent and to decorate a wreath. Christmas treats, hot chocolate, and a kid-oriented explanation of Advent was how it was described in the bulletin. It sounded like fun to me in a moment when I apparently forgot I am not Martha Stewart. Each family was tasked with creating bows. Following "Deacon Bob" and his instructions, my bows were a little more than just a little pathetic. There's a reason bows are available for purchase in stores everywhere. In an apparent miscommunication the church does not provide the greens, as several of us were told. So, a few of the men in attendance got in touch with their inner caveman and employed long forgotten hunting and gathering skills. They brought back a wide variety of greens plucked from trees on the parish property. Then we wired the greens to the brass ring, kind of. Mine l...

When I added "tour a Christmas lights display" to my birthday bucket list , I didn't expect that I would tour it this way. Hartwood Acres Mansion I received a flier this past weekend about a walk/run through the 2 million lights at Hartwood Acres in Hampton Township. A donation of $10 per person goes toward Project Bundle Up. I decided to check it out. The course is 3.5 miles (although there are short cuts making it 2.5 if you so choose). It sounded like a great evening walk to me, so tonight I headed over to the municipal building where a shuttle would take me to the lights display. The park was packed with people of all ages. Volunteers handed out glow sticks, a jingle bell necklace, and water. Hot chocolate, water, and snacks were available midway through the course. It was a great night for being out. While it had rained earlier in the day, no rain was in the forecast for the evening hours. The temperature (although I have no idea what it was) was perfect f...

When I created my Birthday Bucket List I knew I wasn't happy with my weight. Yes, I know. I look fine. But I don't feel fine. I decided to start small and set a manageable goal. I joined Weight Watchers in September and am happy to report that I lost 10 pounds (10.8 to be specific) in the first month. I'd like to lose another 10 by Christmas. Thanksgiving makes me nervous. Oh stuffing, how I love thee.

I am thankful for: 1. My children who keep me sane and make me crazy :-) 2. My job/career. I'm one of those rare people who actually like going to work everyday. 3. My siblings. We share a common childhood history and have grown up to be friends. 4. My parents. I'm a self-sufficient adult so they did a lot right, even if I was their practice child ;-) 5. My grandparents. Each are special in their own way and I have so many great memories. 6. My friends. Where would I be without my friends. I don't even want to think about. 7. My car. It's been almost 11 years and it still gets me from here to there faithfully. 8. Random compliments by random strangers. A compliment is a compliment. 9. Awesome coworkers. I really do work with some of the best people. 10. Early Christmas shopping deals. Most of my shopping is done! 11. Veterans and their families. Thank you! 12. My phone - for keeping me in touch with all the important people. 13. What would I do with all my...